“USA, the glory of this temple will be greater than its former glory!”
“’The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty” (Haggai 2:9,NIV).“
》 Country Profile
Continent | America
Population | 339 million
Area | 9,833,517㎢ The third largest country in the world, located between Canada and Mexico in North America.
Capital City | Washington, D.C. (680,000)
People Groups | Total 521 groups White 61.6%, Black 12.4%, Latin American 7.2%, Asian 6%, Native American 1.1%
People Groups Unreached | 97 (4.5% of the population)
Official Language(s) | English, Spanish
Total Languages | 379
Bible Translations | Completed 175, New Testament 76, Partial 69
Religion | Christian 76.5% (Protestant 38%, Catholic 30%), Non-religious 16.6%, Ethnic religion 2.6%, Islam 1.9%, Buddhism 1%, Hinduism 0.9%, Evangelical 26.4%(89 million people)
》 About the USA
Christianity in America began in the early 17th century when Puritans migrated to the New World seeking religious freedom. In 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers settled in Plymouth, and a faith-based community soon formed around the Massachusetts Bay Colony. However, over time, religious fervor waned. In response, the First Great Awakening arose in the early 18th century, with powerful preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield sparking revival and fueling the growth of Methodist and Baptist churches. The Second Great Awakening in the early 19th century spread across the western frontier, profoundly shaping American society. This revival emphasized personal faith and repentance, while also driving major social reforms such as the abolition of slavery and the women’s rights movement. As industrialization and urbanization advanced in the late 19th century, the Social Gospel Movement emerged, focusing on addressing social injustices through Christian ethics.
In the early 20th century, theological tensions grew. Liberal theology promoted a flexible interpretation of Scripture, while fundamentalist theology sought to defend traditional doctrines. The Scopes Trial of 1925 symbolized the national debate between evolution and creationism. After World War II, the rise of evangelicalism, led by figures like Billy Graham, ushered in large-scale revival meetings and reestablished Christianity’s significant role in public life. Since the 1960s, the U.S. has seen increasing secularization, with formal prayer and Bible readings banned in public schools, reflecting a stronger emphasis on the separation of church and state. In contrast, the 1970s onward witnessed a political rise of conservative evangelical Christianity, gaining influence and support from leaders like President Ronald Reagan.
In the 21st century, the church faces growing challenges, including youth disengagement and declining faith among younger generations. Yet, despite these shifts, Christianity continues to shape American society through online evangelism, community service, and innovative outreach, adapting to meet the needs of a changing cultural landscape.
》 Scripture Focus
| Haggai 2:3-9(NIV) 3. ‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? 4. But now be strong, O Zerubbabel,’ declares the LORD. ‘Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the LORD, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the LORD Almighty. 5. ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’ 6. “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7. I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD Almighty. 8. ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty. 9. ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.” |
》 Prayer Points
1. About 78% of the U.S. population identifies as Christian, and nearly 100 million are evangelicals. However, the core of biblical Christianity is becoming increasingly blurred. Even within the church, materialism, moral compromise, selfishness, and pride are taking root, turning faith into something centered on the self. Let us pray that deeply rooted individualism, the indifference hidden behind politeness, and the spirit of self-reliance will be crucified with Christ, so that believers may be transformed into a new, holy life through the gospel of the cross. The American church is overflowing with megachurches, programs, and educational resources. Yet true revival, as shown in Scripture and history, is when God Himself comes to His people and restores their hearts toward Him. Let us pray that churches will lay down worldly values and human-centered efforts, and instead fully submit to the gospel of the cross, so that the glory of God may return in even greater measure than before.
2. America’s churches were built on past spiritual awakenings and revivals. But today, they once again need a fresh move of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray that God will raise up men and women of faith—like Haggai—among pastors and laypeople to bring cleansing and awakening to the American church. The life of the church, the body of Christ, is found in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit—God with us. Let us pray that the fear of the Lord will be restored in American churches and that every believer will be deeply moved by God’s Word. May the church rise in obedience to His voice and serve both America and the nations through the gospel and prayer.
3. The spiritual awakenings and revivals in the U.S. have historically fueled world missions. In fact, American churches and missionaries have led most of the global missions work throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Even today, the U.S. continues to send out the most missionaries and provides significant financial support—something we give thanks for. Key evangelical mission networks include Mission Exchange and Cross Global Link. Denominational agencies include the International Mission Board (IMB), Assemblies of God (AoG), the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE), Baptist International Missions (BIM), Christian Churches (CC/CC), and Baptist Mid-Missions (BMM). Interdenominational organizations such as Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Wycliffe Bible Translators (WBT), Campus Crusade for Christ International (CCCI), New Tribes Mission (NTM), SIM, and Pioneers are also actively involved in global missions. However, today we see a general decline in passion and commitment to missions across American churches. Let us pray that the church will wake up from indifference and respond once more to the Great Commission with renewed obedience and strength—pressing forward toward the completion of God’s mission.
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