Welcome to the Christian life!
“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church”–Tertullian
In the first few centuries, Christianity grew quickly. By AD100, it had become mostly Gentile and had begun to break from its Jewish origins. By 200, the faith had permeated most regions of the Roman Empire, though Christians were mostly in the larger urban areas (Gaul, Lyons, Carthage, Rome). By 325, an estimated 7 million were Christians with as many as 2 million killed for the faith.”http://www3.dbu.edu/mitchell/anceint_christian_martyrdom.htm
The Martyrdom of Stephen, (only 36 at the time of his death) spurred many “Christ Followers” to deeper understanding of the cost of their salvation. Is this what you’ve sighed up for?
Throughout these next few months I will set forth the various Phases of the Christian life, as I see them. Granted, there are many more, or fewer; this is only one early 21st Century writers perspective. Enjoy.
Here is my list of the Phases of the Christian life we will explore.
| 1. Deliverence | 6. Discouragement |
| 2. Delight | 7. Decisions |
| 3. Discipleship | 8. Dedication |
| 4. Distraction | 9. Deliverence (again) |
| 5. Disillusion | 10. Delight |
For now, let’s start with the admission that if everything in your life of faith is static, solid, and unchanging, you are not growing in your newfound faith. You are pretending or hiding or deceiving yourself. The Christian life is not a static, once-for-all-time thing. It is a fluid work of art in constant flux.
Get used to it.
Much love,
Gary
Clueless Christianity 