Sunday, May 24, 2015

Three Thousand vs Negative One Hundred Million


In my last post, I lamented about the projected decline in Christianity.  

But as I reflect on Pentecost this week, I am reminded that Peter and the other apostles baptized about three thousand men into the faith that day.  

That is quite a feat, even by today's standards!

It struck me that the reason those people converted was because Peter had the strength to preach the Word to them.  Yes, they were, I'm sure, also impressed by the Miracle of the Tongues. But if Peter had not followed up with the Gospel, they would have simply thought it some kind of magic or sorcery.

I can't help but think that highlights one reason between the growth of Christianity back then, and the projected decline now.  

Maybe we are not preaching enough.  Not spreading the Word.  Not living the Way so that others can follow.

Back then people were quite amazed that they could hear the sermons in their native language.

Perhaps a miracle today would be if more people said anything at all ...

God Bless you, and may the Holy Spirit strengthen you.

Friday, May 8, 2015

Sad Statistics

I read an article from Pew Research the other day that saddened my soul.

It was entitled The Future of World Religions, and it does not present very encouraging predictions.

Christianity, according to the article, may no longer be the world's most dominant religion sometime around 2050.  In fact, cumulatively through 2050, Pew predicts that 40 million people will switch into Christianity while a whopping 106 million will switch out (by FAR the most out of any religion).  And those switching out are mostly expected to switch to an "unaffiliated" status.

Can you imagine that? Christ asked us to continue to spread His word, and the world is going in the opposite direction.  

In the U.S. alone, Christianity will shrink from 78% in 20101 to 66% by 2050.   Europe will see a similar decline.  Conversely, Christians in sub-Saharan Africa will rise from 24% to 38%, and stay about the same in Latin America.  

Are all these stats and predictions 100% percent accurate?  Of course not.  But the mere chance that they might be is eye-opening.

The good thing is that we can help influence this course through example and prayer.  

Please join me in praying for the strengthening - and growth - of our Faith around the world.

God Bless you.