Faithfully Consistent

Scripture

Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Introduction

There is a deterioration within the body of Christ that is permeating today’s church. It is found in a variety of things, but in essence, it is the sin of complacency. For example,

The Religious News Service reported that since 2006, the Southern Baptists have lost two million members. Even more alarming is that since 2019, 435,000 members have left.[1]

Reported baptisms in the SBC churches were down 50% compared to the previous year (123,160) the lowest number 1919,

Worship attendance is down 15% (it is unknown who much COVID19 affected these numbers)

However, this is not just an SBC phenomenon. More Protestant churches closed than started in 2019.

1 ½% of pastor’s are leaving the pulpit. (Simple math: 47,456 SB churches losing 1 ½% of pastors = 711 pastors leaving the pulpit)

Consistency: The Glue that Binds

Through-out the Bible, we are repeatedly told to be “faithful.”

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Luke 16:13 “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

2 Timothy 2:2 And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

James 1:4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

John 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.”

The dictionary defines “faithful” as to remain loyal and steadfast.

Faithfulness unto God leads to obedience unto God. Obedience to God results in blessings in and from God.

Proverbs 28:20 “A faithful man will abound with blessings…”

Faithfulness is to be in the image of God, for He is faithful”

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Faithful to Evangelism

Faithful to Discipleship

Faithful to Fellowship

Acts 2:46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Faithful to Ministry

Gifts of the Spirit are to be used in Ministry unto God

[1] https://religionnews.com/2021/05/21/southern-baptist-decline-continues-denomination-has-lost-more-than-2-million-members-since-2006/