Church History: The Holy Forty

My best friend, Sandy Shockley, turned me on to the stories of the Christian martyrs. She graciously accepted my invitation to submit some of their stories for this Church History series. This is the account of “The Holy Forty” of Sebaste.
The 40 Martyrs were Roman soldiers who were put to death in Sebaste, which is in Armenia today. The account of these martyrs is well-documented historically and inspired great faithfulness in the ancient Church.

Around the year 320, the emperor of the eastern Roman empire, Lucinius, issued a decree ordering every Christian to renounce their faith or face death. When this decree was announced to the Roman army, 40 soldiers of different nationalities—all part of a famous “Thundering Legion”—refused to comply with the order to sacrifice to Roman gods. They were brought to trial in Sebaste, and the governor there threatened them with disgrace if they continued, and promised promotions for any who renounced their faith. They all stood firm.

The governor then devised a plan to test their faith. They were to be placed upon a frozen lake, naked and exposed to the howling wind, until they either changed their minds or froze to death. The 40 did not wait to be stripped, but undressed themselves, and encouraged one another in the ordeal. A fire and warm baths were prepared at the edge of the lake, and they were told that they could come in from the ice and warm themselves if they turned away from Christianity.

For three days and nights, the group endured. One young soldier decided to leave the group for the warmth of the baths, but the shock to his system killed him. One of the guards, seeing this disgrace, was inspired by the resolve of the remaining 39. When he was off-duty, he fell asleep by the fire and had a dream in which angels descended upon the soldiers on the lake and crowned them. He counted only 39 crowns, and decided to join them. He put down his arms and cloak, proclaimed himself a Christian, and walked out to the group on the ice, bringing the number of martyrs back to 40.

By the morning of the fourth day, most were dead, and the remaining were killed. All the bodies were burned in a furnace, and their ashes thrown into a river. The Christian community recovered some of the charred remains. (Credit: University of Norte Dame Indiana)

(From me: Beloved, Christ may not call you to persecution and death for His Name, but He is calling you to uncompromising faithfulness.)

Don’t Drift Away

Why are we so easily drawn away from what God has told us in His Word? How can we stay fast in our devotion to truth? I think I found a clue in the Book of Hebrews. It expands the devotional I wrote a week ago about listening to God. “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away” (Heb 2:1). Get your shovel – it’s time to dig!
The phrase “drift away” is one word in the Greek: pararreo – and it means to glide by, to be carried away, and you would use it to say something “slipped my mind.” We’ve all missed appointments because they slipped our minds. That’s why we jot them down on our calendars or put a reminder on our phones. Likewise, the writer was saying, don’t let the message of the gospel slip from your mind. That’s easy to do when life is hard, when tragedy strikes, when you’re weary. It’s easy to forget about the hope we have in Christ. It’s also easy to do when life is busy with work, school, kids, church, and a dozen other responsibilities.
What is the counter to drifting? “Pay careful attention.” These two words, perissoteros and prosecho, mean in great abundance, above all else and to hold or possess. Simply put, this means above every voice and every worldview, take hold of this gospel and let everything else go. That’s the key to not drifting away.
The message of the gospel is that Jesus is the Son of God – He is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being” (Heb. 1:3). In a world that says there is no God, or that God is whatever you want him to be, we need to get a firm and secure grip on the truth. In a world that is full of evil and darkness, where sin runs rampant and despair rules people’s lives, we need to wave the banner of the truth and the hope of the gospel.
Beloved, what are you paying careful attention to? The news? Social media? The opinions of others? They will only cause confusion and doubt. They will cause you to drift away. Let them go. Pay attention to the one truth that matters: Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died to save you and give you eternal life and hope for today. Beloved, hold on to that and never let go.

Advent 2023: Waiting for Jesus

“Simeon’s Moment” Ron DiCianni

The old man shuffling through the temple courts was a common sight. You could tell exactly what time of day it was when Simeon came around. Same gait, same expression, the same sense of yearning. But today there was something different about him. He was excited, his eyes darted around and his feet moved as if every step was determined by a force outside of himself. Suddenly his weathered face lit up like a thousand candles as his arms extended towards a young couple. With Jesus cradled in his arms the old man began to speak in the sing-song voice of worship: “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32).

