Subject: Christian Primer Terms? |
Bible Note: Dear Joe, Greetings in Jesus' name! Brother, after I sent my reply post to you I felt that I was rude to you, and I apologize. What you wrote had merit, and I know that you had the best of intentions in your answer. As I wrote to Lionstrong, the questions of many available catechismal teachings valid, but the answers might be different. This is not to say that human beings have different spiritual needs depending on their locale, but the social perception and environment do make a difference in how they hear the answer. My friend, you have hit the nail on the head (IMHO) concerning 'the lack of fruit may not be from a poor EXPLANATION of theology, but rather the way it is PROCLAIMED?' I agree with you! The 'tried and true' methods used by many churches are based on Western (usually American or English) evangelical models. They also depend heavily on 'fads,' so it is always changing! Some churches change their evangelical program 2 or 3 times a year, even when they don't 'match' one another theologically! Talk about confusion. The proclaimers are 'clanging a cymbal' and the 'trump is out of tune.' The hearers are more sensitive to this lack of continuity than the speakers, fortifying their skepticism. Another obvious part of evangelism that may be more important in Japan than in a Western nation is the role that your example or testimony plays. Many Christians have exactly the same problems and sins as the rest of the world. The men are never home, and totally 'bound' by their work. Their children are out of order, and follow the ways of the world from an early age, and the parents exercise not control or discipline in their lives. Is it no wonder that most churches are 90 percent (or more!) women? Even the men that DO come on Sunday have no other fellowship with other Christians. Those we want to hear the Good News look at our lives. My own experience (which has born steady fruit) has been to proclaim the Gospel on a more personal basis than the 'buckshot' methods of present-day revival preachers. We try to find opportunity to meet people on a face-to-face basis. You are correct that society and culture make it difficult. The working man is NEVER home. It is common for a salaried worker to be away from home 16 hours every day of the week! (Sunday may be off, but you must go golfing with the boss, or out with coworkers) Children, from the 4th grade are 'required' to be involved in school clubs, cram schools and special tutoring in order to 'get to the next step.' It is perfectly normal (even Christian families!) to totally lose all touch with your child from the age of 10. These situations are ubiquitous. Finally, Joe, you may be right that it is not yet God's will for this nation to submit to Him. Unfortunately, this does not get me off the hook! :-) I have believed, and will continue to believe that the Lord will shower His grace upon this land. When is not my affair. This is why I am not disappointed when (yet another) 'prophecy' of revival or renewal does not come about as 'promised.' I have never sought numbers or fame, thus I do not 'make haste.' (Isaiah 28:16 KJV) :-) Blessings to you, and thank you for your prayers. In Christ Jesus, charis |