Too many churches, etc?

[Shammu]

I've lived in China for almost 5 years

I will be praying for your ministery brother.

One can only hope. And pray.

Something I've been praying about, for many years.  I will keep praying, for those seeking salvation. 

Justin, as others know, anything you want to copy off my websites (in my sigline). You may use, to help you glorify God.

[JustinD]

DreamWeaver - thank you. I'll be sure to have a look at your site.

All the best.

[Debp]

I've lived in China for almost 5 years and, as you may or may not know, religion is strictly monitored and controlled here. What amazes me is that Christianity is actually on the rise here! State run churches are popping up and underground seminaries are also popping up in the countryside. Christianity hasn't, and probably won't, entered popular culture here but in the face of government persecution it's nice to see the Word being spoken here.

Helping those in thirld world countries and the middle east is a nice idea in theory but, as an individual, I just don't how one could make much of a difference. It will take organizations getting into godless areas to make things work. Organizations that are protected and influential.

At the same time I think most on the planet know the name of Christ. I think what's lacking is direction on how to attain salvation and, while sad and somewhat discouraging, may one day change. One can only hope. And pray.

Yes, I know about China through Christian Aid.  They help around 25,000 or more native missionaries in China alone and also establish Bible colleges/training centers there.   Actually, I am helping organizations (indigenous missions) through Christian Aid.  These missions are thoroughly checked out by Christian Aid.  Since the missionaries already live in those countries, already speak the language and know the culture, they are much more effective in reaching their own people.

Also, the countries I am helping in (Muslim countries)....missionaries from Western countries are not allowed.  The native missionaries have to be very careful as it is quite dangerous for them.

Also, there are many that still have never heard the name of Christ in Hindu, Buddhist and tribal areas.  Compare this to many Americans that have heard and heard the Gospel message and still don't want to believe.

[Soldier4Christ]

Many of the overseas countries that have been mentioned have heard about Jesus. Unfortunately they have not heard the truth as they have been taught that He was just a lowly Prophet, a man and nothing more. It is the same with many here in the U.S., they have heard of Jesus (sometimes even from Christians) but were not taught exactly who He was. Many times when Christians witness to others they assume that non-Christians already know who Jesus is and this simply is not true. I have found this to be true by talking to many non-Christians around the world.

Try it sometime when you are witnessing to someone ... ask them the direct question "Do you Know who Jesus is?" Sadly there are many that claim to be Christians that cannot even answer this question correctly.

[nChrist]

Hello Pastor Roger,

Brother, I find your statement to be very sad but TRUE.

This is why I think that more and more Christians are going back to the basics for teaching and witnessing. Teaching the might, majesty, and power of the GODHEAD - the HOLY TRINITY - YET the three being ONE ALMIGHTY GOD sounds very basic, but it really is difficult for many lost people to understand. We should not take it for granted that lost people are going to easily understand this.

When you think about this, there are many methods to help others understand this, but it involves time and patience. I love to watch what appears to be light bulbs turning on when people begin to understand this powerful TRUTH.

GOD THE FATHER IS ALMIGHTY GOD!

GOD THE SON (JESUS CHRIST) IS ALMIGHTY GOD!

GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ALMIGHTY GOD!

There are THREE distinct figures in the GODHEAD - also known as the HOLY TRINITY. Learning this powerful and beautiful TRUTH answers many questions that can't be answered any other way. I know that the first understanding is difficult, but the understanding reveals the greatest TRUTHS of the HOLY BIBLE. Many supposed controversies and alleged contradictions are cleared up when the light bulbs come on.

Understanding this also brings a sense of peace and comfort that our LORD and SAVIOUR LIVES and is ALL POWERFUL. He wasn't just a man, just a profit, just a teacher, or just anyone else other than ALMIGHTY GOD - THE CREATOR - THE LORD OF LORDS - THE KING OF KINGS! Our SAVIOUR is the greatest example of LOVE in the universe, but HE is also the greatest example of POWER, MIGHT, and MAJESTY in the universe.

We many times hear that we are weak and HE is strong. This is quite true, but saying that JESUS CHRIST is "STRONG" would be a gross understatement with any language known to man.

More and more, I think often about going back to the basics, teaching the basics, witnessing with the basics, and telling the most simple and beautiful TRUTH of JESUS CHRIST and the CROSS. It doesn't have to be elaborate and full of confusing details. It can be a simple message that even children can understand. I know that I mentioned this in another thread recently, but I really do think that the plain and simple TRUTH about JESUS CHRIST and the CROSS is the most powerful message that a Christian can give to a lost person. The deeper things of GOD'S WORD should come later. The SALVATION MESSAGE is what's so desperately needed, and it's needed RIGHT NOW by millions!

