What is the most significant issue facing the Church today?

by **brandon** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 4:00 am

Hi folks,

It's been awfully quiet in this section of the board, and so I thought I'd put together a little something to fire us up. There's no question that the Church worldwide and also here in the West is facing a lot of important issues in this generation. What do you think matters most? Why? What should we do about it?

FYI: if what you're thinking is most important isn't in the poll above, go ahead and post what it is and why you think it tops the list.

by **brandon** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 4:08 am

So since I started the topic, I thought I'd throw in my $.02. I believe that worldwide evangelism continues to be the single most important issue in our generation. God has explicitly tied Christ's return to the completion of the evangelistic task on earth. Although there are many issues facing our church today that we need to come to grips with, there is no issue, even that of apostasy and the rising beast kingdoms, that is more critical than members of every people-group being brought into the Kingdom.

by **Abiding in His Word** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 7:35 am

I chose apostasy as the most significant issue. By that, I mean a falling away from the central message of the gospel and that is Jesus Christ. I believe the Body of Christ is so fractured that short of major surgery, it cannot be repaired.

We have busied ourselves with so "many things" as Martha did; i.e. meetings, fellowships, choirs, pastors and "positions", witnessing, church building programs, traditions, financial issues, families, and yes, even Bible study groups, etc. that we have lost sight of the one thing that Jesus said was needed.

But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42

Only one thing is needed....sitting at the feet of the Master, Jesus Christ, and giving Him preeminence in our lives.

by **burien1** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 9:53 am

Only one thing is needed....sitting at the feet of the Master, Jesus Christ, and giving Him preeminence in our lives.

But, . . .I wouldn`t say it is the only thing needed, but that it is needed the most. There are too many Christians today, that would watch American idol or Dancing with Stars, but would not spend an hour with the Lord everyday. I find a great many Christians reading everything and anything, but God`s word.

The more we know the Lord, the more we want everyone to know him. We want to "shout it from the rooftops", so to speak. Who doesn`t want to share good news when you receive it ? So where is that joy, of wanting to share the good news of Christ ? Where is our first love ?

by **SueAnn** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 10:29 am

Can we add an "other" to that list? I've got something in my head but it doesn't really fit any of the options.

by **mark s** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 10:37 am

My vote doesn't fit the list either:

Personal holiness and submission to God.

by **Abiding in His Word** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 10:42 am

burien1 wrote:But, . . .I wouldn`t say it is the only thing needed,

It's what Jesus said was needed.....(as opposed to all our busy-ness)

But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42

by **mark s** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 10:45 am

Um . . . Jesus may have been saying that Martha didn't need to go to all that trouble in the kitchen, that they didn't need a complex meal, only a simple something to eat . . .

Luke 10:41-42
(41) But answering Jesus said to her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
(42) But there is need of only one; and Mary chose the good part (or portion - a play on words), which shall not be taken from her.

:backtotopic:

by **Abiding in His Word** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 10:56 am

mark s wrote:Um . . . Jesus may have been saying that Martha didn't need to go to all that trouble in the kitchen, that they really only needed a snack . . .

by **jgilberAZ** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:49 pm

I voted for this:

Lack of Strong Theological/Doctrinal Teaching

Because all the other issues would be resolved that way.

- Jeff

by **burien1** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:53 pm

I don`t know how I did it, but when I first read this thread, I completely missed the poll at the top. :dunno:

(would have posted 'Blonde moment' smiley, but as a real blonde, have to wonder why that isn`t considered politically incorrect. :dramaqueen:

)

by **Kathe** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 1:50 pm

None of the above.

by **kazbo** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:25 pm

Religion instead of relationship.

by **JayCee** on Sat Dec 05, 2009 3:56 am

Abiding in His Word wrote:
We have busied ourselves with so "many things" as Martha did; i.e. meetings, fellowships, choirs, pastors and "positions", witnessing, church building programs, traditions, financial issues, families, and yes, even Bible study groups, etc. that we have lost sight of the one thing that Jesus said was needed.

But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42

Only one thing is needed....sitting at the feet of the Master, Jesus Christ, and giving Him preeminence in our lives.

I agree... and if we do that, many, or all of the other things will be achieved in His way and order as an outcome of that.

But don't things get in the way SO much more than they used to?... :duel:

by **Lightseeker** on Sun Dec 06, 2009 1:41 am

Kathe wrote:None of the above.

I'm with you on that one, Kathe.

by **Resurrection Torchlight** on Tue Dec 08, 2009 6:18 am

I would vote for apathy if it was on the list.

I think that not much has changed since Jesus dictated the letters to the churches, all the things He admonished them for are the same things that are true of the church today.

Lack of Christian love
Immorality
Idolatry
False teachers
Lack of spiritual power (falling asleep)
Apathy/Apostasy

RT

by **Rich Kelley** on Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:53 am

Apostasy in the Western Church

I suspect it's not just the Western Church.

by **DutchLady** on Fri Jan 01, 2010 7:08 pm

Wether there are true believers when Jesus returns.

by **sands** on Tue Feb 16, 2010 4:46 pm

Big issue facing the Church today ? False teachings is one issue facing folks who are seeking the Lord...
The way to avoid the false teaching is to go straight to Jesus Christ! How do you do that ? Go straight to the Word of God.....Don't let men decieve you.

by **PraiseHim** on Tue Feb 16, 2010 7:21 pm

I agree all these things are in need of repair and also our culture needs repair as it does not support our efforts as the media, and many people and issues that are highlighted are against God and Gods lifestyle.

It must make our Father in Heaven very sad to see and hear the mess the "Christians" in America subject their selves and families to 24/7.

Just in the last 2 or so months have I heard mainstream preachers say something about abortion, sinful lifestyle, and homosexuallity. Where were they since the 60's?

The wool has been pulled over our church heads and the people didn't stand up either, really a mess and sad too.

Praying for things to be done on earth as they are in Heaven.

Thanks for the poll too, something to think about, and do something about, even if we are in the last days.