A Faith Taken for Granted

A magazine article carried a picture of the ancient Coliseum in Rome, and spoke of it as the place “where early Christians died for a faith the world now takes for granted.”¹

They “suffered mockery and whippings; they were placed in chains and in prisons… were stoned, sawn in two, killed by the sword… they were penniless, afflicted, and tormented. The world was not worthy of these saints… these were commended by God for their great faith” (Hebrews 11:36 – 39).

“A comfortable Christianity will never change the world. No, rejoice in the Lord, in the hope, in the hope of His kingdom! Rejoice in the Lord as resolute members of His Church community, the Church community that is able to live with others in true self-denial and freedom on earth, the Church community that does not condemn, does not judge anymore, that has clear eyes for the truth. Be bound together in this! Rejoice in the Lord, in God’s virtues. Stand up for something, and your joy will be lasting” (Karl Barth).²