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B-A-C
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I put strong and healthy. Here in North America it is declining (I've heard much the same about the UK and western Europe). In Asia, South America and Africa it is growing by leaps and bounds.
All of the numbers I have seen indicate there are more Christians in the world than ever. Russia and Eastern European countries appear to be having a revival of sorts.
Christian population growth - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
List of religious populations - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Christianity Today - General Statistics and Facts of Christianity Today
Global Christianity - A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World' s Christian Population - Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
Some of these organizations that do this type of statistical analyzing say Christianity has now passed Islam word wide.
But even those who don't agree this has happened yet say it will happen within the next five years.
All of the numbers I have seen indicate there are more Christians in the world than ever. Russia and Eastern European countries appear to be having a revival of sorts.
Christian population growth - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
List of religious populations - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Christianity Today - General Statistics and Facts of Christianity Today
Global Christianity - A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World' s Christian Population - Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
Some of these organizations that do this type of statistical analyzing say Christianity has now passed Islam word wide.
But even those who don't agree this has happened yet say it will happen within the next five years.
Are you referring to the christian religious institution or the body of Christ?
Good question. Mainly, I was thinking of the body of Christ. In thinking about the health of the church. I was thinking more about whether or not the church is doing what God has called it to and truly reflecting that we know Him. How is the church doing in its testimony to a hurt and broken world?
I think that many believers within the body are beguiled by the religious institution and misinformed about God's plan and purpose. Many confuse the religious institution with the body of Christ but one is carnal and the other is spiritual, one is man-made and the other God made.
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I think Spurgeon had it right when he wrote on the religious institutions
A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats. ~ C.H. Spurgeon
The Followers of Jesus Christ, the true CHURCH, are growing. Especially in Muslim countries, many after being exposed to the Gospel are surrendering to Christ after saying that Jesus apeared in their dreans, and some say in their midst. To me it sounded rather odd. But after hearing this from reliable Missionaries, I trust their testamony. These believers are risking all they have, even their life and the life of their families.
The Church in the USA is in a change, in that more genuine christians are taking the Gospel deeper into their lives, as they see the anti christian bias in the local schools, in state and fedral courts. This maybe an awakening in a movement that has started in the Home Schooling that more and more parents are joining. There is a undertoe of parents seeing first hand that public schools are taring at parents rights, in sex education, creation and stands against Darwinism.
I believe christians are waking up and in small numbers in towns, and cities across the country. The glass is half full.
The Church in the USA is in a change, in that more genuine christians are taking the Gospel deeper into their lives, as they see the anti christian bias in the local schools, in state and fedral courts. This maybe an awakening in a movement that has started in the Home Schooling that more and more parents are joining. There is a undertoe of parents seeing first hand that public schools are taring at parents rights, in sex education, creation and stands against Darwinism.
I believe christians are waking up and in small numbers in towns, and cities across the country. The glass is half full.
Niether churches are right ! the unseen church is Not walking in His POWER much ? We see at it beginning it was very POWERFUL ! Now you tell of miracles and many will ban you on the net and in the churches ?
the churches are mostly self centered , preaching tithing and everythoing for ,money or self help !
They are not lifying up Jesus 1 Teaching fasting and blessing others and worshipping our LORD !
Most wanting to get bigger , not caring to see the christian mature to walk in the LORD POWER , doing His Will !
Most all the teachings are carnal !
They want most people in there churches so they can get more money !
Churches seem to honor those who give the most ! It not really about Jesus ! It about thee little kingdom ! How do we get it bigger ?
I love going to church , but only for the worshipping part ! Preachers think what is Sooo Important is there preaching . which normally is not worth hearing !
They always think they are so important and above all others !
Not all are like that ! but most all preach tithing as if we were under the old testament and the money back then went to the levi priests !
But He changed the priesthood and the law!
It sad what the churches have become ! The true church is strong but unseen ! It in perfect unity ! but we are not taught to walk in our spirit and live though our Spirit Nor how we do it ?
It easy ,but takes a little effort !
We are not taughtb to be in fellowship with the HOLY GHOST , who Should be All our Teacher and guuide and friend and comforter and Helper in all things of life here and the Spiritual types things ! Man following man ! not following our LORD JESUS !
We Can change things around ! but only if we get that strong ONe on one relationship Going we should have ! Just as Our lord Jesus had with the Father ! He is our Perfect example 100% in Every way !
Joh_20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Joh_14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things
the churches are mostly self centered , preaching tithing and everythoing for ,money or self help !