Love In Christ,
Tom

[Debp]

Tom, I agree that it's best to keep things simple in sharing our faith in Christ.  Especially to those who have come from non-Christian countries.  As Jesus talked simply and simply talked with the woman at the well, she was reached.  Jesus walked and talked with people, as well as preached....and they were reached.  The Holy Spirit is at work in hearts....we don't realize how much in alot of cases.

[nChrist]

Tom, I agree that it's best to keep things simple in sharing our faith in Christ.  Especially to those who have come from non-Christian countries.  As Jesus talked simply and simply talked with the woman at the well, she was reached.  Jesus walked and talked with people, as well as preached....and they were reached.  The Holy Spirit is at work in hearts....we don't realize how much in alot of cases.

Hello Debp,

I'm late in answering this because I've been gone with my kids and grandkids. You just made a profound and TRUE statement about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is constantly at work in the lives of Christians. It's many times simply a matter of paying attention, listening, and feeling. We must also remember that the Holy Spirit abides in our hearts for many other reasons. As an example, we can and should pray before our Bible studies that the Holy Spirit will guide us and aid us in understanding. In reality, this can be and should be true for every aspect of our lives. We should also know that there is a mighty battle going on around all of us every day with the powers of darkness. GOD is on our side. All we have to do is pray and ask HIM to help us.

I am 1000% sure that GOD gives all of us opportunities to witness for HIM. I understand the thoughts and feelings of many who say that they feel inadequate for the job. We are all inadequate for the job, but the Holy Spirit is with us and will help us. The Holy Spirit is a mighty force in our own lives, and HE wants to use us to help others. We might think that our speech or message isn't polished enough when that opportunity is suddenly presented, but we should instead be thinking that we have the message GOD wants for that person right now and GOD will help us deliver it.

In thinking some more about what you just said, all Christians need to know and understand that GOD is working in and through us to help others. We simply need to say "YES" and do HIS Will. I'm thinking right now of many sweet Christians I've known through my life who really didn't have pretty or polished speech, but they had exactly what GOD wanted for HIS Purpose. SO, I would have to say that many mighty men and women of GOD were simply willing, didn't make excuses, and yielded immediately to what GOD wanted them to do.

Love In Christ,
Tom

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 NASB  You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

[Debp]

Hello Debp,

I'm late in answering this because I've been gone with my kids and grandkids. You just made a profound and TRUE statement about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is constantly at work in the lives of Christians. It's many times simply a matter of paying attention, listening, and feeling. We must also remember that the Holy Spirit abides in our hearts for many other reasons. As an example, we can and should pray before our Bible studies that the Holy Spirit will guide us and aid us in understanding. In reality, this can be and should be true for every aspect of our lives. We should also know that there is a mighty battle going on around all of us every day with the powers of darkness. GOD is on our side. All we have to do is pray and ask HIM to help us.

I am 1000% sure that GOD gives all of us opportunities to witness for HIM. I understand the thoughts and feelings of many who say that they feel inadequate for the job. We are all inadequate for the job, but the Holy Spirit is with us and will help us. The Holy Spirit is a mighty force in our own lives, and HE wants to use us to help others. We might think that our speech or message isn't polished enough when that opportunity is suddenly presented, but we should instead be thinking that we have the message GOD wants for that person right now and GOD will help us deliver it.

In thinking some more about what you just said, all Christians need to know and understand that GOD is working in and through us to help others. We simply need to say "YES" and do HIS Will. I'm thinking right now of many sweet Christians I've known through my life who really didn't have pretty or polished speech, but they had exactly what GOD wanted for HIS Purpose. SO, I would have to say that many mighty men and women of GOD were simply willing, didn't make excuses, and yielded immediately to what GOD wanted them to do.

Love In Christ,
Tom

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 NASB  You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Tom, I totally agree with you.  I also believe the Holy Spirit works to convict unbelievers in their hearts.....so sometimes we might not realize how much of a work of God is going on in an unbeliever's heart.

[Shammu]

I also believe the Holy Spirit works to convict unbelievers in their hearts.

AMEN

[Debp]

Got interrupted by someone needing the computer earlier.    Wanted to add this extra thought.

Besides the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in an unbeliever's heart, the Holy Spirit is also wooing and drawing people to Christ.  This is why we must minister in love, as led by the Spirit.