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HOLDING FAST AND FORTH THE WORD OF TRUTH JUDE 3-4 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. PHILIPPIANS 2 Philippians 2:16 King James Version 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Truth matters. amen We live in days that are very dangerous, scripture is being undermined at every turn, the authority and sufficiency of scripture is being taken lightly. Jude says that false teachers and I want you to take notice of this word, unnoticed. That is an interesting word, how people creep into your house. You can leave your door a little bit ajar, many churches have left their doors a little bit ajar and now many false teachers are hiding in the church. One compromise has led to another, one small sin has led to another. Look at the five churches in Revelation chs 2-3, they started off well, but they left their doors ajar. The second way, they crept in, was because they were asleep. Jesus says how does the thief rob the house, he binds the strong man of the house, in the following verses we see this: Matthew 12 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. Mark 3:27 King James Version 27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. Many churches are unaware of the danger, they are asleep. The strongman of the house has been bound, and the thief who is Satan, who comes to steal, kill and destroy. Who is the strongman, it's the pastor, the pastor has departed from the truth and is engaging in error and false teachers have crept in and now the church is in uproar. The church needs to do things with the truth: Firstly, it must not hold fast to the truths of scripture, in this contemporary culture, this is seen as outdated, we must hold fast to the truths of God's word, despite the surrounding culture saying otherwise. We must be led astray for the latest church growth fad, we are told how to build an effective church in the book of Acts and how to rebuild the broken down walls in Nehemiah, why do we need to resort to the books of today's so called Church experts and their Purpose driven books, when we need to hod fast to God's word and not Man's. When it comes to God's truth, we should be sy no compromise, even if that sets us at odds with society. We need to be fully awake, some are sleeping, indeed many churches are sleepwalking, the enemy sees them as easy pickings and they are now no use to God at all, they are neither hot nor cold, and we know the Lord does to that church. Revelation 3:14-21 We cannot share the gospel, we cannot tell the world of the gospel, if we don't hold fast to its truth. Over 50% off American evangelicals don't believe the word of God, they don't hod fast to the truth. How can they share something they don't believe? Before we can hold some forth, we have to hold it fast. To hold fast, means that we are not shaken, nothing shakes our belief in the word of God, we know that it is the power of God unto salvation, we know it is quick, powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword Hebrews 4:12-13 Let us hold fast to the truths of God's word, so that we can hold it forth to a needy world. The world wants to see a church that believes what God says, if we don't believe it, how can we expect the world to, maybe this is the reason, so many Christians don't witness. How can you share in something you don't truly believe in? Time to awake out of sleep and time to close the door, it is time to hold firmly and steadfastly to the truth and then and only then, can we share

Are you able to translate English devotions into Chinese? If you are, please email me at keitherichobkirk@... or add my wechat chinese app , my id is totallylovedbygod thanks Keith

Join us on Zoom on February 18 from 8:30am - 9:15am EST for our monthly prayer call as we pray for Kunming together. Click here to add to your google calendar. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83108198827 Meeting ID: 831 0819 8827 This Week's Prayer Guide February 16 - This week, pray for the people of Kunming. Pray for the church to be a Christlike witness to their friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members. February 17 - A pastor in Kunming shares about how past local government leaders have crippled the economy through corruption and massive debts. As a result, "people now have to drive ride-sharing cars, and there isn't a good work environment. So many young people can't stay, many highly educated, highly skilled people have to go to other regions for better development. The economy is very depressed now." Pray for the people of Kunming in the midst of this economic hardship. February 18 - A pastor in Kunming says, "The struggle in this city now is, if you share the gospel, people think, ‘I can't even make ends meet, how can I think about faith?’ So we not only need to meet their spiritual needs, to save their souls and care for their souls, but we may also need to care for their physical and emotional needs." Pray for more mercy and justice ministry in Kunming, so that churches may witness Christ by caring for their neighbors. February 19 - A pastor in Kunming speaks about the rising hostility towards the gospel from the people around him. "When I hand out tracts, I can clearly feel people's rejection. This current ideology has led them to be particularly resistant to faith now." Pray that God would soften the hearts of the people in Kunming, that he may draw them to himself. February 20 - A Kunming pastor shares that, because of government restrictions, church work among university students has basically stopped. Pray for university students in Kunming to come to know the Lord, and for more opportunities for Kunming churches to minister to them. February 21 - Pray for Kunming Christians to be witnesses of Christ is their work, their marriages, and in raising children. Pray that the gospel would transform their lives in all three of these aspects. February 22 - A pastor in Kunming is encouraged that, "No matter how corrupt people's hearts are, how fearful and uneasy they are, no one is stopping us from sharing the gospel. So I believe that as long as we faithfully share the gospel, God will certainly have his chosen people in this city, and he will let more people hear the gospel and respond to it." Pray for Christians to be encouraged to fervently share the gospel with their neighbors. 2月16日——本周，请为昆明人民祈祷。请为教会祈祷，让他们成为基督的见证，向朋友、邻居、同事和家人传福音。 2月17日——昆明的一位牧师分享了过去当地政府领导人如何通过腐败和巨额债务使经济陷入瘫痪。结果，"人们现在不得不开的士，而且工作环境也不好。许多年轻人无法留下来，许多受过高等教育、拥有高技能的人不得不去其他地区寻求更好的发展。经济现在非常萧条。"为身处经济困境中的昆明人民祈祷。 2月18日——昆明的一位牧师说："这个城市现在的困境是，如果你分享福音，人们会想：‘我连生计都成问题，怎么还能考虑信仰？因此，我们不仅需要满足他们的精神需求，拯救他们的灵魂，关怀他们的心灵，而且可能还需要照顾他们的身体和情感需求。" 为昆明能有更多的怜悯和正义事工祷告，让教会能够通过关怀邻居来见证基督。 2月19日——昆明的一位牧师谈到周围人对福音的敌意日益增强。"当我分发传单时，我能清楚地感受到人们的排斥。这种意识形态导致他们现在对信仰特别抵触。"求主软化昆明人的心，吸引他们归向自己。 2月20日——昆明的一位牧师分享道，由于政府的限制，教会基本上停止了在大学生中的工作。请为昆明的大学生祷告，让他们认识主，也为昆明教会祷告，让他们有更多机会服事他们。 2月21日——请为昆明基督徒祷告，让他们在工作和婚姻中，以及在养育孩子时成为基督的见证人。请为福音能在以上三个方面改变他们的生命祷告。 2月22日——昆明的一位牧师深受鼓舞："无论人们的心有多么堕落，多么恐惧和不安，都不会阻止我们传福音。我相信，只要我们忠实地传福音，上帝一定会在这座城市中拥有祂的选民，让更多的人听到福音并回应它。" 请为基督徒们祈祷，鼓励他们热心地向邻居传福音。

