Accused

We have an Advocate, the Bible says, to whom we can go when we commit sin and even when we are accused, when the enemy brings a sense of guilt and shame upon us. When the enemy places thoughts in our minds to charge us falsely, we can counter him with the truth of who we are in Jesus. 1st John chapter 2 tells us:
1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.

In Revelation 12, we can read about the victory that this powerful Advocate has won for us:
10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

You may or may not be familiar with a reality series called, Chrisley Knows Best - its main stars are a couple named Todd and Julie Chrisley.  As Movieguide reports:

Todd was sentenced to a nine years in prison while Julie received a seven year sentence after being convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion. The couple began their sentences in January 2023, before being released this May. President Trump issued the pardon after sharing he believed they were treated unfairly by the justice system because of their celebrity status.

“[The Chrisley’s were] prosecuted because they were celebrities,” President Trump said. “They were treated more harshly because of their status. And that’s not the way our criminal justice system is supposed to work.”

The Movieguide piece featured quotes from FoxNews.com from the couple:

“God has literally taken me to a place where I have so much peace with no longer worrying about trying to please — or trying to meet the expectations of someone else,” Todd said when his trial was ongoing. “The expectation I long to meet is of God. God expects me to be a good, decent, honorable human being. He expects me to honor His word, He expects me to be the leader of my household, He expects me to set an example for my wife, my children, to lead by example but where I fell short in doing that is that I really didn’t give glory to God in all of the things we were accomplishing because I felt like I was the one doing the work.”

“The outpouring of support that we have received…I can’t even tell you what it’s done…The fact that you are praying and praying specifically, we appreciate that and we don’t take it lightly,” Julie added after they were sentenced to jail. “The only thing we can do is keep moving forward, keep being positive, and keep knowing that God is in control. And that’s where we’re gonna stay.”

NBCNews.com reported:

Alex Little, an attorney for the Chrisleys, said in an interview that he did not know why Trump chose to pardon his clients this week.

But as part of his pitch, Little said, he supplied Trump's "pardon czar," Alice Johnson, with a binder filled with court documents and testimonials.

“President Trump feels very focused on the issue of criminal justice because he has been a focus of investigations that were directed at him," Little said. "And he’s treated it differently because of that.”

 About that so-called "pardon czar," NewsNation.com reports:

Before she was pardoned by President Donald Trump during his first term, Alice Johnson was behind bars for 20 years for drug-related offenses.

Now, Johnson spends her days as the White House’s “pardon czar,” overseeing and recommending clemency cases for the Trump administration.

She is quoted as saying about the Chrisleys and those pardoned around the same time: “I know not only their stories, but I make sure that I’m selecting people who have either been rehabilitated, who pose no safety risk, and also we look at cases where there has been obvious weaponization against these individuals..."

Alice Johnson knows about freedom - CBN.com quoted her from a speech in 2020:

“I never stopped fighting for my freedom,” she said. “My Christian faith and the prayers of so many kept hope alive. When President Trump heard about me, about the injustice of my story, he saw me as a person. He had compassion, and he acted.”

“Free in body thanks to President Trump, but free in mind thanks to the Almighty God,” she continued. “I couldn’t believe it: I always remembered that God knew my name, even in my darkest hour. But I never thought a president would.”

And, daughter Savannah Chrisley has partnered with Pray.com for a new AI-generated Christian video series; Movieguide reports:

The first ever AI-generated Bible miniseries, HEROES IN THE BIBLE: RUTH, has a familiar face hosting each episode of the four-part series: TV personality and podcaster Savannah Chrisley.

“There’s no triumph without tragedy. The story of Ruth shouts that truth from the rooftops,” Savannah Chrisley said in a sneak peak trailer.

“How do we respond when everything seems lost, and how can the blossoms of love spring forth from rubble and ash?” she asked.

The series, the influencer said, shows that “love can, in fact, be found in loss. Redemption can be reclaimed after destruction.”

As the Chrisleys walk in their new-found freedom, we can think about the redemption each of us has in Jesus Christ.  We were facing a death sentence, bound up by the power of the enemy, helpless to save ourselves because of our sin.  But, Jesus came to open up the prison doors and to set us free from the hold that sin had on us.  We can now walk in new life.

