The terminal decline of Christianity in New Zealand

[Sectio Aurea]

I came across this interesting article the other day.

The terminal decline of Christianity in New Zealand - On Line Opinion - 8/1/2014

 

[Sectio Aurea]

I doubt very much that Christianity in NZ is actually "terminal" but the decline should be cause for concern to Christians no?

 

[1watchman]

If one has a heart for the Lord and values His Word, I always recommend one begin a little regular Bible reading in their home or other place, when they cannot find a sound scriptural fellowship where they live. That is how many church gatherings have begun down through history. As you meet others who want a Bible fellowship, they can join with you and the Lord can bless this good work. There are other such gatherings in the world, and they have fellowship and Bible conferences in various places. It is a nameless Christian fellowship that holds to Scripture only. Write me at PM if you would like some help with a family type gathering. Here is a paper that might be of interest, which it was to me. -1watchman

Christians Meeting In Homes
[Adapted here from earlier paper on Cottage Meetings by RLD]​

That which is called House Meetings in recent times is not a new thing, though some Christians have now started practicing that as the proper place to meet. They are more concerned about the form and comfort of gathering than the truth of gathering, and are often found developing a new sect of free-flowing religious ideas, rather than the teachings of Church Truth in the Word of God.

The reference to Cell Groups meeting in homes, is different and speaks of small gatherings in homes to discuss what is preached and held in their "mother church" ---which the members are joined to. They take direction from the larger organized sect.

In the beginning the church met in homes (even an "upper room" – Luke 22), and later other buildings as assemblies grew larger. Many assemblies from over a century ago have met in homes (often called Cottage Meetings). Since the revival by God, and return to church truth in the early 1800's apart from religious sects and denominations, those gatherings seeking a scriptural order and God’s intention for the church often meet in homes, until growing large enough to need to rent or own a building for it.

The important thing about such a universal gathering in that fellowship from 1827 AD, at least, is that it must be fully scriptural, without innovations, a name, religious ceremonies, traditions, programs, carnal reasoning and activities, a one-man ministry and hierarchies, etc. It believes in the priesthood of all believers and waiting upon the Holy Spirit, and avoids names and titles and man’s ideas. The form of meetings is not alone the truth of gathering, and the scriptural fellowship is expected to express the truth of "one body in Christ" worldwide for unity, and always in accord with the Word of God. This is not saying they are the "one body", but they continue to express that as shown by God.

The gathered saints thus study the Word of God together and value esteemed Commentaries and the help of Bible scholars down through history; and read verses of praise, sing to the Lord, and partake of the Lord’s Supper together; beside holding Gospel meetings for the public at times, and appreciating a godly fellowship together ---locally and worldwide. It sees Church Truth as in Acts 2:41-42 and the Epistles.

This is getting back to basics and holding what God set forth for His church testimony in the world, I believe. Such a fellowship was recovered in 1827 AD with a gathering to return to the testimony from the beginning. It still exists worldwide if one is interested.
– R. DeWitt: from biblecounsel.net
　
　
　

 

[timewerx]

Christianity is in decline all over the world. And I'm not speaking of numbers but the Christian context.

Christianity is conforming itself to the world which is a path towards destruction.

1 John 2:15-16
James 4:4
John 7:7
1 John 5:19
John 15:19
Luke 6:26

That which is called House Meetings in recent times is not a new thing, though some Christians have now started practicing that as the proper place to meet. They are more concerned about the form and comfort of gathering than the truth of gathering, and are often found developing a new sect of free-flowing religious ideas, rather than the teachings of Church Truth in the Word of God.

The reference to Cell Groups meeting in homes, is different and speaks of small gatherings in homes to discuss what is preached and held in their "mother church" ---which the members are joined to. They take direction from the larger organized sect.

If the context is wrong, all's for naught no matter what you do.

 

[bhsmte]

I came across this interesting article the other day.

The terminal decline of Christianity in New Zealand - On Line Opinion - 8/1/2014

This pretty much mirrors what is going on in many countries, especially the countries that are the most advanced, with higher standards of living and education.

 

[Sectio Aurea]

This pretty much mirrors what is going on in many countries, especially the countries that are the most advanced, with higher standards of living and education.

Do you have any idea or opinion as to why that is so?

 

[earningmywings]

It is my personal view that NZ is on the decline in ALL areas not just Christianity.
But where in the world is it not?

 

[Sayre]

It is my personal view that NZ is on the decline in ALL areas not just Christianity.
But where in the world is it not?

Australia! Come on over .

 

[madaz]

Australia! Come on over .

So true!

 

[Ariel Gavriel]

It is my personal view that NZ is on the decline in ALL areas not just Christianity.
But where in the world is it not?

I agree with you wings. Countries which include NZ are more secular than they were Christian to begin with. I believe that it is a sign of the powerlessness of the Church. Churches should and always were lights in the darkness, beacons of hope in our communities. What point is there if your light has been placed under a bushel. What is missing is the power of conviction in the message of salvation. JM2c

 

[Sectio Aurea]

I agree with you wings. Countries which include NZ are more secular than they were Christian to begin with. I believe that it is a sign of the powerlessness of the Church. Churches should and always were lights in the darkness, beacons of hope in our communities. What point is there if your light has been placed under a bushel.

What is there to be said about a Church which certainly promises its believers eternal salvation, but at the same time condemns the non-believers, all those who think differently, to an eternal torment in hell? I'm sorry but I have to agree with the the late Robert G Ingersoll who once said

" As people become more intelligent they care less for preachers and more for teachers.