Editor’s note: Yunnan Province, where Kunming is located, is well-known for being full of ethnic minorities. These people have their own unique cultures, languages, and ways of dress. Some ethnic minorities are fairly acculturated, and live in ways similar to their Han Chinese peers. But a great many other minority peoples live according to customs very different from that of the Han, who make up the majority of China’s people and whose ways are recognized across the world as “Chinese culture.” Likewise, doing ministry with ethnic minorities can look very different from doing ministry among Han Chinese. To help us think through this issue, several Kunming pastors shared with us what minority ministry looks like in their congregations. Blessing Ethnic Believers China Partnership: When people think of Yunnan, we immediately think of all the many different ethnic groups. Do the churches have ministries specifically for these ethnic minorities? Wu Yexin: There are not many in our church, maybe only two or three. We are mostly Han Chinese who are local to Kunming. But our church does have a ministry for minorities. For instance, one of our brothers established a gathering place for these people. Because they are migrant workers, there is a high turnover rate – they might be here today, gone tomorrow. Our church is focusing on this ministry right now. Ou’yang Qiang: I knew an Yi church in my hometown who lacked the nourishment of God’s word. After talking with them, I saw their thirst for good teaching. Our church has worked with them for about a year now. There are also Miao and Lisu churches in that town. A few of us go down one Sunday a month to encourage them not to shrink back because of government persecution. We try to encourage them by God’s word. They are grateful and say they are encouraged to have preachers from the city come to them. I’m trying to encourage them to try to not be afraid and to spread the gospel to the Miao, Yi, and Lisu peoples in their own villages. A few of us go down one Sunday a month to encourage them not to shrink back because of government persecution. We try to encourage them by God’s word. It’s easier for us to visit them than for them to come to Kunming. One month we visit the Yi church, the next month we go to the Miao church, then we visit the Lisu church, and then the three minority groups all come together and we share with them. As for our church, we do have some Yi people. Building the Church Across Yunnan Huang Gudai: When we go among the minority peoples [in the villages], we find they are mostly elderly people and left-behind children at home with their grandparents, while young people have come into Kunming or other big cities to work. Our church has many ethnic minorities, including some of our deacons. Kunming is not a city with strong ethnic boundaries. Of course, some ethnic groups still gather by themselves. But actually, many ethnic groups don’t have such strong boundaries with Han Chinese. Our church hopes to plant biblical churches in Kunming and, in the future, in larger cities throughout Yunnan. Through serving cities, we hope to bring the gospel to ethnic minorities who go there to work. Then, those brothers and sisters can take the gospel back to their hometown. We have also done some sporadic visits to ethnic minority areas, and have done things like children’s camps or visits to ethnic churches like Brother Ou’yang just mentioned. But overall, our goal is to plant biblical churches throughout Yunnan, and in this way, serve all ethnic groups. Wu Yexin, Ou’yang Qiang, and Huang Gudai are pseudonyms for preachers and leaders at house churches in the southwest China city of Kunming. A Special Time for Ethnic Minorities We are also extending the conversation by re-publishing this older conversation with another Kunming pastor on how his church reaches out to ethnic minorities. This is the best time to share the gospel. We don’t need to send missionaries to their regions; we can draw them in while we are in the city. China Partnership: There are many ethnic minorities in

