I spoke with two men Thursday, one young and the other old, and their reactions were very different.

The first was an older gentlemen, now 80 years old. His language was coarse and the lifestyle reflected by his comments clearly indicated he was not a follower of Jesus Christ. I finally asked him about church and he said he occasionally attended a small Baptist church in the mountains when he was there – whatever that means. Eventually I said, “You’re 80. Don’t you think it’s about time you went to church and got things right with God?” His answer was, “I don’t want to promise you something and then not do it.” I’ve heard similar comments over the years and know that it’s just a nice way of saying “no.” I walked away from that conversation sad at the thought of an 80 year old man who is lost and not really interested in a relationship with Jesus that does not have many years remaining on earth. The belief that most of the elderly in our community are saved and actively attending church is statistically false. Old people in Rock Hill need the gospel and need salvation.

The second was a young man, about 30 years old and never married. Our conversation started with us talking about music and he mentioned that all he listens to now is 91.9, the contemporary Christian station in Charlotte. He said it encourages him to keep his attitude right and do right as a Christian. When he listens to country music like he used to do, it makes him think about the alcohol and other activities of his past. He doesn’t want to go back to that lifestyle. He attends Elevation’s Rock Hill campus and even has a friend and his wife attending with him. I walked away from that conversation encouraged by the thought of a young man whose life has turned around and is now walking with Jesus. Knowing that he is so excited that he is inviting others to go to church with him was also encouraging. Most young adults in Rock Hill are lost, but not all of them. God is using His churches to make a difference.

A question I’m left with is this: how excited am I about Jesus? how excited am I about church? how excited am I about the gospel and telling people about Jesus?

To put it another way: how excited are you? who are you talking to about Jesus and inviting to church? how faithful is your attendance at worship? Are you inviting your friends? Are you talking to strangers, as well as acquaintances? What conversations have you had this week?

Pastor Steve Hogg