The State of Christianity Today, Bamabelle
The recent release of a compilation of 5,000 non-propietary interviews conducted in 2010 by the Barna Group indicates the current state of the physical church. When speaking of Christ's church, I use the term "Body of Christ" for purposes here, "church" is a physical church with members and which may or may not adhere to biblical doctrine.
The study reveals what many Christians already knew and much has been written about these issues. It revealed that the "Christian Church" is theologically illiterate. The very basic truths of Christianity are unfamiliar to many members of various denominational congregations, particularly the younger members.
Revealing and troubling statistics indicate that growing numbers who make up these churches do not associate their faith and belief in God with all areas of their lives. They do not believe God should be the focal point of their lives. These Christians believe the Holy Spirit is a "symbol" of God's presence or power, not a living entity.
As these younger believers mature, one can easily see how this lack of knowledge will be perpetuated to others. This dumbing-down of the church is a tool of satan and has been very effective. These same believers to which the study refers are the same ones who accuse other Christians who put their faith first, who
are not afraid to integrate God into every aspect of their lives, to be the very center of their lives of being "intolerant" and we see a disturbing trend developing . Those "fundamentalist" Christians to which I just referred, are being singled out as "fanatic" Christians and the most disturbing part is that those pointing fingers claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. It reminds us of something Jesus said, "And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:" Matthew 12:25
As these believers, who are theologically devoid of the basic tenants Jesus taught, have more and more influence over other members in churches, it is easy to see that a theological "free-for-all" will ensue and beliefs once held with reverence by these denominations will have ever-growing inconsistency with Bibilical teachings.
The Book of Hosea makes it clear what happens when a lack of knowledge occurs:
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." Hosea 4:6
The State of Christianity Today, Video, by Jim Wallis
The State of Christianity in America Today, by 4 Truth Net
If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
But America is not repenting, not seeking God -- but turning away from God! What can we do to combat this Lostness in America? What must we do to help bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the 150 million unsaved people in America?
We must ...
PRAY • WITNESS • DISCIPLE
Click here to download a PDF of this presentation. (8.80 MB)
The recent release of a compilation of 5,000 non-propietary interviews conducted in 2010 by the Barna Group indicates the current state of the physical church. When speaking of Christ's church, I use the term "Body of Christ" for purposes here, "church" is a physical church with members and which may or may not adhere to biblical doctrine.
The study reveals what many Christians already knew and much has been written about these issues. It revealed that the "Christian Church" is theologically illiterate. The very basic truths of Christianity are unfamiliar to many members of various denominational congregations, particularly the younger members.
Revealing and troubling statistics indicate that growing numbers who make up these churches do not associate their faith and belief in God with all areas of their lives. They do not believe God should be the focal point of their lives. These Christians believe the Holy Spirit is a "symbol" of God's presence or power, not a living entity.
As these younger believers mature, one can easily see how this lack of knowledge will be perpetuated to others. This dumbing-down of the church is a tool of satan and has been very effective. These same believers to which the study refers are the same ones who accuse other Christians who put their faith first, who
are not afraid to integrate God into every aspect of their lives, to be the very center of their lives of being "intolerant" and we see a disturbing trend developing . Those "fundamentalist" Christians to which I just referred, are being singled out as "fanatic" Christians and the most disturbing part is that those pointing fingers claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. It reminds us of something Jesus said, "And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:" Matthew 12:25
As these believers, who are theologically devoid of the basic tenants Jesus taught, have more and more influence over other members in churches, it is easy to see that a theological "free-for-all" will ensue and beliefs once held with reverence by these denominations will have ever-growing inconsistency with Bibilical teachings.
The Book of Hosea makes it clear what happens when a lack of knowledge occurs:
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." Hosea 4:6
The State of Christianity Today, Video, by Jim Wallis
The State of Christianity in America Today, by 4 Truth Net
If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
But America is not repenting, not seeking God -- but turning away from God! What can we do to combat this Lostness in America? What must we do to help bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the 150 million unsaved people in America?
We must ...
PRAY • WITNESS • DISCIPLE
Click here to download a PDF of this presentation. (8.80 MB)
| the_state_of_christianity_today_in_america.pdf |
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