Why People Leave the Church

As Christians and non-believers we share the same world, the same fears, needs, expectations and dreams. But, as we look around us he may begin to question the need for any type of “organized church” and find other sources to engage God but, they all leave an empty void in our lives. That void can only be filled with relationships that God placed in us before we were born. We are beings that seek out relationships to meet physical, sexual and emotional needs. Today let’s take a moment and discuss some reasons why people church. “I am sure that if you get involved in a conversation regarding  the reasons, “Why People Left Church”, there are in most cases ten popular reasons; 1) I don’t believe in unorganized religion, 2) I connect in my own way to God , 3) I got tired of church asking for money, 4) Life situations changed and I never went back, 5) I don’t have to attend church to be a good person, 6) Sunday is my only day to rest, 7) Church is boring, 8) I never fit in to the cliques, 9) Christians are judgmental and hypocritical, Lastly, number 10) my personal favorite: I have done so much bad stuff that I would not be welcome anymore.” (Levings, 2012)

Due to the lack of space I will choose a few of the ten reasons and unpack a few of them. Let’s start with: #1 “I don’t believe in organized religion.” I would have to agree with you because, the word religion gives an impression of rituals, a legalist community or organized community that rules within itself to tell you what you can do in comparison to one that uses solid  biblical teaching to base their thoughts and actions with the entire community involved. Whether you are reading this in Palestine, Corsicana, Tyler, Jacksonville or maybe as far as Gun Barrel City, your

communities have housing additions that are “Gated”. To live there you must meet certain standards regarding your home and what you can have on your property. This is what comes to this old minister’s mind when I hear the term. But, in contrast, “What would disorganized religion look like?” It might look like churches that the Apostle Paul came in contact with. New believers brought pagan practices into the early church. Paul writes harsh words to the Church at Corinth because they had condoned sin, “I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you, something that even pagans don’t do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother” (1 Corinthians 5:1 NLT). He goes on to condemn it. “The church today still has its share of Pharisees, It’s sad but true.” (Levings, 2012, p. 3) Just like in government people have mindsets where they place “sins” at different levels. They would shout, murder is a terrible crime, but cheating on their spouse would not be as bad a sin. All sins are the same in the eyes of God.

My next favorite is, “I don’t have to go to church to be a good person.” I would have to answer that question in two parts. Many good people and organizations do great things for the community but the Bible clearly states that we receive Christ by faith and not works. Scholars

would argue, faith vs. works but I hold to the theology that we come to Christ through faith, and faith alone. We receive salvation through grace and it is our salvation and faith in Christ that generate works. “When we embrace the fact that we make mistakes, do things that do not please God, treat other in inappropriate manners, we acknowledge that we are not able to live the life God desires for us by going it alone” (Levings, 2012, p. 13). We need each other to come alongside of us for comfort and counsel. Lastly, “I don’t think I would be welcome because of all the wrong things I have done.” I like Levings response, “We can hide it, pretend it never happened, but that leads to a long-term, deadly growth of deadly guilt and that tends to result in us hiding from other Christians and God” (Levings, 2012, p. 24). None of us are perfect, we are going to fall down, make mistakes because we are sinnful in nature, but God is gracious to forgive. “For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17 NLT).  Join me next week when we discuss, “Why People are Returning to Church”. Until next week may God bless you and your family.

Reference:

 Levings, K. (2012). Ten reasons why people leave and why they're coming back. Colorado Springs: Outreach Publishing.

Send comments or question to "eturnerreachingout@gmail.com

Love and Relationship

As I have studied of Ephesians 5:1-7, I noticed a certain theme that each Christian should embrace within their relationship with Christ and others. So take a moment and get your favorite translation of the Bible. I will use the New International Version, it is a less formal translation and personally I believe it speaks clearly to our society. “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person— such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.” (Ephesians 1-7) I want us to focus on the work “love” that is portrayed for God and man in this verse.

Love in the Greek has many meanings but we shall only unpack two; “Eros and Agape.”

First Eros is a conditional type of love. It is where we get our English word, “Erotica.” Now as soon as you heard that word, I am sure you, like I, thought of “sex” but, Eros was more than that to the Greeks. First, it was a conditional love. I love green beans for dinner but I do not love green bean pancakes for breakfast. There are conditions that I personally place on this kind of love. Eros was selfish “for me” kind of love. I love G. Harvey art work, it gives me great pleasure. I love classical music when I meditate and the list goes on. Eros is temporary, it does not last. I love green beans but now I prefer early peas, (they mix well with corn). Finally, I can’t mention “Eros” without the sex word.

