Have you ever heard someone say, "I tried Christianity, and it didn't work for me!"
The truth is, that for many people, the 'Church' has let them down. We invite friends, and even family to visit church, and for many the seed of the Word of God is planted in the heart by a timely message that pricks the heart, but there is little to no follow up; no discipleship. And when they fall away for lack of follow-up they say, "I tried Christianity, and it didn't work for me, didn't help me and I don't need church!"
Consistency is what they needed, a commitment to continue to go to church for relationship building and a grounding in Bible understanding and a training that leads to application of the Bible to life and an understanding that "Life in Christ, is a life-long commitment", not a trial period to see if, 'God works for me or not.'
As a radio marketing executive and manger, I ran into many business owners who, "Tried Radio" and found it didn't work for them. The reason? They never gave themselves to commit to it for 'the long haul', and because there was someone who failed them by not developing a relationship with them first and who failed to work with them to develop a personalized plan, to teach them that success comes with commitment to a plan. For those businesses that committed to a long term plan and were consistent, they saw continued growth year to year. Can that translate to a relationship with Christ?
Relationship, commitment, planning, consistency in personal discipleship with new believers for, "The Long Haul", leads to growth and helping them maintain a walk with Christ.
Do churches see this, and do they practice this? Can we change to practice what we preach? Here is hoping we can. ~ Pastor David.
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