Chip and Joanna Gaines make the Time 100. Three ways the church can change the world. This is Dr. Jim

Denison's The Daily Article podcast for Tuesday, April 23, 2019. Joanna and Chip Gaines made the Time

100 this year. Tim Tebow's article about them applauds the genuine passion they have for making a

difference in people's lives.

He adds,

They are also grounded in a strong faith, which keeps them focused on what truly matters in life.

Anytime followers of Jesus make the news because of their cultural relevance,

the kingdom advances in God is glorified.

As we noted yesterday, Christians across history have made an amazing difference in our world.

From women's rights to the scientific revolution, educational excellence, modern medicine,

and the abolition of slavery, believers have played a crucial role in human flourishing.

However, it seems that many today see the church as less relevant than Christians, far less,

in fact.

Last Sunday, most churches experienced their highest attendance of the year.

Next Sunday, many of these congregations will see half the numbers they witnessed on Easter.

Our culture has already moved past the holiday, considered by Christian tradition to be the highest and holiest day of the year.

Except for references to Sunday's tragedy in Sri Lanka and post-Easter sales and stores,

the day seems to be over.

Of course, the risen Christ is just as alive and just as relevant today as when he first

rose from the dead, but his church seems to be less so.

According to Gallup, church membership in America is down from 70% in 1999 to 50% today.

One factor is the rise of the nuns.

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