THE RISE OF CHINA; GOOD OR BAD?

Many Americans today are alarmed by the rise of China as a global power both economically and militarily.  The question is, should we be?  Is a military confrontation over Taiwan just around the corner?  Are we going to be buried economically over the next 50 years as China rises to global prominence?  All of these scenarios are possible and some would even say probable, but I'm interested in what Fox News and CNN are not reporting. 

We live in a time of incredibly rapid change in every sector of society, but the big story that goes mostly unreported is the amazing advance of the kingdom of God throughout the earth!  All around this "big blue marble," the gospel is spreading and penetrating even the most difficult and oppressive regimes as a whole new generation of Jesus loving martyrs and saints preaches the gospel of the Kingdom with power and conviction. 

Confirmed miracles as dramatic as in the days of Jesus and the apostles are breaking out in Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East.  China is home to the most amazing church growth in history, as somewhere between 25,000-30,000 people a day come to faith in Jesus Christ!  The really mind boggling thing about this statistic is the fact that it has been going on for more than a decade now!

This is the untold story as we consider what China may look like in 20 years.  If the gospel continues to advance as it has been, China could be a very Christianized nation by that time and a much different bird to deal with politically.  I know many believers are afraid of mixing politics with faith, but the history of Biblical Christianity is one of many nations being deeply impacted by the political and social implications of governing according to a Biblically informed world-view.  The most significant global shifting, historically speaking, has often been spiritual and not economic or military in nature.

As more and more Communist Party Leaders of the "old school" mold die off, the new leadership will be filled with many of those who have become followers of Jesus the Messiah.  This could be where the real rise of China takes place as she goes through a major "values shift" and begins to lead the world in exporting the gospel and not just consumer goods.  Are you ready for Chinese missionaries filled with a holy zeal to save America from its backslidden condition, preaching the good news of Jesus all over this great land? 

What if China became our friend and ally as Europe becomes more and more secular and less and less friendly with the US?  Is it possible?  Why not?  God is in the business of blowing our stereotypes, prejudices and American pride out of the water.  Of course, I favor a scenario that would include a great awakening in Europe as she rediscovers her Christian heritage, embraces it and experiences a new cultural transformation.  Then, we Americans too can be awakened to Jesus Christ, and embrace China and Europe as our allies and not our rivals or enemies.  I know this may sound like Christian Utopianism to some, but I see the possibilities and believe in the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. 

The rise of China could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on where things go over the next couple of decades.  We would be foolish to discount this great and ancient land that has been one of the most influential and longstanding civilizations for over 4000 years.  We would be wise to pray fervently for China and her leaders to come, and do all we can to invest in the exploding church growth taking place there.  Who knows, the future president of China may be a new believer just getting their spiritual feet underneath them.  A new day may be rising as God thrusts in His sickle and reaps the greatest harvest the world has ever known!  OH MY FATHER, LET IT BE SO!

THE HAWKS BLEW IT, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THE STRIPES!

It took me a couple of days to process the Seahawks' loss to the Steelers in SUPERBOWL 40, but I am now ready to make my statement.  The Seahawks lost to the boys from Pittsburgh for a number of reasons, but here is my general assessment.

Pittsburgh did what they had to do in the "Big Play" category and the Seahawks did not.  When a game is as badly officiated as this one was, you cannot leave any room for doubt.  You must seize every opportunity and dominate!  Seattle showed they had the weapons to do just that, but they did not.  Big Ben and company got it done on 3rd and 28, got the big run when they needed it and pulled a great trick play that faked our secondary out of their pants.  We, on the other hand, could do very little in the RED ZONE and when we did, the "Striped Shirts" took it away.

Mistakes, bad clock management and a lack of "want it bad enough" really hurt us at critical times in the game.  Jeremy Stevens was dropping passes like they were Asian poultry carrying Bird Flu, Mack Strong was "weak" after a key catch that would have given us a first down and momentum.  All he had to do was give a little second effort, but instead he fell limply to the ground as if a little girl slapped him.  We can whine all we want about the terrible officiating, but could someone please tell our Pro-Bowl Quarterback and SUPERBOWL genius coach how to tell time?  The time management at the end of both halves was the worst I have ever seen in the NFL, period!

Now, the officiating!  Well, what can I say that hasn't already been said in this article and others?  It was really bad and did have a profound effect upon the outcome of the game and the morale of the Hawks, but I cannot take anything away from the Steelers.  They took the opportunities presented to them and won the game when they needed to.  Congrats Steel Town!  Enjoy your ring and trophy while you can, because the Hawks will be back and they will be very hungry this time!

Now that I have given my two cents, here are two articles from opposing perspectives that I thought both had a ring of truth.

Seahawks won everything but the game - FOX SPORTS

Sorry conspiracy buffs, a loss sometimes is just a loss - ESPN