We were not falsely accused, though - our sin had condemned us.  But, after salvation, we may experience the harmful accusations of the enemy.  Not only will he attempt to remind us of sins past, sins forgiven, but will even accuse us for things that we have not done, to heap guilt and shame among our minds, keeping us from experiencing all that God has in store.

So, we can go to our Advocate, confess our sins, and receive forgiveness for our sins. We can go to Jesus when we are facing accusations from the enemy and use those two components that can help us walk in victory - overcoming by...the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.  As it's been said, when the devil tries to remind us of our past, we can remind him of his future.

Adding and Subtracting

I think you can draw a conclusion that one should not be caught up in the size of a church - there is excellent, amazing, Kingdom of God-building work going on through churches of all sizes. But, if the indicators are that a church is receding, that key numbers are going down, that could be something to watch out for and analyze. But, all in all, with regard to church growth, we have to make sure that we, who are members of the Church, the body of Christ, are moving forward in our Christian life. In Acts 2, we see a snapshot of the early Church, which states:
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

The believers were being "steadfast," according to verse 42 - they were meeting together and moving together, they were united in worship, and the Lord was "adding" to the church - daily! That's a tremendous measuring stick.  

Southern Baptists met this week in Dallas for their annual convention.  Prior to the annual gathering, as is customary, Lifeway Research, which is an arm of Southern Baptist publishing entity, Lifeway Christian Resources, conducted the Annual Church Profile survey.  Baptist Press, in its opening sentence, shared this summary:

In 2024, the Southern Baptist Convention baptized more new members than in any of the previous seven years but still saw an 18th consecutive year of overall membership decline.

There are now just over 12.7 million members in congregations affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention - that's down 2 percent from 2023. But, with just over 250,000 baptisms, that's a 10 percent increase.

Here's another factoid for you:

In 2024, an average of more than 4.3 million people worshiped weekly in a Southern Baptist congregation, and more than 2.5 million participated in a small group Bible study each week. Both of those were up more than 5 percent compared to 2023.

Scott McConnell, Executive Director of Lifeway Research, stated, regarding the overall decline in membership: "The largest portion of membership declines come from churches acknowledging that certain members are gone for good and removing their names. Other drops come from churches that close or leave the Convention,” adding, “Newcomers to the entrances of churches definitely help, but membership will continue to decline as long as the exits remain active.”

The Lifeway Research website has further information, including this church size analysis: 

The smallest churches are an increasing percentage of the Southern Baptist Convention. In 2018, 38% of congregations fell in the smallest category, fewer than 50 in attendance. In the 2023 ACP, those churches represented 43% of the SBC. Seven in 10 churches in the SBC see fewer than 100 people at their weekly worship service, including 27% that average 50-99 and 43% that average less than 50 attendees each week.

Regarding churches of attendance of 100 or greater, "One in 5 (20%) are between 100-249. Fewer large churches are part of the Convention, with 6% averaging 250-499 for their services and 4% climbing to 500 or more."

Numbers can be important, because, as I've heard it said, numbers represent souls - and that is certainly meaningful, especially in the evangelistic sense.  I think it is telling that the Bible relates that 3000 souls were saved on the Day of Pentecost.  

The numbers can also remind us that the Church is comprised of people - it's not the building, even though places to gather are important, as well. But, the local church ultimately is the sum total of the people who associate with it.  And, the effectiveness of a local church body is determined by its willingness to be used of God.

There are over 12.7 million people who call themselves Southern Baptist.  That is highly significant.  Because those gathering in Dallas not only conducted denominational business, but their presence is a show of spiritual connectivity and power to the world around us.  Their sending of people into the mission field and resolutions they adopted that reinforce Biblical teaching can be inspiring. 

Yes, I would say there are multiple reasons the Convention is declining.  There is an abundance of church options out there - and, unfortunately, options to separate from a faith practice. And, as I and others have said, spiritual drift is a real and present problem that must be guarded against and dealt with when it appears.  When it comes right down to it, the number that counts the most is ONE - one Christian believer who has a one-on-one relationship with the one true God.