They are not lifying up Jesus 1 Teaching fasting and blessing others and worshipping our LORD !
Most wanting to get bigger , not caring to see the christian mature to walk in the LORD POWER , doing His Will !
Most all the teachings are carnal !
They want most people in there churches so they can get more money !
Churches seem to honor those who give the most ! It not really about Jesus ! It about thee little kingdom ! How do we get it bigger ?
I love going to church , but only for the worshipping part ! Preachers think what is Sooo Important is there preaching . which normally is not worth hearing !
They always think they are so important and above all others !
Not all are like that ! but most all preach tithing as if we were under the old testament and the money back then went to the levi priests !
But He changed the priesthood and the law!
It sad what the churches have become ! The true church is strong but unseen ! It in perfect unity ! but we are not taught to walk in our spirit and live though our Spirit Nor how we do it ?
It easy ,but takes a little effort !
We are not taughtb to be in fellowship with the HOLY GHOST , who Should be All our Teacher and guuide and friend and comforter and Helper in all things of life here and the Spiritual types things ! Man following man ! not following our LORD JESUS !
We Can change things around ! but only if we get that strong ONe on one relationship Going we should have ! Just as Our lord Jesus had with the Father ! He is our Perfect example 100% in Every way !
Joh_20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Joh_14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things
Too Be Honest in my mind 1 I judge churches here by ? If they preach tithing or not ? If they preach tithing ? I know they are not preaching in truth !
They refuse to live by Faith and want to live by sight !
It always about money in the worldly type churches ! It More of a Business too them ?
Many i think will be left here when the Catching away happens ! Just my thinking !
I heard a pastor the other day on T.V. say tithing was 23% of what You make before taxes and How Much You LOVE the LORd , You give after the tithing ! i thought how evil is that ! putting such a burdern on people 1 as if He wasw the guy GOd picked to collect HIS money and He would then decide for GOD How God wanted it spent !
1Ti_6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Rev_2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Our trasures are in New jerusalem !
Rev_3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev_3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
They refuse to live by Faith and want to live by sight !
It always about money in the worldly type churches ! It More of a Business too them ?
Many i think will be left here when the Catching away happens ! Just my thinking !
I heard a pastor the other day on T.V. say tithing was 23% of what You make before taxes and How Much You LOVE the LORd , You give after the tithing ! i thought how evil is that ! putting such a burdern on people 1 as if He wasw the guy GOd picked to collect HIS money and He would then decide for GOD How God wanted it spent !
1Ti_6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Rev_2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Our trasures are in New jerusalem !
Rev_3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev_3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
rizen1
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Grace and Peace,
I voted "The church today is in decline."
The number of buildings are increasing and the seats are full but there's barely any fruit. The bible says many shall be decieved, the sad reality is proclaimed christians make up some of the " many."
I attended this club, the music was great, everyone was well dressed then the host said, " To make things easier for our members we bought 2 ATM's so you can pay your tithes directly on it. " The Host ( It is his church, I'm a guest ) went on to say how he never uses cash, not even to buy bubble gum. He proceeded to insult the writing of cheques saying it's stone age, he uses his credit card for everything. One Atm is in the entrance, the other in the basement. This church is always packed.
My latest experience in one of these buildings; the church rents out its space, the location is great, decor not good ( skull heads in the sound booth/control area ), the sermons are good and worship is amazing. The church gets really packed, that many people stand or sit. I was in the standing area during worship and right next to me two girls dancing on each other as if they're in a club. Mind you the worship was great and the sermon was probably their best. This church is always packed.
Compromise, lack of discipline, lukewarm ministries, lukewarm pastors, more religious than spiritual, and leaving out Holiness.
Is the church today healthy or is it in decline?
It's a tricky question based on how you see it.
Day after Day the world is changing the church, how we preach, raise our kids, education and how we eat.
I voted "The church today is in decline."
The number of buildings are increasing and the seats are full but there's barely any fruit. The bible says many shall be decieved, the sad reality is proclaimed christians make up some of the " many."
I attended this club, the music was great, everyone was well dressed then the host said, " To make things easier for our members we bought 2 ATM's so you can pay your tithes directly on it. " The Host ( It is his church, I'm a guest ) went on to say how he never uses cash, not even to buy bubble gum. He proceeded to insult the writing of cheques saying it's stone age, he uses his credit card for everything. One Atm is in the entrance, the other in the basement. This church is always packed.
