I hope you witnessed last Sunday’s baptism at the river where we baptized 77 people who have taken their stand for Christ. (In addition to actually being at the river, you could have viewed it on Facebook Live as it was streamed by several people.)

It was a great day.

This has been a great year as well. We have never had more people join our church by baptism, and we have never had more people join the church than in the preceding twelve months.

Our church year statistics run from September 1-August 31. During that time we have had more than 150 people baptized and more than 300 total new members.

We are thankful for the new people God has brought our way, and we are thankful to see people taking a stand for Christ.

Don’t you think it is ironic that in the year when Christianity is less respected by the nation and particularly our nation’s leaders that we have more people taking their stand for and with Christ?

Christian leaders in places where persecution is tangible and severe point out that the church grows and progresses when times are more difficult. Pastors in those lands say without humor that you’re really not ready to preach the amazing grace of Christ until you have been imprisoned and beaten for your faith.

In America we have many cultural Christians (those who call themselves Christian or attend church because it’s part of their culture or expectation).

Cultural Christians don’t exist in persecuted societies. There, to be a believer demands that you give your whole life to Christ.

I don’t desire persecution, but I deeply desire that our faith would be seen as life-giving and life-changing.

I write and send out a devotional daily. These devotionals have to do with pastoral leadership and Christian living. If you would like to receive these free devotionals, you can sign up below.