Is the USA still a part of the "reached world?"

[Runningman]

In my experiences I have met people who don't seem to know who Jesus is. We can't take for granted that people are even getting a chance to hear about Jesus Christ given that our society is so secular.

Is the USA still the "reached world", as in that the gospel has already reached everyone? I don't know about that anymore. How will they hear the good news unless we come to them?

Romans 10:11-15
11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

I don't know about that anymore. How will they hear the good news unless we come to them?

This is an amazing question to think about. There is so much that could be said. Briefly, I find it interesting that Paul first had a most remarkable and Holy Experience with Christ on the Damascus Road. It wasn't until after this Experience that he later developed a firm understanding of the Plan of God . . . the Gospel of Christ.

One thing I have noted over the years is that no one has the same Experience with God. It is clear, thus far, that God interacts with each of us in a different way. We might be surprised by who we see in Heaven. Just sayin' . . .

 

[Runningman]

This is an amazing question to think about. There is so much that could be said. Briefly, I find it interesting that Paul first had a most remarkable and Holy Experience with Christ on the Damascus Road. It wasn't until after this Experience that he later developed a firm understanding of the Plan of God . . . the Gospel of Christ.

One thing I have noted over the years is that no one has the same Experience with God. It is clear, thus far, that God interacts with each of us in a different way. We might be surprised by who we see in Heaven. Just sayin' . . .

Yes that's true. I've also met people who are just looking for their own experiences with God and not really interested in hearing about other peoples' alleged experiences.

We don't really know who has had a chance to take a look at the gospel, though, even in the USA. I think the USA is a fine place for missionary work.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

Yes that's true. I've also met people who are just looking for their own experiences with God and not really interested in hearing about other peoples' alleged experiences.

We don't really know who has had a chance to take a look at the gospel, though, even in the USA. I think the USA is a fine place for missionary work.

Considering my 54 years of interactions with "Americans," I find this country to be unforgiving, without repentance . . . without Love. This is an incredible country for missionary work . . . it has become the buttocks of hell on earth in terms of taking personal liberties to sin however we like . . . and is considered "normal" and "healthy." But because America possesses no shame, I have decided to support missionary work outside of this country.

 

[Runningman]

Considering my 54 years of interactions with "Americans," I find this country to be unforgiving, without repentance . . . without Love. This is an incredible country for missionary work . . . it has become the buttocks of hell on earth in terms of taking personal liberties to sin however we like . . . and is considered "normal" and "healthy." But because America possesses no shame, I have decided to support missionary work outside of this country.

I understand, but I find that individual people are quite reachable no matter what their background is or whether they possess shame. I think the USA is on a fast track to becoming an anti-Christian and resegregated nation.

We can't slow this without the gospel of Christ. That's why I think that, despite the secularization of all things that influence public opinion, we need people willing to preach on college campuses, high schools, find ways to get in the mainstream media, internet, street corner, etc.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

I understand, but I find that individual people are quite reachable no matter what their background is or whether they possess shame. I think the USA is on a fast track to becoming an anti-Christian and resegregated nation.

We can't slow this without the gospel of Christ. That's why I think that, despite the secularization of all things that influence public opinion, we need people willing to preach on college campuses, high schools, find ways to get in the mainstream media, internet, street corner, etc.

I have placed my focus on America, including making an attempt at putting together the "2ndTimothyGroup," and no one is interested in supporting the cause of helping anyone that desperately needs it. No church that I attended and discussed this concept group . . . was interested at all. I was even told, "You don't have to do what has already been done" by a woman who claims to possess the "favor of the Lord." America has been nothing but a discouragement in this way. I have found that Americans simply like to make it seem that they Love and care for the poor, oppressed and the struggling . . . but for the most part, it is a sham. American's have been raised to be consumed with themselves. American's are incredibly weak, selfish, and insecure.

I wish that I could give a different report, but this [is] my report. There's nothing I can do to change it.

 

[OrphanedRepublican]

An interesting verse I read the other day may apply to a lot of the spiritual activity that is ongoing on the world scene today.

Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

That certainly strikes me as a different kind of "outreach." Or is it outreach? Is it what we do here in places like this forum? It's more conferring of believers and it doesn't seem to mention any real evangelizing outreach.

This verse may have nothing to do with the topic of this thread, but it came to mind when I looked at this thread.

 

[posthuman]

In my experiences I have met people who don't seem to know who Jesus is. We can't take for granted that people are even getting a chance to hear about Jesus Christ given that our society is so secular.

Is the USA still the "reached world", as in that the gospel has already reached everyone? I don't know about that anymore. How will they hear the good news unless we come to them?

Romans 10:11-15
11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

A few weeks ago I overheard a woman saying,

"... I mean I grew up in a Christian home, and I still believe it, you know, that if I'm basically a good person then I'll die and go to heaven, because, Jesus"

This woman grew up in a church but apparently never heard the gospel.

So if many church-goers don't know the gospel, and most Americans don't even go to church?

