Christianity Sweeping China Chicago Tribune.
This is a good summary of the changes happening in China. Many of the photos are from the PBS documentary mentioned in a previous blog.
The Beijing’s Haidian Church was one I visited many years ago but has grown and expanded much, much more. Located near Beijing University, it caters to many of the student and young adult population. May God continue to bless His people in China.
Interesting article concerning Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church in Seattle in the New York Times. It was pretty fairly written but I wonder if this will change any perceptions concerning Christianity or even more polarize the perception of Christ.
Soli Deo Gloria…
The Gospel coalition as introduced by some of our leading pastors today. In it Tim Keller says that the gospel is not just about doctrinal content… it is the power of God unto salvation for all those who believe. Romans 1:16-17
This is quite exciting.
Bruce Benedict has created a quirky folk music for the Westminster Shorter Catechism. I just downloaded volume 1.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) Announces
2008 Annual Conference – The Addict in Us All
Addiction sounds ominous, and it is. Addictions to drugs, alcohol, and gambling tear families apart and ruin lives. But this conference is about more than the junkie scoring dope or the alcoholic hiding vodka around the house. Even the average person gets stuck in negative behavior patterns. Overeating, shopping, sexual temptation, people’s approval, even love…everyone struggles with something. And everyone faces moments of despair and thinking that change is not possible.
Is it possible to change longstanding behavior patterns? The faculty and counselors at CCEF believe that God can change the despairing and the stuck—no matter what they are struggling with. CCEF’s 2008 Annual Conference “The Addict in Us All” slated for November 14-16, 2008 at the Valley Forge Convention Center and November 13 Pre-Conference hopes to accurately represent what God says to stuck people and those who want to help them.
Keynote CCEF speakers and noted authors Drs. Ed Welch, David Powlison, and Tim Lane, along with
Mars Hill Church Senior Pastor/ best selling author Mark Driscoll will lead the weekend to explore how God pursues those who have given up all hope for change. A team of experienced biblical counselors, including CCEF faculty, Dr. Mike Emlet and Winston Smith, will lead general sessions and special sessions on topics that include Addicted to “Yes”: The Approval Junkie; Addicted to Love; Teens and Addiction; and This Is Your Brain on Drugs.
We are delighted to have Keith and Kristyn Getty returning again this year to lead worship. The Gettys continue to tour the world promoting their album, In Christ Alone. www.gettymusic.com.
Since 1968, CCEF has set the pace in biblical counseling teaching people how to explore the wisdom and depth of the Bible and apply its grace-centered message to the problem of daily living.
For registration details visit www.ccef.org and click on “Annual Conference” or call 1-800-318-2186
PBS Frontline has a new documentary chronicling the rise of Christianity in China. Or put another way, how the Gospel is transforming China. It gives a look into the rise of both the underground, house and the government churches. The documentary interviews many of the leaders of the Christian movements. China truly is being transformed in all areas… even MBA and business people are attributing rule of law and trust as basic principles that need Christian foundation.
Check out more at the PBS site .
Found this link from another reformed blog. There is a new reformed chinese bookstore named sinimbooks. Check it out, buy some books, learn, worship…
A pastor friend introduced this site to me. Chinese Christianity Network TV. Has the latest Christian news, church and current events in Chinese with a Christian worldview. It also includes streams various seminary/theological classes, including some courses taught by Dr. Samuel Ling and others. For more information, check out the website.
Humble Orthodoxy – Joshua Harris teaches on 2 Timothy2:14-26. Are you reacting to the previous generation or God’s approval? Do you try to prove yourself right or desire to turn people to Christ. What does it mean to be a generation approved by God? Handle the word of truth rightly…
2 Timothy2:14-26 – Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.