03/31/2026
According to recent statistics, 62% of Americans identify as Christian. A little less than half of that group attends church once or more per month (Source: Pew Research). That means that for every person that professes faith in Christ that comes to church on a typical Sunday, at least one other Christian won't be there. This despite the fact that gathering with the saints is a necessary part of the Christian life (Hebrews 10:25). We gather to encourage one another: to share God's word, partner in God's work, pray for God's will, sing God's praises, and to proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. In our fractured society, a lot of people are attempting to get their spiritual nourishment through television, internet, books, etc. Those are often helpful, and sometimes a necessity, but they can never be a replacement for gathering together.
This coming Sunday, the day we call in English "Easter" (probably an unfortunate term), and in some languages Pascha, meaning Passover, is the day that many Christians throughout the world set aside as a special tradition to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. From a scriptural perspective, we know that every Lord's Day is a celebration of his death, burial, and resurrection, but in our nation, Easter has become something of a "family reunion." More Christians will be present on this one day together than at any other service during the year. Time was when "Three to Thrive" Christians (Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night) looked down on "CEO" Christians ("Christmas and Easter Only"). But I've come to the point where I view any step toward God as a step in the right direction.
All that said, I'd like to invite you to do three things:
1) Come worship with us this Sunday at Prairie Green Church of Christ at 9:30am CT. Or, if you already are a member of a bible-believing and teaching church make sure you are there. If you don't live in our area and you need help locating a solid New Testament church, private message me and I will try to help. If you are hindered by sickness or necessary work, by all means, join us online when you can, remembering it is a supplement but not a replacement to the assembly.
2) Make an Easter resolution. We often make New Year's resolutions, but why not make one at Easter to increase your involvement with the Lord's people? If you don't go to church much, don't just come this week, but make it five weeks in a row. One church service doesn't normally change your life, but five could. Give me five! If you're already a regular attender, maybe you need to commit yourself to Bible School or Sunday nights, or getting involved in a regular ministry. Every Christian's resolution will look different. Don't be afraid to take the first step. And don't be afraid to take the second either.
3) Pray for and encourage your fellow Christians. Galatians 6:10 says "let us do good to everyone and, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." I Peter 2:17 says "love the brotherhood." Assembling is a huge part of that, but it is neither the beginning or end of it.
Hope to see you Sunday.
He is risen!
