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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | How to "win the world" ? | Bible general Archive 2 | Mommapbs | 92795 | ||
I have noticed that many churches across America have (to me anyway) no semblence of a house of worship. I'm told that they are intentionally designed this way so that "unchurched" people will not feel threatened when they walk in. We have music that blasts as loud as rock concerts, drums, guitars, lights and sound sytems to rival any concert hall, comfortable seats, ample parking, and even food courts(!) It's all in the packaging, so I'm told . . . our job is to get 'em in the door, make 'em feel welcome and "at home" so that they can "hear the Gospel" and the Holy Spirit will do the rest. Is this meeting the needs of the world or "conforming" to the world? Is this necessary to reach the world with the Gospel? |
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2 | How to "win the world" ? | Bible general Archive 2 | Makarios | 105323 | ||
Greetings Mommapbs, I agree, many churches across America seem to have no more semblence to what a house of worship may be thought of or used to be. Living in a city, I see that one of the major crises facing America is the crises of the cities. Few in high office would underline the urgency to prevent the spread of the disintegration of the morality and social culture of the inner cities, as reflected by the absence of the influence of the church. Evangelical churches have by and large followed their congregations to the suburbs, causing the cities to become truly more secular. Therefore, Christianity in many instances is regulated to suburbia or the rural areas. Also, the Bible uses many images that communicate a more 'rural' meaning- such as Christ pictured as the shepherd and Christians as the sheep- which may seem completely foreign to modern day cities. However, we can see clearly in Scripture that the Gospel message was not intended solely for shepherds or for those who live in rural areas, but also for those who dwell in cities. A clear distinction is made in the New Testament between towns and cities, even though the cities back then were much smaller than those of today. Christ ministered in the country and in the villages, but He did not neglect the cities (Matt. 9:35; 11:1). When Christ was seeking brief repose in "a desert place" He told His disciples, "I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also; for therefore am I sent" (Luke 4:43, KJV). Jesus began His teaching in a city, Jerusalem, at age 12, and He accomplished His atoning sacrifice just outside the wall of that same city. Just prior to His ascension, Jesus commanded His disciples to remain in a city, until the Holy Spirit empowered them, after which they were to evangelize the world, beginning with that city of Jerusalem (Acts 1:4,8). Followers of Christ were first called "Christians" in Antioch (Acts 11:26), a city with a population of one-half million. Antioch became the center of Syrian Christianity and the launching point for many missionary ventures. Paul also preached Christ in Athens, whose residents speculated about 'new ideas' (Acts 17:18,21), and some even accepted Christ (17:34). Ephesus boasted a population of several hundred thousand when the apostles taught there, and its popularity made it the political, economic, and religious center for much of Asia Minor. Finally, Paul was imprisoned in Rome. When he arrived in Rome, Christianity was already so flourishing that some left the city to give him an escort (Acts 28:15-16), which no doubt included many of Paul's friends who had become the nucleus of the Christian church there (Romans 16:1-16). Paul's teaching of Christ met such a great need in that society, that even some from "Caesar's household" embraced Christianity (Philippians 4:22). In conclusion, the Gospel does not specifically target towns, villages, farms, or cities, but individuals, whereever they may live. People living in cities are no less vulnerable (or open) to the Holy Spirit than anyone else, and the large masses should be seen as opportunities for evangelism rather than reasons for despair. Modern cities need not to be lost to the Gospel, since early Christianity has showed us that we can make great strides in cities. The message of hope through the forgiveness of sins and a new life in Christ will be applicable in every era, to every person, in every place! Blessings to you, Makarios |
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