Just then an old woman came up to the little group, her eyes bright with wonder and fixed on the infant in Simeon’s arms. “This is Him! This is the One! Oh, praise the name of the Lord – He has sent the Redemption of Israel!” Simeon smiled at Anna and nodded his head in agreement with her proclamation. They had both held tightly to the assurance that God would one day comfort and redeem His people and he was glad to share this glorious moment with his friend.

For the two elderly people, the baby was the fulfillment of a promise they had long held to and yearned to see. Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, had been assured by God that he would see the Hope of mankind before he died. Anna, widowed early in her life, had dedicated her years to worship, fasting, and praying for the Messiah to come. It had been such a long time – not just their lifetime, but hundreds of years for the oppressed nation of Israel. In the temple courts that day, their faith was rewarded and they received the child with great Joy.

How do you hold on when the promise of God is a long time in coming? Just like Simeon and Anna did – with faith. They never wavered in their expectations. They never stopped believing that every promise God made was as sure as His name – El Emunah, The Faithful God. Beloved, His name still stands today. You can wait in faith because God is still always and forever faithful. Christmas is the blessed proof that He will never fail to do what He says He will do.

Acts: Press On

Paul was a remarkable man. The Lord took him from a murderous, arrogant Pharisee bent on extinguishing the Church to a humble, wise, defender of the very movement he sought to destroy. He studied under the wisest Jewish scholars and those lessons served him well in Christ’s calling. Because he knew the Scriptures (what we call the Old Testament) so deeply he could see that Jesus was the fulfillment of every one. Under the hand of the Spirit of Christ, he was unwavering in his conviction.

Today’s Acts lesson is from chapter 21 – please read the text and come back.

Paul and company continued on towards Jerusalem. Their ship docked at Tyre for seven days and Paul connected with the believers there. Here we find a strange “contradiction” in the text. Look back to chapter 20:22: “Compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem.” But we see in 21:4 that “Through the Spirit, they urged Paul not to go on the Jerusalem.” Wait a minute. Was the Spirit pushing Paul on while urging him back at the same time? What does this mean?

When I see a seeming contradiction in the Scriptures, I always stop and dig deeper. I look at the context of the verses and I look at the words in their original language. And I consider what I know to be true. Let’s take those steps here

When Paul said he was “compelled” by the Spirit, the word means, “under obligation.” He had a deep conviction that he must go to Jerusalem. Paul also said “in every city, the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me (v. 23). In Tyre, the same Spirit had filled the believers with a sense of dread over what awaited their friend, so they – in their human nature – wanted to spare him prison and hardships.

In verses 10-11, a prophet, under the same Holy Spirit, demonstrated what awaited Paul by binding his own hands and feet with Paul’s belt. But Paul was “ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 13). And they traveled on.

I want to leave you with two things: first, when a Scripture seems confusing or inconsistent, keep digging – God will never contradict His Word. Ask Him for clarity. Second – a time is coming in the West, very soon, when God’s people will face harsh persecution for their faith. Beloved, will yours stand?

God, I Don’t Understand

I looked up at the sky with tears on my face and said, “God, I do not understand this.” The situation was completely counter to everything I prayed for. I thought I had done everything He told me to do. Now this. The obvious question hung in the air – and in my heart: “Why?” I know you can relate. I’ve read your posts. I’ve heard you talking. You’ve cried on my shoulder, just as I cried on yours. Life doesn’t always follow our well-thought-out plans or our desires and passions. Our hearts are broken and our faith is shaken. And all we can do is ask “Why.”

I came across two passages in the Bible this morning that I believe can give us comfort. In Jeremiah, Israel was under oppression by their enemy. They had been captured and whisked away from their home. God declared His intent to rescue His people even though they had sinned against Him. But He would do it through a storm – “See the storm of the Lord will burst out in wrath . . . on the heads of the wicked” (Jer 30:23).

Much like the storm David endured in Psalm 18, His people would see the wrath of God. It would not be directed at them but it would still be a frightening ordeal. “The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until He fully accomplishes the purposes of His heart.” And then the word of comfort: “In days to come you will understand this” (Jer 30:24).

The other is in John’s account of Jesus’ final week. As He and His disciples we being served the Passover meal, the Lord knelt before each man and washed his feet. As He approached Simon Peter, the disciple questioned Him, in essence asking, “Why are YOU washing my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand” (Jn 13:6-7). The word in both verses is not just an “AHA! moment” but it is a profound knowledge that goes deep into the heart and soul.