No Enemies List

This year's Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas has begun. The denomination is facing tough decisions regarding financial accountability, women serving in pastoral positions, and the future of its policy arm that some believe has gone off the rails.  The leadership structure of the SBC, as well as other denominations has faced enormous pressure. And, the Church faces a "bend but not break" situation - but God continues to have His hand on His Church.  We may be human, but He possesses supernatural power.  The Bible depicts an encounter with Jesus in Matthew 16:

15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

If you ask me, the run-up to this year's SBC has become a bit snippy.  The Church and Church bodies can be a place for spirited discussion, even among those who disagree. But, social media has become a cesspool within the last few days - especially directed to some who want to challenge what they see as an element of drift within the denomination.  I have long contended that within churches and denominations, there are elements of those who believe everything's fine - all is well - and those who recognize a trajectory of drift.  

But, the Southern Baptists are not alone.  Recently, the Presbyterian Church in America, a denomination that has strong roots here in Alabama has faced some upheaval on a national level.  WORLD Magazine reported late last week: 

A group of administrators for the Presbyterian Church in America on Thursday accepted the resignation of a top leader who was recently embroiled in controversy over a Post-it note. The PCA Administrative Committee approved the request of Teaching Elder Bryan Chappell to retire as stated clerk effective immediately, according to a report from byFaith, a publication of the PCA. The committee also chose to accept Chappell's apology for his role in the controversy, according to the report.

The controversy centered around a Post-it note.  WORLD notes:

Chapell last month held up a slip of paper during an interview on The Gospel Coalition’s Gospelbound podcast. The individuals whose names were on the list were “scandalizers” who had all left their families, left the faith, or taken their own lives, Chapell said. Many individuals on the list are still living with their families and remain involved in the local church.

Some examples highlighted in the article whose names were on this note, that could be perceived as some sort of "enemies list:"

Pastor Andy Webb. "He is no longer with the PCA but serves instead with the Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church. He said in a public statement that Chapell called him after the interview to apologize and that Webb forgave him."

Carl Trueman. He is an opinion writer for WORLD, and Chapell apologized to him, as well.

WORLD reports:

Following calls for an investigation into his behavior on the grounds that he violated the 9th Commandment’s prohibition on bearing false witness against one’s neighbor, Chapell has also issued a public apology for his behavior and offered to resign from his position as the PCA’s stated clerk.

Last year, the PCA faced a mini-controversy when someone, in their brilliance, invited a divisive figure who routinely criticizes evangelical Christians to participate in a forum called, “How to Be Supportive of Your Pastor and Church Leaders in a Polarized Political Year," at its General Assembly.  At The Daily Citizen, Paul Batura wrote concerning David French:

PCA Clerk Bryan Chapell was reportedly unaware of all the controversy surrounding David French, including his strong criticism of people who vote for former President Trump, his defense of “drag-queen story hour” and his support of same-sex marriage. French has also called laws that investigate parents who go along with the surgical mutilation of sexually confused children as being “illiberal extreme.”

David French’s evolving progressivism and willingness to criticize evangelical Christians on the pages of the leading radical liberal newspaper in America has given him global exposure and even accolades from people who despise Christianity and consider it dangerous.

French is a former PCA member and Batura notes that he wrote an essay in that newspaper, The New York Times, "claiming his family was first 'bullied' out of the church and then 'sacrificed on the altar of peace and unity' last month and that he’s now 'blocked' from sharing his experience."

It is unfortunate that a church leader apparently kept an "enemies' list." Judging by social media postings, especially on X, Bryan Chapell was not alone.  The self-righteous David French within the past few days has been involved in deeply personal attacks on social media on those who do not share his views in a particular instance, calling them "evil." 

Fact is, there is evil in this world.  But, it is dangerous and harmful to the body of Christ to call others "evil" because of your disagreements with them.  None of us are right 100% of the time, and self-righteousness, quite frankly, is sinful.  

But, a person who is pointing out truth should not be pounded by spiritual rocks merely for expressing his or her opinion.  We should all, though, be careful that we are 1) speaking what is true, 2) speaking under the unction of the Holy Spirit, 3) following God's direction to speak, and 4) refrain from attacking people personally.  Just because you think it or believe it is not an open invitation to share it.  But, I am sensing a quickness to respond out there these days, especially among Christians - and you just might not have all the facts.  The rise of "discernment" ministries online can produce knee-jerk reactions, even if there is a presence of truth.  So, take a deep breath - test the spirits, be discerning, and make sure that you don't get caught up in a spirit of anger.  

