Thoughts from Pastor Dave

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This article originally appeared in the August 2005 Gold Canyon Lifestyle

THE GOD OF SECOND CHANCES
Pastor Dave Abbatacola

Why do you or your neighbors stay away from church? Recent studies show that as much as two-thirds of the population does not attend church. In fact, church attendance decreases dramatically the younger the generation. As a pastor I wrestle with these statistics. Since childhood I have loved deepening my relationship with Jesus through the church. My love for Jesus as well as the knowledge of His incredible grace has increased through His church. And yet people stay away.

Perhaps you’ve been hurt by the church. I’ve heard the horror stories of people getting chewed up and spit out by churches or church leaders all in the name of Jesus. Perhaps you’ve been ostracized by the very people who are suppose to be loving and forgiving you, and that is why you stay away. There is the stigma of some sins that bring a tidal wave of judgment, guilt and a critical spirit towards you or your family that you don’t deserve and certainly don’t desire, so you’d just as soon stay away. Perhaps the sense of awe and reverence that comes from looking at and worshiping the Omnipotent and Mighty Creator of the Universe just doesn’t come through in the sermons you’ve heard and the ministries that have attempted to reach you. Instead you see hypocrisy and a lack of power from the very people who supposedly believe in this Mighty God. Surely if this God was as awesome as the Bible-thumpers say He is, it would be reflected in their lives. So whatever the reason, you’d just as soon play golf...

Whatever your rationale, give God a second chance. One of the great things about the Bible are all the stories held within in which failing, sinful and weak people are given chance after chance by the God who continues to use them in spite of their humanness. Peter denies knowing Jesus (even after being warned he would) and after Jesus rises in power from the grave, Jesus actually seeks Peter out (Mark 16:7) and commissions him to serve (John 21:15-19). Paul seeks to murder those in the church and Jesus turns him into a globe-trotting missionary. Moses is a rash, angry and proud man that God not only uses, but talks to him face-to-face as a friend. Oh, churches that extol the God of Second Chances are worth attending.

I would suggest you attend a Bible-teaching, Jesus-believing church and this time around do something different. This time go to church and lift your eyes a little higher. Instead of worrying about what people are thinking about you; instead of concentrating on all the faults of those around you; instead of thinking about all the things wrong with the church - lift your eyes higher and concentrate on Jesus and begin to treasure Him and adore Him and love Him and pray to love Him more and more. And give God a second chance, He gives you one, and another, and another, and another...