Editor’s Note: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.
Although I am Chinese and attend First Chinese Baptist Church of Walnut, I feel quite removed from what is happening to Christians in China. It is easy for me to see my local surroundings and think that this is the only area where God does his work. After reading Grace to the City, the new book published by China Partnership and edited by S. E. Wang and Hannah Nation, I have a clearer picture of how God is working overseas.
As written in its mission statement, “China Partnership exists to serve as a bridge between Western and Chinese churches, and to equip Chinese church leaders to understand and contextualize the historic gospel of grace.” Grace to the City is an excellent resource to serve this endeavor. This is especially true because the book aims to use the actual voices of the Chinese house church movement to encourage and exhort the greater church.
The chapters of the book are adapted from sermons given at the Reformation 500 and the Gospel conference in Hong Kong in 2017. Leading house church pastors shared the stage with some of our most well-known American theologians — John Piper, Paul David Tripp, and Richard Pratt. This book is an adaptation of the plenary sermons delivered by the Chinese house church leaders.
Studies in the Gospel from China
In the chapter “Grace Reigns,” Pastor Yang Yi frames a classic poem written by Chen Zi’ang, a countryman from the Tang Dynasty, in the context of Romans 5. The poem is a lament on loneliness, despair, and hopelessness. Yi shows how Jesus is the answer to peace and satisfaction in this life. In doing so, he quotes Luther and Calvin, and I felt a kinship with Yi, knowing that we share the same heroes.
In “Being Devoured for the Glory of God,” Simon Liu looks at Psalm 115 to see that only God can satisfy when riches, pride, and false idols fail. The sermon condemns the dog-eat-dog society of Chinese culture and says that this attitude is devouring the Chinese church. In addition, relationships motivated by personal interests and critiquing without teaching are corrupting the church. Liu offers a solution: Learn to love others by being devoured and feed on Christ.
Next, Peng Qiang writes “Faith: The Sole Connection between God and Man.” He looks at Hebrews 11 and shows that faith is not an abstract idea. Rather, it is a concrete attribute grounded in truth. And he makes it clear that even having faith itself is not an act of merit. The type of believing faith acceptable to God has the heart of a beggar. This changes our experience of suffering and gives us the ability to say, “Your will be done.”
Gao Zhen writes on what it means “To Know the Lord.” He analyzes Genesis 4 to show there are vertical and horizontal relationships in this life. He tackles the topic of work and relates it to those who work in the city versus the countryside. He ties it all together by saying that our offering to God is a life of worship that encompasses both our relationships and our work.
Yang Xibo ends the book by writing on “Jesus, the Personification of Love.” He calls our attention to the famous love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13. He examines various human motivations, such as fear and pride, but proclaims that it should be the love of Christ that compels us. He states the fact that Jesus is love incarnate, and this should lead us to a new work ethic grounded in gratitude.
4 Takeaways
After reading these sermons, I am left with four takeaways:
1. The Chinese house church is real
The house church in China is not an abstract idea or figurative language. There are real people with real pastors preaching real sermons with real stakes. I know their names, I read their words, and I hear their prayers.
2. The good news is global
The gospel of Jesus Christ is not just for Americans to have something to do on Sundays. There are brothers and sisters in China who are making Christ their entire life. We share the same struggles, albeit in different forms. But we still share the same Savior.
3. Theology is critical
The sermons in this book were grounded in God’s Word. They sought to show God’s character, nature, commands, and grace. An accurate understanding of God as revealed in the Bible is critical for the health and success of the church.
4. Unity is essential
Five pastors were selected to write, and while they have different backgrounds and current circumstances, they all unite around the gospel. They chose to highlight grace and stand together as brothers. It is a familial attitude that can unite a nation as vast as China, tied by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Grace to the City
Each chapter opens with a short bio on its author and ends with a concluding prayer. Reflection questions are also included which are perfect for small group or classroom discussion. The book is less than 150 pages and is a quick and compelling read. Because it is a translated work, the flow and phrasing require your attention. But it is absolutely worth your time to read these stories and see what God is doing in the Chinese church.
Not only do I have a clearer picture of what God is doing in the Chinese church, I have a keener passion for seeing Christ exalted overseas. While the sermons often speak of Chinese cultural traits and context, I find their Biblical principles to be applicable in my own life and church. There is wisdom in the words they share from the Lord. I am inspired to pray and champion the Chinese church. They are our brothers and sisters. And we are serving the same God who loves the world.
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