“Engaged” in society as far as preaching the gospel, in season and out, baptizing and discipling. Problem is, the church has confused “engaged” with “engrossed” and has attempted to mirror the very same society people need to be saved from! The doctrines of Regeneration, Sactification, and Piety have been replaced, to the church’s detriment.
We have program after program after program in the states, and aren’t seeing close the conversion statistics as 3rd-world/impoverished/communist nations are. Why is that? When they have to meet in caves and fields in China under fear of death, do you think they’re worried about whether or not the ‘Movie Nite Spectacular Spectacular’ is going to draw 200 kids or else the pastor has promised to kiss a pig?
Did the 1st-century church have a special gathering time on Saturday nights, complete with nature-painted backdrops and grilled ox in order to appeal to the Pagans?
Recall the day of Pentecost - the audience was in short called sinful murderers, the truth was spoken, and thousands were saved.
No bowling team or Kidz Karnival required.
“We have program after program after program in the states, and aren’t seeing close the conversion statistics as 3rd-world/impoverished/communist nations are.”
Because many of those in 3rd world countries are nativist or from another religious group. When the hear the word of God they convert. It is very different than their native religions and the love and blessings that God showers on those who believe in His Son are very foreign to their existence. I am a financial partner for two evangelistic organizations that are very active in 3rd world countries and the Word is rapidly spreading. I also run my own that drills wells in Africa.
“Did the 1st-century church have a special gathering time on Saturday nights, complete with nature-painted backdrops and grilled ox in order to appeal to the Pagans?”
The early church had the practice of weekly eating together and if it was anything like our pot lucks, visitors were invited and welcome (I’m Southern Baptist and go to the same church as SnakeDoc. Southern Baptists eat together a lot.)
Every year we have a large (4-5000 people) barbecue at church and a lot of visitors come. Just one more out reach program.