Over the past few years, I have written a number of posts about the Bible in China. You can read those here, here, and here. The gist of those articles was that Bibles remain quite accessible despite tightening restrictions.
In addition to printed Bibles, there are now a number of online Bible applications that have become popular among Chinese Christians worldwide. One such app is called WeDevote Bible.
With the tagline “Knowing the truth will set you free,” WeDevote Bible is a “Bible reading and devotional platform created by the global Chinese community. It offers over 70 of the best Bible translations and audio Bibles, along with a wealth of carefully curated resources such as daily devotionals, Bible commentaries, translation studies, reading plans, hymns, and more. All content is officially licensed and available for free.”
In addition to the Bible and various Bible study tools, the app also includes a robust library of translated books, from biographies to Bible studies to theological works. There are four language options: Simplified Chinese, Hong Kong Chinese, Taiwan Chinese, and English.
It’s an amazing app that I am only beginning to use and explore. I’ve also been thinking about the relationship between the Word and prayer.
In 1985, Pastor John Piper preached a sermon on 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 during Prayer Week at his church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The passage is this: “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed on and triumph, as it did among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not all have faith.”
The point of the sermon is that “the Word triumphs through prayer.”
Piper writes:
This text gives tremendous significance to prayer in God’s victorious purposes. We could state the doctrine like this: Through prayer the Word of the Lord overcomes obstacles and reaches a glorious victory.
The Word of the Lord is pictured as an athlete running in a race to attain the prize of glory. An athlete is glorified when he wins and is recognized and acclaimed as superior to all the others in the race. So, the Word of the Lord is running in the world. It will one day win the race of words—the race of philosophies and theories and worldviews. It will be recognized and acclaimed as superior to all other words and philosophies—IF we pray! Pray for us that the Word of the Lord may speed on in triumph.
In the next month, as you read your Bible, whether on paper or on a device, and in whatever is your heart language, take time to pray.
- Thank God that he has given us his Word and that it is available in so many languages, including Chinese.
- Praise God for digital resources like WeDevote Bible and others, that are making the Bible more accessible in this digital age.
- Pray that the Word will be victorious in China and among the worldwide Chinese community.
