Nwsltr-071110-This Way in the Roman Era
“The blood of Christ has freed us and the blood of the martyrs before us have set the example of those who are willing to do what it takes to stand by faith”
snare upon all earth, Jacobs trouble, trouble unlike at any other time since man has been on earth
by The Watchman
Dana G Smith
Keywords: america, usa, romans, caesar, faith, the way, christians, blood, martyrs, snare, jacobs trouble, Jew, Gentile
Words: 2449
There is an old phrase if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, there is a high probability, in fact it is a duck. It a man speaks like a Muslim, likes socialism, and wants to destroy a free county, then in all probability, that is exactly what he is trying to do. But not on his own power, that is, no man by himself is able to do this. In this, there is one power that enables all principalities, powers, and everything else to survive; this is the L-RD G-D! Without him nothing exists, for by him, through Christ all things exist.
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Now, of course, the man whom I describe above could be anyone, but in fact it is the current Prez of our nation. One who was elected in a free election by citizens of this fair nation. Citizens who were free and saw in him a hope, a new way, and some even saw the Messiah. It is not needed here to put forth news clips where people in fact saw him as some ‘sort of God, sitting above the rest of us’! For we have hashed that out. We have brought out news clips and played video clips, which all proved this. But to be blunt here, the nation when it elected this man to the current job of President of the USA, did so looking for a better future, but in fact sealed the issue for the ‘captivity’ of America.
Today we sit on the precipice of great cataclysmic events. Even now as I write this the day is quiet, the green grass outside is dotted by shadows of the heavy tree population where we live. The river is flowing, but has gone down. On the southern tip of America sits a coastline today that has been dotted with clumps of crude oil gushing out of the deepwater Horizon event. In the air is the concern for the eventual safety of the whole area.. In the middle east Israel as usual with their struggle to survive takes up much of the talk about the next major Nuclear war. In all, the times of these days can be stressful and pressure anyone into the realm of anxiety and chaotic nerves. Nerves that are frayed and ready to burst at the sign of more stress. The wickedness in this nation and around the world continues to grow and there is no end to the perversion. Graphic displays of perversion and pride are put together in marches as sinners boldly claim their god [god of this world] given rights to it. Modesty seems to be outdated and common sense has taken back seat to the pleasure driven societies in which we see today.
All of this, models in many respects, the time of the Roman’s. It was a time of war, slavery, riches, filth, perversion, many gods, idols, and debaucherous feasting. It was at this time that Christianity was born. Israel was enslaved by the occupation of the Romans, as was much of the known world. It was at this time that many gentiles choose to follow the faith of early believers in a movement called ‘the way’. The Jews persecuted Paul, who persecuted ‘this way’ himself in the beginning. The L-rd got hold of him and now Paul who formerly was of the Jewish persecution of “this way” was being persecuted because he followed it. The ‘way’ were those early believers who ‘were instructed in the way of the L-rd’. They were ‘fervent in the spirit’ and ‘taught diligently the things of the L-rd’. But even some of these only were ‘baptized with John’s baptism.’ It was to this that many later came to fully experience the ‘baptism in the Holy Ghost.’ It is interesting to note here that Paul said of himself when persecuted by the Jews that he in fact ‘worshiped the G-d of my fathers’ and further Paul said, ‘believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets’. He said this because the Jews accused him of heresy by following the ‘way’ of the L-rd.
Acts 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Acts 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the L-rd; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the L-rd, knowing only the baptism of John
Acts 22:4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the G-d of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
The L-rd was moving among the gentiles and with a fervency and the power of the Holy Spirit, word spread. It was in Antioch that those who followed ‘this way’ became known as Christians.
Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
The origin of the name ‘Christians’ according to the New bible dictionary, p 209, says it is ‘latin’ and may have denoted the ‘soldiers of a certain general’. In this case ‘soldiers of Christus’. It was in Antioch the scene of the first pure gentile, ex pagan group of believers that the name Christian was formulated. There are many who weigh in on this with various theories, but suffice it to say in the beginning it was a nickname. In acts 11:26 the name we have translated as ‘Christian’ is chrematisai. The A.V. has it translated as ‘were called’, while others interpret this to be ‘styled themselves’. The fact is many pagan, non believers used this title as well. This word chrematisai is also frequently translated ‘were publicly called’ according to the NBD, p 210. There is no doubt, however, today it is common and both Christians and Christianity have taken this title and word to mean the relationship between themselves and Christ.
