Christianity is in somewhat of a crisis but God is moving in this new season of tyrannical behaviors and the ongoing pandemic. For those unfamiliar with the term SWOT analysis, it is used primarily in the business industry.
However, it may be used to assess not only business ventures, but can also be easily used to measure almost anything that is influenced by external and internal factors. With a SWOT analysis, you measure strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Strengths
One of the strengths of Christianity it the fact that it has been around for around 2,000 years. Though one cannot prove either Christianity, neither can one prove evolution. An individual thus must place their faith in one or the other.
One of the greater strengths of Christianity is the fact that the Bible is inerrant. There are no contradictions, only misconceptions and a lack of understanding.
Yet another strength is that of prophecies. Let's consider just eight prophecies of the messiah (Jesus Christ). Let’s run the math on one man fulfilling just these eight. We have 1 in 2.8 X 100,000 X 1,000 X 100 X 1,000 X 1,000 X 100,000 X 1,000 X 10,000.
This gives us 1 in 2.8 X 10 to the twenty-eighth power. Let's simplify it by calling it 1 X 10 to the twenty-eighth power. Written out we have 1 in 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.
Aside from prophecies, we have an abundance of archeological evidence that confirms many stories as written in God's word.
But our best strength is the Lion of Judah Himself, Jesus Christ.
Weaknesses
The primary weakness in Christianity today is a watered down gospel. Preachers and teachers diminish the power of the cross and diminish what God has done for us in his mercy and great love for us. Many are consumed with entertainment and the pursuit of self.
Instead, many preach a soft gospel that allows anyone to go to heaven. This is antithetical to what the Bible teaches us. For example, we read:
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV).
Yet another weakness is that a multitude of non-believers call Christians hypocrites when they see us sinning or committing mistakes.
What they fail to realize is that we are actually no different than they are, and moreover, we do not claim to be perfect. In fact, even though we are Christians, we are still imperfect and still sin. Our goal is to sin less rather than be sinless (which is an impossibility in this earthly realm). Indeed, we who believe remain flawed, still sin and make mistakes, and we all have our specific weaknesses.
Opportunities
Opportunities abound. For one, there are more Christians today than in the history of humanity. We also have access to the Bible and are literate, unlike many people 2,000 years ago. Furthermore, we have the capacity to search online, study online and even take free Bible classes and seminary classes.
Unlike 2,000 years ago, when men walked or rode donkeys wherever they went (and sometimes by boats), we have cars, trains, buses and airplanes that we may avail of to reach the world for Christ as missionaries.
We thus have a unique opportunity to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15, NIV).
Threats
There are numerous threats against Christianity and they grow each day. One of these stems from the increasing hostility and their intolerance of Christianity. Twitter banned 22,000 Christians just this past week.
Additionally, we are under demonic assault 24/7, because Satan knows his time is short. We read:
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12, NIV).
But people, even so-called Christians fear man and do not fear God. Many Christians neither read, study or apply the word of God. Many Christians also do not attend church on a regular basis. But the good news is that there are many fine churches that broadcast services live thus there is no excuse to miss solid preaching and teaching.
Conclusion
I could (and should) write a masters thesis on the topic and perhaps when I finish seminary I will. Until then, let's be encouraged, because we know from God's word that God's plan wins out in the end and all non-believers along with Satan and his minions are cast into the lake of fire.
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SWOT analysis is not just for the thesis but it's also for being Christian. The strength and the weakness that tried to pull me out, the opportunity that was opening for me and the threats that might occur.