The World 2
January 2nd

Put on the Full Armor of God.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand(Ephesians 6:13 NIV).

》 Profile

Global Christian Population | % of Christians Worldwide: 32.3%, Catholics 1.26885 billion, Protestants 615.67 million, Independent Christians 414.52 million, Orthodox Christians 290.59 million, Unaffiliated Christians 121.4 million
Evangelicals | 406.88 million, Pentecostals/Charismatics 679.08 million, Denominations 47,300, Churches (Places of Worship): 4.2 million

Christian Population by Continent | Northern Hemisphere 838.293 million, Europe (including Russia, 4 regions): 566.423 million, North America (1 region): 271.87 million, Southern Hemisphere: 1.766089 billion, Africa (5 regions): 718.096 million, Asia (5 regions): 406.55 million, Latin America (3 regions): 611.37 million, Oceania (4 regions): 30.068 million

》 About The World

According to Open Doors’ persecution index, approximately 360 million Christians are suffering persecution for their faith. This statistic means that 1 out of 7 Christians worldwide are experiencing persecution. The persecution index continues to rise each year, showing a steady and accelerating increase in recent years. Evangelicals are subject to even more persecution due to their proselytism and commitment to the uniqueness of Christ. The presence of persecution and hardship in the life of the Church appears to be normal in Scripture; contexts where persecution does not exist at all should be as much cause for concern as places where it is most intense.

Reflecting on the state of the modern church, it is undeniable that the worldly influence on the church poses a greater threat than the rapid growth of Islam or other ideologies. Churches that follow worldly philosophies and trends rather than Scripture, where ignorance of God’s knowledge leads to widespread sin among God’s people, are becoming increasingly widespread. Sermons that handle sin superficially without addressing people’s sins directly, and the prevalence of modern church idols such as comfort, ease, security, money, and approval, are widespread issues. Western culture’s growing rejection of Christian values is fostering hostility towards Christianity, while worldliness, which has quietly infiltrated the modern church, poses a significant threat to the church.

In the 1990s, a trend emerged in the international community to apply “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to equality rights, leading some countries to enact comprehensive anti-discrimination laws. Starting in the 2000s, Europe and North America have seen the legalization of homosexuality and same-sex marriage, as well as the implementation of open sexual education. A global “sexual revolution” is sweeping across continents, aiming to legalize and guarantee all forms of sexual relationships. As a result, in Western countries where anti-discrimination laws are considered more important than religious freedom, this is leading to situations where it is not permissible to speak about sin and truth as described in the Bible, and where the preaching of the Gospel is met with reverse discrimination.

》Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. In Islamic countries and regions, Christians are exposed to violence from Islamic extremists and are suffering significant persecution. In communist nations, Christians also face severe difficulties and serious oppression. The radicalism of Hinduism in countries like India and Nepal is increasing acts of terrorism and pressure against Christians. Buddhists in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan also persecute and oppress Christians. The Church, which suffers with Christ, is a victorious Church, overcoming the world through the glory and power of the Gospel.
Let us pray for grace to recognize that God’s Kingdom advances even through persecution.
Let us pray that the Church, strengthened by the power of the Word, remains steadfast, putting on the full armor of God in the spiritual battle against spiritual forces of evil, and remain standing victorious until the end.

2. Believers must turn away from worldly trends and knowledge, and return to the absolute sovereignty and Word of God while rejecting all forms of idolatry. The Church should cultivate authentic fellowship and Christ-like service among believers.
Let us pray that the church may stand firm on the foundation of the Gospel of the Cross, becoming a living church of Jesus’ life—one that has died and risen with Christ, prepared to stand before the Lord with the eternal hope that never fades.
Let us pray that the thoughts and values of believers may be firmly rooted in Scripture, becoming real through prayer and obedience.

3. In many Christian nations, particularly those now considered advanced countries, homosexuality is being legalized under the banners of equality, human rights, freedom, and love. These nations oppose God’s law, making it difficult to speak of the sins outlined in the Bible or to freely evangelize.
Let us pray that the Church may stand firm against all the schemes of Satan, who uses the global sexual revolution to entice people into lust and sin.
Let us pray that the Church remains unwavering in its faith, upholding and proclaiming the truth without compromising with the world.

》 Urgent prayer requests around the world need your prayer!