Hello Dear prayer partners Thanks for all your prayers for our little church here in Nanjing. We are so thankful for all your prayers for us, we covet your prayers. You are our coworkers. Praise God, we were able to hold a Christmas celebration and that the gospel is going forth and people are being saved and built up in the most holy faith. Thank God I have some more students and that my foot has fully healed. Pray for our daily and weekly meetings as the gospel is taught and shared. Pray for our Pastor Z, as he leads six churches. Pray for wisdom and strength. Please pray for divine protection over the church as we meet online and in person. Pray for many church members who are sick at this time. Pray for the men in the church, such as MW, Y, W and L, would become leaders in the church. Please pray for the young people in the church, especially L and A. Continue to pray for brother L and others seeking godly life partners. Continue to pray for those struggling to sleep. Please continue to pray God would work mightily in the church and all over our neighborhood and city. Pray for people to their mindset completely challenged, may the word of God, be central to the church. Pray for Professor T, we met him in the park and were invited to his home, we shared the gospel with him, he is very lonely as his wife died fifteen years ago, he has almost no contact with his son. There are many openings to sharing the gospel, with people such as this. Please pray that this would open the door to the intellectual community in Nanjing, all of his friends are professors. Also, Sister X has her dancing group that reaches out to many ladies, also we share and sing in the park on a Monday morning, a group of traditional artists, lets us sing hymns. So, pray for divine openings, there are some, we have to take them. THE BOTTOM LINE See all my devotions in English and Chinese. Please share with all your friends, church members, church websites and social media groups. Especially share with Chinese churches and brothers and sisters. New section, you can now pray for China effectively, fervently and passionately. https://www.tblfaithnews.com/tbl-china-prayer-requests https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china https://www.tblfaithnews.com/ Wonderful worship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XKjLaaHchs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu2uA6U4Fxg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siTLLiMvp3o PRAYER CENTRE https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/baghdad/ https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/kathmandu/ https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/nouakchott/ SERMONS JOHN KNOX INSTITUTE https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/oldtestamentbible SERMON AUDIO What Would You Do? 45:31Logan Almy? 25/2/2 CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - Daniel 3 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/23252312231911/a?autoplay=1 Spirit-Filled Ingenuity 40:11Mark Henninger? 24/12/8 REDEEMER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - Philemon 4-16 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/12824436231941/a?autoplay=1

THE BOTTOM LINE See all my devotions in English and Chinese. Please share with all your friends, church members, church websites and social media groups (ESPECIALLY twitter and facebook). Especially share with Chinese churches and brothers and sisters. New section, you can now pray for China effectively, fervently and passionately. https://www.tblfaithnews.com/tbl-china-prayer-requests https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china https://www.tblfaithnews.com/ JOHN KNOX INSTITUTE https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/oldtestamentbible WORSHIP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjWnnLSmGTw

THE BOTTOM LINE See all my devotions in English and Chinese. Please share with all your friends, church members, church websites and social media groups. Especially share with Chinese churches and brothers and sisters. New section, you can now pray for China effectively, fervently and passionately. https://www.tblfaithnews.com/tbl-china-prayer-requests https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china https://www.tblfaithnews.com/

This Week's Prayer Guide February 9 - This week, pray for the needs of churches in Kunming. Pray for churches in Kunming to be transformed by the gospel of Christ. February 10 - Kunming used to have many large churches, but, as one pastor shares, " for various reasons, such as some pastors committing sins, these churches have divided or disintegrated. Some pastors have also left Kunming and gone abroad. So, we ask the Lord to raise up more preachers who are faithful to His Word." February 11 - "Because of the situation in Kunming," says one pastor, "many churches don't dare to have more than 30 people. Even if they split into different groups, they don't dare exceed 30 because it would be illegal according to religious regulations. When singing, they don't dare to sing loudly. During worship, everyone is very subdued. This is a kind of spiritual fear." Pray for believers in the midst of this spiritual fear, for Christ to comfort them and give them guidance. February 12 - One pastor observes that many of the more traditional house churches in Kunming have started studying Reformed theology. The main result of this, however, has been that "they become more self-righteous or prideful. It's as if theology has surpassed the Bible. Of course, this theology is good, but at the same time, we need to see that it takes time to digest these theological ideas." Pray that theological study would not make these pastors more prideful, but rather more humble, fervent, and Christlike. February 13 - In contrast to the previous request, another Kunming pastor notes that his church "has been persistently striving to live out God's Word, not just talking about theology." He adds, "Preaching is not just about talking about the Bible; it's about preaching the way of life." Praise God for this holistic approach, and pray for churches in Kunming to have both gospel-centered theology and gospel-centered lives. February 14 - "Our common challenge lies in how the congregation can balance obedience to God's Word," shares a Kunming pastor. "Some brothers and sisters are very firm, and sometimes they become unbalanced. Others are a little antinomian, and they also become unbalanced. Although I think their lives still have life and foundation in Christ, I think it would be better if they could improve their balance." Pray for good balance for Kunming Christians, that they would not fall into the legalism on the one side or hedonism on the other. February 15 - A pastor in Kunming asks us to pray for evangelism in the city. "Each church needs to fulfill this function, which is a very important ministry of our church. I think we must pray for this, that the gospel can be spread more widely in Kunming." 2月9日——本周，请为昆明教会的需要祷告。为教会能在基督的福音里得到改变而祷告。 2月10日——昆明过去有许多大型教堂，但正如一位牧师所说，"由于各种原因，例如一些牧师犯罪，这些教堂已经分裂或瓦解。一些牧师也离开昆明去了国外。因此，我们祈求主兴起更多忠于祂话语的传道人。" 2月11日——一位牧师说："由于昆明的局势，许多教堂不敢容纳超过30人。即使他们分成不同的小组，也不敢超过30人，因为根据宗教规定，这是非法的。他们不敢大声唱歌。在礼拜时，每个人都非常安静。这是一种属灵上的恐惧。" 为处于这种属灵恐惧中的信徒祈祷，求基督安慰他们并给予指引。 2月12日——一位牧师注意到，昆明许多较为传统的家庭教会开始研究改革宗神学。然而，这带来的主要结果是"他们变得更加自以为是或骄傲。好像神学已经超越了圣经。当然，这种神学是好的，但与此同时，我们需要看到，消化这些神学观点需要时间。" 祈祷神学研究不会让这些牧师变得更加骄傲，而是更加谦卑、热忱和像基督一样。 2月13日——与之前的请求相反，另一位昆明牧师指出，他的教会 "一直在努力实践上帝的话语，而不仅仅是谈论神学。"他补充道："传道不仅仅是谈论圣经，而是要传讲生活方式。" 为这种全面性的成长赞美上帝，并为昆明教会祈祷，让他们拥有以福音为中心的神学和以福音为中心的生活。 2月14日——昆明的一位牧师分享道："我们共同面临的挑战在于，会众如何平衡对上帝圣言的顺服。有些弟兄姐妹非常坚定，有时会变得失衡。还有些人有点反律法主义，也会变得失衡。虽然我认为他们的生命在基督里仍然有生命和根基，但我认为他们如果能改善平衡会更好。" 为昆明基督徒的平衡祈祷，希望他们不会陷入律法主义或享乐主义。 2月15日——昆明的一位牧师请求我们为城市中的传福音祈祷。"每个教会都需要履行这一职能，这是教会非常重要的事工。我认为这是我们应该祈祷的事，希望福音能在昆明得到更广泛的传播。"

