** Unlocked은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 원본으로 듣고 싶으신 분들은 홈페이지 Unlocked.org로 들어가시면 <July 26, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
The Story of Perpetua
• READ: DANIEL 3:1-30; JOHN 14:27; ROMANS 8:34-39; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:20-28
"Do you see this vase here?” she asked. “Could it be called by any other name than what it is?”
“No,” her father replied.
“Well, neither can I be called anything other than what I am, a Christian.”
Perpetua, a devoted follower of Christ, uttered these words in the year 203 AD, mere days before she was asked to recant her faith. The faith she would eventually die for.
When Perpetua was brought before the governor, she refused to deny Christ or offer the required sacrifice to the emperor. As a result, she was sentenced to death in the arena. While awaiting her punishment in her prison cell, she was allowed to nurse her infant. Her father, who did not know Jesus, begged her to renounce her faith for the sake of her child, but she would not.
Only days later, Perpetua and a group of other brave Christians were led into the stadium and attacked by wild beasts in front of a roaring crowd. Though they didn’t die from their wounds, the faithful group was later killed by the sword.
This account of Perpetua’s and her friends’ uncommon bravery inspired me. I can’t imagine the terror this young woman faced, and yet she stood firm in her faith, never backing down, though the consequence of such a decision was death. What gave Perpetua such courage? Where did her confidence come from?
Perpetua was aware of and comforted by God’s presence. Though she was undoubtedly afraid, Perpetua stood on the promises of God. It wasn’t Perpetua’s determination or confidence in herself that carried her through her last days, but her confidence in her God. She knew that He is stronger even than death— Jesus defeated death by His own death and resurrection. Although death is a heartbreaking result of brokenness in the world, we don’t have to be afraid of
it because we know that Jesus will return to resurrect us from the dead to live eternally with Him.
If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation, remember that Jesus is always with you, and His promises will always stand firm. • Eliana Canfield
• Sharing the gospel begins with understanding that you need the gospel and then understanding that others do too. How can you lovingly share the gospel with those who don’t know Jesus?
Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Romans 8:34 (NLT)
** Unlocked은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 원본으로 듣고 싶으신 분들은 홈페이지 Unlocked.org로 들어가시면 <July 30, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
A Great Name from Church History: Mesrop Mashtots
• READ: MATTHEW 9:35-38; ROMANS 10:14-17
Christians understand the incredible life-changing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection bring each believer new life. This is truly good news. How far would you go to share this news with people who didn’t know it?
While reading about church history, I came across one of the greatest names of all time: Mesrop Mashtots. I believe it is impossible to improve upon this name.
Not only did Mr. Mashtots have a cool name, he did incredible things to share the gospel. Mashtots wanted to translate the Bible into the Armenian language. Only one problem: there was no alphabet, so there was no written Armenian language to work with. But this didn’t stop Mashtots. He traveled around Armenia paying attention to the common sounds of their language. He hired a calligrapher to link Greek letters to the sounds and developed a thirty-six- letter Armenian alphabet.
Alphabetizing the language didn’t solve the problem though, because no one could read it. So, get this: Mashtots persuaded the government to establish an Armenian school system to teach everyone how to read his new alphabet!
In order to get Armenians a Bible, Mashtots invented their alphabet, began a school system, and then gave them a Bible in their own language! I find this all to be absolutely incredible—how is there no international Mashtots holiday? We could sit around playing games with invented alphabets and eat tater tots.
Today, Armenia still credits Mashtots for making the nation literate. He didn’t stop there though. He went on to create the Albanian and Georgian alphabets! Truly this man knew the awesomeness of the gospel and was consumed with a desire to share it. • Jeff Weddle
• Even if God doesn’t call you to work in Bible translation or international missions, you can still spread the gospel by living faithfully wherever He puts you. Maybe you’ll contribute through science, construction, stay-at-home parenting, food service, ministry, health care, office work, etc. All these are part of God’s kingdom! Where has God placed you? How can you use the opportunities and skills He’s given you to share the gospel of Jesus with those around you?
And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:15 (NLT)
