The Weekly Newsletter of Christianity Today International
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Throughout history, Christians around the world have been persecuted and martyred for their beliefs. This week, learn about the first Christian martyr in our feature article from Christian History & Biography, "The Unforgettable Martyrdom." When persecution broke out among Christians in Smyrna in Asia Minor in A.D. 155, an elderly church leader, Polycarp, was brought to the persecutors. Read the fascinating story of his death and how it shaped the way Christians thought about martyrdom from then on.
Then check out the rest of our featured articles in the right-hand column of this newsletter with new interviews, thoughtful commentaries, and ideas for family fun this spring. We hope they'll encourage you throughout your week!
Kim Tobey, Newsletter Editor
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The Unforgettable Martyrdom
The most admirable Polycarp, when he first heard of it [his impending arrest], was not perturbed, but desired to remain in the city. But the majority induced him to withdraw, so he retired to a farm not far from the city and there stayed with a few friends, doing nothing else night and day but pray for all men and for the churches throughout the world, as was his constant habit. And while he was praying, it so happened, three days before his arrest, that he had a vision and saw his pillow blazing with fire, and turning to those who were with him he said, "I must be burned alive."
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 Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?
Philip Yancey probes the most fundamental, challenging,
perplexing, and deeply rewarding aspect—the very
heartbeat—of your relationship with God: prayer.
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 Thy Kingdom Come, CD
CeCe Winans shares songs of the faith of her father and
mother, brothers and sisters, including "Amazing Grace,"
"There Is Power in the Blood," "Pass Me Not," and more.
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When my dad, a WWII vet, died, he had a military burial with a color guard, taps, and a 21-gun salute. A few days later, I learned from our babysitter how my 4-year-old daughter, Grace, had described the scene: "I went to a funeral. We went to a church, then we went to the seminary (cemetery) and everyone cried and cried. And then they shot Grandpa and it was over."
—Mary Officer, West Des Moines, Iowa
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Introducing ... Sarah MacIntosh
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Are you involved in any type of prayer group?- I go to prayer meeting at church.
- I'm part of a community or parent group.
- I get together with some friends.
- I have a prayer partner.
- I'm not formally involved with anything.
- I don't like to pray with other people.
- Other
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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I grow in my faith most by:- Listening to a sermon: 9%
- Reading the Bible: 16%
- Interacting with other Christians: 10%
- Performing acts of service: 10%
- Sharing my faith: 7%
- Prayer and meditation: 14%
- All of the above: 34%
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The Passion of the Christ, Full-Screen Curriculum
