"God loves our country"

These words are a reflection of God-exalting faithfulness, uttered by a Chinese house church leader. Last night I watched the Frontline/World report on the rise of Christianity in China. It was really great to see my brothers and sisters there, people whom I will never speak to, but feel such kinship with. They are truly living the life of faith, standing only on the fact that they have been bought by the blood of Christ. If you have any time at all in the next few days, watch the report, "Jesus in China," here (along with some other behind the scenes footage). This report was done in conjunction with two pieces in the Chicago Tribune. Read them here and here.

I was amazed at two things: (1) They have a simple, passionate commitment to see Christ magnified. All they spoke about was Jesus and making him known. Our faith in America, it seems, is allowed to flourish to such an extent that we fail to live by and proclaim the simple gospel. What do I mean? I'll explain below. (2) The Chinese Christians are extremely bold, despite the risk of jail, forced labor, torture and even death (watch the video here of a Chinese house church being ripped to the ground because it was "unregistered"). It is true that China has adopted a more liberal policy toward mainline faiths like Christianity. But even with new found liberty, Chinese Christians have no guarantee that they will be able to worship and evangelize freely. And yet they don't care much about that. Rather than waiting on the perfect opportunity, they are making opportunity for themselves right now, proclaiming Christ despite the risk.

Americans know nothing of persecution like this. Persecution, it seems, makes for good training in the Chinese Christians. Though they lack certain freedoms we enjoy, the discipline they have gained through this persecution leads them to be more passionate and especially more faithful. Americans Christians, on the other hand, are fat and happy. And for the church that is not good. We have no reason to share. Because our lives are already so convenient, we have little reason to endure the discomfort experienced when sharing our faith. I wish I could speak from a soap box. But I am the fattest and happiest. And so I gain hope and encouragement from the Chinese Christians. Though our plights are different, our task is the same: Make Christ known.

The Chinese house church leader I mentioned at the top has decided to take his issues with the regulations on worship to the courts, believing that the Chinese constitution is on his side. The reporter questions this: "Can you depend on the courts for help?" His response: "I believe God loves our country. And he loves us. He will give us a fair answer." Hallelujah.