What can the Western Church learn from Chinese Christians? Edited by Hannah Nation and Simon Liu, Faith in the Wilderness presents words of exhortation from the Chinese Church.
God’s Sovereignty in the Pandemic and Persecution
In a moving foreword by Timothy Keller and an insightful introduction by Hannah Nation, we get a glimpse of the current situation in the Chinese House Church. The pandemic and persecution are the background of this book, and brokenness, redemption, and hope are the main themes. Though there is sorrow in suffering, fiery trials show the true character of our faith. God is involved, actually behind it all, and challenging you in love.
God’s sovereignty is stamped across this book. Understanding that God is in control should cause us to speak out on his behalf, calling out sin, while pointing to the cross. Jesus is the King who brings peace, truth, hope, and love. Every chapter is a gold mine, full of wisdom and simple sentences that are strikingly profound: “In the midst of a pandemic, we should not only begin storing up food but we should also store up the bread from heaven that can feed us spiritually and give us the hope for eternity.”
Practical Theology and a Sense of Reality
While you might assume this book is full of practical advice for facing persecution, it is actually filled with theology. Sin, heaven and hell, and redemption are discussed and shown to be important. But this theology does not return empty. It provokes love and joy for fellow Christians. Ideas of trying to earn salvation by good works and pursuing things of this world are combated. The notion of diligent work and hard study for a happy life in the future is dismantled. The importance of not wasting your life, taking spiritual responsibility, and pursuing Christ are championed.
I was gripped with a sense of reality while reading. Danger is all around us. We live precarious, delicate lives. But we do not live in fear. Rather, we go out with boldness for the gospel and courage in the God who can shut the lions’ mouth. “The mission of a Christian is fearless faith in a deadly world.” An emphasis on the eschatological life of faith puts things into perspective. Suffering prepares us for honor in heaven. Death is always at our doorstep.
Live a Life of Greater Faith
After reading this book, I am challenged to live a life of greater faith. I am reminded to pray for my brothers and sisters in China who are facing persecution. I found myself wanting to read more of their encouraging words. Their reward is great, and we have a great God. I am encouraged by their testimonies, stirred by their stories, and hope for the day we will walk out of the wilderness of this world. We will see the calm sea of glass. Our faith will become sight.
I received a media copy of Faith in the Wilderness, and this is my honest review. Faith in the Wilderness is available to purchase directly from the publisher website or on Amazon.