A Man of God

As we approach Father's Day, we can reflect on the impact of a father who loves the Lord and provides spiritual leadership for his family. Christian men, even though it may not have been modeled for them in society or even in their own families, can rise to the occasion and rely on Christ to empower them to be whom God desires for them to be in that all-important fatherhood role. Ephesians 6 states:
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise:
3 "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Christian apologist Alex McFarland wrote a piece for The Christian Post recently and he discusses the poor modeling that segments of entertainment and retail culture have provided regarding fatherhood.  He states:

TV and Hallmark need to rethink their tired dad tropes. Try to find a Father’s Day card that doesn’t link dads to beer, power tools or stupidity. Similarly, try to find a sitcom without a dufus dad. Sitcoms satirize family life because they appeal to themes most viewers understand: weird uncles and neighbors, dad jokes and mothers calming the chaos.

He dug deeper into television stereotypes, which certainly have not strengthen dads or moms in their roles, culturally speaking.  McFarland writes:

Early TV dads, like Ben Cartwright, were intelligent and industrious. Moms were senseless, uninformed and barely self-sufficient. Carol Burnett made the stereotype into a 50-year comedic career. Jackie Gleason’s loud fool next door took the TV dad arc to one extreme. It has alternated between extremes for decades, from loving, funny, successful Uncle Phil of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and Richard Cunningham of “Happy Days” to chauvinist, racist, nitwits like Archie Bunker and Homer Simpson.

McFarland offered what he called, "Ten ways to break the sitcom dad mold."

First, he listed this admonition: "Pray together. Welcome God into your family. Sundays, yes, but also into your home, dinner table and habits."

He also pointed out that a role of a dad is to "Shelter your family. Limit exposure to caustic social media and influences that defy or mock values and morals. Protecting their minds is more important and lasting than protecting their health."

Other ways that he highlighted included to...

• "Demonstrate manhood," 
• "Value your wife,"
• "Praise your children,"
• "Praise and respect your spouse publicly," and
• "Consecrate your family to God."

Alex goes on to note:

Heroes of the Christian faith were mountain climbers, sword fighters, shepherds, missionaries and rock-throwers. They rescued damsels in distress, built cities and gave their lives to spread the Gospel, translate the Bible and secure future generations.

He was also careful to point out that, "Men accomplished these feats beside godly women. Jesus’ followers and closest friends included women."

In his closing section of this Christian Post piece, Alex McFarland related:

A godly father provides (Ephesians 5:2), leads (Ephesians 5:25-32), reflects Christ (Romans 8:29) and blesses his wife (Proverbs 31:28; Ephesians 5:28). While the world struggles to understand manhood, God’s standard has never changed:

“God has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8).

There are several takeaways from this article.  One is that culture has done a disservice to men - and women - in the way that it has modeled and stereotyped them.  That certainly has been through entertainment culture, but the news cycle is full of men behaving badly, and the message is there that this is how men are - the phrase, "toxic masculinity," has been tossed around, for instance.

But, the Bible models for us what it really means to be a godly man and a godly woman - in their marriages, in their parenting, and in serving the Lord generally.  We must reject the world's stereotypes and embrace the Biblical roles that God has established.  And, recognize He has given us the power to walk in them.

Living Empathy

We can recognize that our own challenging experiences can help us to appreciate what others are going through. If we have been delivered from a particular set of circumstances, I believe that it is possible for the Lord to teach us through those challenges in order than we might provide help and encouragement for others facing similar situations. 2nd Corinthians chapter 1 states:
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

Ruhamah is a ministry founder whose experiences as a teenager and young adult contributed to the work of that ministry.  In a piece on The Christian Heart website, she writes about leaving her home in Jamaica at the age of 17 to get out from under her parents' authority.  She went to work for a man who ultimately took advantage of her in an inappropriate way.  She was out on her own and homeless, someone allowed her to live with her - she went to school, got married and had three children, but ultimately left the husband and came with her children to America.

She had become a Christian at age 13, but life had obviously been a struggle. God touched her heart through her experience volunteering at a pregnancy resource center.  She writes:

In 2002, I began volunteering at a pregnancy center in Daytona, Florida, where I worked with pregnant and abused women who shared similar experiences to mine. I loved working with them. In 2008, I moved to Texas with my second husband, and in 2009, I volunteered with a pregnancy center in Katy.