THE BOTTOM LINE See all my devotions in English and Chinese. Please share with all your friends, church members, church websites and social media groups. Especially share with Chinese churches and brothers and sisters. New section, you can now pray for China effectively, fervently and passionately. https://www.tblfaithnews.com/tbl-china-prayer-requests https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china https://www.tblfaithnews.com/

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God." ~ Psalm 42:11 ESV INDIA: Ministry Couple Sentenced for Alleged Conversions Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, International Christian Concern, The Times of India, UCA News A church in India. Photo: Flickr / Nevil Zaver (cc) On July 30th, 2024, an amendment to Uttar Pradesh's anti-conversion legislation was passed in an effort to strengthen the state's existing laws. In particular, major changes were made to the severity of punishments imposed on convicted individuals. Since the amended law was brought into effect, a pastor and his wife were found guilty on January 22nd and sentenced to five years' imprisonment. They were also fined 25,000 rupees (about $420 CAD) each. Pastor Jose Pappachan and his wife Sheeja were accused of attempting to convert "vulnerable people." The complainant in the case added that the pastor and his wife had allegedly conducted "mass conversions" during a gathering on December 25th, 2022. However, the ministering couple argued that they were simply providing education and encouraging sobriety among members of the impoverished Dalit community. Both Pastor Jose and Sheeja served eight months in prison during 2023 before being released on bail. At the bail hearing, the High Court ruled that distributing Bibles, encouraging education and acts of public charity do not constitute attempts to conduct forced religious conversions. Despite this positive former ruling, the original charges against the Christians were upheld, leading to their recent conviction on January 22nd. The couple intends to appeal the local court's decision. Christian leaders and lawyers in India have expressed concerns that this judgement may serve as a precedent for the hundreds of other believers who have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh under anti-conversion laws. For additional reports on Christian persecution in India, including a video interview about a similar bill that was recently introduced in the Rajasthan state assembly, go to our country profile. May God work powerfully within the lives of this recently convicted couple, granting them the strength to serve as vibrant witnesses of His love, hope and peace while commencing with their prison sentences. Pray that these believers’ request for an appeal will be approved and that court officials will rule in their favour, leading to the acquittal and release of Pastor Jose and Sheeja. Also prayerfully remember the many other Christians throughout India who must contend with the country’s harmful anti-conversion laws, asking that they would receive divine wisdom as they seek to faithfully share the Gospel message. NIGERIA: Numerous Recent Atrocities in Chibok Area Sources: International Christian Concern, Open Doors Boko Haram terrorists. In the latest onslaught of violence by Boko Haram terrorists, Christian communities near Chibok, Borno State, were recently targeted by a string of coordinated attacks. The devastating raids resulted in several deaths, the destruction of dozens of homes, and the forced displacement of more than 4,000 followers of Jesus. Since December 22nd, seven villages have reportedly been assaulted, with at least ten believers losing their lives. After attacks on the villages of Shikarkir and Yirmirmug during the early morning hours of January 20th, more than 1,500 residents were forced to flee for safety. In Shikarkir, eight people had been killed and a total of 57 homes were destroyed. Only three villages in the Chibok LGA (local government area) were left unscathed. According to witnesses, the militants particularly targeted Christians, sometimes demanding that the believers convert to Islam or face death. As a result, churches and homes belonging to followers of Jesus were destroyed, while properties owned by Muslims had been completely untouched. Christian leaders have expressed concerns that new believers – including those from Muslim backgrounds – are also being enticed by the assailants to convert to Isl

