An Uncertain Return

Christian Zhang Chengzhi is forced to flee his home because of the Chinese government's mad persecution of religious beliefs. A happy family is torn apart. But the police refuse to give up—they monitor, question, and intimidate his family members, and look for opportunities to arrest him. Zhang Chengzhi and his family miss each other, but cannot be reunited. Zhang narrowly escapes arrest time after time and in the end has no choice but to escape the country. He and his family are in different corners of the world and don't know when they will meet again …

Recommended:Why does the Chinese Communist government wildly persecute, suppress and crack down on Almighty God and The Church of Almighty God?

I acknowledge the words expressed by Almighty God as the truth, but my family have been confused by rumors disseminated by the CCP and by pastors, and they do all they can to obstruct me getting in touch with Christians from the Church of Almighty God. I don’t dare to investigate Almighty God’s work of the last days, but neither do I want to lose the chance to be raptured and saved by God. How should I solve this problem?

Bible Verses for Reference:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour (1Pe 5:8).

A man’s enemies are the men of his own house (Mic 7:6).

I Found the True Light

Qiuhe, Japan

I was born in a Catholic family. Since I was little, I attended Mass at church with my grandparents. Due to the influence of my environment and my belief in God, I learned to chant many different scriptures and practice various rituals.

With Life Hanging by a Thread, the Hand of God Came to the Rescue

“If I were not saved by God, I would still be drifting in this world,

struggling hard and painfully in sin, every day bleak and hopeless.

If I were not saved by God, I’d still be crushed below the devil’s feet,

snared in sin and its enjoyments, ignorant of what my life would be.

It’s Almighty God who saves me; all God’s words have purified my heart.

Through God’s judgment and His chastisement, my corrupted disposition’s changed.

Most people in our church cannot tell the difference between being discerning with people and judging people. I’d like to ask, with regard to dissecting and discerning the God-defying essence of the pastors and elders, and calling them the Pharisees of the present age, is this not judging people?

Bible Verses for Reference:

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing. Truly I say to you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delays his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looks not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mat 24:45-51).

Blessings Due to Sickness—Essay on God’s Love

Dujuan, Japan

I was born into a poor family in a rural village. Since I was a child, I lived a tough life and was looked down upon by others. I sometimes did not even know if I would have my next meal, let alone snacks and toys. Since my family was poor, when I was little, I would wear what my older sister used to wear. Her clothes were usually too big for me. As a result, when I went to school, the other kids would laugh at me and they would not play with me.

The Call of Love

Xiao Yin

I was born into a rural family. As my family was poor and I couldn’t eat my fill or dress warmly when I was young, other children my age often laughed at me. When I saw those children in rich family never wanted for food or clothing, got unending allowances, and were surrounded by others wherever they went, I was very envious of them. Therefore, I made up my mind that I must work hard to make a lot of money when I grew up, so they would never look down upon me again.

Why Will the Unbelievers Cry Out to God for Help?

Here is a story:

One day in South America, a preacher suddenly heard someone crying for help when he walked through the woods. Then, he ran quickly toward where the sound came from. He ran to the riverside and saw a man sitting in a boat. The current was very swift, and not far away was a waterfall. If no one rescued him, that man would definitely be washed down the waterfall. The preacher heard that man still shouting desperately, “God! Save me! Save me!”

The Chinese Communist Party Sees Christ as a Regular Person. Where Is Their Mistake?

Zheng Weiguo (Minister of a municipal United Front Work Department): You witness that both Jesus and Almighty God are Christ, the first and the last Christ. Our CCP does not recognize it. In The Internationale, it clearly said, “There has never been any savior of the world.” You insist on witnessing the advent of Christ the Savior. How can the CCP not condemn you? In our opinion, the Jesus whom Christians believe in was an ordinary man. He was even nailed on the cross. Even Judaism did not recognize Him as Christ. Isn’t this the fact? The incarnate Almighty God in the last days that you witness is also an ordinary person in fact. The CCP’s documents describe it clearly that He has a surname and first name. This is also a fact. Why do you witness that such an ordinary person is Christ, the appearance of God? Humph! It is really incredible!

