Saturday, March 6, 2010
New Consistent Mdiv Blog
I have stopped using this blog and started up a new one. I may come back to this, but not for a while!
I have started keeping a consistent blog at: http://wjameskellymdiv.blogspot.com/
The purpose of this blog is to keep all the records of the key information and process I learn while taking my Masters of Divinity in Hamilton. The welcome on the site says this:
"It takes 30 courses, at over 120 hours per course, to complete a Masters of Divinity. It is my intention to provide an overview and description of each course I took, am taking, and will take during my degree. And I just might add other little things along the way."
Please come and track with me!
Thanks for stopping by!
For Jesus' fame,
JK
Friday, July 17, 2009
Should I Go?
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Christians in China!
By Tom Wright
Tom Wright is the Director of Partner Relations for WorldServe Ministries in White Rock, BC.
www.worldserve.org
The religious change in
The messages we receive from
A Variety of Churches
Although the reports of revival in
How these churches function and are treated varies from place to place. In talking with a Christian brother who attends a
Some regions of the country seem to have more freedom than others when it comes to church attendance and worship, even in the house church. WorldServe representatives visited a community where 80 percent of the 300 residents have made a commitment to Christ. We attended an afternoon service where 200 were present, mid week, without incident. It would seem that the authorities of each region determine what will and will not be allowed. With some higher up government officials who are born again believers, seemingly turning a blind eye to the church’s activities, there seem also to be mid-level officials (middle management if you will), coming down hard on the churches in their areas, arresting pastors and other believers. They seem to be afraid that if they do not keep a tight rule, the churches will grow stronger and it will affect their position.
One of the fastest growing church movements is the factory church. Motorola has 400 churches associated with it, Mary Kay has one, and there are many others. Recently 237 people attended a conference of Christian CEO’s, many of whom are likely facilitating factory churches.[i]
A survey taken by professors at Shanghai Eastern China Normal University claims that the number of those in China holding religious beliefs has grown rapidly in the past few years, possibly up to 300 million individuals. The report suggests that this increase is greater among the younger people: 62% are between ages 16 to 39, but only 9.6% are older than age 55.[ii]
Now is the time to make the gospel more available so this generation will understand that Jesus Christ is the one who can meet their longings for fulfillment in life – something that rising materialism is not doing.
Some urban pastors, WorldServe has come alongside, work with university students, explaining to them what Christ can do in their lives. During 2007 they saw 985 students from two university groups make decisions to follow Christ.
A Christian professor from
He is presently developing a course for Christian leaders in
Freedom
Many churches within
There is a seeming freedom in
They are committed to bringing in God’s harvest. Following the recent earthquake, believers travelled to the devastated areas and helped meet physical needs while they told survivors of Christ’s love for them. Many responded openly on the street by raising their hands and asking Christ to become their Saviour and Lord.
Persecution
Although there appears to be some increase in religious freedom in
Our
I have not met more dedicated people when it comes to their relationship with Christ. What impressed me as I listened to the believers is their commitment to Christ and the Christian life. Even knowing they may face persecution or imprisonment, they continue to boldly share their faith.
One pastor told us that he is not afraid to go to prison. He has been there already. Prior to time in prison he used to be concerned that he would not remain faithful to the Lord under the circumstances he would face. However, while there he experienced peace and the Lord’s help in every situation. Because of that he is not afraid to go to prison again. In all likelihood he will, as he is interrogated by the authorities every month.
Another young evangelist I met in 2007 had been in and out of prison three times in four years. He and his wife had been married four years but together only a few months. He continues to evangelize, knowing he will end up in prison again.
Back To
Within the evangelical
Conclusion:
With a population the size of
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Stay Tooned
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Interesting
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
prayer - trust & communication
We finished our night off with a great time at Kelsey's. We are labelled "regulars" with our very own waitress - Mallory...its a blast every week!
Anyways, a little different style blog this time. A little glimpse into a night at in.transition.