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Religious life won't be the same after downturn

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Crabtownboy, Sep 30, 2009.

  1. Crabtownboy

    Crabtownboy Well-Known Member
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    Our world is changing in many ways. This is a rather long article, but worth reading.

     
  2. Carico

    Carico New Member

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    Yup. As Jesus tells us in MT. 24:10, many will turn away from the faith, betray and hate each other. The love of most will grow cold. Only the elect (the last group in the parable of the sower) will stand firm. So the churches will absolutely be different in the future.
     
  3. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    The article's measuring stick is wrong. In economic downturns, not-for-profits, including churches, see a reuction in donation income. But that is NOT a equivalent to saying people are turning away from the church. It can be said that just the opposite has been happenning. Economic downturns force people to be less concerned with material things and more concerned with spiritual things.

    Our church has experienced a significant drop in revenue over the last year. But our congregation size has increased by 20% in that same time frame. My sister's church reports something similar. Go figure.
     
  4. Aaron

    Aaron Member
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    Religion will be more pure and undefiled before God.
     
  5. pinoybaptist

    pinoybaptist Active Member
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    Why is it worth reading ?

    It doesn't exhort, edify, teach, or glorify.

    It's trash.
     
  6. donnA

    donnA Active Member

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    if anyone's 'religious' (which is not christians) life depends on money and finances they have a serious problem.
     
  7. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

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    Donna, all churches depend on money and finances to fund the ministries coming out of the church.. without money, the ministries are being cutback or cut out.. without ministries, the church doesn't reach as many people... If the church doesn't reach as many people, the church shrinks.. .which takes away more money... which takes away more ministries and the cycle continues....

    Yes, our church has already felt the impact. And this yr, we cut 20% of our budget.. and had to make hard choices in other areas. IOWS.. The economy is hurting our church, and our ability to reach others.. we had to cut out some programs and missionaries in order to fund more necessary programs and missionaries we felt God telling us to keep.

    This of course makes our church appear smaller, and some people just don't like small churches.. so we have lost some to the bigger churches with bigger programs...

    But even the Biggest and fastest growing church in our area.. has to cut back on it's proposal to build a new church building, because of this downturn.

    So, yes, Christianity absolutely depends on the generosity of Christians to fund programs... And if Christians don't have.. they can't give.
     
  8. Alive in Christ

    Alive in Christ New Member

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    The economic situation does not cause any panic whatsoever for our Father God.

    He is mighty to save, mighty to keep, and mighty to provide for His own.

    We have no need to fret. Our God will provide.

    If our awesome worship buildings and grand "family Life Centers" all go by the wayside, it might be a good thing.

    We will have to meet in homes....just like in the 1st century. :thumbs:
     
  9. donnA

    donnA Active Member

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    Tim, thats not what I was saying.
     
  10. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

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    I was hoping it wasn't .. just covering bases.. I know what you mean now...
     
  11. abcgrad94

    abcgrad94 Active Member

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    Yes, but then the gubbernment will find a way to tax or regulate it when the neighbors complain about the parking. . .

    As for the OP, only Christ's opinion of us really matters. As long as I'm doing what he wants, I couldn't care less what the world comes up with to criticize or condemn.
     
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