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.
I am praying Chinese Christians will hold fast to the truth of God’s great love for them. As they boldly go forward to plant more churches and share Christ with unbelieving neighbors, may they rest securely in the arms of a Savior who will never leave them alone. May they hold fast to the good news that God loves them, and his kingdom is an eternal one, which no earthly power can ever shake.
Read MoreThe harmonious cohabitation of brothers has to do with the heart of God. His blessing brings true union…All goodness comes from above. Without the renewal of God’s grace, there is no good. That is why this psalms keeps talking of descent: we can only have life and blessing if we are reconnected to God.
Read MoreO you who have awakened, you will see God’s grace rain down. In the wilderness and in the valley, the earth will grow green. The sheep will graze in the pastures, and all things will shout and sing for joy.
Read MoreIn the face of both increasing pressure, and of the pandemic-induced economic collapse, some have neglected to gather together. For some, this is so they can make ends meet, while others face pressure. We continue to rely on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and we continue to hold on to weekly worship.
Read MoreThe law is like a fence God put around his vineyard, symbolizing his all-encompassing keeping and care. Jesus did not abandon the law….Jesus is the true vine, and we are the branches. How dare we branches try to leave the shelter of the fence, when the vine itself is still planted within its protection?
Read MoreGod built all things on this foundation of the uncertain and the dangerous – and he is a good and loving God who is in charge of the unknown and the dark... For you and me, living today in Shanghai, God knows all about unemployment, struggles at work, and financial constraints.
Read MoreBecause Christ has overcome the world, we can call out in prayer and praise just as the psalmist did: may all the nations and all the peoples come to praise God. We can believe that, although external circumstances may become worse, God will accomplish his will…all the ends of the earth will indeed fear him.
Read MoreHow can we pray for the church and her ministry in China? How do we even know what to pray, when it seems things are murkier than they have been in many decades?
Read MoreChrist has already borne ugliness, misery, and the burden of sin in this life. He is the sin-bearing Lamb; he tasted death; he bore our burdens; he rose victoriously. Because of this, when we come to face the hardships of our circumstances and the evil of our own hearts, we are to cry out to him.
Read MoreWhen I was interrogated, when I was stripped naked and humiliated, I was speechless, silently shrouded in fear. Then I deeply felt the humiliation and death Jesus suffered for my sins. While my heart was struck by his love, my flesh was weakened by fear. His word appeared in my heart: 'I will be with you; I will prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies.' Slowly, I regained my peace.
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