URC Weekly 4/10/2011: What’s Stopping Us?



Hello Church,

Yesterday in Beijing, China, more than 100 Christians were arrested for attempting to politicize the region and disturbing the public by having an illegal meeting. These members of Shouwang Church were merely having a worship service outdoors; the church can no longer meet together in buildings since the police have been blocking possible meeting areas.

Although many of the arrested were released by making promises not to gather again, the whereabouts of some are uncertain. As the police stormed the believers into a bus, an elder of that church was heard saying, “Let them take us away, just like a lamb to the slaughter.” Also, a young man answered, “If they say I was detained for my faith, it would be worth it. But if they say there are other political factors, that would be far from the truth,” when asked by a reporter whether all this was worth it. Such practices of the Chinese government pressuring to break off house or underground churches have become very common.

I could not help but to repent as I heard this report from National Public Radio this morning. We do not have police officers cracking down our meeting places. We do not get detained by the government for gathering together. We are not accused of public disturbance and political propaganda for worshiping God. We are never put through interrogation, custody, trial, and even possible torture for our faith.

Yet our passion for God is often lukewarm. Sisters and brothers, I’m not saying that we have it all good here. Our challenge is different than that of the Chinese Christians. We frequently have to fight against worldly temptations (abusing alcohol, illegal drugs, premarital sex, violence, etc.), laziness, and apathy. However, I do believe we need to treat worship more seriously. I hope that all of us, including myself, can start better preparing our hearts for worship.

We do not have anyone stopping us from worshiping God. What’s stopping us is really just ourselves. I pray that we may be able to keep the Sabbath more holy. God bless you.

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• WOMEN’S DISCIPLESHIP PRESCHOOL: Started Last Sunday
• MEN’S DISCIPLESHIP: Elementary and/or Youth Group, list coming this Sunday
• SMALL GROUPS PLEASE MEET AGAIN THIS MONTH
• INDIA MISSION OPPORTUNITIES: Late Aug – Early Sept, about $2000 per person
• GROUP C COORDINATOR MEETING: 4/17 (SUN) @ 1:30pm
• SNACKS: Jacob Kang
• SCRIPTURE READING/OFFERING: David Kwon
• DEVOTIONS: Luke 16 – Luke 21