Christianity today...

It is a rule, Sir, which I inviolably observe, to refer myself to you in all my doubts; for who is more capable of guiding my uncertainty or informing my ignorance? Having never been present at any trials of the Christians, I am unacquainted with the method and limits to be observed either in examining or punishing them. Whether any difference is to be allowed between the youngest and the adult; whether repentance admits to a pardon, or if a man has been once a Christian it avails him nothing to recant; whether the mere profession of Christianity, albeit without crimes, or only the crimes associated therewith are punishable -- in all these points I am greatly doubtful.

In the meanwhile, the method I have observed towards those who have denounced to me as Christians is this: I interrogated them whether they were Christians; if they confessed it I repeated the question twice again, adding the threat of capital punishment; if they still persevered, I ordered them to be executed. For whatever the nature of their creed might be, I could at least feel not doubt that contumacy and inflexible obstinacy deserved chastisement. There were others also possessed with the same infatuation, but being citizens of Rome, I directed them to be carried thither.

These accusations spread (as is usually the case) from the mere fact of the matter being investigated and several forms of the mischief came to light. A placard was put up, without any signature, accusing a large number of persons by name. Those who denied they were, or had ever been, Christians, who repeated after me an invocation to the gods, and offered adoration, with wine and frankincense, to your image, which I had ordered to be brought for that purpose, together with those of the gods, and who finally cursed Christ -- none of which acts, it is into performing -- these I thought it proper to discharge. Others who were named by that informer at first confessed themselves Christians, and then denied it; true, they had been of that persuasion but they had quitted it, some three years, others many years, and a few as much as twenty-five years ago. They all worshipped your statue and the images of the gods, and cursed Christ.

They affirmed, however, the whole of their guilt, or their error, was, that they were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft, or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble to partake of food -- but food of an ordinary and innocent kind. Even this practice, however, they had abandoned after the publication of my edict, by which, according to your orders, I had forbidden political associations. I judged it so much the more necessary to extract the real truth, with the assistance of torture, from two female slaves, who were styled deaconesses: but I could discover nothing more than depraved and excessive superstition.

I therefore adjourned the proceedings, and betook myself at once to your counsel. For the matter seemed to me well worth referring to you, especially considering the numbers endangered. Persons of all ranks and ages, and of both sexes are, and will be, involved in the prosecution. For this contagious superstition is not confined to the cities only, but has spread through the villages and rural districts; it seems possible, however, to check and cure it. ^{1 (Pliny the Younger to Caesar Trajan, 111-112 AD).}

This was what a Roman Governor wrote to the Caesar of Rome. It amazes me what is said in this letter. He says that because they're stubborn, they deserve punishment. He said that he did not really find any other issue with Christians-just they're inflexibility. He goes on to say that they met on a certain day to worship Christ and make a vow not to do wicked deeds. He even makes note that it is not a vow to evil but good. They would also meet later for a simple meal. Which Sunday, or the Lord's Day the Christians would take the Lord's Supper (according to Justin Martyr and Didache; also referenced in Acts 20:7). This appears to be the "certain day" that Pliny is referring to. It amazes me though that the government would persecute people who were devoted to not doing evil. They were just stubborn in the fact that they did not worship Caesar's image. They worshiped Christ. They were still hunted down and executed.

What is my point with this post? These Christians met even though they were going to be persecuted. They were faithful to God even though they were going to be executed for it. They lived in a government that they were taught to be obedient to (Romans 13, Matt 22:21). Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:1 to pray for the higher powers to allow us to live peaceful, quiet and Godly lives. Why are so many Christians today not willing to meet with brothers and sisters to worship God in a society where physical persecution is absent. Our 1st and 2nd century brethren met even though they knew they could be executed. Yet, we fail to get ourselves out of bed or away from the TV long enough to take advantage of this wonderful gift that they did not have. We are told in Hebrews 10:25 not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Hebrews 3:13 says, "Encourage one another daily, as long as it is still called today, so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." Acts 2 says that early Christians met daily. They did not seem to be burdened by meeting with brothers and sisters. Why are we? Generally, in most churches there seems to be 25-40% less on Sunday evening and Wednesdays (Generally). This can fluctuate. The typical response is, "Well, the Bible doesn't say that you don't have to meet on Sunday nights or Wednesdays." No, it doesn't. This isn't my point. My point is simply, Why are we burdened by doing something that the early Christians were killed for. We have the freedom to do this, and we take advantage of this opportunity. I know that sometimes we work on these days or have something come up that hinders us from meeting together. It happens. But to not assemble just because we don't want to. Read Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46; Mark 14:32-42). Jesus didn't necessarily want to go to the cross either, but he did. Every time we make a lame excuse or just hang out instead of assembling, we spit in the face of our brethren who sacrificed their lives at the hands of the Roman Empire, and we disgrace our God who put himself on a cross to suffer and die so that our unrighteous souls might be saved. Christ bled and died for the church (Acts 20:28). What have we done for it lately?

--Written by: Wayne Scrimsher