The Lausanne Global Conversation is on the World Wide Open Network
Author: Nagina Victor
Date: 07.10.2010
Category: Religious Liberty, Truth and Pluralism, Social Justice
My main point was and is why church is so weak in third world countries? And now I can add are these 3rd world so poor and undeveloped because church is weak here?
When I was working with a Christian organization doing the work of evangelism, I used to think where these new born people coming from non-Christian backgrounds will go? As first church is afraid to welcome these new Christians. Second they are full with nominal Christians who are making this place not a copy of first century church what new Christians saw in bible and are looking for now in these churches. Some of them were hurt so badly that they were in a worst situation after going into these churches.
Truth is third world church lives in a constant fear for their lives and tries to conform to the pressures around to live in peace with people around. This shows a lack of trust on God.
I have seen that trust is the joining element in a relationship. Christianity also is not a religion but a relationship with our creator, king, father and husband. Until and unless we understand this and start trusting Him and I mean not the wrong image of God, which is breaking first and second commandment in ten commandments and the first half of the biggest commandment our Lord Jesus gave. We cannot love Him until we trust Him.
We keep asking world to give us freedom while we are free. We are people of His Kingdom but we want earthly kingdoms to give us our rights and so on. We as a whole will have to change our mentality and worldview.
Keywords: freedom, fear, kingdom, church, new birth, relationship, change, worldview, future, Leadership, Partnership, Body of Christ, Strategy, Truth.
Views: 4477
Comments: 10
Recommendations: 0
Conversation Post Comment
United States
At first I was a little bit unclear on what the author of this article was trying to convey. I think that people who come out of "hellish" situations in these 3rd world countries may be a little fearful and hesitant when they are thrust into a new environment. Let’s be honest about some church people, they can be down right mean and territorial when it comes to new people entering into their church. Some churches are not that comfortable with other people in their own communities coming into their fellowship. And how do you think some of them feel about a person coming from a 3rd world country invading their church? You be the judge!
22.11.2011
United States
Nagina,
your article is interesting. I want to comment about your statement when you said that we keep asking the world for freedom when we have been liberated by the one and true God. We don’t need to do that, we are God’s people and we have the greates blessing of being his representives on earth. In addition to that, the freedom that God gave us is totally different and far better than what the world can even imagine. therefore, we should celebrate the victory that Jesus gave us when he forgave us from our sins once and for all when He shed his precious blood in calvary. We are free to proclaim His mighty and marvelous wonders as we live a consecrated life in this world.
13.10.2011
United States
In reference to trust being the element of relationships, I also believe that it’s very important for all of us as Christians. For example, the more we know the person, the more we trust him/her. And, if we trust that particular person that means that we are going to be more receptive and obedient as well. The same thing with Jesus. If a person surrenders his life to Him and continues developing a stronger relationhship, it is perfectly clear that he/she is going to get to know Jesus better, the trust will definitely increase, and the person will also be more obedient for the fact that he/she has taken the time to know the Lord better. That’s the only way that we can develop stronger relationships with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
13.10.2011
United States
Nagina,
you are exactly right when you said that Christianity is not a religion, but, a relationship with the creator. I have heard people say many times, "so and so use to have his religion and now he/she changed to a dofferent one (meaning Christianity). Of course, we have to consider the fact that some people have no idea of what they are saying. In a way, they are just giving their opinion in regards to someone’s experience to the best of their knowledge. and, the truth of the matter is that indeed that Lord Jesus Christ has changed the lives of who have been in spritual blindness and have been able to see after they have been born again, !praise the Lord!
13.10.2011
United States
truth is indeed the word and deed that the church should live by. amazingly, the majority of the time the church prefers to be in a comfort zone and decides to take control of its way to do ministry in the community and the world. I also believe that there is always hope for the lost and the church as well. I am not saying that all the church is responsible for being perfect. But, instead, my conviction is that since Jesus suffered and gave his life for all of us, we then should reconcile with our Lord and continue being better and stronger witness in the world for the honor and glory of God.
