Through their blows, the persecutors and the persecuted came to know one another. This is an important gain for both of us, as we continue to walk through persecution. This is what it means when we Chinese say: “Out of blows, knowledge grows!”
There will always be conflicts for people who grow up in a traditional Chinese education, because a Chinese education is an atheistic education. But I never doubted the existence of God. The existence of God was as natural to me as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. It was as natural to me as getting up in the morning.
I am a subversive patriot because, despite the progress we have made as a nation, America is not my best hope for "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." My ultimate allegiance is to a King who gave up his own life, liberty, and happiness to redeem us from the tyranny of sin.
Evangelism should include more teaching of the Bible and of truth. This should help those who accept the faith in college not to give up. They were only told part of the truth. They thought the Bible was only saying that Jesus is love. There is a lot of grace and acceptance – but they also need to obey God, deal with their sins, and repent.
Read MoreDiscipleship is a critical part of the expansion of God’s kingdom. Through his grace and love, the Lord has chosen to make us the means of growing his kingdom. Many times, we need courage to become his vessels and take this step so he can use us. When we do, God will give us the strength to do the work he has entrusted to us.
Read MoreEvery Christian is called to discipleship. Every Christian is called to encourage faith and love in other believers. God wants every single Christian to learn how to build deep, encouraging relationships with one another.
Read MoreIt is very important we visit believers who have just been released from jail. Most of these people live in fear, and don’t talk much when they get out. It is important for us to encourage them, listen to them, and help them to return to the church. Although a few are beaten, for most people the hurt is not physical, but emotional and spiritual.
Read MoreOur church is not as prepared as we thought. People still have many fears. As pastors of the flock, we must first acknowledge our weaknesses. I want them to fix their eyes on Jesus’s grace. Victory does not lie in wisdom or courage, but in the grace of Christ. We need to communicate the power of this grace to those who persecute us.
Read MoreI have been baffled by unconditional love, this idea of loving and accepting someone unconditionally. Even though I have been a believer for many years, I am still sometimes perplexed by this.
Read MoreA church under persecution is in great difficulty. Communication among members is limited. Believers face great pressure, and many spiritual challenges... Under persecution’s pressure, the weaknesses and struggles church members experience are very real.
Read MoreAfter I came back to China, they started to show strong opposition because I was now in China, not in America anymore. Yes, they were very much against my faith. I was already an adult, but they wouldn’t let me go to church.
Read MoreAs I got clear on the gospel, I became much clearer on my identity. I began to grasp that if I followed Jesus Christ as my Lord, then being a Christian was my primary identity. Being ethnically Chinese or nationally Scottish wasn’t how I should define myself.
Read MoreBecause of the one-child policy, she could only have one daughter. My mother’s coping method was to prove to my grandmother that even though she had only had a girl, this girl would be better than a boy. In that way, I could feel the pressure she put on me.
Read More