It was into this arena that many found themselves during the time of the Roman era. An era of the Caesar’s, and this brought with it dictatorship, wars, slavery, and persecution. The persecution came from Jews who opposed this heretical sect as they viewed it. One which had taken a Jewish Messiah and made him their savior. One where miracles, signs, and wonders had been performed in his name. It was to this that the Jews of the time, many of the strict Sanhedrin, Pharisees, and chief Priests all sought to remove this group. Thus the enmity grew between Jew and Gentile grew. The exception to this was those Jews and Gentiles who believed in this same Messiah and attended meetings together. For it was the Jewish Apostles who founded the gentile churches. So the early believers whether they called themselves of ‘the way’ or ‘Christians’ found persecution from the Jews and the Roman authorities. Eventually Caesars like Nero came upon the throne and an onslaught to destroy the sects of this new found faith was initiated. It was to this that Peter spoke telling those to whom he wrote that “if any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of G-d, if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which G-d giveth.” It was the aim and purpose of these believers to stand strong in the L-rd. These Believers were surrounded by hate, persecution, and risk. Many were uneducated and yet the Power of the Holy Ghost was there to teach and empower them. Thus they were to use what gift the L-rd had given them and to do it with all their might and give this G-d, whom they now knew personally through Christ, all the glory. As a result, the ‘fiery trial’ began. But Peter reminded them, ‘it is not some small strange thing.’ If you are a partaker of Christ’s sufferings, Peter said, then you will rejoice with joy at his appearing. These believers knew very well how their L-rd and Savior died at the hands of the cruel Romans. But they also saw the reason and hope of this death. They knew he had been raised from the dead, so they had hope as well. In all this, these believers were facing death as their L-rd. Although men may speak evil of them, Peter told them yet “on your part he is glorified”.
1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of G-d; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which G-d giveth: that G-d in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 ¶Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of G-d resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
The lives of many believers were cut short over the many years of the Roman occupation. Many were slaughtered at the hands of the impertinate and demon driven emperors who ruled. Even the Roman citizens attended many ceremonies in Rome to see Christians burned, slaughtered, cut down, stoned, eaten by lions, and much more. In all this, the history of the faith of those who believe in Jesus Christ, Yeshua Ha Massiach, is filled with the blood of the martyrs. It is filled with intrigue, hatred, love, faith, betrayal, and martyrdom. In this, you and I must take note, for we now live in a time that is known in the scriptures as ‘a snare upon all the world’, a time of ‘Jacobs trouble’, a time unlike any other at any time! This is the time to take note of our L-rd and the heritage we have in him. Both in faith and in blood! The blood of Christ freed us from the grave and death. The blood of the martyrs serve as inspiration to what people do when they truly die for something or someone in whom they believe. They trust and believe so much, they were willing to die for this G-d, and his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify G-d on this behalf.
Peter ends up this section telling these believers that judgment must begin at the house of G-d. For the believers at that time, it was a time of testing and trial. Would they make it? Could they make it? They faced prison, lost homes, lost possessions, became slaves, and many wound up before crowds of blood lusting people who delighted in Christians being torn apart by elephants, eaten by lions, and slaughtered by the sword. So too, the same thing is coming. Today, we think of ourselves as smarter, with more technology, and able to do more. We have computers, cars, phones, and weapons of war. Things that those nations then could have only dreamed of, if in fact they could of dreamed such. Yet man is the same. He is sinful, lustful, and is in rebellion against G-d. This has not changed. The devil has not changed. He will provoke people to the same blood lust and hatred. Rulers will follow suit like the early Romans and try to kill every Christian and Jew alive. Yet, for us, this is sure, we have hope and we also know, “that judgment must begin at the house of G-d.” If it indeed starts with us, then where will the sinners and ungodly stand? Outside of G-ds salvation.
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of G-d: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of G-d?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of G-d commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Today, we must, therefore with faith and resolution face our determined advance into the future. This must be with the ability G-d gives us. Knowing that in Him, we will conquer all and in Him we will win. Live or die, we are the L-rds. May the L-rd bless us all as we pursue that which we are destined to do! Let the L-rd and his Spirit guide you in his word and his way for you and your family. We know our L-rd is coming back to receive us to himself, until that time, we must work the works of him who has purchased us with his blood. We must be faithful, patient, and stand strong in Him. He is able to keep us. Until he comes, therefore, let us labor in faith and keep in the race for this G-d, and his Son, Jesus Christ our Savior. At that time, we will say, “Blessed be he that comes in the name of the L-rd”!
Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
