In a recently released survey from the Pew Research Center, its findings show that the percentage of Christian adults in the U.S. has dropped from 78.4% in 2007 to 70.6%, It also announced that there has been a significant loss of membership across almost every major branch of Christianity in U.S., as well.
Indeed, almost every demographic group has seen a dramatic drop in people who identify themselves as Christian. The speed of their (church members) departure has surprised even seasoned experts. Catholics and mainline Protestants have been hit the hardest. Why?
Reasons for the tumble in numbers included: an aging church-going population whose members a dwindling, younger people choosing not to be affiliated with any religion, couples marrying later in life, spouses not sharing their faith, and fewer children, among many others.
A big part of this may be caused by the contrast between what we know as truth and what we perceive as truth. In 2 Corinthians 5:7 the apostle Paul calls us to "walk by faith and not by sight.” It is at this point where a lot of us struggle with, and where a basis is found for, a lack of faith.
We must remember that Christianity is a faith-based religion; based on faith in God and in His son, Jesus Christ. Additionally, God has bestowed to us His Word. the Holy Bible. He did this as a testimony of His faithfulness to His people. Stripped down to its basics, Christianity is faith in both the person, and work of Jesus Christ.
Jesus was sent to us by God to save us from sin. His death on the cross brought us salvation and eternal life at the cost of his own life. Even so, as is evident today, many Christians wrestle with this because it doesn't match up with what we see as reality.
There's no doubt that a good number of us believe that Jesus was a "real" person who led a perfect life by God's law; and died at the hand of the Romans by crucifixion. However, we have a problem with seeing how faith in Christ makes us righteous before God.
We struggle with lack of faith because we can't see how faith in Jesus Christ could make us righteous before God. We cannot see how He atoned for our sins, or understand any of the mighty truths of Christianity. This lack of perception causes us to not exhibit the fact that we truly believe what we say we believe in.
We should pay attention to the example of Thomas the disciple who wouldn't believe the stories of the resurrection until he saw Jesus up close and personal. Christ obliged Thomas' lack of faith by paying him a visit; even allowing him to see and touch His person. After Thomas' doubts are laid to rest Jesus says, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)
This sounds very similar to the skeptics of today who don't believe what they cannot see. It is important that we, as believers, do not conduct ourselves as the unbelievers do. We must always keep close to our hearts the appeal of Paul to walk by faith rather than sight. Hebrews 11:6 strongly implores that without faith it is impossible to please God.
As I close, remember that faith is believing the Word of God and heeding it; not basing our actions upon our perceptions. Believe in God's message, for by grace you have been saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8).
Scripture: Romans 10:17; Luke 1:37; Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 4:13; John 3:36
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I believe in You with all of my heart. I know that You are responsible for my every breath, heartbeat, bat of an eyelash; yes, my very existence. I feel Your presense always and look forward to the day when I can meet You face-to-face and tell You how much I love you in person. Amen
God bless you,
Kylee
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