Running Toward the Bright Path of Human Life

Wang Tao

Both Xiaoliu and I ran auto repair shops. Our shops were of the same size, and the equipment we used was also the same, except that there were more kinds of repair parts in my shop. But in recent years, there arose a great difference in our businesses level: His business was flourishing day by day, and more and more people drove to his shop to get their cars repaired, so much so that some cars had to be parked in front of my shop, while my shop was rather desolate.

What Are the Meaningful Things for Man to Pursue In Life?

In this money-centered society where material desires overflow, people all think that having money means having everything. In order to live a better life, they all try their best to earn money. And I was no exception. To make more money, I worked hard every day and lived a nine to five life automatically, which made me feel exhausted physically and mentally. Even if I fell ill sometimes, I didn’t see a doctor until I could hardly bear it. When I met difficulties or was unfairly treated at work, I would endure that all the time. It seemed that all my grievances would be gone, as long as I made more and more money.

The CCP Slanders The Church of Almighty God as a “Human Organization.” What’s Their Motive?

Zheng Weiguo (Minister of a municipal United Front Work Department): I want to talk about your belief in God again. Do you know clearly who created The Church of Almighty God? I have worked half a lifetime for the United Front, studying religions for decades. It’s fair to say that I understand various kinds of religions rather well. For more than two decades, we have mainly studied The Church of Almighty God. According to the government’s propaganda materials, The Church of Almighty God was founded by someone named Zhao in northeastern China. This man is the high priest of The Church of Almighty God. He is leading the Church.

Aren’t You Curious?

From my childhood, I was full of curiosity. Whenever there was a chance, I would take apart electrical appliances, varying from big to small. Sometimes I even created chances to break them down to research what they had inside and how they worked.

Why Aren’t People Used for God’s Judgment Work of the Last Days, but God Incarnate Himself Must Do It?

Bible Verses for Reference:

For the Father judges no man, but has committed all judgment to the Son (Jhn 5:22).

And has given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man (Jhn 5:27).

Why Do People Live Further Away from Civilization Gradually?

Lin Ting

One day, I took my three-year-old daughter to go out. After getting on the trolley, we walked to the priority seating area specially reserved for the elderly, infirm, sick, disabled and pregnant. I saw three young people aged over 20 sitting there. One kept his eyes closed, another one was holding a mirror to make up, and the third was playing mobile phone with his head down.

Spiritual Food of Life

There is such a group of people in our lives. They all dip their heads concentrating on the phone in cars and on the road and even keep the phone in their hands when having meals or going to the restroom…. Such a group of people are called “phubbers.” Obviously, phone is a convenient means of communication, which appears to narrow the distance between people.

Troublesome Interpersonal Relationships

Nowadays, everyone assumes their different roles in society and contacts all kinds of people. In this environment, our interpersonal relationships are as complex as a cobweb and are as profound and unfathomable as academic research.

What Are the Differences Between the Work of God Incarnate and Work of the Spirit?

Bible Verses for Reference:

And he said, I beseech you, show me your glory. … And he said, You can not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live (Exo 33:18-20).

And Jehovah came down on mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and Jehovah called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. And Jehovah said to Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through to Jehovah to gaze, and many of them perish (Exo 19:20-21).

What Do Online Games Bring to Us?

Ling Chen

Internet, the product of scientific development, has long entered numerous households. It brings great convenience to our studying, working, and living. In addition to enjoying the satisfaction internet science brings to life, more people are worried about the future of teenagers, for more and more teenagers are addicted to online games, and their minds are full of bloody, evil, and violent scenes presented in the virtual world. Sometimes I can’t help thinking: What do science and internet really bring to us?

How Can One Understand That Christ Is the Truth, the Way, and the Life?

