Imagine a silk merchant. He is touched by the Holy Spirit. This marks the beginning of the True Jesus Church.
The True Jesus Church. It’s a unique branch of Christianity. It began in Beijing, China in 1917.
Paul Wei founded the True Jesus Church. He was a silk merchant. Later, he became known by his Christian name. Early believers were influenced by various practices. These included faith healing and Sabbath keeping.
Wei Enbo’s story is interesting. He was once part of the London Missionary Society. A Norwegian missionary introduced him to Pentecostalism. In 1917, the Holy Spirit moved him. He then departed from the missionary’s group.
Other key figures shaped the True Jesus Church. Zhang Lingsheng supported the seventh-day Sabbath. Barnabas Zhang started a rival movement in Hong Kong.
After 1949, the True Jesus Church faced challenges in China. Isaac Wei, Paul’s son, led the church. He was later arrested. The church lost contact with its members in China. Li Zhengcheng then led the church into the Three-Self Patriotic Movement.
The True Jesus Church expanded globally. Its headquarters moved to Taiwan and then to California. Today, it has members in over sixty countries. The True Jesus Church may have up to 3 million members worldwide.
The True Jesus Church has spread far. In the United Kingdom, congregations formed due to immigration. Many came from Malaysia and Hong Kong.
The True Jesus Church emphasizes specific beliefs. These beliefs shape their worship. They practice full-body immersion baptism. They also celebrate holy communion. Speaking in tongues is common during prayer.
The True Jesus Church believes sacraments must meet scriptural requirements. Jesus must have performed them. They must relate to salvation. Jesus must have instructed the disciples to perform them too. The True Jesus Church’s ten articles of faith are important. Speaking in tongues shows reception of the Holy Spirit. Baptism must be face down in natural water.
The True Jesus Church history is full of dedication. Its global presence shows its lasting impact. Its unique practices set it apart. Take a moment to consider the devotion of its followers. They uphold their faith worldwide.