Purpose-Driven prison church forms amid hostility & dangers

BP NEWS ^ | Jan 2, 2004 | Tobin Perry

[Dubya]

Your welcome. I hope you have a nice day.

[Dubya]

I have never heard it. I will be watching for it.

[Dubya]

You are doing a great job.

[Dubya]

Do you think the world is getting more religious, or is it becoming less religious? Sometimes I wonder if people think God is out of date, and that's the reason why so many people don't have anything to do with Christianity. -- J.Y.
Dear J.Y.:
Yes, in some places society is becoming more secular, and faith in God would seem to be declining. But in vast sections of the world faith in God is growing, and countless millions are turning to Christ and making an impact on their societies.

When I look at the spiritual state of our world I often think of Jesus' parable about the wheat and the tares (or weeds). (You can find it in Matthew 13:24-30.) In it, Jesus told about a farmer who had planted a full crop of wheat. But one night his enemy came and planted another kind of seed: weeds. In time, it became obvious what had happened, but the farmer said, "Let both grow together until the harvest" (Matthew 13:30).

Jesus explained that this is the way the world is spiritually. Yes, the Gospel is growing in strength, as men and women in many parts of the world commit their lives to Jesus Christ. But the "devil's crop" also grows and evil continues to increase -- just as we see around us today. Only at the end of time, when Christ returns, will they be separated.

Yes, God is at work today -- and so is Satan. But only one will win -- and that One is Christ. Thank God for what He is doing today, and do all you can to support His work around the world by your prayers and gifts.

© 2002 Tribune Media Services from Billy Graham's January 3, 2004 "My Answer" syndicated newspaper column

[TEXOKIE]

Thanks for the ping. Wow.

[VOA]

"But in vast sections of the world faith in God is growing, and countless millions
are turning to Christ and making an impact on their societies. "

Note to posters/lurkers:
If "China-watchers" are right, by 2050, China might be about 1/3 Christian.
Although it sounds self-service in a worldly way...it's interesting to contemplate
that the next emerging super-power might be moderately friendly by the time
it reaches ascendancy.
See article linked below for more info...

http://www.nationalreview.com/interrogatory/aikman200312220001.asp