When 5,000 teenagers were surveyed and asked, “What type of love that best represents their school, community and even church, their answer 100 percent was “Eros” (Dr. Chap Clark, Teens and Sex 2012). So we are a society that thrives on “selfish, me first, please me in our relationships and my love is dependent on what you do for me.”

But, how do we break the cycle? In this type of article at this point the author should provide an educated, theological answer, but I do not have the answer.

But our God does.

Take a moment and look at the magazines where demographics are targeted to reach adolescent females 16 to 25 years old. You will find picture of air brushed females that are the images that our young ladies use as models; and articles on “How to get more out of romance.” “Eros” is all about getting what pleasures we can for self, at that moment we desire it is temporary. In contrast, “Agape” love is a giving love, the kind of love for a person, based on a choice by us to care, it is unconditional, and it expects nothing in return. “Agape” love is a lasting love that endures all things. The Apostle Paul penned the words which has become known as the “love chapter.” “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV). “Agape” love is a committed, lasting love in a relationship that both people share without expecting love in return, but if both man and wife have this love for each other they are empowered sexually, emotionally and spirituality. They are one.

I suggest an exercise with your spouse or significant other.

Ask them, “Why do you say, I love you?” Do not interrupt and listen.

Then you share why you say “I love you,” and finally together read aloud, 1 Thessalonians (4:3-8 NIV) and discuss how your relationship compares.

Reason to press on, God is with us

Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”

(Isaiah 66:1-2 EVS) You might have turned on the TV or picked up a magazine with ISIS on the cover page and found that you sit in wonder how our United States has become so immoral, so dangerous and corrupt. The answer is found in the Word of God but we will not hear it declared by any politician running for office; “The world has rejected God’s laws, commandments and principles. We have turned our backs on God like the Israelites who were God’s chosen people but, despite His love for them, he punished them. We are a Sodom where people long to do sexually immoral acts, kill babies by the thousands, sell unborn babies parts on the open market and reject every principle of God’s Almighty Word. The false teachers would call these atrocities “Planned Parent Hood and Pro-Choice, and the list goes on.” Our government leaders argue that same sex- marriage, transgender and homosexuality is a human right.

But where are the rights of those who would say enough is enough? Those who would stand up and say “No” will be subject to arrest, court, legal fees and the system rules in favor of this abomination. While our great White House is lighted as a rainbow. Man cannot declare legal what God has declared immoral. Do not misunderstand my words, I love those who practice immorality but there is no 11th Commandment that says, “Thou Shalt Support Sin.” Obama began his speech at the prayer vigil by citing 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 to 2 Corinthians 5:1, telling families, First Responder's, to the community of Newtown, clergy, guests the event that Scripture tells us, "Do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly, we are being renewed day by day."
Let’s take a close look at this Scripture, 2 Corinthians 4:1-15. Paul was speaking in this letter in regards to the Gospel, the new Covenant. He was telling Christians not to lose heart. (Vs. 2) Paul uses the word, “renounced” meaning to “turn away, to repent, ugly or disgraceful.”Paul gives us the reason for these tragedies in our world. We have turned ourselves away, Vs. 4:2 the gospel has been “veiled over yielded to false teachers that are twisting and perverting the world and waging war on Christianity. The world does not seem to have a problem with any faith except Christianity. Rest assured, my friend we are living in the “end times.” When Paul is speaking in Vs. 16 that the president quotes, he is speaking of the “believer who is aging and the body is in the process of decaying and will soon die, but we shall have heavenly bodies in God’s kingdom. “On the surface, Paul was referring to the normal aging process, but with the added emphasis, which his lifestyle had brought on him, Paul had worn himself out with his ministry, not to mention the beatings and attacks he absorbed from his enemies.” (MacArthur, 2005) 

I grieve for the families of those in Newton, Connecticut where children were needlessly massacred, but the reason is clear the Word of God is being discarded like dirty rags because the world has chosen to turn its back of our Lord Jesus Christ to false teachers. “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction” 2 Peter 2:1.

Finally, in Vs. 18, this Pauline writings actually begins in (Vs17), “ For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” Paul is saying “to look beyond the physical to the spiritual, beyond the present to the future and beyond the visible to the invisible.

