Armenia was the world’s first Christian nation and dates back to the time of Christ and before. Bartholomew, who was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, went to Armenia after Christ’s Resurrection and founded the Armenian church there. Tradition also suggests that he was flayed alive in Armenia for his beliefs. Armenia is buffered between the Byzantine/Turkish, Russian/USSR and Persian empires. Today it is largely Christian (94%), which is unusual for this part of the world, and we can definitely thank Bartholomew’s unrelenting faith for that. The Armenian Apostolic Church has long been a cultural refuge in times of persecution, but they are also deep in tradition which sometimes can get in the way of seeing the living Christ of today. […]
Category:Pray for Our World (countries A-D)
Who is Jesus? Who is the Messiah? Who or what is the Rock? This small passage in the book of Matthew reveals a lot and questions a lot. Peter and The Messiah ~ Matthew 13:16-19 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He asked them, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” “Simon son of Jonah, you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but […]
Category:In Jesus' Words - from Matthew
They had been out all night and caught nothing. They were hungry, tired, and smelled of ocean. The early morning chill still hung in the air. The cold could be added to their list of grievances too, but mostly they were hungry. As they pulled their boat up on the shore, their muscles sore and aching, they could smell the faint aroma of fresh fish cooking. They looked around, and as the fog began to clear, they saw in the distance a glowing fire with several fish laying on top. They could faintly hear the crackling of the fire in the morning stillness, perhaps with a little olive oil drizzled on top as the sweet aroma drifted their way. They looked at each other, quickly dropped their fishing gear, and ran toward […]
Category:Lessons from the Sea
About the Author
Sue McCusker is a writer, Bible teacher, and web developer who loves to share the stories of life, hope, and faith she sees around her every day. She has written for Guideposts and Angels on Earth magazines, and teaches the story of God in women's Bible study.
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Happy are the feet of those who bring good news! Isaiah 52:7