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Contrary to what some atheists are telling us, a historian who just published a book claims the following:
"Christianity today has two billion adherents, a figure that has increased fourfold since 1900. That's a third of the world's population. Only those who inhabit Europe's secular enclaves can pretend it's passing..."
Contrary to what some atheists are telling us, a historian who just published a book claims the following:
"Christianity today has two billion adherents, a figure that has increased fourfold since 1900. That's a third of the world's population. Only those who inhabit Europe's secular enclaves can pretend it's passing..."
Contrary to what some atheists are telling us, a historian who just published a book claims the following:
"Christianity today has two billion adherents, a figure that has increased fourfold since 1900. That's a third of the world's population. Only those who inhabit Europe's secular enclaves can pretend it's passing..."
I buy that 2 billion people call themselves Christians, but I would venture to guess that maybe only a quarter of them are true born-again Christians. Many people who go to church once a year or were raised in a certain denomination will call themself 'Christian' the rest of their life, even though they don't have a personal relationship w/Jesus.
The other problem, even if there are really 2 billion true born-again Christians, that means there are still 5 billion people who don't know Christ; meaning there is plenty of work for believers to still do!
None of the comments suprise me so far . We all have this image of exactly what a christian is and isn't , they can't be christians because they believe this , they can't because they do that, they drink so they can't,he smokes so he can't and so on.
None of the comments suprise me so far . We all have this image of exactly what a christian is and isn't , they can't be christians because they believe this , they can't because they do that, they drink so they can't,he smokes so he can't and so on.
who said that people who drink or smoke, etc. can't be Christians?? I simply said that there are a lot of people who claim to be Christians that don't appear to have any type of relationship w/Christ. Jesus said this Himself in Matthew 7:21-23 that essentially people will go through all the religious rituals and good deeds, but forget to seek to know their Creator.
Look, it's not my place to judge whether a person is right w/God, that is between them and God, and that would be fantastic if there were truly 2 billion Christians - let's face it, there's no real way to know this. Regardless though, there is a lot of work left to be done for believers.
None of the comments suprise me so far . We all have this image of exactly what a christian is and isn't , they can't be christians because they believe this , they can't because they do that, they drink so they can't,he smokes so he can't and so on.
I don't think so. who said that?
Last edited by Fundamentalist; 10-22-2009 at 02:31 PM..
[quote=Buckeye in SC;11300754]I buy that 2 billion people call themselves Christians, but I would venture to guess that maybe only a quarter of them are true born-again Christians. Many people who go to church once a year or were raised in a certain denomination will call themself 'Christian' the rest of their life, even though they don't have a personal relationship w/Jesus.
QUOTE]
I agree with Buckeye.
The number of true Christians is lower than 2 billion. This is because of the large numbers of people who, at some point in their lives, have joined a church and therefore claim to be "Christian" because "I belong to such-and-such church". High profile example: many politicians join a church, or go to church, to polish their public image on national TV. But, in their heart, they coundn't care less about serving God. Like "look at me...I belong to this church and attend here (occasionally, when cameras are rolling). I'm a Christian like you. Vote for me!"
A true Christian is one who has believed in their heart, and confessed with their mouth, the Lord Jesus as their Savior, and has their names written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Apart from that, regardless of any claim of church membership...they just aren't Christian. A church can't save you, only knowing Jesus is of any value....all the rest is vanity.
who said that people who drink or smoke, etc. can't be Christians?? I simply said that there are a lot of people who claim to be Christians that don't appear to have any type of relationship w/Christ. Jesus said this Himself in Matthew 7:21-23 that essentially people will go through all the religious rituals and good deeds, but forget to seek to know their Creator.
Look, it's not my place to judge whether a person is right w/God, that is between them and God, and that would be fantastic if there were truly 2 billion Christians - let's face it, there's no real way to know this. Regardless though, there is a lot of work left to be done for believers.
Buckeye i never said you personally , but nevertheless the terms true and real christians are mentioned often and loosely on this forum alone.
Especially by someone who has already replied to my post.
Buckeye i never said you personally , but nevertheless the terms true and real christians are mentioned often and loosely on this forum alone.
Especially by someone who has already replied to my post.
only applies to universalist and mystics. Were not the same, don't even have the same gospel as far as smoking and drinking. That is between the Christian and the Holy Spirit. I don't consider drinking and smoking a sin.
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