6 Reality Checks

I'm not usually much for "topical" messages, but after hearing about the dismal state of Religion in America, specifically Christian religion, specifically Evangelical religion from the Pew organization this week, this message from Pastor Mullet seemed just a bit timely.

According to Pew, more than 1/4 of Christians, and specifically more than 1/4 of Evangelical Christians aren't sure that God actually exists. Even worse, more than 50% of religious people in this country don't believe their religion is the only way to eternal life, and specifically more than 50% of Evanglical Christians don't believe that their beliefs (specifically belief in Jesus Christ) is the only way to eternal life.

I suppose we're simply following in the footsteps of Europe, where the figures are much worse.

In contrast, a few reminders from the Word of God tonight:

1) Daniel 2:44 - There is a real heaven and a real kingdom to come.

2) Acts 17:28,31 - God created me, I have my being in him, and I will give an account to him.

3) 2 Timothy 3:16, Isaiah 40:8 - God has spoken (in the scriptures that he has given by his very breath) and what he has said matters eternally.

4) John 3:16 - Without God's grace, love, and mercy we are doomed to eternal torment.

5) Matthew 25:41,46 - Heaven and hell are real.

6) 1 John 5:10-13 - Jesus Christ, God's Son died for the sins of the whole world, he has risen from the dead, and he gives eternal life to all those who truly believe in him. You know if you have truly believed in him or not.

7) James 1:22-25 - Only a believer walking in fellowship with and obedience to God will see this world and the next rightly.

Hmmmm. . . I guess that's 7. I still don't like topical messages for all kinds of reasons, but I'll forgive him for this one. :)

2,500,000

There were 2.5 million college degrees awarded this year. . . .

. . . One of them is mine.