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In 2000, when Rock House Publishers translated and published The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel, we couldn’t have anticipated the creative opportunities that would emerge decades later. Lee Strobel, a journalist-turned-Christian apologist, crafted this book as a powerful investigative journey into the life and divinity of Jesus Christ. The compelling story has touched countless lives, inspiring both believers and seekers to dive deeper into the evidence for faith in Christ. Fast forward to 2024—our Traditional Chinese (TC) edition of this book had completely sold out, with only a few copies of the Simplified Chinese (SC) edition remaining. This presented a unique challenge: how could we reprint this classic in a way that served readers of both character systems simultaneously? Out of necessity came inspiration, as we embraced the opportunity to design a Bi-Character Chinese Parallel Read edition. Have you noticed the intricate design of the characters “審” and “宙” on the cover of The Case for Christ? These two characters have different forms in Traditional Chinese (TC) and Simplified Chinese (SC), yet we skillfully merged them into one, allowing readers to recognize both versions at a glance. Moreover, the design incorporates two distinct colors: the “white” portions highlight the SC character, while the “purple” portions emphasize the TC character. This creates a harmonious yin-yang effect, enhancing the visual appeal and enabling readers to naturally follow the text from left to right and top to bottom. The possibility of such a design seems almost preordained 20 years ago, as the selection of the title’s characters paved the way for today’s Bi-Character Chinese Parallel Read Edition. Step by step, grace by grace, this is truly God’s wondrous work in our literary ministry. This milestone reminds us of God’s foresight and grace. Twenty years ago, the Chinese title for this book was thoughtfully crafted, paving the way for this harmonious design today. Moreover, the interior layout echoes this spirit, presenting both TC and SC characters side-by-side for a unified reading experience. Have you noticed the intricate design of the characters “審” and “宙” on the cover of The Case for Christ? At its heart, this project demonstrates the unity and diversity within God’s creation. Through this bi-character design, readers can encounter and learn from the cultural nuances embedded in each writing system. It’s an opportunity to spread His Word more effectively and inclusively, allowing readers to delve into The Case for Christ while reflecting on the richness of our shared faith. We thank the Lord for enabling us to accomplish this, and we invite you to join us in this journey—to sow seeds of the Gospel into hearts across the world, one precious word at a time.

I enjoy watching Jiangsu Television's dating show, If You Are The One (《非誠勿擾》). Is it for the girls? Not really. What captivates me is the young gentlemen from all walks of life, each bringing stories from different provinces of China—rich with insights on culture, food, work philosophy, and travel adventures. In a recent March episode, one gentleman’s statement stood out to me: "Laziness and comfort are synonyms. Technology has helped cultivate my laziness—idle hands." His words sparked a thought—does laziness indeed breed comfort? Is technology a liberator or a silent enabler of our inertia? Let’s explore. "Laziness and comfort are synonyms. Technology has helped cultivate my laziness—idle hands." In today's fast-paced world, technology has seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, offering unparalleled convenience. Intelligent assistants like Google Gemini, Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri allow us to control various aspects of our homes with simple commands—turning on the TV, setting timers for our morning coffee, adjusting thermostats, or even compiling shopping lists via smart refrigerators. For writers, this means more time to focus on crafting narratives, as chores like vacuuming are delegated to robotic cleaners. Chores like vacuuming are delegated to robotic cleaners. Readers can immerse themselves in books, completing them in days rather than weeks, thanks to uninterrupted leisure time. Entertainment enthusiasts, however, may find themselves cultivating the "couch potato" lifestyle, indulging in endless content streams. Streaming services like Pluto TV have tapped into this cultural shift, humorously acknowledging our "couch potato" tendencies. Their commercials feature actors dressed as potatoes, lounging comfortably, embodying the quintessential sedentary viewer. The play on words is evident, as "Pluto" phonetically mirrors "potato," reinforcing the brand’s identity with a touch of whimsy. The play on words is evident, as "Pluto" phonetically mirrors "potato," reinforcing the brand’s identity with a touch of whimsy. While these technological advancements offer comfort and save time, they also contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle. Prolonged periods of inactivity, like continuing to ‘cultivate’ the couch potatoes, have been linked to various health issues, including obesity, heart diseases, high blood pressure, stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis, and increased feelings of depression and anxiety. Moreover, studies have shown that even with regular exercise, extended sitting can still pose significant health risks. Incorporating regular physical activity into our routines is crucial to counteract these harmful effects. As the Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians Chapter 6: verses 9-20 (NIV): "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? ... Honor God with your bodies." Enjoying the comforts provided by technology while intentionally scheduling time for movement and exercise. This doesn’t necessarily mean intensive workouts; simple changes like standing while on the phone, taking short walking breaks, or using a standing desk can make a difference. Engaging in moderate activities such as brisk walking or gardening has been associated with a reduced risk of death compared to sedentary individuals. The key is balance—enjoying the comforts provided by technology while intentionally scheduling time for movement and exercise. Maintaining our physical health is more than just self-care—it is a form of respect and gratitude for the life we've been given.

