Stress on the New Religion April 7, 2024

 

Left: Engraving of Justin Martyr in André Thévet, “Les Vrais Pourtraits et Vies Hommes Illustres” (1584); right: A bearded Justin Martyr presenting an open book to a Roman emperor. Engraving by Jacques Callot; published by Israël Henriet (1632-1635). [Images: Wikipedia]

April 7, 2024

"by the second century A.D., the Christian religion had spread beyond its original Jewish context into a pagan world that very often misunderstood and hated it. Its circumstances were, in that respect, much like our own. Only worse, of course. For in those days, to become a Christian was to invite more than merely the contempt of the intelligentsia or mockery within the popular culture. It was to risk death at the hands of the state." (The Catholic World Report, April 4, 2024).

Powerpoint

Handout Summary of our studies

Other Readings - related to our discussion, but not necessarily articles I endorse.

Christian Apologetics in a Nutshell




Source:

Ferguson, E(2003). Backgrounds of Early Christianity

Mattox, FW. (1955). The Eternal Kingdom.


Popular posts from this blog

Prayer Starter Monday 4-7-25

Image
Today's Prayer Starter Good morning! As we begin this five day journey of praying specifically to build our relationship with God, let's start with a prayer of adoration. In Psalm 8 , David prays a prayer of adoration.  "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, You have established strength because of yor foes, to still the enemy and the avenger." You can read the entire Psalm, but this morning use David's prayer to help you tell God why you believe His name is majestic in all the earth.  Try it! Still need some help.  Here is my morning adoration prayer to God: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!  You have given me a good night's rest, good health, and a desire to spread the love of Jesus today.  Walk with me O Lord and let your light shine from me today!
Read more

Prayer Starter - Thursday, June 26, 2025 Pray for a Helicopter

Image
Good Morning, I hope you won't be offended, but I want to share an old joke with you that drives home an important point regarding what the Bible tells us about prayer and trusting in God. A religious man was trapped on the roof of his house during a bad flood. He prayed to God to save him. Before the waters were too high, a neighbor drove by and offered to take him in his truck before the water rose. He declined the offer and said "God will save me."  As the water rose, vehicles could no longer drive by and a Fire & Rescue crew came by in a boat. Again, an offer for rescue and again, the religious man said, he would wait upon the Lord.  Finally the water is destroying the house and it is near the lower levels of the roof. Another rescue attempt this time by helicopter, offers to whisk him away to safely and he declines, relying on God to save him, only to die in the great storm. In heaven, the man confronts God and says, "Why didn't You save me?" To whi...
Read more

Prayer Starter - Friday, August 29, 2025 "Friday Night Lights"

Image
It's Friday - Game Day.  Friday Night Lights For many of us, Friday night lights bring back memories of gathering with family and friends at the local football field. The lights shining against the night sky signaled more than just a game—it was a place of community, excitement, and hope. In life, we also walk through nights that feel dark. The worries of health, family, or the unknown can weigh heavily. But just as stadium lights brighten the field, the light of Christ shines into our lives. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” ( John 8:12 ). Dear Heavenly Father, many of us are long past the days of Friday night lights; others of us, have a game tonight. Be with us as we are a community - we are family. Be with our students and keep them safe on the field and off. For the rest of us, probably happy those days are behind us, help us to remember Your Son Jesus, is the light of this world. Satan...
Read more