China Declares House Churches a Cult

[stephen]

China Declares Christian 'House Churches' a 'Cult,' Advocacy Group Reports
By Patrick Goodenough

(CNSNews.com) - China reportedly has launched a new crackdown on "house churches," Protestant congregations that do not belong to the country's state-sanctioned, "patriotic" church organization.

In an ominous development reported by the China Aid Association (CAA), a U.S.-based group that advocates for Chinese Christians, authorities allegedly have labeled the house church movement a "cult."

Beijing used the same term when it outlawed the Falun Gong meditation movement in 1999, a move that ushered in a major, ongoing crackdown against the Falun Gong that has brought China worldwide censure.

Citing secret information "from more than one reliable source" inside China, CAA said Tuesday the campaign against house churches ordered by the Communist Party Politburo was launched on December 1.

Chinese security officials "have been notified to collect information about house churches throughout the country and turn these reports in to their superiors," it said. "A long 'blacklist' of church leaders and influential believers reportedly has been drawn up."

The Pew Research Center estimated in 2007 that up to 70 million Chinese believers worship in unregistered house churches. By comparison, China's State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) last June put at 16 million the "official" Protestant population - members of the state-approved Three Self-Patriotic Movement (TSPM).

China Declares Christian ?House Churches? a ?Cult,? Advocacy Group Reports | CNSnews.com

 

[Brighthouse]

Thank you for that news Stephen!! A wonderful brother and sister who ran a underground Church in Russia many many years ago, when it was communist,told our Church a story, that few would believe,but is true, they would meet secretly every wednesday night,one night as about 15 were gathered,2 Russian solidiers entered the underground Church closed the door behind them and said that if any believe in Jesus Christ and stay in this church they will be shot,all left the Church except for this Pastor and his wife!! After all left, and they were the only two, the soldiers checked the door making sure nobody was around,then reclosed it and locked it!! the two soldiers then put there guns on the alter and said to the pastor and his wife,we just only wanted to pray with real believers!!! The two soldiers recieved Christ and went on to guard there Church for them the reminder of the time they were there!! pretty cool testimony, we loved it,hope you all did to!

 

[stephen]

Thank you for that news Stephen!! A wonderful brother and sister who ran a underground Church in Russia many many years ago, when it was communist,told our Church a story, that few would believe,but is true, they would meet secretly every wednesday night,one night as about 15 were gathered,2 Russian solidiers entered the underground Church closed the door behind them and said that if any believe in Jesus Christ and stay in this church they will be shot,all left the Church except for this Pastor and his wife!! After all left, and they were the only two, the soldiers checked the door making sure nobody was around,then reclosed it and locked it!! the two soldiers then put there guns on the alter and said to the pastor and his wife,we just only wanted to pray with real believers!!! The two soldiers recieved Christ and went on to guard there Church for them the reminder of the time they were there!! pretty cool testimony, we loved it,hope you all did to!

What a wonder story.

Thank you for telling us.

Blessings to you in Jesus

 

[Dave M]

Thank you for that news Stephen!! A wonderful brother and sister who ran a underground Church in Russia many many years ago, when it was communist,told our Church a story, that few would believe,but is true, they would meet secretly every wednesday night,one night as about 15 were gathered,2 Russian solidiers entered the underground Church closed the door behind them and said that if any believe in Jesus Christ and stay in this church they will be shot,all left the Church except for this Pastor and his wife!! After all left, and they were the only two, the soldiers checked the door making sure nobody was around,then reclosed it and locked it!! the two soldiers then put there guns on the alter and said to the pastor and his wife,we just only wanted to pray with real believers!!! The two soldiers recieved Christ and went on to guard there Church for them the reminder of the time they were there!! pretty cool testimony, we loved it,hope you all did to!

Praise the Lord what a great share thanks

 

[Waggles]

China reportedly has launched a new crackdown on "house churches," Protestant congregations that do not belong to the country's state-sanctioned, "patriotic" church organization.

And yet still our governments and big business will do millions of dollars worth of trading with this totalitarian one-party dictatorship.
Money is everything. Christianity and personal freedoms count for nothing.
Our fellowship of some 30+ saints in Xian, central China, have had to go underground and meet furtively in houses.

 

[Christ4Ever]

Our fellowship of some 30+ saints in Xian, central China, have had to go underground and meet furtively in houses.

How would you like us to pray for them brother?
Anything specific or a general pray of care for our Brothers & Sisters in Christ?
With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><

 

[Dave M]

And yet still our governments and big business will do millions of dollars worth of trading with this totalitarian one-party dictatorship.
Money is everything. Christianity and personal freedoms count for nothing.
Our fellowship of some 30+ saints in Xian, central China, have had to go underground and meet furtively in houses.

As Christ4ever said I would consider it a honor to pray for you. Let us know any details. After just reading the heavenly man, I have a whole new appreciation for people who follow Jesus is China, I had no idea how dangerous it was, Praise God for you Waggles.

 

[Waggles]

We should pray for many Christians in many places, particularly Syria and in Muslim nations.

But China is the most akin to Nazi Germany and Communist Russia wherein both nations demanded the total loyalty to and worship of the State and the Party.
Most communist countries like Vietnam and Laos are fearful of grass-roots unregulated Christian faith.
Jesus is a competing loyalty, another King opposed to who ever is Caesar for the moment.
We have had to remove all public internet testimonies identifying members of our Fellowship for fear of the saints being visited by secret police. It really has become that bad.

It is always good to pray for Christians undergoing persecution. But our prayers ought not to be so much in asking the Lord to stop and cease persecution, but
rather that those of the faith be strengthened and for the gospel to be spread further.
Pray for the Lord to use this Fellowship of saints to preach the gospel and bring others into the fold.

Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
12:2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
12:24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea,
I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
41:11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing;
and they that strive with thee shall perish.

 

[Christ4Ever]

@Waggles
May the truth of their Holy Spirit filled words just as God's Word never returns void, so too theirs to the increase of the Kingdom of God. That the persecution they now endure, be a source of strength to God's Glory for He is ELOAH (Mighty One) and in Him, by Him the uplifting of the Body of Christ by their walk be forever a source of strength. That through these trials they may be delivered for He is our HaPalat (Deliverer) so they may continue to increase and be strengthened never diminishing in joy filled Spirit to the Glory of God. For as our God, Ha'ed Ha-Ne'eman (Faithful Witness) that they too may so be in Word & Deed the Gospel to all. Will pray for God's Coverage for He is Jehovah Nissi (Protector) to His people, and for the overflowing of the Holy Spirit upon them. That in what ever place or task they find or set themselves in to do in this persecuted country and in which they are gathered together in Jesus name. Be a refuge and an increase for each in His Name to the Glory of God. Alleluia! Amen! Amen! Amen! Praying!