As we are often reminded, in the first century, there were many persecutions against Christians. That persecution has continued to follow believers in Christ at many times and in many places around the world. Even in our own church when we highlight our missionaries, we often do so in a way that seeks to keep them safe since we don’t want them to be put in harm’s way.
The apostle Peter wrote a letter to persecuted believers in the Roman Empire around A.D. 60-64, and these words still ring true for us today: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12
Christians march to a different beat than people who do not follow Christ. In the first century, Christians confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord, not Caesar. Husbands treated their wives with dignity, respect, and faithfulness. Baby girls were not abandoned (as was sometimes the Roman custom), and Christians took in abandoned babies as their own. When epidemics struck, believers stayed in the cities to help care for their own families and others, at the risk of their own lives. The result was that God was glorified, and the world took notice.
The world needs this testimony today as well. But have you ever stopped to think about how our families can play a role in this? The family is meant to be a light to the world, showcasing the love, grace, and truth of Jesus Christ. As we unpack our final sermon in the I Still Do sermon series, we will be exploring how through strengthen the family, our families can be a place of spiritual growth and outreach to the world.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
The apostle Peter wrote a letter to persecuted believers in the Roman Empire around A.D. 60-64, and these words still ring true for us today: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12
Christians march to a different beat than people who do not follow Christ. In the first century, Christians confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord, not Caesar. Husbands treated their wives with dignity, respect, and faithfulness. Baby girls were not abandoned (as was sometimes the Roman custom), and Christians took in abandoned babies as their own. When epidemics struck, believers stayed in the cities to help care for their own families and others, at the risk of their own lives. The result was that God was glorified, and the world took notice.
The world needs this testimony today as well. But have you ever stopped to think about how our families can play a role in this? The family is meant to be a light to the world, showcasing the love, grace, and truth of Jesus Christ. As we unpack our final sermon in the I Still Do sermon series, we will be exploring how through strengthen the family, our families can be a place of spiritual growth and outreach to the world.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
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