The church today exists within a unique context and confronts tangible challenges, often appearing as though a dark cloud constantly hovers overhead. This raises a question: Where is the future of the church? While some adopt a negative attitude, others remain hopeful—Brother Wang is one among them.
Brother Wang is a rural preacher with over 20 years of ministry experience, who holds hope for the future of the church in China owing to his faith in God's sovereignty over the kingdoms of men. From the standpoint of natural succession, he believes the church does have a future, yet it should be based on Christians taking their faith seriously.
"If you cannot disciple others, then disciple your own descendants."
Using his family as an example, Wang explained that forty years ago, only his father was a believer. Among his three siblings, two came to faith, and their children are now being raised as Christians. This, he said, offers a glimpse of what things might look like forty years from now.
He also shared stories of other believers. One elderly woman who accepted Christ forty years ago now has thirty-six Christian family members. Similarly, a missionary who spent four decades preaching in Japan did not see any local conversions during his time there, yet today, many of his descendants are Christians.
Wang believes that from the perspective of natural growth, the church does have a future. However, the challenge lies in the fact that many Christians today struggle to maintain their own faith, let alone pass it on to their next generation. This is evident in their obsession with mobile phones.
In the past, with limited entertainment options such as television and movies, people attended church more regularly. Today, however, not only adults but even children are constantly on their phones, with parents absorbed in browsing and children engaged in games.
Wang stated, "If today's Christians do not contend with Satan for souls, their children will be shepherded by the secular world, and the next generation will be discipled by mobile phones."
He emphasized seriously, "If you choose to believe, then believe with sincerity and seriousness. If you choose not to believe, then don't. But today, you must approach your faith honestly. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out."
"Once you have the resolve to follow the Lord and allow his grace to work in your life, you will start a brand new life." He exhorted, "When a person truly has the life of Christ within them, they will definitely influence and impact those around."
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited by Karen Luo, translated by Poppy Chan
