Back to Church Sunday is a national movement of churches to encourage formerly churched people to rediscover church and try it again. According to LifeWay Research, 38 percent of people are receptive or highly receptive to attending church. 82 percent say they would be open to attending church if a friend invited them. But, unfortunately only 2 percent of active church-going Christians invited someone to church last year!
Hebrews 10 gives us a reminder about the importance of gathering together and encouraging one another:
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Heb 10:23-25 ESV)
This world tries to tell us that religion is just a personal thing, and it doesn't matter what you believe … you just have to be true to yourself, and not violate your own beliefs. However, God’s Word says differently. Jesus made an exclusive claim that offends many today: “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV) And, he formed us into a body, called the church (Col. 1:18). He never meant us to “go it alone.” We need each other (1 Corinthians 12).
Whether you’ve not been to church in a long time, or if you’ve not missed a Sunday in a long time, I’m glad you’re here. I hope that you find and extend a warm welcome, and that you are built up in Christ this day!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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