Up to number eight in the United States.  There are lists you want to be on and lists you do not want to be on.  This is the latter.  We (Charlotte) have become the eighth most dangerous city in the United States.  The bible says that in the last days it will be like that of the days of Noah.  Noah's day was crazy, only one family held to God's calling, the rest gave in to sin.  We know, because the Bible is true, that those days will come.  There may be more than one family in the last days but I believe the key is not the number of those holding true to the calling of God but the number of those lost and wanting to be found.  I am sure God checked the hearts of those in the days of Noah and saw that not one of those destroyed would have turned their heart to God.  Matthew 18 Jesus tells us that God is more excited about the one lost sheep that is found than the 99 that were with him. 

It drives me crazy when I hear pastors say they wish or hope that the return of Christ is near.  It drives me crazy because there are still lost sheep looking to be found.  That is our job: to search.  As Pastors our job is to encourage, enable, equip and motivate our congregations to be the hands and feet of God and spread the gospel.  Be the shepherd's assistant searching for lost sheep, not just hanging out with the 99 other sheep that are found. 

So Pastors where is the focus of your church?  Is it on seeking the lost sheep or seeking the same 99 that stand beside you Sunday after Sunday?