Strong winds and rain aren’t the only invisible forces we face. Viruses, too, are unseen yet incredibly powerful. They can spread silently, causing illness and disruption. Just as we protect ourselves physically—through vaccines, masks, and hygiene—we must also guard our spirits against unseen spiritual threats. The Bible tells us that our battle isn’t just against physical forces but against “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Satan, though invisible, is real. He roams the earth, seeking to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But we have a powerful defense: the Word of God. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He countered Satan’s lies with Scripture, showing us the power of God’s truth. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) puts it this way: "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." This verse reminds us that faith isn’t blind—it’s based on the confidence that God’s promises are true, even when we can’t see the full picture. Saint Augustine once said, "Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." This is the hope we have as believers. Though we can’t see God, we see His handiwork in the world around us. And one day, we will see Him face to face, just as the disciples saw the resurrected Christ in His glorified body. So, as we face the invisible forces of this world—whether storms, viruses, or spiritual battles—let’s hold fast to our faith. Trust in the unseen God who loves you, fight the unseen enemy with the armor of God, and look forward to the day when every eye will see Him. The Unseen Battle – Viruses, Faith, and the Hope of Resurrection

Tomorrow, Ontario is bracing for strong winds and rain—a powerful reminder of nature’s way of ushering out winter and welcoming spring with a bang. These winds, though invisible, carry immense force, capable of reshaping landscapes and even damaging homes. It’s fascinating how something we can’t see can have such a tangible impact on our lives. This isn’t the only invisible force at work. Think about heat: you can see fire, but the heat itself is invisible. It can warm you on a cold day or burn you if you’re too close. Cold, too, is invisible, yet it can cool you down or freeze you in an instant. And then there’s air—something we can’t see but can’t live without. Oxygen sustains life, fuels flames, and in excess, can even cause oxygen toxicity. Trees and oceans are nature’s oxygen factories, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen—a system beautifully prepared by God in Genesis Chapter 1. On the third day, He created the environment for life, and on the sixth day, He formed man from the dust and breathed into him the breath of life, making Adam a living being (Genesis 2:7). For Christians, this concept hits even closer to home. We can’t see God, but we see His work everywhere—from the beauty of creation to the love we share with others. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." Faith is about trusting in what we cannot see, yet knowing it is real because of its effects. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." This is the essence of our relationship with God. We may not see Him, but we feel His presence in the air we breathe, the warmth of the sun, and the changing seasons. Who created the air? Who designed the plants to produce oxygen? Who set the winds in motion and balanced the climate for heat and cold? The answer is clear: the unseen God, whose power and love are evident in every breath we take. As John 3:8 says, "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." God’s work is like the wind—invisible yet undeniable. We may not always understand His ways, but we can feel His power and guidance in our lives. As we prepare for the winds of tomorrow, let’s also prepare our hearts for the unseen battles around us. Equip yourself with faith, prayer, and God’s Word—the ultimate armor against the invisible forces of this world. The Invisible Forces – Nature, God, and Power

