In China, printed Bibles are still only legally sold and distributed through registered churches. However, online Bibles such as O-Bible and YouVersion, and audio Bible machines (mp3 player) are becoming popular. This article is about an audio Bible player that is currently on sale in China.
The plight of Iranian Pastor Yousef Nadarkahni has attracted the concern of China's online Christian community. New information regarding his case is posted and reposted on Christian websites and Weibo (micro-blog) pages, often accompanied by urgent calls to pray for Pastor Nadarkahni.
This sermon was delivered at the Beijing Gangwashi Christian Church on May 22, 2011. Gangwashi Church is one of largest Three-Self Churches in Beijing. Established in 1863 by the London Missionary Society, it is also the oldest Protestant Church in the city.
As the new year began in China, the Mayan prediction that the world will end in 2012 was a hot topic of conversation, for both Christians and non-Christians alike. This article, published in the Gospel Times on January 6, 2012 addressed the question from a Biblical perspective.
A Weibo map of church locations in China.
A presentation of the gospel in chronological form in simplified script Chinese.
The authors review the origins and history of the house church movement then go on to discuss the current urban house church situation including civic engagement and Christian publications.
Exploring the current trend of many Mainland youth to receive their education outside of China, the authors examine cultural and societal issues that can help us understand the situations and challenges these students face as they study in Western countries.
At the end of 2011 the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life released the latest edition of their statistical report "Global Christianity" detailing the size and distribution of the Christian Church around the globe. Regardless of how one might regard their conclusions, you cannot help but conclude the church in China is growing. But, is the more important issue behind these figures whether this growing Christian this growing Christian population having a growing influence on Chinese society?
The following is a panel discussion that explores the future of Christianity in China. It deals with both the problems and the opportunities facing the Chinese house church today. The panelists included Ezra Jin of Zion Church, Beijing; Man De, a scholar with China Ministries International; Daniel Li of Blessings Foundation and Franklin Wang, a seminary student from Beijing.
Pastor Jin briefly looks at the history of the church in China and how it influences today's church as well as the changes the present-day church faces. He identifies six challenges facing the church and also looks to the future. In a side bar, he challenges the North American church.
Editor's Note: This editorial originally appeared in "Global China: Implications for the Church" (CS Quarterly, 2012 Spring).