“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
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Lately I’ve been immersed in the writings of the early church Fathers; Fathers like Athenagoras, Justin Martyr, Ignatius, Polycarp and Tertullian to name just a few. I’m captivated by these writings because they give me a picture of the early church and the life of Christians just a few years after the departure of Jesus. I’m discovering they paint a beautiful picture of believers exercising faith under duress, joy within pain and love in the midst of hatred, all the things Christ commanded us to live out. Their stories strengthen my faith and so I wanted to share just a couple of them with you in the hope that if you’re needing some encouragement or boosting of your faith you may read these and be strengthened as I was.
Athenagoras of Athens (133 – 190 A.D) was a pagan philosopher turned staunch Christian apologist. His writings are considered authoritative, trustworthy and elegant in defense of Christianity.
“Among us you can find uneducated people, artisans, and dear old mothers who would not be able to put into words the usefulness of their teaching, but by their deeds they demonstrate the usefulness of their principles. They do not repeat words learned by heart, but they show good deeds: when hit they do not hit back, when robbed they do not go to court, they give to those who ask, and they love their fellowmen as themselves”.
Athenagoras ~ 170 A.D.
Justin Martyr (~100 A.D. – 165 A.D.) was born in Samaria, he is perhaps the greatest Greek philosopher, apologist and evangelist who lived in the second century. He wrote many historical and apologetic documents that still exist to this day. His conversion in 135 A.D. was a miraculous event.
“We ourselves were well conversant with war, murder, and everything evil, but all of us throughout the whole wide earth have traded in our weapons of war. We have exchanged our swords for plowshares, our spears for farm tools. Now we cultivate the fear of God, justice, kindness to men, faith, and the expectation of the future given to us by the Father himself through the crucified one … We do not give up our confession though we be executed by the sword, though we be crucified, thrown to wild beasts, put in chains, and exposed to fire and every other kind of torture. Everyone knows this. On the contrary, the more we are persecuted and martyred, the more do others in ever-increasing numbers become believers and God-fearing people through the name of Jesus.”
Justin Martyr ~150 –160 A.D.
These leaders of the church faced real threats to their lives. In the midst of their troubles they sought the peace and solace of knowing and trusting in the Lord Jesus. They had joy amidst persecution. Their faith was immovable, rock-solid and pure. They fully understood the joy that can only be found in a relationship with the One who made them and gave them true life. In a nutshell, they were, and continue to be, a true inspiration to all who believe.
Commit to living your life for Christ in 2020. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead and inspire you in all circumstances. Then will the light of Christ shine through you, strengthening you and glorifying the Father!
In Christ,
Dave
Early Church History Seminar
Strengthen your walk with God by gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Bible and early church Fathers at our Early Church History Seminar. See the Speaking Engagements page for details of upcoming events and contact form to schedule the event at your church or other venue.
Our desire is that the faith demonstrated by our forefathers motivates, inspires and compels you to live your life “all-in” for Christ. Remember, we are all “surrounded by a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) who are cheering us on to victory in Christ. In the end, what matters most in this short life we experience is how we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in both word and deed.
Reading for Further Encouragement:
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