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Thank God for the freedom to worship as we wish
The day following the seminar we traveled to Quangzhou (Canton) China to visit a couple of Chinese churches and a seminary. We arrived in Quangzhou by train. Crossing the border, we were confronted by a squad of uniformed, rifle-carrying Chinese soldiers doubletiming on the passenger platform. Arriving in Quangzhou we found a crowded, drab, dusty city of 6,000,000 people. (We thought we might have to stay because someone "lifted" our return tickets.) We learned there were seven authorized Christian churches in the city. There was an eighth church but it was reserved for foreigners. We further learned that the authorities banned all denominations; there is only one authorized Chinese Christian Church. As much as I enjoyed Hong Kong and marveled at China, I was very, very happy to return to American soil. I gained a greater appreciation for our liberties guaranteed by our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. One of these freedoms is the freedom to worship as we believe appropriate. We may disagree about denominations but we have the right to disagree. This July 4th I encourage everyone to remember what a wonderful nation we are privileged to reside in. Thank God for the patriots who fought for our freedom and those who have maintained it while you watch the fireworks.
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1) |
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