Super Sunday Evening Musings
February 3rd, 2008 by Northern FarmerI wrote this a few minutes ago for my Healing Waters blog. I decided to put it on here too. While a huge chunk of this country’s population calls this Super Sunday I have different things on my heart than filthy commercials and all the rest that goes with it. This has really been on my heart the last few days.
I’m pondering a bit this weekend. There’s so much happening on the faith front sometimes I just have to stop and wonder what’s going on. This past week in the little spare time that I’ve had I’ve been reading a book from the public library called the Heavenly Man. I must say that I’m being shaken bigtime. It’s the true story of modern day Christianity in China. Never have I ever read anything that is closer to Biblical Christianity than this. I’ve always wondered how come there is so little Christianity such as the Bible talks about. But the answer I’m getting is that real Christianity is alive through out the world. Now I know I might get into trouble for this but so what. I don’t care who the preacher is, who the Biblical teacher is, I just don’t care, the question I’ve always had is where is Christianity such as the Christianity in the Bible. Its darn hard to find it in any church, that’s any church. The western “form†of Christianity leaves so much to be desired in comparison to what a person’s spirit is longing for.
In “The Heavenly Man†its almost like the Book of Acts and more like the early church when the great persecution started up in the Roman Empire. What a person reads is as close to pure Christianity as can be found in this day and age. Its almost totally different than any form or denomination in western countries today. And the Holy Spirit moves with force almost unheard of in western countries. The hunger I’m feeling for this is overwhelming me.
Its embarrassing how we complain about this and that in today’s church. Think about it, almost every Christian blog, every Christian forum and anything else where “Christians†can interact on the internet in reality are just whining places. This isn’t right or that ain’t right. This is so hard or that’s so hard. Squabble about this and that tid bit of man’s wisdom. I’ve come to the conclusion that the modern western church is just flat out lazy. And I am too! What would it be like to memorize the Bible so one can go and preach the Bible without the benefit of a real Bible in hand. Because if you had a real Bible in hand you’d probably be shot. What would it be like where believing the Bible is absolute, I mean really absolute, not the western way of saying we believe that it is but then live totally different than our professed beliefs. Where we would die for it rather than recant it. Where being a Christian makes one an enemy of the state, punishable by death. Heck now folks get all bent out of shape if something isn’t quite their way at church. Get all self righteous and huffed up and move to a different church where they can be more popular.
Here the preaching is mostly what God can do for us, how we should be doing good in this present society, in fact how we should flourish in this society. How folks can see how we are prospering and want what we have, (God, so they can have the things we have too). But when a person comes face to face with pure Christianity that all changes fast. Refined Christianity, refined in the fire of persecution. Those folks have one thing in mind and that is to do what Christ wants them to do, unlike western Christianity that’s main driving force is what can God do for them.
The tortures that our brothers and sisters in Christ endure are unbelievable because they call Jesus Lord. This is actually difficult to write because how can one even touch close to the way they follow Jesus. It has almost no resemblance to what most folks in America consider Christianity. The Christians there in China and elsewhere are fanatics for Jesus, just like the church in the Book of Acts. The Word is pure and there’s absolute reverence for the Word of God. Here the Bible is taken for granted and not read much. There its memorized so the Word is in them. Here it would be considered religious.
A little while ago I just glanced at the TV and there was a thing about Asuza Street on it. And about how those folks a hundred years ago were persecuted in America for the walking in the Apostolic faith. Because at it was stated on the show, when one walks the Apostolic walk you will receive Apostolic persecution. In this country except for rare occasions that doesn’t mean death, but one can be ridiculed, shunned, laughed at and all the rest. But the thing that’s noticeable here is the lack of persecution. Does that mean that I am so much like the world that it gladly puts up with me? Why does this society put up with me so well? Am I like them lock, stock and barrel? Do I do what they do, do I act like they do?
As one can tell this book makes one self examine themselves. It also inspires one to really do what we are supposed to do when washed by the Blood of Jesus. He said the world will hate us because the world first hated Him. Do I have that absolute love and reverence for the Word of God, something so precious that there’s nothing in the world of equal value? Because in real Christianity the Word is priceless. I don’t know, I’m just rambling tonight, but I’m deeply troubled. I’m not troubled by the church around me, I’m looking in a mirror and don’t like what I see. I blend in beautifully in this society and that troubles me. There’s no death sentence here for proclaiming the Gospel. I won’t be tortured for preaching the Word, so when I leave the house and go into society there’s very little difference between me and the most unsaved, materialistic people around. Here I have freedom to preach the Gospel, and barely do it. How could I ever face a Chinese Christian, let alone God?