While mentoring a young woman, she mentioned how, at 17, she was kicked out of her home and trafficked. This triggered a memory for me, and I wept, realizing I could have been just like her if God had not protected me. Ever since I accepted Jesus when I was 13, I have always believed He was protecting me.

At that moment, I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me about establishing a home for homeless, abused or abandoned pregnant women. She was eight months pregnant and about to be homeless. Praying and crying out to Jesus, I told Him I could not do this, but I was reminded of what happened to me at 17. He made me aware that if not for His grace, I could have become a prostitute or drug addict. Hence, He wanted me to help rescue women who going through this.

After initially wrestling with God, in 2019, Ruhamah Rylander established Keturah's Haven in Katy, Texas. She says, "In 2019, we opened Keturah’s Haven, a place where unconditional love changes lives, two at a time. Since then, we have been able to help almost 300 women. Currently, we have four women and three babies in the house. Nearly all who have been in our program have professed Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It is a pleasure to do this, and I have seen lives change for the better. Some of our past residents also call to update or ask for advice."

Why the name? You may recognize that Keturah was married to Abraham after Sarah died. Its website states: "...through the offspring of Keturah, Abraham became 'the father of many nations.'" It goes on to say:

Keturah was also the middle name of the founder's late mother. She was known to have a heart that gave abundantly to people in need. Her legacy continues in the heart of Keturah's Haven."

Ruhamah can remind us that because of her experience of what she terms the "grace" that God showed to her.  Clearly, she admits if God had not intervened in her life, it would have taken a different direction. Out of her gratitude, God established a work of faith that has borne fruit in hundreds of lives. Through our struggles, through our trials, we can experience a grace that can motivate and enable us to help others.  

We should always maintain a sense of thankfulness when we consider how God has worked in our lives.  Even though we may have experienced difficulty or are currently in a challenging time, we can be reminded of God's faithfulness and know that He walks with those who are beaten down and brokenhearted.  When we have no where else to turn, we can call upon the Lord and find the resources we need to live a life honoring to Him.

Out of Control

I believe that in some instances, the presence of God can explain what is regarded unexplainable, especially dealing with medical situations. I believe that when we experience health issues, we should certainly pray, and when we have a physical breakthrough, we should praise the Great Physician.  I believe that God is interested in our health, and there may be times when we see Him move in a way that is perhaps beyond our human understanding. We can find this encouraging passage in James chapter 5:
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.
18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

A Faithwire article shares the story of actor Jesse Hutch, who once worked as a whitewater rafting guide.  As the article notes:

One day, while working on a river, things took a turn he could have never expected. It was a beautiful and sunny day, but Hutch said the “water level was at a pretty high peak.”

“This particular rapid … was kicking … and there’s three standing waves,” he recalled, noting he was helping lead others on the water at the time.

His boat capsized and Hutch related: “All of a sudden, I just feel this pressure on my body,” he said. “I’m like, ‘Wow, I went down pretty fast.'” Faithwire states:

Hutch wasn’t panicking, but he knew he needed to swim out. However, the pressure made it impossible. He was forced to make some tough decisions, including going limp to try and relax his muscles and maximize the oxygen he had left.

Water went into his lungs and he relates that it felt like "liquid concrete."  The article continues:

Realizing his life would very likely end, the actor began to recognize he might be “done,” calling it one of the “scariest moments” of his life.

“I knew in my brain I was finished,” Hutch said. “And, immediately after that, I had 100% peace because I ended up in this position where I was like, ‘OK, I’m in your hands, God … I completely surrender.'”

Ironically, despite the pain, chaos, and uncertainty, Hutch said he felt total peace.

“That was the most peace that I ever felt,” he said.

Then he "blacked out" and floated down the river, where he was rescued after being underwater for an estimated 11 to 22 minutes.  He recovered quickly, and Faithwire notes:

Hutch was already a Christian when the accident unfolded, but he said it continues to teach him new lessons, particularly about God and control.

“It gave me a whole new perspective on what it means to let go,” he said. “And I’m still learning from that experience, to be honest. I still have times where I … believe it or not, still find myself trying to get control and be in charge.”