Welcome to February's edition of Mission Monthly, this month, we concentrate on the country of China and its people. Please view the following websites to expand your insight and to pray more effectively. These websites are there to activate your prayer life, please use them. https://chinaaid.org/ https://chinapartnership.org/ https://visionforchina.org/pray https://globalprayerforchina.org/ https://prayercast.com/prayer-topic/china/ https://operationworld.org/locations/china-peoples-republic/ This February, we are praying for our first city of 2025. We begin in the southwestern corner of China, in the city of Kunming. Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," this pleasant city is famous for its natural environment, its beautiful weather, and its diverse culture. This February, will you join us in praying for the churches in the city of Kunming? In addition to our weekly prayer Zoom call, we are launching a 45-minute monthly prayer call for those who can't join the weekly call. Join us on Zoom on February 18 at 8:30am EST as we pray for Kunming. Click here to add to your google calendar. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83108198827 Meeting ID: 831 0819 8827 This Week's Prayer Guide February 2 - This February, we are beginning our second year of praying for Chinese cities by praying for the southwestern city of Kunming. Pray for the gospel to go deeper and wider among the churches and people of Kunming. February 3 - Kunming is located in the southwestern corner of China, in the Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. Because of its subtropical weather, it is known as the "City of Eternal Spring." One pastor from Kunming says, "Basically, there's no need for air conditioning or heating. In the past few years, it's also been rated as the most livable city in China. So people in Kunming will always say, ‘home is best,’ and even when we go elsewhere, we still think Kunming is the best." Pray for the eternal peace of Christ to bless this city of eternal spring. February 4 - Yunnan province, where Kunming is located, is known for being incredibly diverse, home to 26 registered ethnic minorities. One pastor shares, "Historically, it's considered a frontier region. It's a very inclusive city. Throughout history, some missionaries have used Kunming as a starting point to enter the frontier ethnic minority areas." Pray for God to use Christians in Kunming to spread the gospel to all people’s, so that people from "??all tribes and peoples and languages" would come to know him (Rev 7:9). February 5 - Kunming is a major tourist city. People often use it as a launching point to visit sites like the Stone Forest, amazing limestone formations that look like petrified trees, or the Yunnan Ethnic Village, where the art and folklore of Yunnan’s many ethnicities are on display. One pastor says, "You see many outsiders in Kunming, but they're not Kunming locals. Many are from other provinces, or even from other countries, coming here for tourism. People stay here for a few days and then return to their own places." In the midst of this transience, pray for Christians who are deeply-rooted in Kunming, who will strive to stay in and minister in the city for many years. February 6 - Kunming has a long missionary history. "Many of us," says one pastor, "including myself and many around us, actually came to faith under the leadership of these foreign missionaries." Pray for the seeds sown by these missionaries to continue to bear fruit. February 7 - One pastor in Kunming says, "This city is lukewarm, kind of like Laodicea, neither hot nor cold. No matter what you do, the pace isn't very fast. When the gospel comes to this city, it's also lukewarm. People aren't very eager for theological lectures or training, but they don't reject it either. They just listen, they just watch, but they don't reject it, and they don't fully accept it." Pray for the gospel to stir the hearts of these lukewarm people, that they would become passionate for Christ. February 8 - Kunming has historically been a city that has received many refugees. A pastor shar

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This February, we are praying for our first city of 2025. We begin in the southwestern corner of China, in the city of Kunming. Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," this pleasant city is famous for its natural environment, its beautiful weather, and its diverse culture. This February, will you join us in praying for the churches in the city of Kunming? In addition to our weekly prayer Zoom call, we are launching a 45-minute monthly prayer call for those who can't join the weekly call. Join us on Zoom on February 18 at 8:30am EST as we pray for Kunming. Click here to add to your google calendar. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83108198827 Meeting ID: 831 0819 8827 This Week's Prayer Guide February 2 - This February, we are beginning our second year of praying for Chinese cities by praying for the southwestern city of Kunming. Pray for the gospel to go deeper and wider among the churches and people of Kunming. February 3 - Kunming is located in the southwestern corner of China, in the Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. Because of its subtropical weather, it is known as the "City of Eternal Spring." One pastor from Kunming says, "Basically, there's no need for air conditioning or heating. In the past few years, it's also been rated as the most livable city in China. So people in Kunming will always say, ‘home is best,’ and even when we go elsewhere, we still think Kunming is the best." Pray for the eternal peace of Christ to bless this city of eternal spring. February 4 - Yunnan province, where Kunming is located, is known for being incredibly diverse, home to 26 registered ethnic minorities. One pastor shares, "Historically, it's considered a frontier region. It's a very inclusive city. Throughout history, some missionaries have used Kunming as a starting point to enter the frontier ethnic minority areas." Pray for God to use Christians in Kunming to spread the gospel to all people’s, so that people from "??all tribes and peoples and languages" would come to know him (Rev 7:9). February 5 - Kunming is a major tourist city. People often use it as a launching point to visit sites like the Stone Forest, amazing limestone formations that look like petrified trees, or the Yunnan Ethnic Village, where the art and folklore of Yunnan’s many ethnicities are on display. One pastor says, "You see many outsiders in Kunming, but they're not Kunming locals. Many are from other provinces, or even from other countries, coming here for tourism. People stay here for a few days and then return to their own places." In the midst of this transience, pray for Christians who are deeply-rooted in Kunming, who will strive to stay in and minister in the city for many years. February 6 - Kunming has a long missionary history. "Many of us," says one pastor, "including myself and many around us, actually came to faith under the leadership of these foreign missionaries." Pray for the seeds sown by these missionaries to continue to bear fruit. February 7 - One pastor in Kunming says, "This city is lukewarm, kind of like Laodicea, neither hot nor cold. No matter what you do, the pace isn't very fast. When the gospel comes to this city, it's also lukewarm. People aren't very eager for theological lectures or training, but they don't reject it either. They just listen, they just watch, but they don't reject it, and they don't fully accept it." Pray for the gospel to stir the hearts of these lukewarm people, that they would become passionate for Christ. February 8 - Kunming has historically been a city that has received many refugees. A pastor shares, "It's a very inclusive place, and people are quite accepting." Pray for the church in Kunming to welcome people, and for this inclusive nature to be good soil for the gospel. 2月2日——今年2月，我们将开始为中国城市祈祷的第二年，首先为西南边的昆明市祈祷。为福音在昆明教会和人民中传播得更深更广而祈祷。 2月3日——昆明位于中国西南角，云南省，与缅甸、老挝和越南接壤。由于亚热带气候，素称为"春城"。一位来自昆明的牧师说："基本上不需要空调或暖气。在过去的几年里，它也被评为中国最宜居的城市。所以昆明人总是说，‘家是最好的’，即使我们去别的地方，我们仍然认为昆明是最好的。" 祈求基督永恒的平安继续祝福这座永远春天的城市。 2月4日——昆明所在的云南省以多样性著称，已有26个登记的少数民族。一位牧师分享道："从历史上看，它被视为边疆地区。这是一个非常包容的城市。历史上，一些传教士曾以昆明为起点，进入少数民族聚居

