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.
August is a great time of transition for many overseas Christian workers. During this time, many people are either transitioning onto or off of the field, particularly if they work in campus related ministries. Pray this week for all of those who are go to or coming from ministry fields in China.
Read MoreThough the American church is often characterized by a thirst for knowledge and for being correct with theology, we often talk about God the Father and God the Son, but forget to talk about the Holy Spirit. Chinese pray to the Holy Spirit and actively rely on him for their spiritual and daily nourishment. My boss is so quick to pray in almost any moment or conversation. I love how Chinese value prayer, and I want to be a more prayerful person because of their example.
Read MoreIn the light of these developments, the Chinese church from many different sectors is starting to robustly theologize. Pray this week for God to give his children in China immense wisdom as they search the scriptures and begin to systemize their theology, interpretation of scripture, and presence in the world.
Read MoreAs the situation of the church in China continues to fluctuate, prayer for brothers and sisters in sensitive and fraught situations remains important. This week’s prayer guide comes from a Chinese sister who requests prayer for a church undergoing tension with officials. As always, remember that there are many ways to praise God for his work China, even while praying against attack and suffering.
Read MoreWhat has made the difference? Ultimately, of course, it has been the Lord who has worked in his heart. But God used his experience in China to shift his focus and cause him to realize how important his role is as a pastor and how precious his congregation is to God and to him. Seeing the hunger people in China have for the gospel awakens us to the working of the Holy Spirit. The freshness of the people’s faith and the newness of the gospel here are powerful reminders of the gospel in our own contexts.
Read MoreEver since my first trip to China in 1986 I have been involved in personal evangelism with Chinese, sharing my faith with individuals or small groups and challenging them to consider the truths of the gospel. After many years, I could almost predict from an array of possible responses how my Chinese friends would respond, especially if it was the first time they were considering the concept of God in their lives.
Read MoreThat first trip started a series of changes in my life for which I am truly grateful. One of my biggest struggles in life has been the need to seek out people’s approval. I like people to like me and though this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it can be quite crippling if you’re not receiving constant approval. In God’s great wisdom, though, living cross-culturally and working in evangelism have a remarkable way of teaching a person not to worry about what people think of you.
Read MoreMany of the traditional ways of doing evangelism are no longer effective or safe. The best way is to live out your life and really care for other’s needs. Be a real person instead of sharing what they don’t care about or aren’t particularly interested in. When you live out a different life, and particularly when you live out a different life in a group, then that is a great testimony. Maybe people will be interested in knowing why, and that is a better preparation for God’s word to be working in their lives.
Read MoreThe hope of Christianity for China, and for America, is that someday the Prince of Peace will come back and take us there.
Read MoreChristian literature has long been a significant part of discipleship and spiritual growth among Christians in the West; now, the same is becoming true with the increase of Christian publishing in China. The Chinese church is not only actively engaging Christian literature from other cultural centers, but it is quickly developing its own resources.
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