Hutch continued, “And when I went through that drowning experience and drowned to death, God literally taught me a lesson that said, ‘You control none of this.'”

An obvious takeaway here is that God is faithful, and whether we stare down death or wake up in the morning, we can know that He has kept us alive for a reason - our time and His purposes for our time on earth are not completed.  If we see God do what can be considered a "miracle," we can be confident that's according to God's will, and we should give Him praise accordingly.

Actor Jesse Hutch learned a valuable life and faith lesson about control, as well.  We recognize that He is sovereign, and our days are in His hands.  And, each day, we can surrender the decisions of our lives to His guiding hand.  He is full of wisdom and strength, and when we feel helpless, we can know that He is in control. 

The Interruption?

The presence of faith in the lives of Americans has reached a plateau, according to another survey. For the Christian, our faith in Christ is more than just a practice, it is a relationship with a living God, who gives us the ability to see beyond ourselves and to experience His presence daily. We can find strength and wisdom for living through the Word of God and power of the Spirit. In 1st Timothy 3, Paul writes about the strong foundation that our faith in Christ provides:
14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly;
15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

Several months ago, I reported to you some of the findings of a Pew Research study on the practice of faith.  I stated at the time:

The survey summary said that in this most recent study, conducted over a seven-month span in 2023 and 24: "62% of U.S. adults identify as Christians. That is a decline of 9 percentage points since 2014 and a 16-point drop since 2007."  But it adds, "...for the last five years, between 2019 and 2024, the Christian share of the adult population has been relatively stable, hovering between 60% and 64%. The 62% figure in the new Religious Landscape Study is smack in the middle of that recent range."

Now, Gallup has released data that shows a stability among various faith groups.  It states in a survey summary:

Americans’ religious preferences have generally held steady in the past five years, after a sharp increase in the percentage of Americans with no religious affiliation and concurrent declines in Protestant and Catholic identification over the prior two decades. In 2024, 45% of Americans identified as Protestant or nondenominational Christian, 21% as Catholic and 10% as another religion, with 22% not identifying with any religion. Those figures are each within one percentage point of their 2018-2020 levels.

The data shows that, "Religious preferences are starkly different between younger and older Americans. More than three in 10 younger adults...have no religious preference, compared with about one in eight baby boomers and fewer than one in 10 of those in the Silent Generation (who were aged 79 or older in 2024)." In fact, among young adults, religious 'nones' rival Protestants as the largest religious subgroup."  Younger adults are the Gen Z and Millennial groups, encompassing adults between 18 and 43 years of age. 

Overall, as the summary relates: "The decline in religious affiliation in the U.S. over the past two decades is thus largely a result of generational change, as younger adults — who are much more likely to have no religious identity — have replaced older generations, which had relatively few unaffiliated members. However, population replacement does not entirely explain the decline in U.S. religiosity. Within each birth cohort, more adults over time have reported they have no religious identity."

Even though we are in a period of stabilization, the trajectory does not bode well for the practice of religion in the years to come. As Gallup notes: 

U.S. religious identification has stabilized after experiencing substantial change between 2000 and 2020. This change was largely driven by young Americans without a formal religious affiliation entering adulthood. That contrasts with older generations of U.S. adults, who overwhelmingly adhered to a Christian faith.

In Gallup language, that includes Protestant, Catholic, LDS, and others.

It warns:

If substantial shares of adults in future U.S. generations continue to eschew religion, Christian religious identification will drop into the 50% range once the millennial generation becomes the oldest generation of Americans, if not sooner.

The good news is that decline in the practice of the Christian faith does seems to have leveled off, according to Pew and Gallup.  But, the trends are still ominous.  What we need is a divine interruption.  Even though the trends may indicate otherwise, we can see pockets of revival and spiritual awakening that are occurring, and people, especially younger generations, are turning their hearts toward the Lord. 

So, we can continue to look to the Lord to show us spiritual deficiencies in our own lives and take the God-inspired steps to remedy those.  We can also be devoted to prayer for people to come to Christ. That God would use us individually and collectively to bring people to Him.  The trajectory is an opportunity, and the Church can move forward in the power of the Spirit in order to dramatically impact the world with the gospel.