September 12, 2021
Your word is very pure; Therefore Your servant loves it. Psalm 119:140
Primitive Christianity took root very early in Great Britain. The pure gospel message spread quickly among the Britons in the first centuries. Persecuted by pagan Roman emperors, many English Christians found refuge in Scotland, and from there the truth was taken to Ireland. The subsequent invasions of barbarian Saxons might have seemed to snuff out the light of Christianity, but a century later it still shone bright in Scotland! And Columba of Ireland brought organization to scattered believers. On the island of Iona, a school was established that trained and sent missionaries to Scotland, England, Germany, Switzerland, and even Italy . . .
Fast-forward to the sixth century: pagan Rome is now papal Rome. She covetously eyed Britain and endeavored to convert the heathen Saxons to profess the Romish faith. The papal leaders were actually received with favor by the barbarians. As this work progressed, the primitive Christians were eventually encountered and thus a striking contrast was seen between a simple, pure faith rooted in Scripture and the manner of the emissaries of Rome who demanded that these Christian churches acknowledge the supremacy of the Roman pontiff. The Britons meekly replied that they desired to honor all men, but that the pope was not entitled to supremacy in the church, and they could render to him only that which was due to every follower of Christ. The papal reply: “If you will not unite with us, you shall receive from the Saxons the stroke of death.” These were no idle threats. War, intrigue, and deception were employed against these witnesses for a Bible faith, until the churches of Britain were destroyed or forced to submit to the authority of the pope.
Knowing history in light of God’s Word is part of the preparation needed for last-day events before the return of Jesus, who desires for His people to stand firmly on the truth. Now is the time to make clear distinctions between the true and the false. The things to come will test our faith!
“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after themselves.” Acts 20:28-30
With the pure You will show Yourself pure; And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd. Psalm 18:26