Why People Leave the Church

'...The younger son...journeyed to a far country...' Luke 15:13
Getting a chance to get this off today. Amy's brother Gary came in from Texas for a couple of days so I took the day off yesterday. Today they took off somewhere to sightsee so I have to get some work done, like Sunday's message. I hope you have been enjoying this series and making applications in you're lives. Been thinking lately and have asked the question, 'why is living for Christ such a spiritual struggle for some.' The story of the Prodigal Son is applicable to many of us. It speaks to those who have been raised in church, know God's Word, have felt His presence, understand His claims, and once served Him. But like the Prodigal, they've 'gone to the hogs.' Notice, he's not called the Prodigal Sinner but the Prodigal Son, because he still belongs in the family. For the next few days I want to look at why people leave the church. First:Because the blessings of Father's house become commonplace. Notice, he didn't appreciate what he had until he lost it. Notice also, his father didn't kick him out of the house, '[he] took his journey into a far country' (KJV). He left of his own free will and came back the same way. What's the point? If God's love can't hold you, His power won't force you! It's your willing obedience that God finds pleasure in, not conforming to a set of religious rules because you are afraid of going to hell. Jesus told the story of a king who planned a wedding feast and invited different guests. What a privilege. 'But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business' (Matthew 22:5 NKJV). Are you too busy for God? Have you gotten used to His blessings and decided you want something different? Be warned, the road you are on leads to one place only: the hog pen. Stop, turn around, repent and come home while youstill can. No matter how badly you have failed, your Father is waiting to takeyou back. You are loved...