China's Antiochs

Greetings in the Lord!

Today's word comes from Acts 11:19-12:24, of which I will share selected verses:
"Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. "

~The rest of the passage talks about the increased persecution other apostles went through; but no matter if they were killed or imprisoned (and were angelically rescued), the number of those who believed and turned to the Lord greatly increased. I discern that today's word is for China. The Lord is opening up the eyes and hearts of the Chinese to come to Him like never before, and literally thousands are converting to Christianity every day! So too, they are beginning to have a backlash from the Chinese government (directed specifically at active, Spirit-filled congregations) as they struggle to keep things under control. But no one can control the Holy Spirit! And just as Saul and Barnabas established themselves in Antioch early on (disciples were first to be called Christians there) and many came to know Christ, so too, hundreds of "house churches" are taking root all over China and thousands are being taught the Word of God. Praise the Lord! Pray this day that the Holy Spirit will continue to be poured out all over China and that thousands of Pauls and Barnabases will be raised up to teach them the good news; and finally, that even in the midst of persecution those believers will be filled to overflow with the love, faithfulness and dunamis power of Christ. Amen.

~Be blessed and be a blessing.

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