Many threads have been posted regarding the health of Christianity and Christ Church in America (mostly con), but i've not heard much regarding lands outside of the States ... This question is by no means posted to tear down Christianity, or the Church, but rather opened as an opportunity to share, either pro (what to thank God for) or con (what to ask God to fix), how you view your country's spiritual health ...
Perhaps most are from America? That may be the reason for little response.
Rocklife you posted;---Perhaps most are from America? That may be the reason for little response.---Yes the majority of us are from the U.S. ... But we also have saints that post regularly from;-Canada-Britain-Swedenand a brother'ss post i read (i can't remember where) from South Africa who made a tremendous comment on another thread about the state of the Church in South Africa and how that there it's basically two churches, the haves and the have nots ...From an article i http://www.worldandi.com/newhome/public/2003/february/bkpub.asphttp://www.ambassador4christ.org/Martyrs_Part_1.htmread the writer seems to think there is a third Church/Pentecost happening in the third world (Africa, Asia, and Latin America ), in light of the seeming apostasy and decline of Christianity amongst the Western, or first world Church ...http://www.health-care-technology-llc.com/frbdecline.htmhttp://www.stjohnadulted.org/worldchrist1.htmit would be interesting to know how the Church is faring in these other places ...
I think the question may be too big. How do you "rate" the condition of Christianity in your own country? How do you put it into words? That is not a small task. There are many here from the USA, so it is easier to get a picture of the spiritual state there due to the many witnesses from different people. But for perhaps one or two people to summerize the condition of the Church in their own country... That is not easy. I will not even try if the Lord does not lead me specifically.I would like to mention though, that David Wilkerson was in Stockholm in the end of May and spoke a very strong profetic word to the evangelical Church/churches of Sweden and Scandinavia. I saw the videotape just recently, together with my mom, my brother and his wife. Afterwards, we just sat there, not saying a word for a long while. We knew the Lord had spoken.Anyone interested in the spiritual condition of the Church in Sweden should see or hear that message. Wilkerson spoke from Amos 2:11-3:8 and gave a very precise description of the situation in our land. He said that the Lord had given him one word to describe the problem. It was APATHY.The videotape of this massege has been sold in many copies (many more than expected), which really is a blessing. I pray to God that people who watch it shall take the message to heart and realise the seriousness of things. I pray that I myself will see it more and more.May the Lord move us beyond words, descriptions and labels. May He get to our hearts. May He give us a burden, and teach us to carry that burden in prayer. That is the only way. There is so much talking going on, but we desprately need to move beyond that. Let us not get stuck in conversations and discussions just because it is "interesting", but let us seek God's heart and will - "that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2).Anyway, these are my thoughts on the subject./Rikard
This is a difficult question to answer, but I will through in my two cents. I think that if to rate the 'health' of the church in the US I would rate it by saying it is 'flat-lining.' Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepppppppppppppppp........... Unless the Lord revives us before it is too late, we will be thrown out as worthless salt! The times are drastic for the church of the United States. I am stoked to hear of the conditions in the other countries, it gives me hope. What I have noticed is that God is so concerned with the States that He is sending missionary's over here. Most of the people that have inspired my life are either dead or from foreign countries, that are startled at the condition of the church here. I could be wrong but I am an agreement with my pastor who says 'Americas worst days are at hand, and its best days are at hand.' So either their is a resurrection or we make the dreadful and terrible noise bbbbbbbbbeeeeeeeeeeepppppppp..... and echo it throughout all of eternity as Jesus weeps!
I just received the National Christian paper for us of Finnish descent here in Australia. I don't know whether to cry or laugh or be angry, probably the last. On the front page was a picture of a string with two knots at each end and beads in between of different colours. Each of the knots and beads symbolised something. I am so called Pentecostal of a fundamental sort, probably going towards the mental from what I see happening. Charismania is slowly taking over and with it comes all sorts of things and practices. I can see myself having to walk in to our service with this bead in my hand slowly progressing to the pew, proclaiming my absolute loyalty to ?? and signing the "new" covenant to obedience and faith in ??.The question marks and their meaning is still in the dark but will be added as soon as I know. The beads in the paper is true, the rest a figment of my imagination, or is it ?jouko
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