You've got a good point, Running-brother

 

[JaumeJ]

Considering my 54 years of interactions with "Americans," I find this country to be unforgiving, without repentance . . . without Love. This is an incredible country for missionary work . . . it has become the buttocks of hell on earth in terms of taking personal liberties to sin however we like . . . and is considered "normal" and "healthy." But because America possesses no shame, I have decided to support missionary work outside of this country.

Sadly I must agree with your assessment. It is extremely important, perhhaps even urgent, the people in the US learn that the US is not the driving force in God's will, no one country is.
The family made by God and given consiousness of Him with Salvation is world-wide, and has been scattered from the beginning.
Alomost al who claimfaith will most likely disagree with me, but our Father does not wave any nation's flag, and He never will for the all belong to Him....... May your way be made clear and blessed in our Savior, amen

 

[Runningman]

A few weeks ago I overheard a woman saying,

"... I mean I grew up in a Christian home, and I still believe it, you know, that if I'm basically a good person then I'll die and go to heaven, because, Jesus"

This woman grew up in a church but apparently never heard the gospel.

So if many church-goers don't know the gospel, and most Americans don't even go to church?

You've got a good point, Running-brother

Wow that's startling, but that's a good point actually. It's possible to go to church and still not hear the gospel. I went to a new church last year and they pulled me to the side and sorta just asked me if I'm a Christian. I told them yes, but at least they asked. I still never heard the gospel presented there, though, come to think about it.

If you know, what denomination of church did she go to?

 

[Runningman]

An interesting verse I read the other day may apply to a lot of the spiritual activity that is ongoing on the world scene today.

Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

That certainly strikes me as a different kind of "outreach." Or is it outreach? Is it what we do here in places like this forum? It's more conferring of believers and it doesn't seem to mention any real evangelizing outreach.

This verse may have nothing to do with the topic of this thread, but it came to mind when I looked at this thread.

That's a good verse. It made me think of this verse:

Romans 14:19
19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Edifying or building each other up with encouragement is good too. Yeah, sure, we may not see a lot of people claiming to not be Christian on this message board, but even Christians need to be reached. In my opinion, it's just as important to keep showing love to the brothers and sisters in order to foster good friendships and community.

Imagine a country where familys at home are united in their commitment to serving the Lord. Serving the Lord does not only apply to home, but also to our workplace, schools, the grocery store, etc.

What started off at home eventually spreads to the whole community, town, city, state, and beyond. That's basically how we got to where we are now, it just takes a long time. Well, this progress made over the generations is becoming undone.

 

[JaumeJ]

Many who believe the Gospel may not have ever rehearsed it to rote memory. They even may not know all the words of the Book, however it is not beyond the infinite power of our Father to instill the meaning in individuals without words.
Do remember always, we cannot judge by appearances but with right judgment.
I once learned a valuable lesson from someone with whom I had shared the Gospel. This person was illiterate, yet, the Holy Spirit moved upon him to come and give me a wonderful lesson about David, son of Jesse. It was wonderful, and I treasure it to this day.

 

[OrphanedRepublican]

Wow that's startling, but that's a good point actually. It's possible to go to church and still not hear the gospel. I went to a new church last year and they pulled me to the side and sorta just asked me if I'm a Christian. I told them yes, but at least they asked. I still never heard the gospel presented there, though, come to think about it.

If you know, what denomination of church did she go to?

I think you hit the proverbial nail on the head right here. I too have not heard the true gospel in the church I grew up in. What I learned was that if we believe in Jesus, that means we are saved. Well, I believe. I did not hear the whole:

Jamess 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

But, it goes back even farther than what we hear or don't hear in the churches today.

2 Kings 22:8 And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.
9 And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD.
10 And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.
11 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.
12 And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,
13 Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.

The above citation begs the question: What did they hear for centuries in their temple if they are only just hearing the words of the book of the law now?

 

[JaumeJ]

The Gospel is what Jesus-Yeshua teaches............believe and you are saved. Believing is doing, and the Father knows when the individual is doing. People may judge wrongly but our Father knows the hearts of all.

Act 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

This is posted to possibly add light to the light already within. If it is addded, it is from the Lord, God.

 

[Runningman]

I think you hit the proverbial nail on the head right here. I too have not heard the true gospel in the church I grew up in. What I learned was that if we believe in Jesus, that means we are saved. Well, I believe. I did not hear the whole:

Jamess 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

But, it goes back even farther than what we hear or don't hear in the churches today.

2 Kings 22:8 And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.
9 And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD.
10 And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.
11 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.
12 And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,
13 Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.

The above citation begs the question: What did they hear for centuries in their temple if they are only just hearing the words of the book of the law now?

That's certainly thought-provoking. That's actually a good question "What did they hear for centuries in their temple if they are only just hearing the words of the book of the law now?"

Whatever they were doing didn't involve reading the book of the Lord, apparently. Of course, once they read it and realized what it said then that changed their world.

