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.
Our tithe is an exercise of our duty and privilege as citizens of God’s Kingdom, much like voting in an election in America. Whether the government approves of our giving or not, whether we get a tax deduction or not, it is an honor that our King above has made us citizens of his kingdom, and he deigns to use our two copper coins to advance his kingdom on earth.
Read MoreIn a time of widespread dissatisfaction, Christians have solid hope. All believers, in both good times and disastrous ones, share in this hope. When the lives and words of believers show that God exists and speaks to the real pain and anger that many are experiencing, people pay attention.
Read MoreChristians everywhere need the Christians in China and vice versa. We need one another, not only to show us our blind spots, but to show us God.
Read MoreChinese brothers [have] helped me understand that suffering is on-the-job description of anyone who follows behind a crucified Savior. As I press on, my fraternity of Chinese pastors encourages me to believe that suffering is never the end of our journey with Jesus: the joy of the resurrection is always waiting for us on the other side.
Read MoreThe prayers of the saints are very important, and are a great assistance to suffering churches. Do not think you are not doing anything by saying, 'I will pray for them.' You are a great help.
Read MoreI will be forever grateful for my time in China and how the Lord used this time to shape me as both a disciple of Christ and pastor for his people. I have learned what it means to keep serving God in trust that he is doing his work, to worship him wholeheartedly, and to keep putting my own trust in the gospel for my identity and for the power for ministry.
Read MoreWhen they are attacked, some churches are actually very weak. Some believers are under the mistaken impression that persecuted churches are very strong, and do not need to be visited and cared for by others. This is not true! In the midst of suffering, these churches have weak moments. When other brothers and sisters visit them, it brings these persecuted believers comfort and encouragement.
Read MoreWhen I pray for learning, I pray for my friend and the many thousands of families like hers seeking to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. May God protect these families, guide them, and give them wisdom as they make difficult decisions and painfully count the cost.
Read MoreWe live in a world where good and evil coexist, but one day that tension will be resolved by a God of justice. Until then, we can lament, embrace our limitations, repent, and ask for help (even pastors’ wives!). In community, we can come to God’s table to feast together and await his glorious return.
Read MoreAlthough they know Christ is with them now, they still live under a grim reality. They are still marginalized, still face police harassment, some of them may still go to jail....What sustains them in China is not just knowing Christ suffers with them, but knowing they suffer in Christ.
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