going on, both here at home and in the world.
Biggest news is, we are going to be moving into our new church building on Sunday! It’s almost surreal after what seems like forever. It is really pretty, no question about it. Now the hard work begins, getting new people to come visit and hopefully, stay. I do hope that we are able to get people that are not currently members of other churches, either new believers or people that have not gone to any church for several years. So many churches are built upon members from other churches! It is like a rotating wheel that never grows. Even with the big mega churches, church attendance overall has dropped dramatically over the last 20 years. US citizens that identify themselves as Christians dropped almost 10% from 1990 through 2001. One of the reasons, I think, is that we as believers have lost focus on the mission of spreading the gospel and have concentrated on the Oprah type philosphy of “feeling good”. Nothing wrong with feeling good and my faith certainly helps me to feel good but that is not the primary message that Jesus delivered. His message was that we should help others to learn about how God cares and wants us to feel good. Feeling good in and of itself is much like faith without works, what is the purpose?
Ok, so that is the church stuff, how about personal? Well, the New Orleans disaster continues to be the headline story. Lot’s of finger pointing still but the good side of the story is now being told as well. I think I’ll try to focus on the good side of the news for awhile, I’ve heard enough of the negative side. I think the area churches have done a fantastic job of helping and showing true servanthood and love. Take a look at Bayshore Baptist, their pastor is even blogging about it. Others of note (mine) are Fairmont Park, New Life Community and First Baptist Deer Park. Someday, perhaps we’ll see Monument Baptist on that list.
Better get to work now. Late.
Indeed, the Baptist and other churches took over. Totally amazing the change in atmosphere. There are still the complainers (mostly at the dome) but the smaller shelters are really under control..yes, the outbursts of violence will continue because that is the nature of some of the folk who have survived.
As Christians we must be Christlike and overlook the negatives and focus on the positives. Sometimes it is difficult for me to do until I stay focues on the face of Jesus and what He wants me to do.
Get involved. You will be glad you did!