Gospel Renewal: Matchless Grace
What is gospel renewal? It is good news grown afresh in the soil of the spirit. It is the work of Jesus hitting the heart. It is freedom by grace, and love apart from achievement. It is roots that stretch deep and hold tight through the fiercest storms. Gospel renewal begins as a fresh and individual realization that God’s love and acceptance is yours in totality. Of course, although gospel renewal begins as personal transformation, by definition it does not stop there, but grows into communal revival for the church, the body and bride of Christ and the manifestation in our world of God’s eternal kingdom. Gospel renewal is entire communities of believers who, together, cling to Jesus.
Going Wider: Praying for the Gospel to Spread in China
As we pray for ministry in China this year, will you join us in praying that the gospel would go wider? Pray that the church in China would be deeply-rooted in the person of Jesus, and that these deep roots would lead to great fruit. Pray that more churches would be planted and that the lost would be found. Pray that, even in this season of darkness, the church would shine as a light in this dark world, boldly proclaiming that Jesus Christ is our king!
Going Deeper: Praying For Gospel Depth in China’s Churches
As we pray for ministry in China this year, will you join us in praying that the gospel would go deeper? Pray that the church in China will not be a plant that grows quickly and then withers. Rather, pray that its roots continue to go deep into the soil of the gospel. Then, though the wind and rain may buffet it, it will never be destroyed: it will grow tall and strong, empowered by nothing less than Jesus Christ himself.
A Prison Letter from Brother Bo
My heart is filled with surprising peace. What have I lost in the past two years or so? I have temporarily lost time with my family, but I have not lost the love of my family; I have temporarily lost my life of freedom, but I have not lost my freedom of thought; I have temporarily lost Sunday worship, but I have not lost my faith; although I am imprisoned, there is a bigger prison outside these walls.
Year-End Prayers: “It’s Not My Glory”
In American churches we judge a person by his education, by his job, by the clothing he wears, and by the car he drives. The same sin exists in the churches in China, but with a different manifestation, which is: can you endure great suffering? Have you suffered greatly? Have you been imprisoned?
For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory Forever: “You are in the Throne Room of the King”
If you haven’t been praying: repent! Pray for boldness in prayer and proclamation. Pray for appointments, so people can be saved. Pray, believing you are in the throne room of the king.
Friday Reflection: God Has Proclaimed a Glorious Kingdom
We move forward on our knees, traveling upstream; otherwise, we will follow the stream downward, because it is only natural. This vision of the kingdom of the gospel is not something we can accomplish by ourselves. But God has placed this impossible mission into the hands of his redeemed people.
Prayer for the City in Light of COVID-19
This day of humbling will only become a day of hope if Christ’s people unite with a common voice to intercede for the church and the city.
Deliver Us From Evil — Feast in Affliction
God takes the dark wool of our sufferings and our difficulties and weaves them into gold in our character and life.
May You Strengthen Them by Your Spirit
Lord, I also pray for house church leaders, especially for pastors who are going through persecution, pressure, trouble, anxiety, and stress. Lord, I pray that you will help them to have inner fortitude to speak as a great witness to a watching world, that they would not waver in their commitment, that they will not be tempted by materialism and the opportunities for going it the easy way.
