According to the Christian Law Association “When the COVID-19 panic hit, many faithful church members stayed home, planning for that to be only for a season. Sadly, many of them have never returned. That—coupled with shifting trends in many people’s attitude about organized religion—is another contributing factor to the current weakened state of church growth.

The statistics for 2024 are not complete, but reasonable estimates indicate that somewhere between 4,000 and 10,000 churches closed their doors permanently during the year. Going back to 2019, statistics about Protestant churches indicated approximately 4,500 closures that year. It is common for churches to close or to merge because church attendance in World is in trouble.

Now, more than ever, the world needs to seek God earnestly. We need an obedient church. We need Bible Believing Churches! Even now, families need a husband who follows God and puts Him first. And the Bible must be the center of teaching and learning in the home. Together with those who firmly believe in God’s Word, we must firmly protect your church with faith and love!

God’s churches have endured many trials over the past few years, falling prey to the schemes of Satan and the world. Many have wounded and damaged the church. You must love and protect God’s holy church. Just look around, is this church full? How about the one down the road, or the one across town? The answer is no!

While there were many churches nearby, the number of churches closing has increased. Churches and believers who stray from the word. They have failed us with shame.

An example of this is pastor failing their flocks, by way of not teaching, preaching the Word of God.  They have compromised in many areas; Bible translation, focusing on entertainment more than Spiritual Psalms, Hymns, and Songs. Not running God House decent and in order. Not standing on the principles of the Word of God. Pastors and Deacons getting caught in affairs, tinting their testimony before the Church. Deacons trying to control the will of God. I could go on with list of things… They all need to repent and confess before God. They need to fear the Lord.

Lord have Mercy on those that have caused such issues. Jesus said from the Cross at calvary, “forgive them for they know not what they do” he was talking about the Roman soldiers, and the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the Jewish people yelling crucify him! More that that it was for all sinners born into this world to include me, myself, and I.  You see It all starts with me. I need to change myself before I change anyone else.

2 Thessalonians 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

God’s churches must endure everything in faith until the Lord returns. However, most churches lack the patience to wait for our God to give us the results. They want to do things their own way. Let’s abandon our wrong thinking and repent!

As we preach, teach, and fellowship with God’s word, we obey God, who gives us the faith to endure all kinds of persecution and hardship. When we bear fruit through patience, faith, and perseverance, we share gratitude and proud joy. Today, Satan, like a hungry lion, seeks to devour Christians, seeking those to whom he can fire his flaming arrows, both inside and outside the church. We must endure temptation and hardship, and protect the church.

We are also told in the word of God that “Ye will have persecutions and tribulations”. We are “born a few days and full of trouble”.

2 Thessalonians 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

Which is a manifest- brought out, come to a result. Whatever tribulation you go through or are going through no matter the how bad it may seem it could be worse.

Token of the righteous judgment of God- token a badge, or as a memorial for you. Token of righteous judgement.

That ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God- that you have been counted worthy. Worthy of the kingdom of God.

For which ye also suffer-This is the reason for which ye also suffer now. When we suffer we also grow.

2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

Seeing it is a righteous thing with God.-God is always good! Righteous in all he does.

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

We are not to get retribution for our wrongs done to us. Allow the Lord to do it for you. I believe God’s wrath and punishment is just. If it were left up to us, we may overdo it or worse be to light doing it.

Leave it to God….

2 Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

You who are troubled… Will have rest from our troubles. A promise to us that believe. Amen!

Don’t you love it? When Jesus returns with His mighty angels, we too will find rest. Woe to those who refuse to repent and confess Jesus Christ as Lord!

“Today is the time to accept Jesus.” Today is the day.

We at Riverview Church always show God’s love, and we pray that you will cherish and love us as we spread the gospel to a lost and dying world. Amen.

Obedience is better than sacrifice.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Amen.