First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Romans 1:8
Some years ago, a Christian from Canada was visiting friends in Romania, one of the eastern European countries that was at that time under the domination of Soviet Russia. As the Canadian was speaking with one of the underground preachers, he assured the Romanian that Canadians were praying for the persecuted Christians in that country. Expressing his appreciation, the Romanian told the Canadian that his people were also praying for the Christians in North America. He said the burden of prayer for the North American saints was that they would be delivered from the spirit of Laodicea. Even behind the Iron Curtain, Christians were aware of the apathy and sluggishness that has been creeping in among the Lord’s people in our western society. Everybody in the world knows about it. Just like everybody in the world knew about the great faith of the Christians in Rome.
There are distinct characteristics about every group of Christians. For example, the Assembly where you are is distinct from all of the other Assemblies in the province, or anywhere else. For example, some Assemblies are noted for their outstanding zeal in spreading the Gospel. Others are characterized by having strong numbers of young people, others have only middle-aged or older people in fellowship, yet others are more legalistic than others about various aspects of behaviour and dress. Each Assembly is known for various characteristics, some good, some bad, and some unusual. But to be known far and wide for their great faith is something that must have given encouragement to the Assemblies in Rome. It is certainly a characteristic that we would do well today to develop.
It was not easy being Christians in Rome in those days. Rome was the very centre of the persecution that was levelled at Christians. It was also the focal point of power and culture in the world at that time. If we think things are difficult today with all of the evils and distractions that the devil has arrayed against us, we would be surprised to find things even worse in Rome. The wickedness of that place was beyond the degradation that we see around us today. Immorality and violence were the norm, and the Christians had to hide to remain safe from persecutors and from the evil influences around them. But they were faithful. Despite the opposition, the Gospel was spreading rapidly and the Assemblies were growing and maturing in a wonderful way. The slaughter of the martyrs merely fanned the fires of faith and fervency, and God was blessing those dear saints. Because they were faithful.
Like the Romans, let us allow our faith to mark us as the people of God, faith that goes beyond our health and wealth and takes us where the will of God would have us. – Jim MacIntosh