Believers must look past the temporary, what is perishing in our world, the heavenly world is still unseen.” (MacArthur, 2005). What a promise for the believers that Heaven awaits as we anticipate Christ’s return. May we continue to share the Gospel with these false prophets! Amen 

 References 

MacArthur, J. (2005). The MacArthur Bible Commentary.

Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Please send comments and question to:eddieturnerreachingout@gmail.com

The Price Has Been Paid- It’s Your Choice Hebrews 10:19-26

Throughout Christian history, the epistle to the Hebrews has been a topic of scholarly debate regarding its author.

One thing is for sure at the end of the day, only God knows who wrote “what appears to be a sermon prepared to be read aloud to the audience” (Allen, 2010). But despite the curtain of mystery that exist over this epistle, I believe that it is one of the most powerful presentations of Christology in the New Testament. So for a moment let’s unpack some verses with this wonderful book. Jesus through His death on the cross has given us the way to a new life which is eternal. (Vs 19-22) “Therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. How wonderful that we are assured that our debt for our sin has been paid. Once we have heard the gospel we have a choice. God does not make us robots to automatically love and obey Him, he gave us personal choices. If we had no choice, what kind of love would that be?
There are those that would follow the belief of “predestination”. T Once we have heard we have a choice. God does not make us robots that have no personal choices.

Christ stands at our hearts door but gives us free will. Those who choose to go to be back to the house turn off the lights and hopes that the solicitor goes away will remain lost and there will be a judgment for rejecting Christ.

There would be some who would argue that we have no personal choice but to choose sin so God has predestined who will be saved and who will reject Him. This belief is seen in Calvinism.

The Calvinist would argue that, “man is completely a sinner who is incapable of understanding and coming to God and has a sinful free will capable only of rejecting God. Therefore, in order for salvation to occur, God must predestine. It can be no other way. If this is so, then there should be verses supporting it.”

This argument hangs its hat on a few Scriptures such as (Acts 13:48.John 1:12-13. Romans 8:29-30 and Philippians 1:29, Eph. 1, 5, 11). Four verses containing 175 words out of the over 180,000 in the New Testament and not one of them spoken by my Lord. I will simply say, I believe that the Bible teaches that we have a choice to accept or reject Christ.

Hebrews is telling us in (Vs. 22-23) to hold fast to our confession and draw near to Christ with the confidence in our faith. We are to draw near to one another and not fall away from coming together. (Vs 25) Friend that means that you cannot fully worship our Mighty Lord and God from your kitchen table or watching a sunset from a lawn chair. Yes, those are times of meditation and listening to the Holy Spirit but the Scriptures clearly teach us to join with a local church. It is through this fellowship we can accomplish (Vs. 25b) to encourage one another and “spur” them on.

The final portion of this scripture makes reference to “the day drawing near. There are two thought processes on this passage, “the day” is making reference to the destruction of Jerusalem if the author was writing prior to AD 70. The second, I would argue is the correct interpretation, to Christ return and the judgement.

You may be reading this and thinking I have sinned too bad to return. God has made promises of His faithfulness to excite, ignite, inflame and encourage us to be faithful, and we must depend more upon his promises than we do on our strength and worldly idols. We must set spiritual compass on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who went to the cross, conquered death, rose again and now sits at the right hand of the throne of God. So, the time have come to reach out to one another and love our fellow believers and share the Gospel of Christ.

We are called to plant, fertilize, and God will provide the harvest. This passage should inspire us to recommit, hold the line and seek Christ it all things.

May God give you strength to do His will. Eddie may be contact at new email address eddieturnerreachingout@ gmail.com or by phone (903-391-7656) References: Allen, D. L. (2010).

Hebrews, the new American commentary.

Nashville: B&H Publishing. MacArthur, J.

(2005). The macarthur bible commentary.

Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Eddie may be contact at new email address eddieturn-erreachin-gout@gmail.com or by phone (903-391-7656)

Who are you listening to? John 14:26

In our electronic generation of Instant Messaging, Facebook, Emails and Tweeter we seem to be listening for friends and family continually to contact us. Some studies have found that people check their cell phones every six minutes. I confess I just heard that familiar tone, “I’ve got mail” my urge is to run and see what amazing communication has come to me is overwhelming.

Our society has become addicted to electronics? We love gadgets. Don’t misunderstood me, the ability to communicate instantly is wonderful, in addition to staying in contact with friends and family it serves as a solid foundation for sharing Christ, but are we devoting time to listen to God as faithfully as we do to our favorite electronic device? “Our ears are tuned to whatever holds our hearts and minds.” (Stanley 2015, InTouch Ministries) God has been speaking to us since creation. In the Old Testament He spoke through the prophets. In the New Testament He spoke through His Son (Heb.

