To the faithful you show yourself faithful. (Psalm 18:25, NIV 1984).
My Musings – A new report by Pew Research Center and the General Social Survey published on Tuesday found that the large numbers of people in the U.S who practice Christianity are declining. The religion’s demographic has been dwindling since the 1990s, the report said, as many adults transition to an identity of atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular.” (www.cbsnews.com, Li Cohen, September 14, 2022). The headline of this article (the “click bait”) reads, “Christianity in the U.S. is quickly shrinking and may no longer be the majority religion within just a few decades, research finds.”
The sad reality is that “nothing in particular” is no worse than some teachings of many so-called “Christian churches” and organizations who claim to be practicing Christianity. But what may be sadder still, many who are indeed Christians are not practicing it.
We should not be surprised. “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1, NIV 1984). For Satan does not care what people believe or who they follow, as long as it is not Christianity or Christ. Even if it looks like it, “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5, NIV 1984). This may indeed be his most effective tactic.
But even if it gets to the point where we feel like “[we are] the only one left, and now they are trying to kill [us] too” (1 Kings 19:10, NIV 1984), God will always reserve a remnant for Himself. Whether it’s 7,000 (1 Kings 19:18), two (Revelation 11:3), 144,000 (Revelation 7:4), or ultimately “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language,” (Revelation 7:9, NIV 1984).
My Advice – It may look like Christianity is on the way out, but if you read the end of “The Book,” you know it is on the way up. Make sure that is the direction you are heading. And until that day comes, remain faithful.
The Brew Is A Musing 