SERVICE WITH A SMILE Reading John 13:1-5 Philippians 2:5-8 We enjoyed being served, many people serve us. They serve us at the restaurant, at the supermarket and at the gas station. We are servants, but not to an earthly master. We are servants to a heavenly master, we have his example in his life, especially in John 13, there is the benchmark for us. So to sum up, what service means, here is an acronym to help us understand it. S is for Selfless service Christ did not come to be serve, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Service is not about you, it is never selfish, it is always selfless. When we serve people, we will do anything, there is nothing we won't do for people. After all Jesus served us, he washed the disciples feet, the lowest form of service, he gave us this amazing selfless example. Service to others is not about exalting yourself, but exalting Christ. E is for everyday 开云体育 people is not a one off thing, it is a continuous thing. It is a life trait, it is something we do and we love doing. We are not to be weary of well doing. 2 Thess 3:13 Galatians 6:9 R is for reverent service Our service to God must be reverent, whatever we do is to the glory of God. We are to serve God in a way that brings him glory 1 Cor 10:31. In Ephesians 6, we have this verse: Ephesians 6:7 King James Version 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Everything we do is for God, we are serving others, as if we are serving Christ. Are you doing the washing up at church? Do it if Jesus was going to use that plate or cup. V is for virtuously Luke 17:10 English Standard Version 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants;[a] we have only done what was our duty.’” Even when we serve, pride is probably our biggest enemy. We think oh look at me, I'm doing such a good work here, arent i good. But in fact, we are nothing but unworthy servants. Pride kills service, in fact pride makes us unfit for service, pride can be a service killer, remember to serve with a virtuous heart. Psalm 24 I is for instant service Have you heard the pastor plead week after week for someone to do that job or this job in church, People are reluctant to come forward to service, But we should be instant in serving the Lord, when the Lord gives the call to serve in some area, we should be ready and willing to go, we should be like Isaiah, who said Here I am send me. C is Christ centred Service Everything we do must be centred on Christ, when we serve people, it is to show Christ's love and compassion to that person or group. We serve because he first served us, he gave us a living breathing example of what service was like. E is for encouraging service There are many one another's in the New testament, one especially is to stir up one another to faith and good works Hebrews 10:24. When we serve others, it is meant to encourage others to grow in their faith, Paul was served by many people, look at the three people, who served him, in these verses in 1 Cor 16： 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people. They are great examples, they did not come to be refreshed by Paul, but they brought refreshment to him. Have you encouraged another to serve God? Have you encouraged one who is in the service of God. Remember service is: SELFLESS EVERYDAY REVERENT VIRTUOUS INSTANT CHRIST CENTRED ENCOURAGING May you serve God with all these things in mind. God bless you Keith Please read the bottom line, over thirty pages of devotions in English/Chinese along with thousands in English THE BOTTOM LINE https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china https://www.tblfaithnews.com/ WONDERFUL WORSHIP CITY ALIGHT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGo_lNJ6yj4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB9eXtwfAAg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fBeckPieds PRAYER CENTRE https://prayercast.com/prayer-topic/samoa/ Samoa - Prayercast In the traditional Samoan religi

