“they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
In the book of Revelation, John tells of time of great testing in which those who have been redeemed by Jesus will be put on trial and threatened with death. However, John admonishes his readers to overcome by bolding placing hope in the Lamb of God and by staying true to gospel by proclaiming Christ.
The early church spread like a wildfire throughout the Roman Empire. The multitude of unnamed christians, most of which were slaves, women, or people of the lower class, bore witness to God that loved them and gave himself for them. Their testimony wasn’t an articulation of reason or logic (though at times in church history this has been the case), but rather a willingness to proclaim Jesus through their actions and through their church. Rumors spread about this odd lot of people that loved their wives as equals and who cared for abandoned babies (Roman society practiced this to rid themselves of unwanted children- dropping babies in wells or leaving them out in the woods for wild animals to have). When people were sick, these christians aided them at the risk of their own lives.
Their witness preceded them everywhere they went, so that when persecution came, the bearing witness in these trials was only the natural outcome of a life of denying themselves, taking up their crosses and following Jesus. In fact the word “martyr” means “to bear witness.” As Tertulian, an early church leader, has said, “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” Meaning that by the uncompromising dedication to Jesus, the outside world took notice and the church spread.
Perhaps we may never be put on trial for our faith or face death and persecution, but may our staunch dedication to Jesus and his way be our testimony to the world around us.
Announcements:
Woody Work Day! This Saturday Chris Hale will be leading a group of volunteers to perform a few tasks in preparing The Woody Island Facilities for winter. If you would like to assist, the Even Stephen will be leaving from Near Island at 9 with plans of returning at 4.
Fall Festival on October 31 from 3-5pm at KBM
we are looking for a few volunteers to facilitate the Fishing Game (the CBC booth for Fall Festival).
Use the Signup Genius link here to sign up for times
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D44AAA62FA3FDCF8-66965797-fall
Christmas Shoe Boxes along with instructions will be placed at the back of the church for anyone or group that is interested in filling a Christmas Shoebox for a child
The Special Finds Jamboree Dinner is on Oct. 24th. Ticket prices are listed in the Flyer below.
Community Art for November 21 is from 4-6. More Information will be provided as we approach that time
Weekly Church Schedule
Sunday School has resumed
9:45 for Children and Adults
Worship at 11pm
Prayer Posse at 12pm on Wednesdays
Pastor Steven will be in his office from 8-4 (Monday -
Thursday), unless I am meeting with a church member or a community member outside of the church buildingIf the “Open” sign is on, I am in the office. Come on in to say hi and sit and talk for a while. I would love to see you
If you need me for anything, you can call or text me at 972-921-2516
