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Title: Essential Survival Guide for the 21st Century: God's Solutions to Life's Problems by Norman Fisher, R. T. Kendall ISBN: 1-85078-410-8 Publisher: Authentic Media Pub. Date: May, 2002 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $10.99

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Average Customer Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Rating: 5
Summary: The best Christian book I have read this year !
Comment: There has been much talk in US church leader circles over the last ten years or so about large-scale revival in the US and other English speaking countries and then worldwide. Revival is often the dream of evangelically minded Christians, but what has made this of particular interest is that many prominent, respected and up to now cautious Christian leaders are also now sensing that such an event is near. The 'Transformations' video by George Otis added some support to this view - on a world scale. An important alternative view that is held by a number of other prominent respected and up to now cautious Christian leaders, takes almost the opposite interpretation of events. One that the western church in the US but possibly first in Europe and in particular in England, is facing imminent and severe persecution. Which ever view is true maybe both, there is likely to be a shortage of experienced Christians able to lead, nurture and disciple new believers.

The Essential Survival Guide (ESG) concept in this book is anointed and prophetic. It is designed for those who have recently become Christians, to prepare them to be mature functioning Christians quickly. This could equally take place within, or in the absence of a formal church structure. Certainly if revival, persecution or both come, then existing church structures will be stretched or challenged beyond their likely capability to manage the training and apprenticing of new Christians. Clearly while it is possible, working within the local church structure is to be preferred and strongly encouraged!

It would appear that ESG is aimed at a specific target audience - for example those who have passed through and completed successfully a conversion or immediate post-conversion course. ESG deals effectively with the difficult time between the post-conversion 'honeymoon period', of having to deal with the very real day to day issues of life and that of being fully integrated into a church as a functioning Christian. A time, which is for many a matter of survival, a stage when sadly help of the right kind is too often not available and many new Christians give up. Recent surveys show that between 65 and 80% of all clear converts had given up their new faith within two years! A frightening statistic, one that caused concern and real prayerful soul searching within the churches concerned!

ESG is suitable to be run not by church leaders or church organisations but by recent converts themselves, at a 'grass roots' level, possibly if or when no experienced leaders are available. Clearly a church could mastermind and run a series of ESG cell groups and this could work well. Equally, it could be run in a manner akin to an 'underground' church concept, where no formal church for whatever reason is available to help. We have run it successfully within our church.

ESG is aimed primarily at those who have until their conversion never been in a church and at the young in particular; those aged 18 - 30. It would be suitable for use on a college campus, in the military, in the workplace, in prison, in a home group, or by a local community group. The author clearly has deliberately drawn on his experience of secular life. That of working as a University Professor teaching the full range of students, to develop ESG as a programme that communicates in non-church language, but would appeal to the young of a 'non-church' background.

I recommend this great book - try it! I hope you find it as helpful as we have.

Rating: 5
Summary: Essential reading for new Christians
Comment: This book is aimed at new Christians - those from a non church background. Studies have shown that a majority of new Christians give up within 2 years. This book seeks to help new Christians relate their faith to the world around them and the problems they encounter every day.

A ten week course that has apparently been used with great success in the military, in schools and colleges, in church cell groups, in corrective institutions and at work. We have just finished it in my church and all gave it the top rating. We plan to use it again soon with a new group of people.

It is well written and easy to follow - it is also very thought provoking as it deals with many of the current big issues of world and faith. But be warned the author clearly believes the Bible to be the inspired word of God!

A good read!