What these Scriptures teach us, and what my own experience with God has proven is that He has a purpose for everything He does and everything He allows in our lives.  Every. Single. Thing. And one day you and I will understand. It will all make sense. We’ll look up to heaven and say, “So that’s what You were up to!” In the meantime, Beloved, will you trust Him?

When the Son Shines

Some time ago I was looking for a picture of a sundial to go with a devotional I had written. I’ve always loved sundials. I love the nostalgia of them, but I confess I prefer looking around at the clocks in my house or checking the time on my phone rather than walking outside throughout the day to see what time it is.  I saw several nice ones that were sitting in shady locations. That may create a nice ambiance, but what good is a sundial in the shadows? You have to have the sun to create the shadow to know the time of day.

The apostle Paul knew a lot about enduring the heat. In the opening words of his second letter (actually the third, but one letter has been lost) to the church in Corinth, he talked about the sufferings he and his companions had endured for the sake of the Gospel and the Name of Jesus Christ. “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death” (2 Cor 1:9). Sound even a little familiar?

Granted you and I probably haven’t dealt with the threat of death, but sometimes our struggles and heartaches and troubles are “far beyond our ability to endure.” (Thus endeth the supposition that “God will not give you more than you can handle.”) Life isn’t easy. It’s not meant to be. God does permit situations that put us under great pressure. Why? Paul continued, “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God” (v. 9). It’s an opportunity for God to reveal Himself to us – and to others.

Paul said, “Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (v. 11). I know this one personally.  Our family has been in a very difficult situation, and many of you have joined us in prayer over the matter.  When God moves on our behalf, all our praying friends become praising friends.

Beloved, if you are in a hard place right now take comfort. God has placed you out in the heat and the sun so that He can show those around you who He is. When the Son shines on you, the world will know that it’s time to turn to the Lord.

The Secret to a Contented Life

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). This is the go-to verse for weightlifters, runners, and football players. In our minds, we picture strong muscles straining with all they’ve got until the victory is won. Tim Tebow often wore the reference as a reminder that true strength comes from the Lord. And that is a great thing to know. But is that what Paul was really saying?

At the time he wrote Philippians, Paul was in prison for the gospel. But he wasn’t looking to God for strength to break his chains; he was looking to the Lord for strength to endure them. The context of Philippians 4:13 is not of rippling muscles, but contentment. Paul said that he “learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” And his circumstances were devastating.

Discontent seems to be the culture’s favorite pastime. Despite how blessed we are, we always have something to grumble about.  It is also one of satan’s favorite weapons and he uses it to weaken our faith and diminish our witness. It is a bitter poison that eats away at us – starting in the deepest part of our soul and, if left unchecked, destroys our peace, erodes our Joy, and leaves us with stone-cold hearts (and faces that match). I know because struggled with a discontented heart for many years.

Here’s what I discovered, and I believe it is what Paul learned as well – you and I will never find true contentment in anything less than God. There is nothing this world can offer that can do it. No house is big enough. No bank account is rich enough. No relationship is strong enough. No job is fulfilling enough. I’ve tried to find contentment in all of them. Nothing satisfies but Him. The Lord makes my days sweet and my nights peaceful. He fills my heart (and my arms) with Joy. He gives me hope and strength. He gives me a reason to live and gives my life meaning. He surrounds me with His grace. He quiets me with His love. He is my Rock, my Light, my Fortress, my Provider, my Protector, my Counselor, and my Anchor. He is all I need and all I want.

Can you say that, Beloved? You can if God is your source of contentment. Trust me on this, you will never be satisfied with anything less.

J is for Joy

“The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with Joy” (Psalm 126:3).

What great things has God done for you?  Have you thought about His “showers of blessings” lately?  When my heart becomes a little bit sour or I am sad and weary, I sit down with paper and pencil and go through my ABCs. No, not the alphabet, but the ABCs of gratitude. It’s a great exercise for the mind and heart, although it does get challenging around Q and X and Z. Here’s a sample:

A – Air conditioning (I do live in the deep South and it is the dog days of summer). And Advent – that Jesus came and will come again.

B – The Bible – God’s Holy Word – my passion and calling. And The Baptist College of Florida where I’m blessed to work.

C – Coffee (do I hear an Amen?).  And Christ my Savior. The church – both the Universal Church and my Christian family at Rehobeth Baptist Church. And fresh clean sheets on the bed.

D – Donald, my sweet husband of 34 years. And deliverance from sin and death.

