Perhaps you’ve heard about a Gallup poll reflecting a drastic drop in the number of Americans who believe in God. The latest poll shows that only 81% of Americans believe in God – down from 87% in 2017. The poll also showed that only four in ten believe God can intervene on people’s behalf through prayer. While these facts are disturbing, I urge everyone to examine the various demographics of this poll at: https://news.gallup.com/poll/393737/belief-god-dips-new-low.aspx
While we are saddened to see our nation drift farther and farther away from God, we are fearful our religious freedom is in jeopardy. Our Savior has told us what He expects of us: “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33; NKJV).
As a Christian minority, will we be willing to hold true to the faith? Knowing what God expects of us and doing the same are often two different things. We already know that, or we’d never sin again (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8). If put to the test, will we deny our Lord or confess Him? I’m sure we’d all like to think we’d not be like Peter (Luke 22:33-34, 54-62). But God’s people must always be prepared to stand up for what is right, and the Scriptures are filled with many examples. Let’s keep building up our faith by reading about such in Daniel 1, 3, 6:10-28 or Hebrews 11.
We are approaching my favorite time of the year – Christmas! However, the holidays can be a time of sadness and depression for those who have lost loved ones. On Sunday afternoon, November 6th, we will host a special session of GriefShare from 3:00-4:30 called “Surviving the Holidays”. This is for members of this congregation only. Then, beginning on January 8, 2023, we will host a 13-week session of GriefShare open to everyone. More details will be announced later.