Which of the challenges described in this lesson surprise you the most? Why? Are any of these challenges similar to those you face in your faith community? If so, which ones and in what ways?

[Michael Sayre]

Meditation on Matthew 16:13-20. Writing out what I think the text says challenges me because of the location and time of this event. Jesus already knows who will speak and what they will speak. I think this is something Churches should adapt in order to determine how people believe and what they actually believe. Too many Christians use generalities when they describe their faith. Jesus in this passage is being demanding in His questioning. Pastors who take stock in their Church body should not remain passive with the congregation, but be more direct in their questioning.

Who do people say I am? Jesus is focusing on the disciples. “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” This is a personal and direct question that points to the heart of the matter.

[Knuehlvirn Hautea]

“None of this surprises me, as I’ve often heard stories from missionaries and preachers about the challenges the church is facing. One of the most apparent challenges I observe today is the complaisance of Christians due to favorable conditions.”

[Basil Johnson]

The challenge is getting out of our comfort zone, we are so comfortable living in an individualist society in the west, my lifestyle matters upper most. This is effecting worshiping together studying God’s word together and praying together and pastorally caring for one another.

[David Schorno]

None of these challenges surprise me since I’ve been a Christian for quite some time. Things have not changed in 2000 years of Christianity we still have the same devil and we still have the same salvation and we still have the same grace and the same atonement. Circumstances still stay the same no matter how much time goes by.

[Stacy Colwell]

I live in Thailand where Christians are accepted, but the gospel is not, so it has many qualities of the favorable societies. I have heard it explained that Thais take pride in “taming the tiger with a silk scarf.” By welcoming the people without accepting the ideas, they have resisted Christianity just as they resisted colonialism and communism. Without the resistance, these “invading forces” dissipate into the culture without turning the heads of those who would otherwise hear the message. After many years of missionary efforts approximately only 1% of the population is Christian.

As an American, I also see these problems in America right now. The ease of being a Christian has made the people complacent and has diluted true Christianity. The culture has enough “Christian” influence that the message has lost its potency. Christians no longer stand out against the background of Christian-like culture, so people cannot see Christ. It reminds me of the Roman Empire in the early 4th century. Under Constantine when everyone was “Christian” we no longer were able to see the difference truly following Christ made.