There is power in the name of Jesus, a power that transforms lives, redeems souls and shakes the foundations of darkness. History proves that oppressive regimes fear that power because it cannot be silenced with threats or contained with laws. From the Roman Empire to modern authoritarian states, the message of the Gospel has thrived in the very places where rulers worked hardest to suppress it.
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
China’s Digital Crackdown
China has intensified its assault on Christianity by instituting sweeping new regulations targeting pastors and churches online. According to the Christian Post, the rules “prohibit teaching Bible lessons to children and forming youth groups” through digital platforms. The National Religious Affairs Administration now demands that only registered religious organizations with an Internet Religious Information Services License can host sermons, training or religious education.
Bitter Winter, a religious rights magazine, called this “one of the most technologically invasive” crackdowns to date, reporting, “In the age of digital ministry, where sermons stream and prayers ping, the regulation feels like a deliberate attempt to unplug the sacred from the social.”
Order Jonathan Cahn’s Newest Book, “The Avatar” on Amazon.com!
Personal accounts, livestreams, WeChat groups and other informal forums are now banned. “Self-promotion is banned and clergy may not use religious identity to attract followers or traffic,” the magazine translated from Article 5 of the regulations. Youth remain a key focus of this censorship as Article 10 makes it illegal for clergy to evangelize to minors or organize youth camps.
Why the Youth?
Why is China so intent on cutting off its youth from the truth? Because the Gospel works. Nothing terrifies the Chinese Communist Party more than a young generation rising up with unshakable faith in Jesus. The testimony of the late Charlie Kirk stands as proof. His fearless defense of biblical truth on college campuses across America drew crowds, sparked debates and inspired a generation. His impact was so great that it ultimately cost him his life. That kind of boldness terrifies regimes built on control and deception.
The CCP knows that a teenager or college student on fire for Christ is more powerful than all the propaganda and indoctrination the state can muster. One surrendered life can become the spark that ignites a movement. The same government that pours billions into surveillance fears the whisper of a prayer and the sound of a child learning John 3:16.
A Call to Prayer
The Bible promises that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. No regulation or decree can undo the work of the Holy Spirit in China or anywhere else. Yet our brothers and sisters there are paying a heavy price to follow Christ. We must stand with them in prayer.
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
Pray that the Lord pours out His blessing and anointing over the underground church in China. Pray that every believer young and old is strengthened in boldness. Pray that revival sweeps through not only the hearts of the people but also the very halls of government. May the power of Jesus Christ set the nation ablaze with Holy Spirit fire until even the persecutors cannot help but bow before the King of Kings.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