We live in a world that we can see, touch, and measure, but is that all there is? Many people believe in things beyond the visible—love, conscience, intuition. These are real, yet intangible. But what if there’s more to reality than just emotions and thoughts? Take air and wind, for example. Air is invisible, yet it sustains life—without it, we would not survive. Wind cannot be seen, yet we feel its presence. A breeze cools us on a hot day, bringing comfort and refreshment. A storm, however, reminds us of its power, shaping landscapes and even causing destruction. The spiritual world is just as real, affecting our lives, thoughts, and choices, even when we cannot see it. The Bible describes two realms: the physical and the spiritual. The physical world is what we experience daily—nature, society, human relationships. The spiritual world, though unseen, is just as real. It includes God, angels, Satan, and spiritual forces that interact with and influence our lives. The separation between these realms is not infinite—it is as thin as a veil, just beyond our reach. One of the most striking illustrations of this veil comes from Jesus’ story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31). The rich man lived in luxury, ignoring the suffering of Lazarus, a poor beggar outside his gate. When both died, Lazarus was carried to Abraham’s side, while the rich man found himself in torment. He could see Lazarus in comfort but could not reach him. Crying out for relief, he begged for someone to warn his family so they would not share his fate. The Bible does not explicitly call this place hell (Gehenna), but it describes it as a place of agony and separation from God, where regret and suffering exist without escape. The rich man’s fate was sealed because, during his lifetime, he rejected the truth. The story reminds us that the spiritual realm is near, and our choices in this life determine our place in eternity. If this unseen world is real, what does it mean for us? How does it affect our lives and the choices we make daily? In the same way, the spiritual world exists all around us—influencing, sustaining, and shaping our lives, even if we cannot see it with our eyes. Some feel God’s presence like a gentle breeze, guiding them through life, while others ignore it until they face the storms of life. To be continued...... The Reality of the Spiritual World

If the spiritual world is real, why is there so much pain, deception, and struggle? The Bible reveals that we are in the middle of a spiritual conflict—a battle between truth and deception, light and darkness, God and Satan. This battle does not take place in some distant galaxy; it happens here and now, influencing thoughts, emotions, actions, and even entire societies. The Bible shows glimpses of this war. Satan deceived Eve by twisting words and making her doubt God's truth. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, Satan tried to manipulate Him with lies, but Jesus resisted by standing on the truth of God’s Word. Job, a righteous man, suffered because of a challenge between God and Satan, yet he remained faithful despite his trials. What happens in the spiritual world shapes what happens in the physical world. One of the most powerful weapons in this battle is words. Words create reality—God spoke, and the world came into existence. Words deceive—Satan used words to mislead Eve. Words bring life—Jesus overcame temptation by declaring Scripture. Every day, we are surrounded by words that shape our thoughts and influence our choices. Are the words we listen to leading us toward truth or pulling us into deception? Many people see life as a mix of good and bad, but the Bible tells us there are only two eternal destinies. One is with God, in truth and light. The other is separation from God, in deception and darkness. The choice may seem 50/50, but the outcomes couldn’t be more different—one leads to eternal life, the other to destruction. Which side are we choosing with our daily thoughts and actions? The spiritual world is not a distant fantasy. It is as real as the air we breathe. It influences our choices, values, and eternity. The question is not whether it exists, but whether we are prepared to see it. The Spiritual Battle and Our Choice

The Bible calls us to “put on the full armor of God” to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. Among the armor, the sword of the Spirit—God’s Word—is our offensive weapon, a tool for defending against temptations and evil. As Ephesians 6:17 says, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” In our digital age, tools like eSword ( https://www.e-sword.net/history.html ) bring the sword of the Spirit into the electronic realm, equipping believers with study resources, commentaries, and translations to delve deeper into God’s truth—all freely available. Just as a soldier keeps their sword sharp, eSword equips us to wield the Word effectively in a complex world. Yet the Bible also reminds us that we are not just warriors but sheep of His pasture. The word “sward”—a lush green pasture—paints a picture of nourishment, rest, and peace. Psalm 23 tenderly declares, “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.” Just as the sward feeds sheep, God’s Word feeds our souls, offering spiritual rest amid life's battles. So, as followers of Christ, let us balance both roles—warriors armed with the sword of truth and sheep grazing on the sward of His Word. Tools like eSword are gifts that bridge these dual callings, helping us stand firm and find rest. At the Rock House Publishers, we encourage you to dive into this nourishing pasture and equip yourself with God’s Word. Whether through study tools, devotionals, or quiet meditation on scripture, let the Word be your sword and sward, bringing you strength and peace in equal measure. May His Word empower and refresh you today! The Word, the Sword, and the Sward

