Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance

Lent Conclusion and Resurrection Sunday

I came across the information below that I thought was an appropriate way to make my final look back at my Lent fast. According to a Rasmussen Reports 4/4/10, the following information is something to consider:
 

Of Americans in General:

78% of Americans believe that Christ arose from the dead  10% of Americans do not believe Christ arose from the grave  11% are not sure 85% of Americans believe that Christ actually walked the earth 2000 years ago 6% Do not believe Christ walked the earth 2000 years ago 8% are not sure 81% believe that Christ is the son of God 10% Do not believe Christ is the son of God 9% are not sure 51% of Americans believe that Easter is one of our nation's most important holidays

 

I bolded what I thought was most important: ONLY 10% of Americans do not believe that Christ rose from the grave. If this is true, then as Glenn Beck would say, "We surround them!" If this is true, why do we allow non-Christian religions and Atheists to push us around? Why have we allowed our courts and leaders to take us down this road where Christians feel like they are a minatory?
 

One would think the above to be encouraging, but remember this:
 

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. -James 2:19 (KJV)

 

A lot of Americans say that they believe that there is a God. Many say that they believe in Christ, but so do the demons! How many who are professing these things will yet end up in hell? Belief is not enough. Trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation is what they need to do! Anything less results in their damnation!
 

More from this poll:
 

Amongst professing Christians:

99% Evangelical Christians believe Christ is the son of God 92% of Catholics Believe Christ is the son of God 88% other Protestants believe Christ is the son of God 97% Evangelical Christians believe that Christ rose from the dead  87% of Catholics believe that Christ rose from the dead  86% of other Protestants believe that Christ rose from the dead 76% Evangelical Christians rate Easter as one of our most important holidays  56% of Protestants rate Easter as one of our most important holidays 48% Catholics rate Easter as one of our most important holidays 95% of those who attend church at least once a week believe all of those things to be true.

Again you would think that this would be encouraging news, but the first thing that comes to my mind is this:

 

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. - Matthew 13:24-30 (KJV)

Our churches are filled with many who profess Christ, but how many of them are tares? Weeds growing amongst the wheat? How many do we see each week in church that we will not see in heaven? That is the whole meaning of this parable? Many who profess Christ are not waved. 

 

Finally, the poll shares this:
 

Among those who rarely or never attend church:

46% believe Jesus rose from the dead 52% think he was the son of God 67% say he walked the Earth

This to me is the most encouraging information from this poll. Why is this? There are those who have no real understanding of the gospel, but would be open to the gospel if only they were approached. These people are not going to think you are some religious "nut" for professing Christ.
 

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. - John 4:34-38 (KJV)

 

This 67% who believe Jesus walked the earth are the field ready to be harvested! This 52% is where we can sow and reap! This 46% is the work that has been left for us to finish! The fields are ripe for the harvest, yet how many will never go into the field? Let us go so we may hear "well done, good and faithful servant!"

 

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Just a few thoughts regarding my Lent fast. I will not say that I was perfect in keeping the fast, nor did I do as well as I would have hoped in regards to bible study. At the same time, I did complete more devotions than I would have had I not done this. And in regardsds to the actual fast, I must have done something right. I have lost over 22 pounds (started at 270.3 and ended at 248), and when I was finally able to eat as I would like and again drink soda, I have found that my addictions to food and soda are much weaker. I have no real desire to drink soda, and not near as much food is needed for me to feel full. With the Lord grace and guidance, I will hopefully continue to lost more weight.