The timing of getting this book from the library is from God I do believe. There’s very few things that can convict a person like this. The embarrassment of even trying to compare oneself to these Christians in China and elsewhere is sobering to say the least. I’ll end here with a quote from the book’s first couple of pages. A matter of fact view of their situation and persecution. Notice no whining but a matter of fact statement of how God purified His church.
And God said, “Let there be lightâ€, and there was light. God saw the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. Genesis 1:3
Thankfully we serve a God who knows how to raise the dead! I believe God allowed the atheist government to destroy the old structure of the Chinese church so that He could rebuild it according to His own purposes. He started with little and has made it much. The simple fact that the Chinese church has grown into a force tens of millions strong today is a sign not only of God’s existence but also of His matchless power.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I read Heavenly Man a few years ago and to tell the truth at first I thought it had to be phoney, it seemed so unbelievable compared to what I had known as an average American Christian. By the time I finished the book I was in awe of what God could do when we don’t try to bind our faith with low expectations. I was also impressed with the evangelism and risk these Christians were willing to take. Truthfully, from what I’ve read, Christianity’s best hope for revival comes from the Christians of Asia and Africa.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:13 am
When I started reading the book it hit me like a shock wave. How could any Christians function under those conditions? Let alone thrive! The tortures had me put down the book many times, I couldn’t take it any more. And through it all he would confess to God that he was sorry for thinking about himself. He’d ask God to get rid of his pride. Now that don’t happen all too often in what I know as Christianity in the West.
It struck me, the importance of memorizing scripture. Because with every torture and persecution they could always quote scripture to keep them on the right path. And how they could witness the Gospel no matter what the condition they were in. Yup, those believers are Christians in the truest sense of the word.
I agree with you about Christianities best hope coming from those regions. They’re on fire for Christ. And I read somewhere how so many more missionaries can go out for the same amount of money that a western missionary would require. They’re going to all corners of the earth for next to nothing in comparison to their western counterparts. And they spread the Gospel with fire in their hearts!
February 4th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I’ve found this in the Eastern Orthodox Church. There is no perfect church, and so we see man’s desire to find it. What do we end up with, 35,000 denominations, claiming inspiration from the same Holy Spirit, with a different interpretation of the Scriptures. Now either the Holy Spirit is not real, or alot of people have definitely got it wrong. The Orthodox church is truly apostolic, I encourage you to visit one, it is a totally different experience. I would look for a church that prays the Liturgy in English (Orthodox Church in America, Antiochian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, ROCOR, and there are several other jurisdictions that use English.) I’m sure you find this comment very strange but I just wanted to share what I have found. These blogs should help you get acquainted: http://fatherstephen.wordpress.com/ http://southern-orthodoxy.blogspot.com/
http://christinthemountains.blogspot.com/
February 4th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
I’ve never commented, to my recollection, but read your blog often. I was brought here because of the farm content and your geographical location as well. (I was raised in MN and miss it…am now in WA.)
I enjoyed reading your post today and completely agree with you. I have not read the book you refer to but was raised in a protestant evangelical home but found “HOME” 6 years ago in the Eastern Orthodox Church for much of the reasons you state. The stories we read daily of the patron saints of our Church are full of stories just like you describe, people on fire for God. Giving all they have for God, even their lives. Take St. Catherine for example…AMAZING story!!! http://orthodoxwiki.org/Catherine_of_Alexandria
But story after story we read about these Saints and the tortures they endured. They are our mentors and they stand at the Throne of God. We look to them for encouragement. (sorry for going on..you sparked something in me.)
But one more thing I wanted to share because you mentioned bible memory. I have just come to this realization myself after reading a book called “Living in Christ” by an Orthodox Nun she talks a lot about how our forefathers memorized most of the New Testament and Psalm. How important it was and how in our society today it’s nearly impossible for us (especially children) to learn much of anything without being entertained. I blogged about it. http://susansophia.blogspot.com/2008/01/living-in-christ.html and
http://susansophia.blogspot.com/2008/01/living-in-christ-part-2.html
Sorry so long. THANK YOU for sharing your heart.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Hi Troy and Susan!
I’ll answer you both because it was something else how two different commenters come here at almost the same time with such similar comments. First thanks for commenting, I appreciate it! And also for the information on the eastern Orthodox Church. I’ve never been to one but anyone that follows Christ is a brother or sister.