My latest experience in one of these buildings; the church rents out its space, the location is great, decor not good ( skull heads in the sound booth/control area ), the sermons are good and worship is amazing. The church gets really packed, that many people stand or sit. I was in the standing area during worship and right next to me two girls dancing on each other as if they're in a club. Mind you the worship was great and the sermon was probably their best. This church is always packed.
Compromise, lack of discipline, lukewarm ministries, lukewarm pastors, more religious than spiritual, and leaving out Holiness.
Is the church today healthy or is it in decline?
It's a tricky question based on how you see it.
Day after Day the world is changing the church, how we preach, raise our kids, education and how we eat.
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B-A-C
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The pharisee's found faults with him. He actually had the nerve to love someone enough to heal them on the sabbath.
Herod found fault with him, he heard there was a king coming in a prophesy so he had all baby boys killed.
His own friends and neighbors were offended by his teaching.
The Jewish leaders found fault with him, they accused him of blasphemy and had him crucified.
Yet in all these things Jesus was victorious, Jesus didn't pull any punches. He told it like it was.
He called the pharisees vipers and sons of hell.
He told Capernaum it was going to worse for them on the day of judgement than it was for Sodom and Gomorrah.
He called the pharisees whitewashed tombs and hypocrites.
He said there will be people who think they are following him that he will say depart from me I never knew you.
I'm thinking Jesus could hold his own here. He had a way of seeing into people's hearts and convicting them.
He knew who was seeking a savior and who thought they didn't need one.
He wasn't afraid to chase the money lenders out of the temple.
Why don't Christians and preachers in America and Europe do the same? Why are we afraid to stand up for the Gospel?
Maybe this has something to do with why the church is in decline here?
Remember, only two out of the seven Churches in Revelation he didn't find fault with.
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They did try to kill JESUs ! Before they got Him !
Listen when people get a little power ? they expect others to bow too them ?
Others must agree with them or they get mad many times ! in the flesh , people are self centered ! they do not like anyone being praised ! If you know something about a subject , they do not know ? They get upset !
I been kicked off of or gotten mad at on so many sites ! i Think most know i am of the LORD ? Even most of the evil ones ?
There is a chat room i go too ! Two ladies everytime i go in , start complaining about me putting up scriptures . even if i do not post any ! they hate to see scriptures posted ! But both say they are christians ? They both asked me if i am from the United states ! as they say my writing is not good ! I heard that here also 1 I do not mind !
But it just a excuse ! a fault they feel !I guess they expect all to have a higfh school education or college ? I was raised on the street more or less! God does not pick all highly edcated or perfect in English ? He picked lots of fisher men or lower types !
Life funny ! The truth can hurt people ? It brings out the fleshly type thinking ! The self serving thoughts !
2Co_10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
No pastors ! Normally want anyone to teach them anything in there OWN CHURCH ! That how they see it ! It my church , my kingdom !
It the same on many forums and chat rooms !
Does not matter how many scriptures you show them ? They appear blind to them ?
If you or anyone starts arguing with a mod or own on a site ? You will lose ! It will not matter if your right or not !
I try not to argue with any !
Just post as i see it and move on , most of the time ? unless i really feel led to say whatever ?
Col_3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Yes we might pay a price ! But we gain more later !
We let our Lord deal with it and count it a blessing suffering for HIM !
We not going to be loved by All , Not even our Brother and Sisters cat times , But we going to LOVE them anyway 1 thank you LORD JESUS !
Listen when people get a little power ? they expect others to bow too them ?
Others must agree with them or they get mad many times ! in the flesh , people are self centered ! they do not like anyone being praised ! If you know something about a subject , they do not know ? They get upset !
I been kicked off of or gotten mad at on so many sites ! i Think most know i am of the LORD ? Even most of the evil ones ?
There is a chat room i go too ! Two ladies everytime i go in , start complaining about me putting up scriptures . even if i do not post any ! they hate to see scriptures posted ! But both say they are christians ? They both asked me if i am from the United states ! as they say my writing is not good ! I heard that here also 1 I do not mind !
But it just a excuse ! a fault they feel !I guess they expect all to have a higfh school education or college ? I was raised on the street more or less! God does not pick all highly edcated or perfect in English ? He picked lots of fisher men or lower types !
Life funny ! The truth can hurt people ? It brings out the fleshly type thinking ! The self serving thoughts !
