Persecution and Church Growth?

[larrylyates]

Seen on another site. Curious to hear your thoughts.
"Churches are strong and growing in the Middle East - There is no Persecution here why?"

[imreedemed]

Good question

[jediwill83]

Our lack of persecution here isnt a blessing in the long run....it is the most subtle attack by the enemy possible because it creates an atmosphere conducive to apathy and inaction.We are unaware of the true depth of our faith and power through Jesus Christ because we have not been allowed to exercise it in persecution and trials as a whole.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by larrylyates

Seen on another site. Curious to hear your thoughts.
"Churches are strong and growing in the Middle East - There is no Persecution here why?"

First off evidence of "strong and growing"? I certainly believe SAINTS are strong and growing in Christ in the middle east but as to organized Churches I need some facts. Should be a good thread.

[Michael The Disciple]

And also what kind of Christians are they? I think many believers in the middle east are Catholic types. I know there are Pentecostal and Evangelical believers there but I don't know any certainties about them other than they are the minority.

I know many Syrian Christians are fleeing the Islamic forces right now. I guess that's why Im questioning whether you are talking about what we think of as "local" Churches flourishing there?

I don't think persecution in America will AT FIRST promote Church growth but rather a mighty falling away. Most American Church goers are not well grounded or strong in Christ and would faint at the first real violence.

In time the remnant that is left would be purified and refined and would actually have something to offer to the lost. So at some point in the end times I do believe that the Church will begin to mature and also begin to bring forth new converts.

[FlamingZword]

Originally Posted by larrylyates

Seen on another site. Curious to hear your thoughts.
"Churches are strong and growing in the Middle East - There is no Persecution here why?"

Persecution makes for stronger Christians, for there is a real price to pay for faith.

In America we have an abundance of riches and very little persecution, this makes for soft Christians.

If real persecution came upon America, we would see a great falling away, but we would also see a strong core surviving.

[Michael The Disciple]

To be persecuted one must live godly in Christ Jesus. If we act and seem like the world they will be well pleased with us. Also if one actually witnesses for Christ he will much more likely face persecution.

The founders of America were at least "nominal" believers in God. They built this country on a constitution that guaranteed the freedom of religion. Up until now no generation of Americans has forcefully challenged this. I believe God blessed with this shield of protection.

Many of the Middle East Churches are probably more of the "underground type" meeting in homes and away from the limelight. They are actively pursued there and simply confessing Christ period is enough in at least some places to be persecuted. I feel small compared to them as they must pay a serious price to walk with the Messiah.

Let us not forget the severe persecution believers face under Communism. North Korea is the most savage of all nations against Christians. China is also very hard against those who walk by faith.

From what I have heard over the years there may be more Christians in China than anywhere on Earth. They have suffered for decades and many glowing testimonies bear witness to their devotion. It is a good example how the faith in Christ can multiply even in the harshest of places.

[Michael The Disciple]

I believe America is right now being "fundamentally transformed" and will wind up becoming what scripture calls "Mystery Babylon". Once the persecution hits here many martyrs will fall slain.

I cant fathom that the greatest nation in history would not be mentioned in the Bible. Already this is not the same country I grew up in. How much worse it will be as the children in school are now all being taught to despise any basic righteousness. By the time they begin running things there wont be a shred of decency left outside the Church.

[NewbieMisfits]

This is turning out to be good thread

[BuckeyeBukaroo]

Originally Posted by jediwill83

Our lack of persecution here isnt a blessing in the long run....it is the most subtle attack by the enemy possible because it creates an atmosphere conducive to apathy and inaction.We are unaware of the true depth of our faith and power through Jesus Christ because we have not been allowed to exercise it in persecution and trials as a whole.

Exactly!

Christian apathy leads to unholy atrophy.