Standing Fast in a Day of Trouble
Richard Bradley
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
When have we ever experienced a day like this? In case you're wondering, that was a trick question. We've never experienced a time like this. It's not that we haven't experienced troubling days as a nation because we have. A world war on top of a great depression certainly contributed more than their share of troubling days. But, as a nation, what we're going through today doesn't have that same feel does it? In those days our people pulled together to defeat a common enemy. Today, there is no unity because neither side has anything in common with the other.
How is all this affecting the church? During both of our World Wars and the depression which lasted from 1929 until about 1940, our churches were full and for good reason. Today, however, our churches are living through a time of rapidly declining numbers. According to recent statistics, a lower percentage of our people are attending worship than ever before. In a day when our churches ought to be full we are experiencing an epidemic of empty pews.
What's the problem? Is it the pandemic? As far as I can tell there's no logical reason for almost anyone to stay home because of Covid. So, what is it? The only conclusion I can come up with is that our nation is become rapidly secular in nature and secular people just don't go to church.
This is a day of decision. We must decide whether or not to stand firm for Christ in this day of trouble.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,
14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himsel ...
Richard Bradley
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
When have we ever experienced a day like this? In case you're wondering, that was a trick question. We've never experienced a time like this. It's not that we haven't experienced troubling days as a nation because we have. A world war on top of a great depression certainly contributed more than their share of troubling days. But, as a nation, what we're going through today doesn't have that same feel does it? In those days our people pulled together to defeat a common enemy. Today, there is no unity because neither side has anything in common with the other.
How is all this affecting the church? During both of our World Wars and the depression which lasted from 1929 until about 1940, our churches were full and for good reason. Today, however, our churches are living through a time of rapidly declining numbers. According to recent statistics, a lower percentage of our people are attending worship than ever before. In a day when our churches ought to be full we are experiencing an epidemic of empty pews.
What's the problem? Is it the pandemic? As far as I can tell there's no logical reason for almost anyone to stay home because of Covid. So, what is it? The only conclusion I can come up with is that our nation is become rapidly secular in nature and secular people just don't go to church.
This is a day of decision. We must decide whether or not to stand firm for Christ in this day of trouble.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,
14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himsel ...
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