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.
Chinese believers are different ages, different ethnicities, different sexes, and hail from different socio-economic groups. Some are rural, uneducated grandmothers who remained faithful through years of trial; others are urbane intellectuals. Yet no matter their differences, who they are in Jesus is more important than anything else about them.
Read MoreI was not surprised to be arrested. Many of the Lord’s churches had already been targeted; many preachers had already been arrested. But surely everyone can see this criminal case is actually religious oppression. This is clearly religious persecution against Jesus’s church…If this is not persecution, what is it?
Read MoreBelievers and co-laborers: winter has come. Are we prepared? Are our churches ready? We must look at history and the practical experiences of those who went before us as the church prepares for this crisis.
Read MoreOnly the truth of God’s word can produce heart change and soul revolution. Threats of the sword cannot produce permanent, fundamental change. The early Christian church did not have courage because they possessed the sword’s power. They were courageous because they saw God’s promise to Israel fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesus.
Read MoreGod saved my marriage and shaped my life through a sudden misery…God knows that I have a hardened heart, and he knows by what means he can soften it and turn my heart back. He wants to heal my soul and bind up my marriage through this disease.
Read MorePaul was bound for the sake of Christ, not because of the trickery of the Jewish people or the religious policies of Rome. In the face of the sword’s power, Paul focused on the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, the one on whom Israel was counting. When the church faces the power of the sword, she must also focus only on the Savior.
Read MoreOnce you said to me, “Shanshan, no matter how much humiliation I suffer, as long as you tell me that you love me, I will dismiss this humiliation. If you don’t abandon me, this persecution cannot break me.”
My dear husband: even though you wear handcuffs and shackles, you are just as handsome to me as before. I am honored to be your wife.
Read MoreWhat is the secret to church victory? An important secret lies in whether you and I dare connect our church and personal life goals to the end of life, and the purpose God has designed for us. Do we trust the reality that Jesus, who is risen from the dead, reigns in heaven?
Read MoreOur own human weaknesses only provide opportunity for God’s glory to shine through. I am praying that Chinese believers will have the supernatural strength and grace to rejoice and give thanks in all of their weaknesses. God has Chinese believers in this season because he wants to use their difficulties to show his own greatness and goodness.
Read MoreThere are days when I don’t pray or long for you to hold fast to the promise found in Philippians 1 – that God will hold fast to you. This is where I often find my heart when I pray for my brothers and sisters in China. I want to hold fast to you. I want you to be preserved. I want you to be with your children as they grow up. I long for you to experience peace, comfort, and joy. Jesus longs for more.
Jesus longs for more.
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