Grace, Mercy, and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I was very encouraged this week by a study here in the United States. The study had to do with how the evangelical churches fare in the Pacific Northwest. Anyone familiar with that part of our country knows that New Age and liberal, mainline denominations do quite well and that evangelical churches struggle to survive in that environment. However, the study shows that evangelical churches are doing quite well. There is some growth, and as the study concludes the reason evangelical churches are doing well is because they have a better grasp of their mission and community. One of our CREC churches in the Pacific Northwest was also mentioned as an example of an evangelical community that stresses the importance of the mind and actions; a very encouraging trend indeed.
One of our great desires as a CREC congregation is to continue our emphasis on a sound mind and a practicing community. My exhortation is truly an exhortation to persevere; to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might; to continue to love the Church, to love our children; to love one another; and to love our Lord Jesus Christ; who even now, is ready to commune with us. Let us prepare our hearts as we pray:
Prayer: Glorious Father, Son, and Spirit, strengthen this congregation to persevere in faith; to be humbled by its successes and to be proud of the cross of Christ; for this we pray. Amen.