This January, to prepare our hearts for praying for Chinese cities this year, we will spend four weeks praying for the entire country of China. Here is our prayer schedule: Week 1 - Praying for China as a whole: city vision Week 2 - Praying for China as whole: by area of ministry Week 3 - Praying for China as a whole: by region Week 4 - Praying for China as a whole: renewal for Lunar New Year This Week's Prayer Guide January 26 - For the final week of preparing our hearts for this year of praying for Chinese cities–and as we celebrate Lunar New Year–we will pray for renewal. Pray for God to renew our hearts in his Spirit this new year. January 27 - Pray for churches across China not to lose heart this year, remembering that “though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16) January 28 - This year, pray for Christians in China to “put off the old self” of the flesh and “put on the new self” of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:22-24), that they may be more and more like Christ every day. January 29 - Happy Lunar New Year! This year, praise God for Jesus, who is “making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5). Pray for God to continue making us new this year, that we may be more like Christ. January 30 - This Lunar New Year season, praise God that we have been adopted as his children, that we have not been given a spirit of bondage but a spirit by which we can cry out “Abba, Father!” (Romans 8:15) January 31 - This Lunar New Year season, praise God for the spiritual nourishment he provides, that Jesus is “the bread of life.” (John 6:35). February 1 - This Lunar New Year season, praise God for Jesus who is “the light of the world.” (John 8:12). Pray that believers may be lights of Christ’s goodness to the world around them. 1月26日——在为中国城市祈祷的这一年的最后一周，当我们庆祝农历新年时，我们将为更新祈祷。祈求上帝在新的一年里用他的圣灵更新我们的心。 1月27日——为全中国的教会祈祷，不要在今年灰心，要记住“我们虽然外面是毁坏的，里面却一天新似一天”（哥林多后书 4:16） 1月28日——今年，请为中国基督徒祈祷，让他们“脱去旧我，穿上新我”（以弗所书4:22-24），让他们每天都能越来越像基督。 1月29日——农历新年快乐！今年，请为耶稣赞美上帝，他“使万物更新”（启示录21:5）。祈求上帝今年继续使我们焕然一新，使我们更像基督。 1月30日——在这个农历新年，赞美上帝，我们已被接纳为他的儿女，我们没有被赐予奴役之灵，而是可以呼喊“阿爸，父！”（罗马书8:15）的灵。 1月31日——农历新年之际，赞美上帝赐予我们的精神食粮，耶稣是“生命的粮”（约翰福音6:35）。 2月1日——农历新年之际，赞美耶稣是“世界的光”（约翰福音8:12）。祈求信徒们能成为基督向周围世界传递善意的灯。

REACH OUT WITH THE GOSPEL COLOSSIANS 4 3 At the same time pray for us, too, that God will open a door [of opportunity] to us for the word, to proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have been imprisoned; 4 that I may make it clear [and speak boldly and unfold the mystery] in the way I should. 5 Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious]. 6 Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you]. 1 Thessalonians 3 Finally, brothers and sisters, pray continually for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be honored [triumphantly celebrated and glorified], just as it was with you; We often hear of an opportunity economy, every political statement from whichever party you listen to, says, we are here to create opportunities for people. As Christians, we have constant opportunities to share the gospel, we are called to reach out and tell people thee wonderful news of salvation through faith in Christ alone. Every day we meet many people who seem ok on the outside, but in reality are in deep pain. God brings people across our path every single day, he gives us opportunities to share the gospel, whether by words or Christlike actions. Look at verse 5 and 6 of Colossians 4, we have to treat every person, we talk to or meet as a precious opportunity. Every person is different, they are unique, they will all different needs, but God will bring people across your path, who you are able to share your testimony and life story with us. We do not reach them, just by preaching at them, our words and reactions, are to be seasoned with salt. Are our words gracious and pleasant? Do your words and actions drive people away or draw them nearer to Christ? In letter Q, we talked about being ready to answer people about your faith. I often remember, sharing the gospel and the person concerned just didn't get it, however simple I made it and how many times I explained it. Remember that once you didn't get it once, so be patient and gracious. Sharing the gospel is the most amazing privilege, Jesus reached down and then he reached out, to the poor, helpless and needy. We are to be to be ready to reach out to a needy world, God will bring people across our path, who we can share with. Pray that every day, God will give you doors of opportunity and when he does, seize the opportunity and reach out with Christ's love. A final illustration, years ago in the park, I met a Chinese man, who spoke good English, he was fascinated by me, being English. But what we started talking about was not spiritual, it was Henry the eighth and his six wives, then we moved onto spiritual things. That my friend, it is reaching out and taking every opportunity. Be part of God's opportunity outreach! God bless you KK WONDERFUL WORSHIP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAHYGiKeD8o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHu8z_OJnLc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XUYZoguhEQ PRAYER CENTRE https://prayercast.com/prayer-topic/papua-new-guinea/ https://prayercast.com/prayer-topic/marshall-islands/ https://prayercast.com/prayer-topic/vanuatu/

Please read the bottom line, over thirty pages of devotions in English/Chinese along with thousands in English THE BOTTOM LINE https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china https://www.tblfaithnews.com/

QUESTIONS QUESTIONS QUESTIONS 1 PETER 3 15 But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect. People are always asking questions, what happened, who am I and why am I here, are some of the commonest questions asked today. As a Christian, you have the answer to all of life's questions, that is Jesus. In his lifetime, Jesus was asked many questions, the pharisees asked him if he was the Son of Gid, sadly they didn't like the answer. God asked a very important question in the garden of Eden, again man did not want to answer, so he went off and hid himself. The question God is asking you is: Where are you? Are you trying to hide from God? There is no hiding place. Another vital question that you have to answer is this one from Matthew 16 Now when Jesus went into the [c]region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they answered, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah, or [just] one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of the living God.” This is the most important question anyone can answer, your eternal destiny depends on your reply to this question. Who is this man Jesus? He claimed to be God in the flesh? In Romans 10, it says this: 9 because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will not be disappointed [in his expectations]. The answer is to say, Jesus is my Lord. To believe in your heart and confess it with your mouth. To those who have trusted Christ, now is the time to ask your friends and family, what do they think of Christ, it is time to confess your Saviour before men, it is time for believers to confront the world with the reality of sin, judgement and salvation. Remember the verse in 1 Peter, when we are asked to give a reason for the hope that lies within us, have you an answer?. To do this, you have to soak yourself in the word of God, your whole being must be immersed in God's word. Could you answer a Muslim? Could you answer an atheist? People are asking questions, you have got the true answer Jesus? A final question, if someone came up and asked you on the street: WHY ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN? Could you answer them from the bible? God bless you Keith You have read the devotion, now read the bottom line, over thirty pages of devotions in English/Chinese along with thousands in English THE BOTTOM LINE https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china https://www.tblfaithnews.com/ PLEASE LISTEN TO JOHN LENNOX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGrbrKWZFJg WONDERFUL WORSHIP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WbOSTqcVv8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiohGVxzDPc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5iAy7FQuNo PRAYER https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/pyongyang/ https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/london/ https://www.110cities.com/blog/buddhistpg-children/

