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!
At first, I was pretty blown away on some of the articles I read about China's economic growth, but in reality, all this talk about China having a larger economy than the United States in 5 or 10 years is hogwash.
ReplyDeleteNationMaster.com puts things into perspective. China'a economy is ranked 7th at $1.6 trillion GDP while the United States is ranked #1 at $11.6 trillion GDP.
There is alot of talk about China being the largest marketplace in the world, but in reality, there is little or no buying power in most of the country as China is ranked #115 in the world with a whopping $1200 a year average income.
Data:
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph-T/eco_gdp
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph-T/eco_gdp_percap
Good stuff Todd, but you need to update your data. The newest data puts China at number 4 this year. China has or will pass Great Britain to become the number 4 economy behind the US, Japan and Germany. Even so, it will still take them at least 30 years to catch us if everything goes perfectly for them.
ReplyDeleteWe know that Economics are not normally the most stable area in global politics, so a lot can happen. Anyway, I think much of what is being touted concerning China is hype and alarmist. Besides, India is rising as well!
Doug
PS - loved the banners. I will get back to you.
I think in the next decade or so we may see something happen like we did with the Soviet Union in the 80s, where large numbers of people converted (or reverted) to Christianity and sought asylum in the West. That hemorrhage of people was, I think, one of the factors that led to the Soviet disintegrating, as it became harder and harder to convince citizens that they wouldn't be better off in a free society.
ReplyDeleteOne big mistake the Soviets made was in creating a dichotomy between faith and patriotism, and forcing people to choose between the two. While China doesn't have the history of Christianity that pre-communist Russia had, the underground churches are still enough of a factor that sooner or later, China's going to have to fish or cut bait on church vs. state.
I certainly pray that it shakes out liike this, and that the crisis doesn't come through a showdown over Taiwan. We might succeed in defending the island, but at a terrible price.
I wonder if their economic base is going to be able to keep up with, and ultimately feed, their massive population growth over the next 30-40 years along with everything else discussed here.
ReplyDeleteWhere are you???? 17 days with no post? Let me officially lay a guilt trip on you?
ReplyDeleteI ditto-that Mr. Pastor-I have been checking everyday for the last 17 days. I really miss your "post". PLEEEEEASE come back!!!
ReplyDeletewow! you MUST be busy!
ReplyDeleteNah, James, he just doesn't like us any more. Sniffle!
ReplyDeleteOk... it's been a month and 4 days. Time for a new epiphany.
ReplyDeleteOh.. one more tidbit for this one.... Guess who China's 8th largest trading partner is.
ReplyDeletethe UK? No......
France?? Nope.....
I know... POLAND.... nada....
It's.......
WAL-MART. Not a country.... a corporation... Put that one in your pipe and smoke it.
A new blog is comming... I have a tip. It's going to be a good'un too. Stay Tuned!
ReplyDelete