WEEKLY DEVOTIONALS – 2011
The Bible – Absolute Truth – Week 31 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. (Jesus speaking to His disciples) John 16: 33
From Foxes Book of Martyrs, documentation identifies 10 specific persecutions of Christians from AD 64 through AD 313:
For 300 years the strongest and richest rulers in the world had tried to snuff out Christianity, using force, politics, torture, and death - everything at their disposal. Now all those emperors were gone, while Christ and His Church still stood. (FBOM p. 21)
Halley’s Bible Handbook adds that:
Christians numbered about ½ the population of the Roman Empire. (AD 313 - Page 759)
As can be observed, God’s Truth - Jesus the Son of God, who lived a perfect life, died a brutal death and was miraculously raised back to life by His Father on the 3rd day – and actually revealed Himself to His faithful followers over a period of 40 days. This documented fact (Isaiah 53 prophesied) written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John reveals the Power and Truth of the Creator God of the universe. Countless people have lived and died for this Truth. This is how the Church grew. Through the Power of the WORD OF GOD and the Spirit of Truth, TRUTHBEARERS were born.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER THIS WEEK
Jesus said He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life! (John 14:6)
- As a Christian, how can Jesus’ words strengthen your walk today?
- Is someone today using force, politics, or torture in your life of faith?
- How can you stand victorious when the persecution comes?
Sandy Davis, for the team at Women In Discipleship (sm) womenindiscipleship.org – P.O. Box 694, Goldenrod, FL, 32733 – (407) 325-2986
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