Comments on run with it: paradox

(anonymouse) i agree with you that one shouldn't r...

2009-04-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

(anonymouse) i agree with you that one shouldn't romanticize the Chinese church too much. Yet, the "underground church" or unseen church there and in other countries are thriving spiritually under oppression. how many Bibles sit on shelves in Christian homes here. Generally, Bibles don't sit on shelves in China. The Bible is being read and memorized. The Psalms are put to music. When believers come together, there isn't any standing room! The pastors in China don't have degree's and Doctorates nor are they dircted by church boards or committees. The men and women preaching the gospel in China literally risk their lives daily.
Romanticize? In China, eating and sleeping is the only "vacation" many believers have. Many or most would be considered to be "nobodies" here. Or should i say "the least." You pass out a hundred Christian tracts on a street in New York and 75% of them will be laying on the street with seconds. Not in China! It will be read immediately or stuffed in their pocket quickly to be read later in safety. it's easy for me to say that i think the church in the U.S.A. a facade. Yet, in China....it's real! although well traveled, this one cannot claim any global experience.

Ramsey, There is truth in your words, however, we...

2009-04-16T06:54:00.000-07:00

Ramsey,

There is truth in your words, however, we must be careful not to romanticize the Chinese church too much. Many of them- more than you would expect- look to the American church as their hopeful goal and model. Context has given them many gifts, but not freedom from the same human nature that we struggle with here. I say this as someone who has seen the church in many global contexts.

Ramsey if the American church could see that in pe...

2009-04-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

Ramsey if the American church could see that in person, it would surely change a lot.

when one attends church elsewhere in the world...o...

2009-04-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

when one attends church elsewhere in the world...outside the U.S.A., there is a vast difference. take China for instance and the underground church. although they aren't free in the one sense....in the "spiritual sense" they surpass the american church. there isn't any boundaries and timepieces aren't used. it's as though the believers can't get enough and just immerse themselves whether they're studying the word,
in prayer, or in praise and worship.

Ramsey, while I still continue in the institutiona...

2009-04-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

Ramsey, while I still continue in the institutional church, i feel the same way about what the true church is.

Sure thing, Jamie!

Thanks for the encouragement!

2009-04-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the encouragement!

sigh. i was thinking yesterday about how much i m...

2009-04-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

sigh. i was thinking yesterday about how much i miss going to church. then again, past experiences(s)have taken the wind out of the proverbial sailin` in that direction. most of my closest friends i met in a non-denominational pentecostal type of church. When i think about the "body of Christ" or the church....it isn't denomination or a building. It's us, the belivers.