In all reality one of the things that struck me in the book that I posted about was how the Holy Spirit took control and built a church, a huge church without traditional involvement from man. My firm belief is that God does not recognize denominations, He only sees the true heart of men and women that claim to know Him. This is why its always been easy for me to talk with anyone from any denomination that I know is seeking Christ. When the judgment comes the denomination will make no difference, not one bit. It’s what’s in a persons heart, either Christ or satan.
In China, all outside influence from the western church was cut off except for accepted denominations that would work with the government. Like the Jewish High Council working with the Romans. At the trials in China the government lap dog denominations were even there accusing the simple underground Christians of being traitors to the state. It’s enough to get me burning inside when I hear this. The denominations that the Holy Spirit has left to man’s traditions.
But God is not mocked by man and the church spread just as in the Book of Acts. The persecutions were and are brutal. But the Word spread and could not be contained. Glory!
I guess the thing that strikes me most is that God doesn’t need denominations to build His church much to the dismay of the religious. He just needs people of faith, like the Saints of old that you brought up. The pure Christianity is amazing, not hindered by the traditions of man that lead folks away from God, away from the Word.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts here, I might just go visit an Eastern Orthodox Church someday. I love anyplace that loves God!
February 4th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Hi Tom, I read this book about 4 years ago when my brother was adopting a child from China. Amazing book! You might also enjoy one by Randy Alcorn - it is fiction but based on truth. The neat thing is that you see what is happening on earth from 3 vantage points, earth, hell and heaven. Here is a synopsis: “…soul-stirring story of two college friends who reconnect after twenty years. One is living life apart from God in comfortable corporate America while the other is living for Christ under intense persecution in China. This stunning page-turner will convict the hearts of readers to live in the light of eternity. Royalties from sales of this book will be donated to support the persecuted Church.”
It was fascinating!
Blessings,
Cheri
February 4th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Northern Farmer,
Yes I know what you mean. I feel the same way sometimes. But this country is where God put us and so this must be where He wants to use us. Otherwise he might have put us in China.
I knew some American christians who went to a third world country to do some construction work on an orphanage. They were amazed at the local poor Christians. They had nothing and yet still had faith. The local poor Christians were amazed at the Americans who had everything yet still had faith.
I guess it works both ways.
February 4th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Hi Cheri!
I’d like to buy a copy!
That book sounds like a good one, you wouldn’t happen to know the title
Hey Don!
I got the corn you sent today, thank you sir! I’ll be sending yours out when I send out the rest, gotta get something to send it in you know! I know what you mean about God putting us here for a time such as this. In fact that’s the biggest thing on my mind these last few months. Being put here for a reason and I’m pretty sure the reason has something to do with carrying out the work that Jesus commissioned us to do. Not just get absorbed up by the world but to let Christ’s light shine in a dark place. Ours could almost be considered the more dangerous of the two, where here we have deception, a life of comparative ease compared to most of the world. A very materialistic society that takes our focus off of Jesus and instead focuses on the desires we “deserve”. Its like a cancer, the desire to have more and more of what society says we deserve, (on credit most of the time).
I once read a thing that a Christian from China said about America and its church that came to America for a visit. He said that it was amazing what the American church could accomplish without the Holy Spirit. And sadly, for the most part, he was correct.
February 4th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
I understand what you say, but why not find that which is most orthodox. This is not just a personal journey, but it has to involve the Christian community.
Jude 1:3-4
Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Jude’s words seem a little harsh, I think that most people believe what they do because they think it true. But we must contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. What was the original intent?
I do second your opinion about God’s judgment: Jude 1:17-23: But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
Many Christians of differed denominations are living this life. God’s grace is not limited to one denomination (No one can call Jesus Lord accept by the Holy Spirit.), but the fullness of his truth is.
February 5th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Tom,
I’ve lived in Saudi Arabia … where apostasy is punishable by death. The threat of jail, or worse, tends to focus the mind. You realize completely that things are out of your control and that you need to trust in the Lord. Here it is very easy to trust in our own abilities, plus the cares of this world tend to crowd out our walk with God.
Jim V
February 5th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Hi Troy,
Sorry, just had to do it. But seriously, thank you for your input! I appreciate it very much! I almost want to debate a little here, but will refrain a bit. I don’t want to start denominational wars here, first of all because the denomination is meaningless. So I’ll refrain. Thanks!
Well, I don’t know, its all Greek to me
Hey Jim!
One thing about Saudi Arabia, if your a Christian you don’t have to worry about long prison sentences. To me a culture like Saudi Arabia is a true nightmare. Legalism at it’s finest, or worst. Gives me the chills just thinking about it. I know you have allot of stories to tell from that neck of the desert. Good reminder, thanks!