Thursday, October 23, 2008

Bold Is an Understatement


Have you ever heard of Polycarp of Smyrna? If you have a quizzical look on your face right now, do not fret. I was in the same position as you just a few months ago.

But over the past few weeks, through my dad and a History of Christianity class, I have had the pleasure of being exposed to his incredible story, especially the last few hours of his life.

Instead of rehashing the story for you, I will instead set up the scene for the last scene of his life. Polycarp was born around 69 a.d. He became the Bishop of Smyrna (a major city in the Roman Empire) and defended the Orthodox faith against Marcionism. Around 155 a.d., Christians began to be persecuted by the Emperors of Rome.

The following true story unfolds as Polycarp is 86 years old. Roman officials are on hot pursuit to arrest and kill Christian leaders. You can read the rest of the story here. If you do not desire to read it all, start at verse five and work through verse 19. The last few statements that Polycarp make are insanely bold.

You can find more information on Polycarp here.

Monday, October 6, 2008

It Is Coming...



If you have not heard about the ESV Study Bible, check out more information on it here. I am blown away at the amount of people I look up to who have endorsed the Bible.

The Understanding That I Have Nothing To Give of My Own

A few weeks ago, I was writing a chapter evaluation for my Missions class, specifically addressing the financial shortage in supporting missionaries. But the problem is not a lack of monetary funds, especially in the United States. More so, many people just to do not give (or give generously). As a generalization, it seems like people are very protective of their money, and are hesitant to give their money to anyone or anything else (because it is their money).

Oddly though, one of the richest men in the world seemed to understand reality. Not only did he have monetary wealth, but he had power, influence, and success in every aspect. Towards the end of his life, he prayed to God in the presence of the nation he ruled and said, "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand" (1 Chronicles 29:14).

What would change if the reality that all things you supposedly "possess" (e.g. time, money, intelligence, skills, resources, etc.) were actually God's and he was allowing you to be a steward of it?