Religion or Faith

Religion is a heavy chore, faith is a life-giving belief. - Anon

Often when entering a new town/city, the first thing Paul looked for was the sanctuary or temple of worship. Hmm!

It's no secret! Since the COVID pandemic church attendance is down over 40%. Many churches closed permanently. The number of folks who believe the bible is completely infallible and true has plummeted exponentially over this period. And many folks who still consider themselves Christian have not returned to the church house, opting instead for the comforts of home-viewing. It begs the question, was it actually 'faith they held' or 'religion' they practiced? It's no secret we're quick to cast aside those things that are burdensome, and apparently these trends seem to tell us it's been 'religion' for most. Times like these bring the question to our own doorsteps. Which is it for us - religion OR faith? Only you can answer, but know that your actions really tell the story.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I rejoiced with those who said to ME, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord...'" - Psalm 122:1

Regular Maintenance

The untended garden will soon be run over with weeds. - A.W. Tozer

When Paul traveled from city to city the first thing he often looked for was the 'gathering' place. If they didn't have one he often started it. Hmm!

Medical research has revealed that though heart attacks are 'silent', the body gives of a host of warning signs in the early preventable stages if we would only pay attention. Be that as it may I know a host of people who have ignored the warnings of a much more serious type of heart trouble. I know you know some as well, or maybe you're one yourself. Who are they: 'Christians' who loosely live by the name. I say loosely because they may have been to the church, even baptized, but have not been seen at the church often since then. They know they should be in attendance but quiet their conscience by saying missing church services is really not a serious matter. Or they fail to tithe/give, convincing themselves that God would want them to have whatever pleasure they spend the money on. They fail to get involved in any study, ministry, or outreach, and then blame the church for being cold or impersonal. Just as doctors would tell us not to ignore the warning signs of heart trouble, so does God's Word. We are told 'not to forsake the assembly' we're told to 'love the fellowship' to 'prefer one another' and on and on. These are truths we should give serious consideration to, for to neglect them has far worse consequences than a heart attack.

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." - Matthew 10:28