Bible Verses for Reference:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God (Jhn 1:1-2).

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth (Jhn 1:14).

Catholic Beliefs: The Lord Really Has Returned

By Renshi, USA

My whole family believes in God. I attended mass with my mom from the time I was a little girl and God bestowed so much grace on us—we were full of gratitude toward Him and we were also longing for the Lord’s return. But I never imagined that when the Lord really did return to work and save us, I wouldn’t recognize His work but would instead rely on my arrogant nature and cling to my old notions, nearly missing out on the Lord’s salvation. Every time I think of this I feel self-reproach but I also rejoice.

Seeing God’s Hand in the Hardships of Selling and Buying a Home

Ma Ling

Part 1

Deep in the night when all was quiet, Ma Ling stood in silence by the window thinking about a conversation she had had with a church leader that day.

The leader, Sister Bai, said: “Sister Ma, one of the people taken in the most recent wave of arrests of brothers and sisters by the CCP government was a sister who used to stay at your home. We’re afraid that the police will track her movements through video surveillance recordings, and in that case you would certainly be implicated. The duty that you’re currently performing would be impacted too. I don’t know if you have any particular plans.”

3 Great Masterstrokes for Overcoming Temptations in Spiritual Warfare

Jingxing, South Korea

Brothers and sisters,

I wish you peace in the Lord! Not infrequently, all sorts of spiritual warfare will occur throughout our time of faith in and following God. There are temptations regarding money, status and name, and temptations between men and women, as well as slander by unbelievers, obstruction and suppression from loved ones, as well as being hunted down and persecuted by a satanic regime. Sometimes completely unexpected calamities befall us.

Catholic Beliefs: I Have Welcomed the Lord’s Return

By Amy, USA

“Meeting with the Lord is the greatest hope of all believers. By the grace of the Lord, I have welcomed the Lord’s return and I am full of gratitude to Him….” It’s nighttime, and the clear moonlight spills into the room through the window. Under the soft light of her lamp, Amy is quickly typing out her experience of welcoming the Lord’s return. Thinking of God’s love and salvation for her, Amy stands up and softly walks to the window and gazes out at the full moon, reminiscing on the past …

Christian Life: 4 Tips to Teach You How to Interact With Others in Accordance With the Lord’s Intentions

By Wang Zihan, Shanxi Province

Interpersonal relationship is a topic that causes headaches for many people. This is also a topic that is encountered often throughout one’s life as a Christian. The Lord Jesus requires us to get along harmoniously with each other and to love others as we love ourselves. Many devout Christians are also willing to put the Lord’s teachings into practice. However, in reality, when we interact with others, we frequently encounter conflicts, and misunderstandings, so much so that our relationships become rigid and break down. This leads to pain for everyone. Now, what is the reason that we are unable to exist harmoniously with each other? How should we Christians interact with others in our lives in accordance with the Lord’s intentions? This has also been a problem that I have had difficulty with in the past. Thank the Lord for His guidance! Afterward, I was able to find the answer in a book that resolved my difficulties. Here, I will share a bit about my experience and understanding!

What Is the Rapture?

Li Huan

Just like many other Christian brothers and sisters, I eagerly long for the second coming of the Lord Jesus. We abide by the following passage from the Bible: “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Ts 4:17). For this reason, we foolishly look up to the skies longing for the day that Jesus will return and take us up into the clouds so that we can be with the Lord. However, after so many years have passed, the four blood moons have already appeared; earthquakes, famines, plagues and war and all sorts of other disasters are becoming more and more intense. The prophecies of the Lord’s second coming have basically been fulfilled. However, we still have not seen one Christian raptured into heaven. I cannot help but think, “Why does the Lord not come to receive us? The Lord is trustworthy. The Lord promised that He would take us into the heavenly kingdom in the last days. The Lord’s promise certainly will be accomplished and fulfilled. I do not doubt this at all. Yet, how come up until now, we still have not been raptured by the Lord into heaven? Could it be that there are some problems with our longing?”