What is missing is the power of conviction in the message of salvation. JM2c

What is missing is the FEAR of eternal torment in hell, and rightly so. We dont live in the superstitious dark ages anymore. Many more people are now waking up to the fact that religion is poison and such fear tactics were often used to place bums on pews and collect tax's and tithings.

 

[Ariel Gavriel]

Eternal punishment and fear should not be the reason why one should turn to Christ but rather understanding his message which resonates God's love toward mankind. Man's sinful state and God's desire to restore what had been lost through disobedience via the pure and sinless sacrifice of his one and only son.

 

[Alithis]

I came across this interesting article the other day.

The terminal decline of Christianity in New Zealand - On Line Opinion - 8/1/2014

two things come to mind .-
1-the great falling away ..lol look now its being graphed for us ..

always an irony when the world makes a graph that proves the bible true ..hmm
2- the lesser numbers of evangelical "active" in faith believers moving in the gifts and demonstration of the "power" of God .. are on the increase in contrast to the mass numbers of the lukewarm cooling (waxing cold)
Christianity is being polarized to Hot ..or Cold ..

the use of the word "terminal " is just the enemy gloating in the background ...yet rejoice not against me oh my enemy for though i fall .I shall arise ...there is nothing "terminal about it " ... the lukewarm are being spewed out and like wax gone cold they are hardened into immobility .. but the wax of a candle is spent to feed the flame at the top .. and that flame is about to flare up into the hottest brightest it has ever been since the day of Pentecost .

 

[dougangel]

2 Timothy 3
New International Version (NIV)

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

We are indeed in the last days. The world is indeed groaning and tired. people in 1st world countries are getting sick of the system. People are without affection. more and more evident. You don't have to talk to people face to face any more there's media TV and the internet. You don't need you neighbour or God.
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power: Most 1st world Countries have a form of Morales based on Christianity and are stable but deny that's its Christian values that have formed the bases of those laws. that they are trying to erode them as much as they can.

 

[Alithis]

2 Timothy 3
New International Version (NIV)

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

We are indeed in the last days. The world is indeed groaning and tired. people in 1st world countries are getting sick of the system. People are without affection. more and more evident. You don't have to talk to people face to face any more there's media TV and the internet. You don't need you neighbour or God.
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power: Most 1st world Countries have a form of Morales based on Christianity and are stable but deny that's its Christian values that have formed the bases of those laws. that they are trying to erode them as much as they can.

quoted in bold .. says it all bro

 

[madaz]

quoted in bold .. says it all bro

true bro

 

[Yoseft]

quoted in bold .. says it all bro

I do not want to say Amen, as it saddens me.

The Most High, by His 1st Apostles, shared that this would occur.

It is not a New Zealand / Australia occurrence, but all of this world.
many are waxing cold and compromising.

Here in the US it grows worse and worse and most church growth
is people changing churches.

I do not post here as I have it all together.

It is harder to walk my walk out, and I really must press in
and go back to my 1st love myself.

I believe in April I will really stop posting and doing so much internet
and press in and self renew. Of course with the Lord's help.

It is something that the Blessed Spirit of the Most High had gently whispered
into my heart.

I said Lord I should start now, but it seems the whole month of April
should be set aside to consecrate and stop the internet thing.

For me, a born-again, Spirit Filled person with Jewish background,
that observes Pesach / Passover, it seems a great time to really
press in, and repent of the worldliness that has slowly crept in.

May it be so Lord!

 

[Alithis]

I do not want to say Amen, as it saddens me.

The Most High, by His 1st Apostles, shared that this would occur.

It is not a New Zealand / Australia occurrence, but all of this world.
many are waxing cold and compromising.

Here in the US it grows worse and worse and most church growth
is people changing churches.

I do not post here as I have it all together.

It is harder to walk my walk out, and I really must press in
and go back to my 1st love myself.

I believe in April I will really stop posting and doing so much internet
and press in and self renew. Of course with the Lord's help.

It is something that the Blessed Spirit of the Most High had gently whispered
into my heart.

I said Lord I should start now, but it seems the whole month of April
should be set aside to consecrate and stop the internet thing.

For me, a born-again, Spirit Filled person with Jewish background,
that observes Pesach / Passover, it seems a great time to really
press in, and repent of the worldliness that has slowly crept in.

May it be so Lord!

AMEN...

 

[1watchman]

Yes, this condition is increasing all over the world, and faithful saints of God ought to be seeking to gather together on scriptural ground, keep "all the counsel of God" as the Apostle Paul said, and be "rightly dividing the Word of Truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). New innovations and gatherings for fun is corrupting the Word of God. That is why I posted the paper above on House Meetings and the Scripture-only way.

I hope some dear ones there in NZ will also value this and want help to get such a testimony going there with those of us worldwide who have been holding this way over 180 years. One can read more on this at www.biblecounsel.net and see books and literature at Bible Truth Publishers, Addison, IL -USA. Write me anytime if one has interest in this testimony and talking about it.

 

[Alithis]

How ever if we point out the error we are painted as promoting the law.
As though it has become some how wrong to acknowledge sin "as" sin.
Yet it is not law but the very grace of God that brings us to the realisation of our sin ,for the sole purpose of forgiving us and working in us Godly sorrow
And Godly repentance .