"Just" a Thought

I believe that we, the church in America, have forgotten what we are here for. We gather together to sing pretty songs, help others, and have good times with other nice people. But, what sets us apart from other clubs? There are many charities out there that do good things for other people in the name of goodwill and humanity. Music is a lovely thing to have, and I have yet to attend a concert in which there were not people singing along to each and every song. Clubs exist for practically everything, including fellowship with other "'nice" people who have similar interests to your own. There are feel good sessions and meditation/prayer in yoga classes. People all over the world have passion for the various things they do. Thus, what makes the church any different than the rest of the society?

There are many reasons why people go to church. Some go because that is what their friends do and they want to spend more time with them. Others go because it is traditionally in the culture the "thing to do" and they do not want to break with the things that have just always been done. There are some who go to church because it makes them feel good and makes them feel that they are a good person. Some people enjoy the weekly sing-along, while others like to meet people, play games, and share stories. Then there are those who go to church because they believe that they should be fellowshipping and worshipping with a group of people who believe in the same truth and believe that they have the same purpose: to worship God, grow spiritually, help each other to grow, help other people with their physical and spiritual needs, and bring others to believe in Christ. Unfortunately, not everyone in the church belongs to the last group of "churchgoers."

How many people in the churches across the nation every Sunday, Saturday, and Wednesday would still be there if their lives were threatened because of it? How many people truly believe that God sent Jesus to save us from our sins and would be willing to die for Him?

In countries around the world, especially places like China and Sudan, people are persecuted and even killed for believing in Jesus, yet there are enormous numbers of people who still profess to be Christians. They risk their lives everyday and yet still meet together as a church in homes. What would happen if our government were to throw off its foundation of Christianity and its principles and refuse to allow people to be Christians? Would the church still exist? Would its numbers increase, decrease, or stay the same? How many people truly believe? Just a thought.