How old is the Rock House Desktop Calendar? And where was it born? If you’ve heard of the Chi Lin Nunnery, the Chung Yuan Brewery, or Diamond Hill, you may have glimpsed its origin story. Outside the brewery were vegetable fields, and just beyond them stood a humble bungalow at 15 Diamond Road. This was the birthplace of “The Rock House Publishers,” as well as the ”manger” of the Rock House Monthly Wall Calendar and Desktop Calendar. In this modest home, my parents, Prof. Timothy Yu and Mrs. Helen Wang Yu, sowed the seeds of the Gospel through their literary ministry, reaching the Chinese-speaking world. From its humble beginnings in the 1960s, the Rock House Desktop Calendar has grown steadily and is now 65 years old! We give thanks to the Lord for His grace and steadfast blessings. From hand-set letter type and photo-typesetting to digital typesetting and today’s AI-driven designs, the calendar has witnessed the evolution of publishing technology while remaining true to its mission: to proclaim the Gospel to the Chinese-speaking world through the timeless messages of the Bible. This Traditional Chinese calendar continues to inspire hearts and share the hope of eternal life in Christ. Recognizing the global reach of Simplified Chinese readers in mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia, and among overseas Chinese communities, The Rock House Publishers extended its mission in 2004. With the support of the Rock House Foundation, we partnered with the China Christian Council to publish the Simplified Chinese “Devotional Edition” of the Rock House Desktop Calendar. The Foundation generously provided the offset printing films for free, enabling this multi-functional calendar to be printed and distributed across mainland China for over 20 years. A Richly Diverse Calendar Content Each year, the Rock House Desktop Calendar offers fresh, engaging content that integrates daily living knowledge with Christian faith. The 2025 edition includes seven unique columns: Sunday: Biblical Vocations Monday: This Day in History Tuesday: English Insights Wednesday: Brain Teasers Thursday: World Heritage Sites Friday: Fascinating Animal Facts Saturday: Weekend Recipes In addition to these features, the calendar also includes carefully curated Chinese and Western proverbs, important global and church dates, solar and lunar calendars, seasonal markers, and space for personal notes. From early versions with metal holders and unbound inserts to today’s sleek, integrated desktop design, the Rock House Desktop Calendar has remained dedicated to nourishing both the spiritual and everyday lives of its readers. It helps them live out love and service, reflecting heaven on earth, and glorifying God’s name. 2025 Rock House Desktop Calendar

Words have the power to shape history, preserve culture, and spread knowledge. Wikipedia, a free resource available in countless languages, exemplifies this truth. It records the events, people, terms, and places that define humanity, offering verifiable and accessible information to everyone, everywhere. In many ways, Wikipedia mirrors the words of the Bible—spreading across languages, reaching hearts worldwide, and illuminating minds with knowledge. As followers of Christ, we can fulfill the Great Commission by writing and sharing Gospel truths through your Facebook pages, blogs, and other social media platforms. Together, we can use words to plant seeds of faith in the hearts of those seeking God and His Word. Let’s celebrate the power of words—whether through Wikipedia or the Bible—and use them to uplift and inspire humanity. Your prayers, just like your words, can leave a lasting impact. Wikipedia: A World of Knowledge at Your Fingertips

