IMHO, as bad as it’s been for the church, an argument could be made it’s done some winnowing so that the ones left are more liable to be sure ‘nuff Spirit filled prayed up Bible believers who live church more than play it.
Not disagreeing with you, as I think there is some merit to your point. However, I would like to share a different perspective.
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What satan intends for evil, God can turn to His benefit. With people stuck at home - for right or wrong reasons, online evangelism has greatly expanded. Large ministries are embracing social media, youtube, and other streaming services like never before. You can find sermons and teaching on any verse in the Bible online - free!
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Local churches are finding ways to stream their services - just as an anecdote, my sister is a music minister of a very small denominational church just outside of Dallas. They started streaming early in Covid and have tripled their weekly numbers, when physical and digital numbers are combined. Now that attendance is permitted again, they have doubled their membership. Like many denominational churches, they were almost stagnant before, as evangelism and outreach failed, since most people in the community were already members of a church. With people moving to Texas, especially to the outskirts of Dallas, and the added fear and stress in the world, people are searching for God like never before. Folks want answers and direction, they want to experience the Peace, Power, and Love of God that is always missing from religion.
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My online traffic is up - I have a handful of Christian sites. And I have been so busy that I have neglected them as of late. In fact, I should be doing that right now instead of being here.
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It helps to see things from God’s perspective. From a human perspective, as Jesus was nailed to the cross it looked like all was lost, satan had apparently won a great victory. Jesus’ disciples ran away and hid in fear and despair.
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From God’s perspective, the Incorruptible Seed was planted, a culmination of 4,000 years of prophecies fulfilled, and satan’s kingdom was turned upside down. God would start collecting the greatest harvest in the history of the planet. From just one Seed, He would reap millions, maybe trillions of Believers before the End.
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1 Corinthians 2:8 NIV
8 None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
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No matter how bad it looks in this world, the Spiritual World is the True Reality.
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John 16:33 NIV
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
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God Bless You All!