The table below is from a website called Fastest Growing Religion. I saw some shaking heads when I said that Christianity was, indeed, the fastest growing religion. I am pretty sure that part of the reason for the doubt is that most of us see the world in the context of America ... which I continue to believe is the greatest nation on earth. But in saying this I believe America does have some serious spiritual issues. While Christianity is growing like wildfire in South America, Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world, in the traditional western world (America, Europe, Australia) that growth is not happening. I know some of you would like to take me to task on this and argue the point but I will not be participating in such an argument. The better questions might be "why?" and/or "what should we do?" John Wesley would say "Offer them Christ." Billy Graham would say "Stick to the essentials ... not our differences." Michael Frost (noted author) would say "We are exiles who should be dealing in offering truth, essentials and intellectual honesty ... not cliches'". Your pastor would offer the following advice ... 1) Love other people like Jesus loved people ... 2) Teach truth that flows from Biblical context ... not beliefs that are traditional yet are traditionally wrong when compared to Scripture ... 3) Relate to people where they live ... don't demand that they become like "us" (whoever "us" is) ... 4) Become more missional in our approach to ministry and 'go' rather demanding that "they" (whoever "they" are) come ... 5) stop trying to answer every scientific question with a book written to ancient Hebrews in their context ... let science pursue truth and science will eventually arrive at God's truth if the pursuit is genuine ... 6) let God and God's people be untamed by the shallow virtues of this world and filled with the deep virtues Jesus taught us ... and 7) when in doubt, see what Jesus said and go do it!
That's it for now ... love you! Pastor Randy
http://fastestgrowingreligion.com/numbers.html
The five fastest growing religions in terms of absolute numbers (new adherents per year, in millions):
| 1. | Christianity | 25,210,195 | ||||||
| 2. | Islam | 22,588,676 | ||||||
| 3. | Hinduism | 12,533,734 | ||||||
| 4. | Chinese folk-religions | 3,715,548 | ||||||
| 5. | Buddhism | 3,687,527 |
Thank you, for your insight and guidance for my continuous struggle to live life, as God would want me too! Many times after hearing your sermons or reading your posts it helps me remember to put aside my busy life and think about what really matters to my family and myself! One of the most important things I have learned is how broken I am and that God will take that brokenness to make me better!
ReplyDeletePs. I often feel that you are talking directly to me, which is a good thing!
God has blessed us with you Pastor Randy!
Much love and blessings;
David Townsend