Subject: Christian Primer Terms? |
Bible Note: Dear Joe! Greetings in Jesus' name! One of the main reasons I do not just find a 'good teaching' or catechism and translate it is that it is hard to find one that is 'valid' in my here and now. The church in Japan has been trying to reach this land for 400 years, and has not been very successful. Especially after WWII, a great influx of missionaries and mission money saw some church growth, but there has been a steady downward curve since. Though many ministries have been claiming 'revival, restoration and-or renewal' these past 20 years (my personal Christian experience), the evidence shows a clear lack of efficacy in sharing the Gospel. Churches are failing and membership is waning. The 'tried and true' methods are NOT working here. Churches import every new wave of programs, courses, messages, and 'special guests.' So you see, my friend, they do NOT serve my purposes. Reinvent the wheel? Hardly! I thought we were to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. This is one thing that you cannot build on another's foundation. Each individual's salvation is fresh and new in Christ's eyes. Each nation has it's own 'situation.' If the wineskin is obviously cracked and leaking, it must be replaced. Trust me, Joe, I have already spent 15 years having a 'looksie' at just about every major work of catechism. In fact, I agree with most of them, as they are basic Christianity. But I seek some thing that portrays the 'success' that my fellowship has enjoyed here. My own church has grown steadily (not explosively) for 15 years, and our own kids are in church. Because of the social and educational system here, most churches lose their youth before junior high school. Please, my fellows of the forum, it hasn't 'panned out,' so I DO need your help. In Christ Jesus, charis |