E – Eternal life. Endurance – especially now that I’m in grad school. And education. And elephants (Roll Tide!)

F – Family and Friends – the greatest treasures this side of heaven! And fried chicken. And the faithfulness of God. And Forgiveness.

G – God’s amazing grace. And my granddaughter, Joy. And the Gospel.

I won’t go through the whole alphabet, but I think you get my point.  One sure way to find Joy when you’re running low is to “count your many blessings,” because Joy and gratitude are two sides of the same coin. I don’t have to get all the way to the last letter to see God’s good hand in and over my life.

Maybe this year has been filled with heartache, grief, disappointment, or struggle. Mine has too.  These certainly make it difficult to be thankful and Joyful.  Still, I have no doubt that somewhere between A and Z there are blessings you can grab onto to restore Joy to your heart. If you woke up this morning, you already have at least one: L is for the gift of life.

The Bible continually calls us to remember and rejoice in God our Savior. Do you need to reflect on the great things that God has done for you? Beloved, maybe it’s time to go back to school and practice your ABCs.  J is for Joy.

A Snack and a Nap Does a Body Good

I am a firm believer in never giving up. I’ve written about it many times. I take my cue from Eleazar who was one of David’s “three mighty men.” He fought at David’s side in the fiercest battles the king faced. The Scripture highlighted one in particular – the battle at Pas Dammim. The men of Israel were confronted with the dreaded Philistines and they were terrified, so much so that they retreated. But not Eleazar. “He stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword” (2 Sam 23:10). That’s some perseverance!

I told my best friend yesterday that I have hit that wall of being so overwhelmed that I am exhausted. Her advice: you need some rest. And she’s right. I’ve been caught up in a long, intense season of warfare and it’s wearing me down. I told her I don’t know how to rest anymore because my hand has frozen to the sword. Maybe you can relate. Some battles seem to never end. And some of us are very tired.

Later, while listening to the radio, the DJ relayed the story of Elijah who, after an intense showdown with the prophets of Baal, went on the run from the evil queen Jezebel. He was afraid for his life and he was exhausted. He just wanted God to take him out. He finally did the only sensible thing a body can do: “he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.”  And God sent angels to minister to the weary prophet. “An angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat,” and he found bread and water. He ate and rested again. Then the angel returned and encouraged him to eat some more “for the journey is too much for you” (1 Ki 19:5-7).

Sometimes, fellow weary soul, it’s all too much. Sometimes you just need a snack and a nap. You need to let the Lord refresh you. You need to lay down your weapons and your body and trust God to hold the world together while you rest. You need to peel your fingers from the hilt because it’s hard to rest with a sword in your hand. That doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you are recharging so you can keep going. After your nap. Remember, “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Sam 17:47). Eat your snack, turn off the light, Beloved, and rest.

The Road is Long, But God is Faithful

Let’s be honest, life is hard. Sometimes it feels like we’re buried under burdens that threaten to crush us. Sorrow, responsibilities, anxiety, family, pain, injustice, sickness, and more. It wears on you. I understand. Paul did too. He said, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal 6:9).

But what if you just can’t keep going? What if it’s just too much? I understand that too. So did Jesus’ brother, James who said, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him” (Jas 1:12). James led the Christian church in Jerusalem – a church under severe persecution. He saw their troubles as a means to an end and called for perseverance.

Another brother, Jude, added some advice and encouragement for persevering: “But you, dear friends, built yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Chris to bring you to eternal life” (Jude 1:20-21).

Build up your faith by remembering God’s history of faithfulness, power, wisdom, and victory.  “Pray and don’t give up” (Luke 18:1) – that pretty well explains itself. Stand firm in the love of God – one of my favorite ways to do this is to consider 1 Corinthians 13 and how the Lord has manifested each expression of love.  And then wait. Augh! That’s the hardest part. How long? Until He says, “It is done” (Rev 21:6). And it will be done because God leaves nothing unfinished – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6).

The choice to persevere or give up is one we all face. Friend, I don’t know your burdens, just the weight of my own. And friend, they are very heavy. Every time I think I can’t keep going God sends me a reminder of what – and who – is at stake. I can’t give up. I won’t give up. And neither should you. Let’s commit today to persevere with God’s help. And each other’s. The Lord says, “As for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” (2 Chron 15:7). Hang on Beloved, there’s Joy ahead for us.