Subject: Christian Primer Terms? |
Bible Note: Charis: Of course, I don't know your situation intimately, but have you considered that the lack of fruit may not be from a poor EXPLANATION of theology, but rather the way it is PROCLAIMED? What are the "tried and true" methods that you mention in your post that have been ineffective in stemming the decline in church membership? One thing I can tell you from the experiences I have here is that true revival is not likely to result from the "new wave of programs, etc." One thing that you know will work is the proclamation of God's Word (Romans 1:16-17). The proclamation of the Gospel, whether there are any beels, whistles, dramas, or whatever, is the ONLY thing that will be the means of convicting the Japanese of their sinfulness before a holy God and direct them to Jesus Christ as the only mediator between them and that God. I guess that rather than go on, I would like a better perspective of your situation. What do the Christian churches do to get the Word out to the Japanese, "to hit them where they live," so to speak? As Augustine put it, "Our souls are restless until they find their rest in Thee." No matter how much they suppress the truth, their souls are indeed restless, because they were created for relationship with God. I guess what I am wanting to learn in order to expand my knowledge of the situation is what have been the failed efforts in your experience? How would such traditional methods such as street preaching without "gimmicks" work? Tracts which speak of God's holiness and our sinfulness and need of repentance? What is the attitude of those who are going to church as far as proclaiming the Gospel to those in their spheres of influence. Revival will come when and where the Holy Spirit brings it about. The possibility exists that you may be doing everything right and they are rejecting the Gospel. However, the preaching of God's Word is the primary means that God uses to draw the elect to Himself. You are right that every nation has it's own situation in the particulars. But as human beings, we at the core all have the same situation. The obstacles may manifest themselves in different ways, but at the heart is the depravity of man, which only the regeneration by the Holy Spirit can overcome. Knowing the particulars in Japan's culture, how can you most effectively strike at the heart of their secularism and unbelief? Take a cue from Paul in Acts 17. In the meantime, I would love to know some of the particulars myself, so please share some specifics of your struggles so that we can learn more about the struggles of the church in Japan and how to pray effectively for you. --Joe! |