This January, to prepare our hearts for praying for Chinese cities this year, we will spend four weeks praying for the entire country of China. Here is our prayer schedule: Week 1 - Praying for China as a whole: city vision Week 2 - Praying for China as whole: by area of ministry Week 3 - Praying for China as a whole: by region Week 4 - Praying for China as a whole: renewal for Lunar New Year This Week's Prayer Guide January 19 - This week, as we continue preparing our hearts to pray for cities in China, we will pray for all the regions of China as a whole. Today, begin by praying for Northwest China. Pray for Christians to reach out to and love their neighbors, particularly the Muslims, Mongolians, and other minorities who live in this region. January 20 - Pray for Southwest China. Pray for Christians in this region who have experienced persecution, pressure, or economic difficulty in recent years. Pray for God’s grace, and for more churches to be planted. January 21 - Pray for Southern China. Praise God for the history of God’s work in places like Guangzhou and Xiamen, and pray that God will continue to make his name known in this region. January 22 - Pray for Central China. Praise God for the house churches in this region, and pray that he will continue to renew these churches and make them a blessing to the cities around them. January 23 - Pray for Eastern China. Pray for the many metropolitan cities along China’s coast, that churches there would be an example of Christ to all the people who live and work in these busy urban environments. January 24 - Pray for Northern China. Pray for churches in cities in and around the country’s capital, for more cooperation between churches here and for God to raise up for Christian leaders who can serve his people. January 25 - Pray for Northeastern China. In these cold months in the northeast, pray for the Holy Spirit to give warmth and energy to his church, that the people in these northeastern cities would not simply be content and complacent but would see their need for Jesus.

"Only he who can say, 'The Lord is the strength of my life' can say, 'Of whom shall I be afraid?'" ~ Alexander MacLaren VIETNAM: Christians Face Opposition and Violence Source: Voice of the Martyrs Australia Contacts A village in Vietnam. Christian workers in Vietnam are requesting urgent prayer on behalf of believers who have recently experienced situations of severe persecution. In response to the ongoing concern, VOMC's partnering ministry office in Australia has been providing the affected Christians with greatly needed financial assistance. In one village, a group of believers were forced to leave their homes due to the pressures they encountered in the community. Even though these displaced followers of Jesus have thankfully been able to find temporary accommodations with fellow believers, they presently remain without permanent residences of their own. Another Christian known as Mr. Bah was also forced to leave his house after refusing to renounce his faith. He is temporarily staying in the kitchen of his pastor's home. Pastor Dan is an elderly Christian leader who uses his home for church gatherings. On December 23rd, when a group of believers had gathered at the pastor's residence for worship, local authorities – accompanied by other hostile community members described as "thugs" – broke into the pastor's home. The convening church members were physically attacked during the invasion. When Pastor Dan attempted to intervene, the authorities proceeded to severely beat him, consequently breaking his arm and leg. Brother Ting and his family members regularly held church gatherings in their home as well. When local authorities requested that these believers stop meeting for worship, Ting refused. Soon after, the Christian leader was found beaten to death along the side of a road. In addition, the authorities had ordered Ting's wife, Mar, to do community work. After explaining that she was too busy and unable to help, Pastor Ting's wife was found dead in her home about a week after Ting was murdered. Christians in Vietnam, particularly those who live within tribal areas, frequently face opposition from local authorities. To learn more about the suffering of our Vietnamese family in Christ, visit VOMC's country profile. Prayerfully uphold each one of the Vietnamese believers who have been personally affected by these recently occurring acts of opposition. For those who were forced to leave their homes, pray for God's intervention, provision and protection to take place in their lives. Ask the Lord to also provide necessary physical and emotional healing to all who sustained injuries as a result of the devastating attacks. On behalf of the grieving family and friends of Brother Ting and his wife Mar, pray that they will tangibly sense God's unfailing love, comfort, as well as His "peace that surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). In general, pray that all believers in Vietnam will continue to entrust their lives to the One who holds the future in His hands. COLOMBIA: Pastoring Family Assassinated Sources: El Tiempo, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, VOMC Contact, Defensoría del Pueblo Pastor Marlon Lora and his family. Photo: The Lora family Police are currently investigating the drive-by assassination of Pastor Marlon Lora and his family, which took place on December 29th. Pastor Marlon, his wife Yurlay Rincon – along with their two children, Angela and Santiago – had been finishing lunch when they were suddenly gunned down by men on a motorcycle. The violent attack occurred just metres away from the police station in Aguachica, northern Colombia. In addition to providing leadership to 36 churches across the region, Pastor Marlon personally pastored the Prince of Peace Villaparaguay Church in Aguachica. According to the couple's supervisor, Pastor Giovanni Bermúdez, "Marlon was like many of us pastors; we keep quiet about many things so that everything runs smoothly, even while we carry heavy burdens inside." The motive behind the attack is not yet clear. However, there has been speculation that one of the perpe