1:1-2). Today, He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit, (John 16:13) If the world is our focus, we shall hear only its message.

If we wish our hearts and minds to be set on Christ we must comment and make time to meditate and listen to His guidance and obey.

The reasons people do not listen to God cannot be counted but here are a few reasons that come to mind.

First, they don’t have a relationship with Him.

The Lord calls all to salvation, those who reject Him are unable to hear His voice.

Second, when we focus on the message of the world God’s Word is snuffed out. Instead, of storing up our treasures in Christ we seek the things of this world, retirement and a strong portfolio.

Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV). Third, anger at God will prevent people from hearing God’s voice. People ask, why does God allow this hardship on our family or others?

Friend, there is no place in the Bible that promises bad things will not happen to people even Christians.

There are more predictions in Scripture of a struggle on earth for the believer than there is gain and success.

Christians must hold to the promise that this life is merely a vapor, a mist that will soon disappear and a glorious eternity awaits us. There are preachers that would teach that material wealth and triumphs will come in exchange for faith. This is not biblical and they are false prophets teaching heresy.

Fourth, “ For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect”(Matthew 24:24 ESV). People are searching for answers today. Television, internet and book shelves, are filled with the words of men and women who would lead people away from Christ. Secular humanists believe that this is the only life of which we have knowledge and that we owe it to ourselves and others to make it the best life possible for ourselves and all with whom we share this fragile planet. They believe there is no evidence for supernatural causes of, or remedies for, humankind's condition and mankind can solve their own problems. This is heresy that leads to hell.

There is only one solution to the void in mankind’s life and that is Christ our Savior who covers our sins with His blood.

Finally, some believers are closed minded and rebellious. They fear that God will require them to do something they do not have the ability to do. If this is you take heart, God gives strength to His saints. “O you who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 97:10) I will close with an invitation to the believer, the unchurched and nonbeliever. To the believer, step away from this busy world, turn off the phone, go to that special place read the Word of God (Heb. 12:2) and listen to your Father, strengthen your relationship. I assure you, God will bless your heart and life. If you are unchurched, return to fellowship (Heb.

10:24-25) and feel the love of fellow believers again. To the nonbeliever; Friend I know you are seeking answers, I have been where you are right this moment. God has brought you to this place to read these words. Turn to God where you will find forgiveness and grace.

Until next time, may God’s might hand cover and protect you.

Release Your Fears and Anxiety- 2 Timothy 1:7

Sam grew up in a good home, faithfully attending a local church, he has a good job, beautiful family, but something was wrong. Sam was always worried about his relationship, employment and life.

He experienced such dread that it touched every aspect of his life. Have you ever know someone like Sam?

Sam is experiencing “Fear and Anxiety”. Its clinical name is General Anxiety Disorder. (GAD) Everyone worries. It’s normal to worry about money, relationships, health and other things, but people with generalized anxiety tend to worry even when they should not.

GAD can be a result of a family trait, and it affects women twice as much as men. It is a gradual progress from an early age, though it can start in adulthood, too. When symptoms get severe, it can impact day-to-day functioning and lead to other physical or emotional problems, including depression and panic attacks.

But let’s switch from secular thinking to spiritual thinking.

Anxiety is not of God.

Our Father does not wish for us to worry about anything. We are assured that, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

The NIV says, “For the Spirit of God has not made us timid, but gives us power.” Paul could have been writing to Timothy because he was experiencing a lack of confidence and was feeling anxious or fearful. Paul stresses, “Not to be anxious about anything, but pray about every situation giving thanks, presenting your petitions to God” (Phil 4:613) and God will give us the peace that is beyond understanding. But stop and re-read (vs.6). God is directing us to give thanks for the situation that causing our anxiety.

The Prophet Isaiah tells us, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever”.

In the Book of Daniel Chapter 6, we read the famous story how Daniel being thrown into the Lion’s pit because he refused to participate in “emperor worship”.

King Darius was tricked by those that conspired against Daniel into making a decree for 30 days, that whosoever prayed to any god besides the King would be thrown into the lion’s den and it was signed and could not be repealed, not even by the King.

If we look in (vs.10) we see Daniel after he knew the decree was signed, going to his upper room as always to pray and he gave thanks to God. Daniel was thanking God for this opportunity to prove his faith, even if it meant death.

