“Lying Flat” for Those Who Follow Jesus
Though there is value in living a simple life of “lying flat”—not being bound by worldly desires—only through knowing God will you gain true freedom and true rest. Only then will your soul truly “lie flat.”
Ideas
Editorial reflection and analysis on issues shaping Chinese Christianity.
Latest
The Chinese Diaspora in New Zealand and the Gospel
There is a renewed sense that God is calling the Chinese church in New Zealand to be part of the global advancement of the gospel. They may be geographically isolated, but they have a key role to play in what God is doing worldwide.
Nothing New under the Sun
There have been seasons in China’s history when the sky seemed the limit. The possibilities for believers seemed endless…. Yet, there have also been seasons when China was closed, seasons when nothing seemed possible. And usually these followed a very open season, such as was not too long ago.
More on Thriving in Lockdown
A Chinese Christian playwright suggests ways that music and literature can benefit those coping with extended lockdowns in China.
Spiritual Awakenings and Reawakenings
During the 1980s, more and more people in China turned to religion. The turn toward religion included young and old, rural and urban, people who were nearly illiterate and university professors. While many came to Christianity, others returned to Confucianism, Islam, and Buddhism.
The Changing Religious Landscape in Modernizing China
In 1979, churches, temples and mosques began to be restored and reopened for religious activities. That was the beginning of the economic reform era, and it was also the beginning of the Chinese Great Awakening.
How Can God Reach These People?
I went on a vision trip with other members of SACON to Eswatini and Zimbabwe. Chinese people were everywhere. God put them on my heart! Now I’m reaching out to them using fitness and sports outreach.
Rediscovering the Plot
Each... aspect of the Christian witness speaks to one facet of the totality of Christ’s kingdom reign. Each provides a complimentary narrative in the overall plot, which is the story of Christ at work in and through his witnesses on earth.
Responding to Tragedy
The world is full of tragedy, some arising from human causes, others from natural causes. Both result in suffering. Following the air disaster in China last month, a Chinese believer reflects on how Christians should respond to the tragedies that impact them and others.
Churches Seeking to Stay Online
New regulations governing online religious content came into effect on March 1 of this year. If strictly enforced, the regulations could severely restrict the use of online tools for ministry and outreach by Christians in China. Here's a brief update on how churches are responding.
Towards Authentic Contextualization
That this non-Western contextualizing will leave many of our Western theologies and “brands” diminished or transformed could encourage us to repent for the scandal of our divisions…and to redouble our efforts to fulfill one of the final earthly prayers of Jesus that “we all be one.”
Recovering Missions for Our Churches
Church leaders first need to learn to see missions as organic to their fellowship’s identity in this world…. Cross-cultural workers need to recognize and embrace their role as messengers to their home churches…committing more time and energy to communicating well with their supporters back home.