Friday, July 31, 2015

The Church's Impact on the Family

"Let us not give up meeting together [in church], as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another...."1

As quoted in an earlier issue of Daily Encounter, a study conducted some time ago by sociologist Steven Nock of the University of Virginia showed that couples who regularly attend church are 42% more likely to be married for the first time. And those in the church who were committed to its beliefs had a 23% better chance of having a "very happy" marriage than those who don't attend church.

Furthermore, according to a report by Warren Mueller, where both parents attend church regularly, 72% of their children continue in the faith. Where only the father attends, that percentage drops to 55%, but where only the mother attends, just 15% of the children remain involved in the church.

Need I say more?

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be an active participant in a healthy church and have positive fellowship (relationships) with fellow Christians both for my own growth and to be an encourager to others. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Hebrews 10:25 (NIV).

NOTE: See article, "What a Good Church Can Do for You" at: http:///bs9jf.

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