13.10.2011
United States
it’s very interesting to hear how today’s church is being indiferent toward the ones who badly need to minister to. my question is, why has the church forgotten about the main purpose of being on earth? we all know that the reason for the church is to get involved in things that don’t even honor the Lord Jesus Christ. What we need to remember as Christians is that we trust in a loving and passionate God who is constantly showing us the way that we can really be His followers by showing His love to otherw with our deeds, and not only with words. I think that if and when we realize that and ask Jesus to forgive us for our hostiliy and indiference, He will surely forgive us immedialtely and will guide us with His Spirit as to how are wee suppose to be the salt of the earth and light of the world.
13.10.2011
United States
One of my concerns with the ones that are saved and come to the church to be minstered to, is that they heard and read about the powerfu witness of the early church and how the Lord was adding and saving those who trusted in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Therefore, they come to the local church expecting to see the same kind of spirit and testimony. and, the reality is that most of the time they are dissappointed with the fact that the church turns it back on them, instead of receiving the with open harms just like Jesus did during His earthly ministry. the church indeed, needs to realize that every new believer is part of the body of Christ (church) and that we should try to know each other better and be able to minister as we meet their many needs, especially the spiritual.
13.10.2011
United States
I think that the title is very interesting, church, free or fearful? I guess it depends where the church is located geographically. For example, if it’s in China, Russia or Lybia, is understandle for the church to be fearful to a certain degree for the fact that there a lot of serious persecution. But, if the church in in America, there is no religious persecution and there is certain level of freedom. I personally admire the churches that are facing deadly persecution for sharing the gospel in the midst of hostility and opposition. They are the ones that understand how the early church felt while the disciples proclaimed that Jesus was the only King and that there was no other way to be saved except through Him.
13.10.2011
United States
Nagina,
I often ask myself the same question, where will the new born people coming from a non-Christian backgrounds will go? It’s a shame to say that the today’s church does not welcome them in a loving and compassionate way just like the early church did in the New Testament. The church is involved in many other issues that surround it and it has closed its hears to the wounded and needed people. Not only that, but, the mojority of the churches have been closing the doors to the community by refusing to share the gospel with those who are lost.
13.10.2011
United States
My main point was and is why church is so weak in third world countries? And now I can add are these 3rd world so poor and undeveloped because church is weak here?
When I was working with a Christian organization doing the work of evangelism, I used to think where these new born people coming from non-Christian backgrounds will go? As first church is afraid to welcome these new Christians. Second they are full with nominal Christians who are making this place not a copy of first century church what new Christians saw in bible and are looking for now in these churches. Some of them were hurt so badly that they were in a worst situation after going into these churches.
Truth is third world church lives in a constant fear for their lives and tries to conform to the pressures around to live in peace with people around. This shows a lack of trust on God.
I have seen that trust is the joining element in a relationship. Christianity also is not a religion but a relationship with our creator, king, father and husband. Until and unless we understand this and start trusting Him and I mean not the wrong image of God, which is breaking first and second commandment in ten commandments and the first half of the biggest commandment our Lord Jesus gave. We cannot love Him until we trust Him.
We keep asking world to give us freedom while we are free. We are people of His Kingdom but we want earthly kingdoms to give us our rights and so on. We as a whole will have to change our mentality and worldview.
Certain things about this gives me pause...I don’t consider God..my husband. The relationship that I have is one of a Father and a Shepherd.
Also, it your perception that there is a lack of trust for the third world churches. We have really have no true idea the issues and dangers they have to contend with to worship and serve God. We can orchestrate missions to spread the gospel but when we leave they still have to live under certain circumstances with new revelation. I don’t think it is a point of being fearful...just a different way of life. Just because we have or are accustom to certain liberties...we can’t force or expect that of other cultures. Our job is the share the gospel and teach others to believe and confess...we must allow the Holy Spirit to convict them according to their way of life.
19.07.2011
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