The response of the Jews to Christianity was PERSECUTION.

Christianity was tolerated as a sect of Judaism. Soon, Christianity would have its conflicts with the empire.

The result was ACCUSATION and PERSECUTION.

Who is Jesus? 1 John 4 How are we saved? Gal. 3 How are we to live in a pagan culture? 1,2 Cor.

The response of the church to these theological questions was the rise of CREEDS.

The response of the church to the accusations: APOLOGISTS.

The Response to persecution:

*Martyr – GAVE their life*Confessor – willing to GIVE their life*Apostate – gave into PRESSURE and RECANTED their faith.

But, the result of persecution was the faith SPREAD all the more RAPIDLY.

1. How do we respond to difficulty or persecution? Is it a testimony to our faith in God? Do we trust him?

2. Are you ready to give an answer to anyone who asks why you believe?

Sign up for discipleship…go to Sunday school…read books about faith.

3. Are we living a life that makes a difference? Pray, Serve, Share.