Day 155: Extreme Request - Extreme Devotion

Summary

Extreme Devotion: Day 155 - "Extreme Request"

Released June 4, 2025 by The Voice of The Martyrs

Introduction

In the 155th episode of Extreme Devotion, titled "Extreme Request," The Voice of The Martyrs delves into the perilous journey of Zhang Rongliang, a prominent leader within China's underground house church movement. This episode underscores the immense sacrifices made by believers striving to practice their faith under oppressive circumstances.

Profile of Zhang Rongliang

Zhang Rongliang stands as a beacon of faith and resilience in one of China's largest house church groups, commanding an estimated 10 million Chinese believers who attend services weekly. His unwavering commitment is encapsulated in his adherence to Psalm 33:5:

"He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth." ([00:00])

The House Church Confession of Faith

In 1998, Zhang, alongside other house church leaders representing 15 million underground believers, co-signed the House Church Confession of Faith. This pivotal document publicly challenged the Communist government's harassment of unregistered house churches, advocating for religious freedom and legal recognition.

"In 1998, Zhang and other house church leaders representing 15 million underground believers signed a document entitled the House Church Confession of Faith that publicly called on the Communist government to stop harassing unregistered house churches." ([00:00])

Persecution and Imprisonment

The bold stance of the Confession led to severe repercussions. Mere months after its publication, Zhang and his co-signers were arrested and imprisoned. Zhang's release came with a stringent condition: behave himself for the next seven years. Despite his release, Zhang's commitment to his ministry remained unshaken, compelling him to travel constantly to minister to his flocks, a testament to his dedication and the ongoing risks he faces.

"Zhang now travels to minister to his various flocks. Since he is not behaving as the government would like, Zhang never sleeps in the same bed more than a few nights in a row." ([00:00])

A Parallel with Apostle Paul

The episode draws a compelling parallel between Zhang and Apostle Paul, highlighting their shared willingness to take extreme risks for the Gospel. Paul, despite facing persecution, strategically appealed to Roman law to spread Christianity in Rome—a move that ultimately cost him his life.

"When Paul wrote in Romans chapter 13 that we are to submit to our governments, he of all people must have known the risks. Yet although the Romans persecuted him, it was through an appeal to their law that he took the Gospel to Rome itself." ([00:00])

Similarly, Zhang's extreme request to be tried as a Roman citizen mirrors Paul's strategy, enabling him to advance the Gospel but also placing his life on the line.

Current State of Persecution in China

Today, Chinese church leaders continue to face systematic injustices under the current government regime. The episode emphasizes that these sacrifices are not in vain, as they pave the way for many to come to know Christ despite the oppressive environment.

"Tradition holds that the Romans actually beheaded Paul. Similarly, the believers in China suffer great injustices under their current government regime for the sake of Christ." ([00:00])

Call to Action: Valuing Justice and Freedom

The narrative challenges listeners to reflect on their own commitment to justice and the freedom to preach God's word. It calls for prayers for Chinese believers and encourages finding ways to support their mission in advancing God's kingdom.

"How strong is our desire to see justice done? How much do we value the right to freely preach God's word? Pray for believers in China today who inspire us to seek God's justice for their oppressors." ([00:00])

Conclusion

"Extreme Request" serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and dedication of persecuted Christians like Zhang Rongliang. By sharing his story, The Voice of The Martyrs not only honors his sacrifice but also galvanizes listeners to support and uphold the cause of religious freedom worldwide.

Listen to More:
For firsthand testimonies from persecuted Christians and gospel workers, visit VOM Radio. Search for "The Voice of the Martyrs" or "VOM Radio" on your preferred podcast platform and subscribe today to stay informed and inspired.

Transcript

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From the voice of the Martyrs Extreme devotion Extreme request China Zhang rong liang day 155 he loves whatever is just and good the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth. Psalm 33, verse 5 Zhang Rongliang is the leader of one of China's largest house church groups, which has an estimated 10 million Chinese believers attending services each week. In 1998, Zhang and other house church leaders representing 15 million underground believers signed a document entitled the House Church Confession of Faith that publicly called on the Communist government to to stop harassing unregistered house churches. A few months after making the document public, Zhang and other signers were arrested and imprisoned. Zhang was later released, providing that he behave himself for the next seven years. Zhang now travels to minister to his various flocks. Since he is not behaving as the government would like, Zhang never sleeps in the same bed more than a few nights in a row. When Paul wrote in Romans chapter 13 that we are to submit to our governments, he of all people must have known the risks. Yet although the Romans persecuted him, it was through an appeal to their law that he took the Gospel to Rome itself. His request to be tried as a Roman citizen enabled him to advance the Gospel to Rome, though it would be his last journey. Like Paul, Zhang took an extreme risk when he made his formal request. The consequences of his personal risk, however, have enabled many to know Christ. Like Paul, church leaders in China know that God ordains governments, but they also know that God will not overlook an evil authority's injustices. Tradition holds that the Romans actually beheaded Paul. Similarly, the believers in China suffer great injustices under their current government regime for the sake of Christ. If risking their lives to bring justice to China is necessary, then pastors such as these are willing to die. How strong is our desire to see justice done? How much do we value the right to freely preach God's word? Pray for believers in China today who inspire us to seek God's justice for their oppressors. Ask God to show you ways you can support their work to advance God's kingdom. You can hear testimonies directly from persecuted Christians and gospel workers serving them every week on VOM Radio. Search for the Voice of the Martyrs or VOM Radio wherever you listen to podcasts and subscribe today, SA.