Maybe it's similar to now. How can we know that anything we hear, or even the things we ourselves believe, is true without the book of the Lord confirming it? The king, like others holding authority, may be the ones acting as gatekeepers of info.

Some people have brought up that Americans are difficult to reach. That's possibly true, but that doesn't mean it's time to give up on them.

At minimum, maybe this means we need to atleast equip people with the tools figure it out? Maybe they just need to be given a copy of the book of the Lord?

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

Wow that's startling, but that's a good point actually. It's possible to go to church and still not hear the gospel. I went to a new church last year and they pulled me to the side and sorta just asked me if I'm a Christian. I told them yes, but at least they asked. I still never heard the gospel presented there, though, come to think about it.

If you know, what denomination of church did she go to?

What's starting is that the Sadducees, Pharisees, and Teachers of the Law are a reflection of the "Christian church" of today. Today's church does not teach the Core Doctrine and Purpose of the Bible, which is the Doctrine of Circumcised Hearts.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

The Gospel is what Jesus-Yeshua teaches............believe and you are saved. Believing is doing, and the Father knows when the individual is doing. People may judge wrongly but our Father knows the hearts of all.

Act 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

This is posted to possibly add light to the light already within. If it is addded, it is from the Lord, God.

The Gospel is most greatly expounded upon in Colossians 2:9-15. And incredibly, few seem to recognize this.

 

[MattforJesus]

In my experiences I have met people who don't seem to know who Jesus is. We can't take for granted that people are even getting a chance to hear about Jesus Christ given that our society is so secular.

Is the USA still the "reached world", as in that the gospel has already reached everyone? I don't know about that anymore. How will they hear the good news unless we come to them?

Romans 10:11-15
11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

This is the end time, and things will change to where the world rebels against God because of evolution and the new age movement that interprets the Bible and all religions according to the occult and evolution, and they are still evolving to be spiritual.

This is what will become popular concerning what they believe of the Bible which is the time they will not endure the truth of the Bible but want to hear it according to their own lusts, the new age movement.

When the New Age Christ, antichrist, works in the world he will push the agenda of the new age movement until the world rebels against God.

The Bible says that no power can rule unless God allows it, and He gives the kingdom or power to whoever He wants to give it.

If America prospers, and is considered a super power, and works in the world unlike any other nation then God is allowing it.

God must one day end sin on earth so he has to allow the world a certain amount of time to follow the antichrist and rebel against Him and then He will end sin on earth.

I believe God is allowing America to rule for a dual purpose to start the separation between those that love God, and those that do not love God and are worldly for America has both types of operations in their nations.

They allow the Gospel and the truth of Christianity to be preached among the people without hindrance, and allow America to evangelize the world like nobody's business.

But America is also the key to why the beast kingdom comes about and the New Age Christ for it is the new age movement interpretation of the Bible is what they follow now and that is the real reason they wanted prayer taken out of school and teaching evolution.

And now they are teaching the young children to meditate new age movement style.

America also allows people to pursue worldliness, and fleshy pleasures above any other nation, and she is bringing back the Babylonian system.

America has a dual purpose to separate the people that love God and the people who do not love God, and to be the key player in why the New Age Christ kingdom was formed.

But as far as any group of people not hearing the Gospel I do not know, but surely all the governments in the world know the Gospel.

When the Gospel has been preached in to all the world as a witness to all nations then comes the end.

 

[OrphanedRepublican]

That's certainly thought-provoking. That's actually a good question "What did they hear for centuries in their temple if they are only just hearing the words of the book of the law now?"

Whatever they were doing didn't involve reading the book of the Lord, apparently. Of course, once they read it and realized what it said then that changed their world.

Maybe it's similar to now. How can we know that anything we hear, or even the things we ourselves believe, is true without the book of the Lord confirming it? The king, like others holding authority, may be the ones acting as gatekeepers of info.

Some people have brought up that Americans are difficult to reach. That's possibly true, but that doesn't mean it's time to give up on them.

At minimum, maybe this means we need to atleast equip people with the tools figure it out? Maybe they just need to be given a copy of the book of the Lord?

And look what I came across reading in Matthew today that sounds similar to what we're discussing! Almost like I found it and needed to cite it.

Matthew 18:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (KJV)

That is positively frightening. I grew up in that environment and scenario and never knew it until I read passages like this in the Bible.

What is amazing is that God would teach me that.


Psalm 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

I agree with you and the one area that I think is super important are the Bible websites with their Bible resources. And there are some countries with controlled access internet (China/Iran) and where bibles are contraband. (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.) The best way to literally spread the word to the poor is to support Bible websites. I think the days of foreign missionary outreach may be replaced by internet access and long distance learning. I embrace it.

 

[Runningman]

The Gospel is most greatly expounded upon in Colossians 2:9-15. And incredibly, few seem to recognize this.

Circumcision of the heart is a big topic.

Deuteronomy 30:6
6And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

Jeremiah 4:4
4Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

Colossians 2:11
11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

Philippians 3:3
3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.