sermonindex.net Simulcast 2012: Learning From the Church in China — E.A. Johnston

Christ Builds His Church Through Persecuted Believers

Jesus said, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. In China, he is building his church with those who have counted the cost, and understand that persecution and suffering is part and parcel of following Christ.

Christ Alone Deserves the Glory for the Church

Jesus has built his church in China, for no denomination can lay claim to it, no man can boast of it, for Christ alone has built his church, and all we can do is stand back and say, this is the Lord's doing, it is marvelous in our eyes.

The Departure of God's Presence in the Western Church

In the West, we have grieved God's manifest presence away from our sanctuaries with our arrogance and pride, and corporate sins to such a degree that Ichabod hangs on many church doors, advertising the fact that the glory has departed.

We in the West have a form of religion, but not the power thereof. In China, the underground church is imbued with power from above. We in the West listen to a sermon, the Chinese live the sermon. We worship in churches with expensive sound systems, they gather in caves and worship in prison.

Learning Humility and Readiness to Suffer for Christ

We do everything we can to be as comfortable as we can, they do everything they can to live uncomfortably for him. East and West, two extremes, the East can teach the West how to live on her knees. Don't miss the Sermon Index Conference in October on the Church and Coming Persecution.

Following Christ Through Suffering

Be prepared to suffer for Him, because He has suffered for you.