The Apostolic Fathers

Did you ever wonder what the people were like who received the Gospel from the Apostles? Or do you ever wonder what was it like to live in those days where the Christian community was just taking root and in its infancy stages, a time when their seems to be nothing but suffering, a time of struggle, a time of what seems to be unending persecution? If so, then I encourage you to study the Apostolic Fathers. If your unfamiliar with Church History, the Apostolic Fathers of the Church are those who knew the Apostles but were too young to have encountered the Lord. Because of that fact, to read and learn about their life, insights, and writings on scripture is invaluable because they knew the Apostles. In fact, Irenaius and Polycarp were Personal disciples of the Apostle John!!! Couple of Minutes ago, the mailman came to my door and gave me this book called "The Apostolic Fathers" and I started reading it, and its "sooooo gooood" lol. Soon as I opened the book, the very first thing I read really humbled me, encouraged me, and gave such great joy to hear. Here it is...

"Take the oath and I will let you go," said the proconsul. "Revile Christ."
"I have served Him eighty-six years," replied Polycarp, "and in no way has He dealt unjustly with me; so how can I blaspheme my King who saved me?"
He spoke this knowing what will be the outcome of this....martyrdom! The only reason Brother Polycarp who was the disciple of John was able even to say this in such a time was because HE KNEW THE LORD! In the same way, Apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 1:12, "That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." Job said, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him!!!!!" =O And it gives me great Joy to Know that when I die in Christ, it will be profit because the Word says, " To Live is Christ, and to die is gain!"

And also, when you look at the lives of our brothers and sisters from the early church, they were not seeking God for wealth or material possessions but primarly for God Himself. And that is the greatest treasure in life, TO KNOW GOD! And you must FIRST Know God to Love Him, and the more you KNOW HIM, the more you will Fear and Love Him. And the more you Love God, the more you would Obey him and Keep His Word! Here is a Mighty Promise for those who want to know God! James 4:8-"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded."

And notice in the Old Testament in Daniel 11:32, it doesn't say they that Preach shall be strong or people that write books about God shall be strong but the Scripture says they that know their God Shall be strong and Do Exploits!!!!!!! And Thanks, Glory, Honor, and Praise be to God for His Love that is UNCEASING, For His Mercy that NEVER ENDS and HIS FAITHFULNESS!!!!! =D =D =D
-Tom