Poor in Spirit
James Telgren speaks about the first of the Beatitudes.
Newness in Christ
Profiles in Unashamed Faith
Aliens and Strangers
With some understanding now of the cultural context in which the first Christians lived, perhaps we can appreciate more the challenges they navigated as they followed Jesus in a world that truly viewed them as “aliens and strangers”. Think about what living life in the first century meant for them.
2020 Cardboard Testimonials
Be Unified
Christianity at one time thrived with minimal opposition in the geographical areas where this letter went. As the letter went out, cultural, social, and political winds were blowing that had already had an impact on the comfort levels of Christians. Furthermore, a more severe situation, a fiery trial, was appearing on the horizon. That situation is similar to feelings…
SEX IN THE ROMAN WORLD
Living in the First Century World #10 As to every other aspect of life, Christianity spoke into the sexual culture of the first century—and what was spoken, again like almost every other encounter, was a word from the Lord that challenged accepted norms and practices— and that was because the sexual culture within the Roman Empire was wide open: In many ways,…
Ask God, not Google
Be Humble
Christians were under social pressures and physical persecution was at hand. The wolves (or the lion as 5:8 will address) were attacking the flock, causing it to scatter. Therefore, the shepherds were exhorted to diligently tend the flock.
WOMEN IN THE ROMAN WORLD
During the first century Roman world, women were in no way considered equal to men—being systematically regulated to certain well-defined roles. There were variations within this system due to social standing, wealth and other factors, but for the most part in the Roman culture the woman’s main role was to marry (usually very young), have numerous children (due to the…