STUFF ABOUT GOD AND CHRISTIANITY | By. Dr. Ron Braley
This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Dr.
Ron Braley. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is upon us. Initially set apart to honor WWI veterans, Armistice Day became dedicated to world peace and all war veterans. Jesus taught there’s no greater love than sacrificing life for others’ sake (John 15:13). Honoring those who’ve given their lives defending others makes sense. So, please do this Nov. 11.
Here, I’d like to introduce folks from the Christian community who’ve sacrificed life, limb, time, treasure and talents to serve others and present God’s Kingdom to the unchurched: martyrs, missionaries, evangelists/apostles and helpers. Martyrs first.
Martyrs
A martyr is someone killed for their beliefs (e.g., religious). Notable Christian martyrs include Stephen, stoned to death in about 30 AD, and 11 of the 12 original apostles killed for their faith. Later, faithful Lawrence was grilled to death in 258 AD.
Perpetua was a 22-yearold nursing mother killed by a wild beast in the coliseum for her unshakable faith in the third century AD. Another example is Margaret Clitherow, pressed to death in 1586 for “ illegally” harboring priests in her home. Others suffer hardship, even if they don’t always die for their faith.
Missionaries
Jesus said, “Go and make disciples.” (e.g., Matthew 28:18-20). Some people do this close to home. Others travel to foreign lands or new communities. We call the latter missionaries, and they often sacrifice life, limb and significant comfort and resources to serve God.
Examples include 18thcentury William Carey, known as the “Father of Modern Missions.” He was the first missionary to India and translated the Bible into Bengali. And, there was David Livingstone–a 19thcentury Scottish physician who evangelized Africa.
Speaking of Africa, Joanne and I just returned from a two-week mission in Kenya and Uganda, Africa, training about 400 church leaders in Christian Leadership and Discipleship principles.
Evangelists & apostles
These preachers of God’s Kingdom to the yet-to-bechurched are another sacrificial group, where they preach determines whether they’re an evangelist or apostle.
An apostle is sent into new communities to start new churches. Evangelists usually preach closer to home. These obedient folks often undergo hardships and sacrifice, comfort and familiarity to introduce God’s Kingdom to the spiritually needy here and abroad.
Humble helpers
We also must recognize the folks who work humbly, obediently and quietly behind the scenes to support and promote God’s Kingdom. They don’t seek recognition, but deserve it because they sacrifice time, treasures and talents. These folks are rare, accounting for less than 20% of a typical congregation. You’ll find them teaching, cooking, cleaning, greeting, fixing, mowing — serving self lessly in these and many more ways.
Summary
On Nov. 11, remember those who’ve died for others. We should also honor the people who willingly sacrifice everything to introduce God’s Kingdom to the lost. Next, in anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday, I’ll write about being thankful. Meanwhile, remember that God expects you to be the Church, not do church.
Questions or comments?
Email news@taylorpress. net.
Blessings and peace, Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.
Dr. Ron Braley Guest Columnist
