In recent weeks, over 100 members of Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, have been imprisoned. Among them is Pastor Wang Yi, one of China’s foremost Protestant pastors and Christian leaders. Foreseeing this possibility, Pastor Yi drafted a letter, “My Declaration of Faithful Disobedience,” leaving it in the keeping of his church to be … Continue reading The Fruit of Faithful Presence: Reflecting on Pastor Wang Yi
John Chau: Missions, Methodology, and Marytrdom
In the wake of the death of John Chau on the Indian island of North Sentinel, lots of questions have been raised about colonialism, conversionary missions, and a theology of sacrifice and martyrdom. Scott Dunford and I addressed these critical topics today in a special episode of The Missions Podcast. We humbly submit this interview … Continue reading John Chau: Missions, Methodology, and Marytrdom
Befriending the Cross
Are you an “enemy of the cross?” "No, I love Christianity," you may reply. But as the Apostle Paul defined it, an enemy of the cross isn't necessarily the same thing as an enemy of Christianity, at least as far as public appearances are concerned. Radical Islam and militant atheism would both be candidates. But in Philippians … Continue reading Befriending the Cross
Good News for Buddhists
3,000 years ago, there was an ancient king living in the lap of luxury, with immeasurable wealth and countless women. But his wisdom was far more legendary than his affluence. So the wise king searched for something more—true meaning that could ultimately satisfy the soul. No, his name was not Siddhartha Gautama, also known as … Continue reading Good News for Buddhists
Why We Struggle to Carry Our Crosses
Perhaps the hardest words ever spoken by our Lord on earth are in Luke 14:27: “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” I can recall late nights with my college roommate wrestling with this passage, searching desperately for a theological silver bullet that would kill any tension … Continue reading Why We Struggle to Carry Our Crosses
Further Clothed, Not Unclothed
When the believer suffers affliction, the Holy Spirit places within him a certain yearning. For relief, indeed. But properly understood and experienced, the sort of craving relief from affliction imparted by God is of wholly different nature from man's regular self-preservation instinct. For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, … Continue reading Further Clothed, Not Unclothed