In the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, Do You Know What God’s Hidden Intention Is?

Chengxin

One evening, as I sat at my desk after praying to God, I read the parable told by Jesus in Matthew 20:1-16, where the kingdom of heaven is likened to a landowner hiring workers for his vineyard, and it didn’t matter whether they went first thing in the morning or if it was in the noon or the afternoon that they went into the vineyard, their wages were all the same. When the workers who came first learned of this, they grumbled against the landowner, but the landowner replied by saying: “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Is your eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen” (Mat 20:15-16). After reading these several lines of scripture from the Bible I knitted my brows and could not help but think: “It is reasonable to say that those who practice their faith in God for a long time, who forsake more and expend themselves more for the Lord and who toil and work for more years ought to be rewarded with more than those who come later, but in Scripture it says that the wages are the same for those who come early and those who come late, isn’t this God intentionally showing favoritism for those who come later?” I felt that I really didn’t understand these words, I didn’t understand what the Lord’s intention was in saying these words.

To Be an Honest Person Is Truly Great!

Wu Ming, China

One day in 2004 a friend said to me: “Every day you get up early and are busy all day cutting cloth, you exhaust yourself, yet you still don’t make money. Today’s society relies on the tongue to make money, like the popular saying goes: ‘It is better to have a slick tongue than to have strong arms and legs.’ You know that I’m now engaging in the direct sales business selling makeup products, not only does it make me beautiful, I also don’t need to exert too much effort each day, I just need to speak a few words with my customers and sell my products in order to make a lot of money. Why don’t you change jobs and come sell makeup products with me?” I looked my friend over, she really was prettier than before, and then I thought about how I had been a dressmaker for over 10 years, how I hadn’t really made any money at it, and how I wasn’t getting any younger. If it really was like what my friend was saying, if by switching to a job where I sold makeup products I could make easy money, and could even become younger and prettier and win the high praises of others, then that would be much better! As I thought about this, I told her right then and there that I was willing to become a part of the company. Later, after my inspection, I ordered over 3,000 yuan worth of products, and I started my job in the cosmetics industry as a beauty consultant for this company.

My Life Principles Left Me Damaged

Changkai    Benxi City, Liaoning Province

The common phrase “All lay loads on the willing horse” is one with which I am all too personally familiar. My husband and I were all particularly guileless people: When it came to matters that involved our own personal benefit or loss, we weren’t the type to haggle and fuss with others. Where we could be forbearing we were forbearing, where we could be accommodating we also did our best to be accommodating. As a result, we often found ourselves cheated and abused by others. It really seemed that in life, “All lay loads on the willing horse”—if you have too much kindness in your heart, if you’re too accommodating and modest in your affairs, you’re very liable to be cheated. With these thoughts in mind, I resolved to not subject myself to all this abuse and live in frustration anymore: In future matters and in dealings with others, I vow not to be too accommodating. Even after I accepted Almighty God’s work, I still applied this principle in conducting my behavior and interactions with others.

There Is a Way to Resolve the Generation Gap

Brothers and sisters,

Good day!

Recently my relationship with my son has been particularly strained. As he has grown older, the generation gap between us has got deeper and deeper. My son is now in junior high school and I am worried that he will play games online and put off studying. I am also worried about him experiencing puppy love and learning bad ways and so I often watch him. To prevent him picking up bad habits, I check whether there is anything bad on his cell phone. Unexpectedly, he was particularly angry and disgusted after he found out and even asked why I controlled him. My son’s words made me extremely sad. I am his mother. If I do not care for him who will? Isn’t my so-doing for his own good? How come he cannot understand me. He has not spoken to me for several days because of this. I feel so distressed that I can only pray to the Lord. But no matter how much I pray I cannot feel the Lord’s presence. Now I do not know what to do. A sister told me that brothers and sisters of The Church of Almighty God often help her overcome difficulties, so I am sending you this letter in the hope that you can help me.

Distressed XX