Society is bombarded daily with reasons to feel fear and anxiety. As Christians we have the assurance that God is in control.

In Matthew 24:4-13, Jesus seems to be reading yesterday’s newspaper, wars and rumors of wars.

Nations will rise up against nations and there will be famines. When we see earthquakes and Christians being persecuted, hated and put to death, Christ time is near.. People will turn away from their faith and because of wickedness our hearts will grow cold. Remember when a stranger came to your door and requested to use the phone we would allow them in, we might stop and pick up a stranger on a roadside or stop and assist a motorist, but no more, we are fearful of the wickedness in the world. Our hearts have grown cold from fear and selfpreservation. But Jesus tells us that the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

We are seeing the signs of the ends times. God’s clock is ticking, Christ could come at any moment and we need to be sharing the word with our lost friends and family. As Christians we must give our fear and anxiety over to our Heavenly Father. It all begins with the words of Jesus, “Don’t worry, I am with you always.

Trust, believe and give your fear and anxiety to Christ, let it go and be the Christian that God needs you to be, constantly sharing the Gospel, in a world that is experiencing the birth pains of Christ return. May God bless and give each of you strength in Jesus name, Amen.

—————— You may contact Eddie at eddieturner2502@ gmail.come or 903-391-7656.

What Does Islam Believe?

Over the past year I have studied in depth the Islam religion and how it compare to Christianity. Three sources were used in my study: “Neighboring Faiths-Introduction to World Religions by Winfried Corduan”, (Liberty University Textbook), “The Oxford Dictionary of World Religions by John Bowker” and the “Quran” which is believed to have be dictated to Mohammed by God.

             Islam is fundamentally different from Christianity. Islam is a works-oriented religion, while Christian faith is based on salvation by grace through faith as a result of the shed blood of Christ. Christianity recognizes the necessity of shedding of blood for forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22)“ As a works oriented religion, Islam requires that its followers earn their way to heaven by performing the five pillars of the faith. 1. Say the confession of faith. There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is the prophet of God. 2. Pray Muslims are to pray five times a day, shortly before sunrise, mid-morning noon, mid-afternoon and after sunset. 3. Give alms, Muslims are to give about 2,5 percent of their wealth. 4. Fast during Ramadan. For the lunar moth, from sunrise to sunset. They are not allowed to have anything pass down their throat. From sunset to sunrise they are permitted to eat as much as they what. 5. Make a pilgrimage to Mecca. Every Muslim who is able must travel to the birthplace of Islam.

            All Muslims believe Jesus was born of a virgin and that he was prophet but he was only a man. The believe Jesus , healed the sick and raised the dead, The Quran refers to Jesus as the breath of God, the spirit of God, the life of God and the word of God. Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified on the cross. God took him back to heaven. The Quran speaks of Jesus as a prophet, “"When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: 'Now I have come to you with Wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which you dispute. ( Quran 43:63-64)

            The average Muslim around the world has a tremendous misunderstanding of Christianity, They get their beliefs from movies, music and television. They believe Christianity has three gods: God the Father, God the Son and God the Mother (Mary). They believe that Christians and Jews have changed the Bible; therefore Although the Quran acknowledges the Gospel of Christ, the Torah of Moses (first 5 books in the Bible), to Psalms of David, the existing copies can’t be trusted. Shiites tend to be more radical, the Quran directs them, “Your Lord inspired the angels: "I am with you, so support those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. So strike above the necks, and strike off every fingertip of theirs” (Quran 8:12) There are many passages in the Quran that commands the Muslim to kill, murder and behead the non-believer. It is these passages that clearly contradicts that Islam is a religion of love.” These passages could influence an average Muslim to become radical  But,as I visit with Muslims I find that the average Muslim are much like Christians they know enough to call themselves Muslims. They are materialistic, want a job and hope to live a good life.

            Finally, Muslims believe in Satan, Judgement Day of God, Heaven and Hell. In contrast to Christianity they do not know if they are going heaven, They hope their good works out weigh their bad works.  Christ calls us to love everyone. “I give you a new command: Love one another.” (John 14:34-35) We must reach out to all people groups with the true message of Christ. We cannot allow ourselves to stereotype people by the way they dress, their culture, religion. My friend we have a mission field here in Palestine. May we as Christians follow Paul’s teaching, “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile.” The Gospel of Christ Salvation is for anyone, Let us go forth in love and share Christ in our post-modern society with boldness. May God bless and may He give you opportunities to share Christ.