2Co_10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
No pastors ! Normally want anyone to teach them anything in there OWN CHURCH ! That how they see it ! It my church , my kingdom !
It the same on many forums and chat rooms !
Does not matter how many scriptures you show them ? They appear blind to them ?
If you or anyone starts arguing with a mod or own on a site ? You will lose ! It will not matter if your right or not !
I try not to argue with any !
Just post as i see it and move on , most of the time ? unless i really feel led to say whatever ?
Col_3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Yes we might pay a price ! But we gain more later !
We let our Lord deal with it and count it a blessing suffering for HIM !
We not going to be loved by All , Not even our Brother and Sisters cat times , But we going to LOVE them anyway 1 thank you LORD JESUS !
I think the world would still reject him, along with many who call themselves christians.
I doubt Jesus would even attend a religious service/meeting, He would be more apt to hang out with the sinner folk than those who think they got it all together. The religious folk would probably try to kill Him.
Spirit1st: I like a christian that speaks their mind, straight from their heart. You have strong convictions, it's clear you think for your self and not just follow the leader of the flock of sheep. Christians are called by Jesus to be the light in a world filled with darkness, and wickedness. I think we live in a time when the true Power of the Holy Spirit is very limited. Limited not by the Holy Spirit, but by the lack of teaching about how the Spirit really is avalible to work in our lives and the lack of faith.
I do indeed believe that the Holy Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are able to save sinner's, inable healings that there is no explanation other than a genuine miracle from God Almighty. There people surrendering to Jesus Christ in ways that seem unbeliveable. Some may think the only way to "get saved" is in an alter call in a church. You may well be right, especially about some TV preachers who insist "unless you send them your tithe or this could be the last time on the air". To that I say let them get dropped!
I will share with you I felt as you about preachers bringing up the subject of tithing. I would get pretty upset, because I felt it was an OT thing, and I said I believed in "Sacrifical Giving" as I said Paul said in the NT. Now Sacrifial Giving to me ment anything I gave was a sacrifice for me. But I still knew deep in my hard heart I was cheating the Lord. I am convienced that the OT is the fully inspired Word od God as the NT. After reading Malachi sevaral dozen times especially Malachi 3:8-13, the Holy Spirit lovingly changed me and my wife to submit giving. We do not give expecting anything in return, nor do we believe in giving to get wealth either. We give because we love the Lord. I would encourage anyone to ask the Lord to driect them in the matter of giving. Being pushed into giving is unbiblical as far as I am concerned. Giving because you have been shamed or begged into giving is manipulation, and the results are short lived at best.
I too have seen on TV sermons that are pop self help talks, that have a unbiblical message and sure are not christian. The world loves a good ear tickling, it causes no conviction of anyones sin.
Jesus Loves the true body of believers so much that He died for it as a body, made of individuals who have surrendered to Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:23-25 explains why and that we are to be in an assembly of believers. Decipleship is just one aspect in a churches responsibility, to make believers is just one area, but to neglect descipleship of new believers is just as important as evangelism in introducing someone to Christ.
Churches getting large in not a true sign of real growth in people coming to Christ. Worship involves more that taking the offering. However we do worship the Lord by each person giving to the Lord. Worship is in the songs we sing, the prayers we pray, and the Words of God spoken by a geniune man of God who has prayed and knows for certian what the Lord has directed him to preach. Fasting as I understand it is something we do by ourself and we are to keep this between God and me only. Perhaps a Church facing something that calls for a fasting and the Body agrees this is really needed, and sa many ars can do so. Some because of health issues can fast in fifferent ways to focus on prayer and seeking the Lord and the wisdom we are asing for.
I too resent the way that some people know who gives what. There may wellbe special attention given to huge givers and that is wrong. I have made a clear statement that when I was pastor I did not want to know who gave. We personally give cash in the plate and no one knows what we give, I do not use what I give for a tax deduction...I don't make enough being retired.
God has always used a man after His heart to lead, take for instance Moses, Paul, Peter and so forth. How a body of believers select a pastor is done many ways. Iagree there are some ways churches choose pastors and leaders that just don't seem right to me. I have known pastors that were and are genuine god selected leaders.
The responsibility for our spiritual growth is each person. I am the one to worship the Triune God, and when I gather with the rest of the body of believers I belong with I bring that love and peace with me to share.
I appreciate you sharing you thinking. I am sure there are many who join with your feelings. We need to focus on being a geniune follower of Jesus Christ. Becoming a christian is not accomplished in a few days, but in a lifetime.
