“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.“- Rom 1:8
It wasn’t easy being a Christian in Rome. As the capital of the Roman Empire, the city had a population of around one million. Caesar Nero was in power, and toward the end of his reign, he went out of his way to destroy Christians. For sport, he sent Christians covered in animal skins into the arena for wild animals to kill. He covered Christians with pitch and lit them on fire, using them to light his garden as he rode around in his chariot.
Yet the church in Rome not only survived, but it flourished. And not only did it flourish, but it also impacted the Roman Empire. In fact, it impacted the entire world. The apostle Paul told the believers in Rome, “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. ” (Romans 1:8).
Do people know you for your faith? If someone polled people you work with and live near and asked them if you were a Christian, would they say yes? Would there be no question about it. It’s a good reputation to have. If someone arrested you for being a Christian, would they find enough evidence to convict you? If you want to be a believer like those of the first century, then others should know you for your faith.
Jesus did not say, “Go into all the world and be a good example.” Rather, He said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). Being a good example will not bring people to Christ. But it can open the door for you to articulate your faith, because you’ve earned the right to be heard. Be a good example, but use it as a springboard to share your faith. – Greg Laurie
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
