> CR Podcast Archive

Every day news reaches our inboxes from around the globe detailing the suffering of Christians, punished for no other reason than simple hatred of their faith. Frankly, it breaks our hearts. But it also reminds us of something else - the incredible spiritual and numerical growth that results when true believers are put to the test. We remember those today who stand unspeakable tests of faith endurance, and honor their Lord in the process. And, we rejoice that it means a latter day miracle in places once impenetrable to the Gospel.

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Living the great paradox of real Christian Faith, the Church of China has become powerful in unimaginable ways. We'll try to explain it, even so, as Norm welcomes Cher in studio for an exploration of lessons learned, and what the Chinese Church continues to teach us about real faith and real living.

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"I find I am strong when I am weak..." So the Apostle Paul lays out one of the foundational paradoxes of the Christian faith.  It's a living reality for the persecuted Church of China. We've seen that paradox close-up, and it changed this ministry for good.

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Happy Thanksgiving! Seems appropriate to be cheerful and grateful on a day like this. The believers in Baghdad, Iraq have learned that 'gratefulness' and 'cheerfulness' don't always go hand-in-hand. They've had a tough row to hoe for some time now. But there's no mistaking their passion, faith, and even joy in extraordinary difficulties. Paul says "I've learned to be content in all circumstances - in plenty and in want..." So there are really two sides to thanksgiving. Cher joins Norm in studio for this truthful, faith-building and even sobering look at how those far from our comfort and ease give thanks today. As a result, perhaps you'll give special thanks for them on this special day.

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Persecution of Christians around the world is not uncommon. In some places it's a downright epidemic. As we prepare for our day of national Thanksgiving, it would be wise to remember that the first celebrants were refugees from religious persecution in their day. Today's persecuted need friends and safe harbors no less than the Mayflower Pilgrims. Norm's guest, Paul Marshall, helps put a contemporary face on today's persecuted believers.

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Norm concludes a fascinating interview with Peter and Sarah Hightower, some of the most intrepid missionaries in the world today. What's God doing in the countries of Central Asia? The Hightowers have the answers!

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On the western edge of China the world literally leaps for the heavens. It's one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. It's also the place where one amazingly intrepid family of enterprising missionaries is making the first inroads for Christ in a thousand years. But don't marvel at the 'Hightowers.' They're simply faithful followers of Christ - probably like you - who just happened to say yes to God in a unique way. The world is a better place for it.

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What can a bible in China do? Save a soul? Encourage a believer? How 'bout "Change the World?" That is precisely what the Word of God is doing through the believers in China. Cher joins Norm in studio for this enlightening and powerful look at the real impact of scripture in the world today.

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A million bibles floating in the open ocean - just a few hours to secure them before the authorities discover you're smuggling illegal contraband. A sinking barge and no communication from shore. What could go wrong? Norm's guest, Terry Madison, concludes this unbelievable story of Christian espionage that goes down as one of the most successful - and dangerous - acts of undercover evangelism, ever.

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If you were really motivated, what could you accomplish in twelve hours? How about under cover of darkness and in over your head in churning seas? Well, on one turbulent night 25 years ago, the most intrepid team of bible smugglers ever helped change the history of Christianity in China. Norm's guest, Terry Madison, was there.

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What makes a man rich in this life? Wealth, power, possessions? How do Chinese Christians rank on the scale of wealth? Well, if we're talking about God's economy, they are very rich, indeed.

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How important are bibles to the growth of the Chinese church? This two part series will take you deep into the 'life' of a Chinese bible.

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If you've listened to Compassion Radio for any length of time, you know how impressed we are with the modern day explosion of the Church in East Asia. Hundreds of millions of new believers in only two or three generations. Some have tried to dismiss the phenomenon economically or politically. But the Chinese believers know the real reason - God's Word unleashed.

Norm is joined by 'Brother Josh' today - someone who really knows the power of the Word and the power of the Church that knows how to wield it as a potent spiritual weapon.

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Do you ever wonder what happened to the excitement experienced by the early Church? The passion; the miracles; the mighty works of God? Can we assume it was simply God's way of doing things in a different time and in a different way?

Well, if you're Christian on the front lines of faith in places like modern China, Central Asia, Africa or South America, you'd think the question rather odd. For them, they are the early Church and God is manifesting Himself daily. If you don't believe it, you need to tune in for the next two programs.

Cher joins Norm in studio for this insider's look at how the Church is really growing all around the world.

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For the past two days, 'Brother Michael' has given us one of the most important behind-the-scenes tours you're ever likely to experience. Namely, the real lives of underground Christian believers in China. These Christians understand New Testament Christianity. They're living it right now. They also understand better than all of us the urgency of reaching a lost world for Jesus. And they have a plan.

Brother Michael concludes this series with a look at where Chinese Christianity is going in the future and how it will affect all of us.

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Norm continues his fascinating survey of the amazing growth of Christianity in China with his guide, 'Brother Michael.'

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'Brother Michael' lives and breathes the Church. And the booming Church in China loves him for it. What is it like inside the amazing fellowships that form the largest Christian explosion in the history of the movement? You're about to find out.

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Christianity is anything but a 'bookish' faith. Yet it's making tremendous inroads among some of the most educated and driven people on Earth - China's millions of college and university students. The universities are preparing them for the profound opportunities and challenging jobs of the 21st century. The Gospel is preparing them for the greatest growth of Christianity in 2000 years. Sharon Seeburger explains how in this interview with Norm Nelson.

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Norm is joined in studio by his wife Cher today, as they take an intimate look into the life of some of China’s great saints. What is it really like to be a ‘prisoner for Christ?’ We’ll find out today.

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Norm’s guest today, Carl Lawrence, has an insider’s perspective on the persecution of Chinese Christians. In a controlled society like China, the price of living your faith can be steep indeed.

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The world is coming to America’s universities. And one small yet respected Christian university is taking it to heart. They’ve invited the world in. Now they sending Christ out. And the impact on the nations of the world - especially China - are immeasurable. Robin Baker, President of George Fox University joins Norm today to explain how they’re doing it.

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God is about to unleash the 'Light of the World' on an unsuspecting planet. Some important and learned men have a vague idea that something important is about to take place, but where? God has a plan to help them discover the truth and it will take the willing heart of one special little star to make it happen.

In a classic Dove Award-nominated musical for the whole family, the story behind the Star of Christmas comes shimmering to life. Cher joins Norm in studio to tell how "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" came to be, and how you can get a copy for your family.

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