A new Milky Way has been “discovered”? The atmosphere is indeed murky, yet the stars still shine through the dust. But this celestial wonder was not found with the space Surveillance Telescope or the NASA Infrared Telescope, nor by looking up at the heavens. Instead, it was right outside my dinette window—on a pile of snow resting atop my patio’s wooden planter. As the western sun pierced through the clouds, its golden rays kissed the frozen crystals, making the snowflakes shimmer like a million tiny stars. "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands" (Psalm 19:1). Nature became a stage where light and ice danced together, painting a fleeting masterpiece. The frozen dust, like stars so bright, Reflects the sun’s unwavering might. The glittering comes from a pile of snow outside the window How often do we forget that God’s wonders are not only in the vast galaxies above but also in the small, quiet moments around us? His light penetrates even the darkest corners, just as the sun ignites the snow, revealing a glimpse of His majesty. We need not search far—His glory is near, waiting to be seen by those with eyes to behold. Here is a Human-AI collaborative poem, which reflects God's grace and greatness. Glimmers of Glory Beneath the sky so vast and wide, Not in the stars, but close beside. A pile of snow, a fleeting sight, Yet bathed in heaven’s golden light. The frozen dust, like stars so bright, Reflects the sun’s unwavering might. A whispered truth, so often missed— God’s beauty shines in moments kissed. Not only far in cosmic space, But near, within our time and place. For eyes that seek, His wonders gleam, A glimpse of heaven in earthly scene. Lately, I have been testing SUNO, an AI-generated music/vocals app and created a music video based on the poem as lyrics in the song (in Chinese). -- Production Team: The CreativeTrio.

A seed is the origin of life, small yet powerful. As the Bible reminds us in Genesis 8:22, “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest… will never cease.” Seeds bear the promise of growth, bearing fruits that hold new seeds, continuing God’s cycle of life. Without seeds, there is no food, no renewal—no survival.   God’s Word, like seeds, carries the power to create, nurture, and transform. As John 1:14 tells us, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Jesus, the living Word, came to show us God’s love and plan for salvation, reconnecting humanity with the Creator.   In the parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3–9), Jesus likens God’s Word to seeds, scattered on various soils—the human heart. Some seeds perish, others grow briefly, but those landing in good soil yield an abundant harvest.   In Chinese, the character for “word” (字) is profoundly symbolic. Its structure includes the radical 宀, symbolizing “precious” (寶), and 子, meaning “child” or “seed.” Together, 字 reminds us that every word is a precious seed, carrying the potential to take root in the hearts of others.   Through writing, we sow these seeds, entrusting them to the Holy Spirit to nurture. Just as nature needs sunlight, water, and good soil, so the human soul needs God’s truth to grow, blossom, and bear fruit. Let us sow these precious seeds of the Gospel faithfully, trusting God to multiply them for His glory.

The Chinese Study Bible: A Decade-Long Journey of Faith and Scholarship The Chinese Study Bible project stands as a testament to the Rock House Foundation's commitment to spreading the Gospel through accessible and culturally relevant Christian literature. Over a decade in the making, this ambitious project has provided Chinese-speaking Christians with a comprehensive tool to deepen their understanding of Scripture and grow in their faith. The Vision Behind the Chinese Study Bible The idea for the Chinese Study Bible was born out of a clear need within the Chinese Christian community. For years, pastors, theologians, and laypeople alike struggled to find study materials that not only faithfully represented the Scriptures but also spoke to their cultural and linguistic context. The Rock House Foundation took up the challenge, envisioning a study Bible that would bridge these gaps and provide a deeper understanding of the Word of God. Meeting the Needs of Chinese-Speaking Christians Before this project, many Chinese-speaking Christians had access to the Bible but lacked the study resources that could help them delve deeper into its teachings. The Chinese Study Bible was designed to meet this need by offering detailed annotations, cross-references, and study guides tailored specifically to the Chinese context. Collaboration Across Continents Bringing the Chinese Study Bible to life required a global effort. Scholars, theologians, translators, and editors from different continents came together, united by a common goal. This collaboration was not without its challenges, but the shared vision and dedication to the project kept everyone moving forward. Challenges and Milestones in Translation One of the most significant challenges was translating complex theological concepts in a way that was both accurate and accessible to Chinese readers. The team faced numerous linguistic hurdles, but through perseverance and faith, they overcame these obstacles and reached key milestones along the way. The Impact on the Global Church Since its publication, the Chinese Study Bible has been embraced by Chinese-speaking Christians worldwide. It has become an invaluable resource for pastors, church leaders, and individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture. The stories of lives transformed through this study Bible are a powerful testament to its impact.