Are you wondering which posts you and your fellow readers enjoyed the most in 2016? Look no further; here is the list:
1. 5 Challenges Facing Churches in China
Although things look good for Christianity in China, churches still face certain challenges that may hinder the growth of the church in the future.
2. House Church Leader Li Tian’en Dies in Shanghai
As one of those who witnessed the history of the Chinese churches, Li was considered to be a Chinese house church patriarch, along with Wang Mingdao, Ni Tuosheng (or Watchman Nee), Yuan Xiangchen, Samuel Lamb, Xie Moshan, and Yang Xinfei.
3. The Li Yan Story
In February of 2014, we posted a translated article from Christian Times about Li Yan, the most successful short-track speed-skating coach in the world. In that article, Li Yan shared about the importance of the Bible in her life and work. Earlier this summer, the good folks at Athletes in Action posted a video interview of Li Yan, in which she shares her story of struggle and triumph.
4. Praying the Ten Commandments for China
The following is a translation of an excerpt of a sermon preached by Wang Yi, pastor of Early Rain Reformed Church in Chengdu. In this sermon, he proposes the Ten Commandments as a model to pray for China. For each commandment he highlights some relevant statistics about Chinese society.
5. The Violin Church
While officials in Zhejiang province are busy demolishing church buildings they deem to have been illegally built and removing crosses from the tops of churches, in Guangdong province a congregation has built itself a new church building in the shape of a violin!
6. The Prosperity Gospel in China
As China has become more prosperous, it has also become more open to outside influences. This is true of the church as well. In recent years prosperity theology has been gaining influence, mainly through the translated books and resources of Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen. In the article below, originally published in Gospel Times, the author (a pastor) reflects on why this teaching is attractive to many in China.
7. My Story in the Cell
Brother Xu Guoyong, co-founder of Oak Tree Press in Beijing, was tragically killed in an accident while attending a conference in the United States in January. As a publisher, Brother Xu was instrumental in making a number of significant Christian classics available to readers in China.
8. Solving the House Church Problem (Part 1)
I would like to now outline my recommendations for how to solve the issue of house churches, based on church-state relationships abroad, China’s practice management of religion, combined with 30 years of experience after the Cultural Revolution.
9. The Precious Cross
If you find yourself worshiping at a church in China, chances are you may sing this song, titled “The Precious Cross.”
10. Success—Our Generation’s Greatest Spiritual Disaster, Part 1—the Transformation of a Millennial
Si Wei escaped from the 8 to 5 drudgery of her previous work life when she joined the staff of PERK,* an art studio in Shanghai that crosses multiple disciplines. In the process of discovering herself and seeking to connect with the world through her art, Si Wei found herself caught in a personal paradox. Somehow, she who had broken free from the rules of society was now bound by her own need for recognition and affirmation. As the grips of success fastened tightly around her, the thing she once saw as her salvation began to slowly drain away her joy and life.
And now we look ahead to 2017!
Image credit: Stone House church by Gavin Anderson via Flickr.
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