Here are some very profound questions from some Chinese pastors to those of us in Western countries. May the Holy Spirit stir our hearts with their words. I'm being convicted yet again while I reading this, again...What would the church be like without persecution? The church wouldn't grow and there wouldn't be revival. The chinese chuch has grown and survived because of persecution. We don't like persecution, but every time it comes we grow and we fall in love with God more. No persecution means we will have lukewarm Christians with weak spiritual lives. In fact, without persecution, the number of churches in China would rise but their devotion would fall. (Ouch! editorial comment)Another pastor said: "Persecution has caused us to spend time with Him. (Without persecution), the chinese church will lose its drive to evangelize. They will want to give money rather than go to reach the lost. They will want to stay home and pe prosperous. Without persecution we would have famous speakers without real power or depth going church to church."What would you say to the church in the west? They need to realize religion is different from real lived-out faith. True faith is to lay down your life. Real Christians here don't chase titles or degrees. They seek the laying down of their lives and pleasures. They seek to the love the people of God; our Chinese pastors are giving their lives away.Another pastor answered this way...I would tell them that the value of life is to live for Jesus. All the false pursuits of life will pass away. Only if your life is hidden with Christ will you find peace. Seek the righteousness of God to bring your life meaning.Lord thank you for our precious brothers and sisters who are suffering around the globe for your Holy name. Change our focus from our methods, programs, and religious activities to focusing on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen!
