A Gallup poll in 2012 found that 77 percent of Americans surveyed claim to be Christians. Does this number seem high to you? Low? Do you believe that 77 out of 100 people in America put Christ first in their daily lives? Pray often and read their Bible? Follow Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him? I don’t. I suspect that the number is much lower. Don’t you? So what does this mean? I believe that many feel that if they believe, that if they believe in Jesus, (or just a God) that they are in good standing with God and are going to Heaven, that they are indeed Christians. Is this you?
64 percent of the “Christians” surveyed said that they attended a religious service once a month or more. Does this make them Christians? No more than standing in their garage makes them a car. The truth is, unless we are, “Born Again of The Spirit” (See Jesus in John Chap.3) then we will not receive, Jesus and The Holy Spirit (who are God) in our hearts and lives. Jesus wants us to know Him and that we might feel His love and get His direction for our lives. Knowing the Bible, being baptized and attending church are all good things, but knowing about God and knowing Him are two different things. He needs to live IN you. He needs to be resident and president in your life.
Jesus said in John 10:17: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He also says in Matthew chapter 7, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” God’s will can be from His directives in the Bible, but it can also be specific directions just from Him to you. Knowing Christ makes all the difference. Otherwise we are just CHINOS, (Christians in name only). Something to think about…
Sorry ladies, but you must admit it is funny. Jones came into the office an hour late for the third time in one week and found the boss waiting for him. “What’s the story this time, Jones?” he asked sarcastically. “Let’s hear a good excuse for a change.” Jones sighed, “Everything went wrong this morning, Boss. The wife decided to drive me to the station. She got ready in ten minutes, but then the drawbridge got stuck. Rather than let you down, I swam across the river — look, my suit’s still damp, ran out to the airport, got a ride on Mr. Thompson’s helicopter, landed on top of Radio City Music Hall, and was carried here piggyback by one of the Rockettes.” “You’ll have to do better than that, Jones”, said the boss obviously disappointed. “No woman can get ready in ten minutes.”
Why not give church a try? Lighthouse of Faith, 141 E. Main St. in Canton, (Acroos from Acorn Mkt.) Services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.lighthousecanton.com Until next time, look up and smile!