Christianity has declined to a massive extent in the Western World. Barna research suggests that the shift in Christianity in the Western World has been matched and in some cases surpassed by the Growth in South America, Africa and Asia. It has not gone amiss that the parallels between the two also reflect an increasing propserity in the west and ever growing religious persecution and poverty in places like China, the Middle East, Eastern and sub Saharan Africa and other parts of Asia.
A generation of youth and even older people are not taking anything for granted, and are questioning and measuring up that which they were taught when younger, against the Bible. Some are going further and rejecting their faith altogether and embracing agnosticism, atheism and others because of the lack of faith in their church. Coupled with this we have a growing movement of cash rich churches predominantly preaching success and prosperity, operating more as corporations than as a place where a weary soul can enter, feel at home and find God. This all a far cry from the early church of the New Testament which demonstrated frugal lifestyles, religion without ritual and self sacrifice.
Now don't get me wrong, and in no way take this as being judgemental but an observation. This year I have spoken to many people who have had to lose their religion and its trappings to find their faith (me included!!). Many are starting out embracing their journey. In churches where they feel uncomfortable with the teachings that we are the only ones who have the truth, many challenge this self righteous exclusion. For those churches who behave lawlessly because they are under grace, to those who are legalists and need to find grace. Churches who preach love but have an atmosphere where someone outside of their racial group would feel very uncomfortable. Religions who dictate what you should wear, eat, drink, music to play, listen to, pray, worship and effectively wearing you down until you actually start to question God and his role in your life. With all of this is it any wonder that people don't want to come to church, no matter how hard we try to attract them. It's time for christians to look back at ourselves...
Taking a step back, if your religion gets in the way of your faith something is wrong. If it stops you from being like Jesus something is wrong. If it puts anything else, human, literature or idol in place of the Bible for you to get to know God something is wrong. Christianity is being a follower of Christ. Nothing else. Want a starting place read, sorry, study Matthew chapters 5-7. When God changes you, humbles you and removes pride whether at church or not, you will realise the freedom and joy through Christ that he intended, whether in good or bad times. Are you ready for that journey?
Dear Father, I pray that as followers of you we will not be religious nuts but rather bear spiritual fruit. Followers of you and not men, and have the wisdom to know the difference. Humble us. In Jesus name. Amen
A generation of youth and even older people are not taking anything for granted, and are questioning and measuring up that which they were taught when younger, against the Bible. Some are going further and rejecting their faith altogether and embracing agnosticism, atheism and others because of the lack of faith in their church. Coupled with this we have a growing movement of cash rich churches predominantly preaching success and prosperity, operating more as corporations than as a place where a weary soul can enter, feel at home and find God. This all a far cry from the early church of the New Testament which demonstrated frugal lifestyles, religion without ritual and self sacrifice.
Now don't get me wrong, and in no way take this as being judgemental but an observation. This year I have spoken to many people who have had to lose their religion and its trappings to find their faith (me included!!). Many are starting out embracing their journey. In churches where they feel uncomfortable with the teachings that we are the only ones who have the truth, many challenge this self righteous exclusion. For those churches who behave lawlessly because they are under grace, to those who are legalists and need to find grace. Churches who preach love but have an atmosphere where someone outside of their racial group would feel very uncomfortable. Religions who dictate what you should wear, eat, drink, music to play, listen to, pray, worship and effectively wearing you down until you actually start to question God and his role in your life. With all of this is it any wonder that people don't want to come to church, no matter how hard we try to attract them. It's time for christians to look back at ourselves...
Taking a step back, if your religion gets in the way of your faith something is wrong. If it stops you from being like Jesus something is wrong. If it puts anything else, human, literature or idol in place of the Bible for you to get to know God something is wrong. Christianity is being a follower of Christ. Nothing else. Want a starting place read, sorry, study Matthew chapters 5-7. When God changes you, humbles you and removes pride whether at church or not, you will realise the freedom and joy through Christ that he intended, whether in good or bad times. Are you ready for that journey?
Dear Father, I pray that as followers of you we will not be religious nuts but rather bear spiritual fruit. Followers of you and not men, and have the wisdom to know the difference. Humble us. In Jesus name. Amen
