Summary: Sometimes we might think it was easier to be a Christian a long time ago. The world is so cynical and mean now! But Christians long ago didn’t have it easier. The apostle Paul was born under the Roman Empire. It was a morally and spiritually depraved time. They had great riches, but there were many wars and the losing side often became slaves. Towns were pillaged. Unwanted children were often killed. The rich threw wild and immoral parties. Spiritually, they worshiped the emperor. People proclaimed, “Caesar is Lord.” This is the culture that the early Christians wanted to change. They didn’t start a campaign against infanticide, or picket outside wild parties. Instead, they challenged the core of the culture proclaiming, “Jesus is Lord! Jesus is Lord!” Paul and the early Christians had a very clear mission. Paul himself said, “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible.” The most important thing was spreading the gospel to the people trying to fill their lives with riches or parties. In that sense, our job is the same: to spread God’s light to those who need it most – those living in darkness.
