Many centuries ago, before the spread of the Gospel throughout the entire globe, certain men carried the Good News to nations and preached Christ without fear.
Many of them were executed; some crucified upside down and a few of them plunged in hot oil. All of these were a few of the many trials and persecutions that the early believers endured for the gospel.
The martyrdom of Polycarp of Smyrna describes how the fire built around him would not burn him, and that he was finally jabbed to death.
Even the Bible we read presently is accessible because of the sacrifices of these Fathers. Men like William Tyndale were burnt alive because they were found translating the Bible into English.
I often wonder how so outstanding the Fathers’ faith was that they laid down their lives for the kingdom and for the gospel of Christ to reach the end of the world.
Today, unfortunately, the church is filled with infant and unproductive Christians who assume Christianity is about money, cars, cathedrals, and prosperity.
The reason is that some present-day churches have failed to teach that the Christian faith is characterized by persecution and trials.
Many have failed to realize that our faith will one day be tested, and we would have to either deny Christ or stand up for the one whom we profess as our Lord; in some worse cases, even die for his cause.

The modern Christian faith is deficient in certain areas which is why the faith of the old saints is more remarkable.
What are some of these features associated with the old Saints?

1. They were ready to Give their life for the Gospel.
   The Fathers were ready to surrender their lives for Him, knowing that a crown of life awaited them.
   “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death” (Philippians 3:10).

They had an incredibly strong faith that made them live here on earth with the hope of eternal rewards, unlike many modern Christians who want to reel themselves in the flashy things, the world has to offer. The sobriety the old saints treasured has become old-fashioned for them.

2. Their Faith was not materialistic. Our Fathers who lived solely for Christ were ready to let go of any worldly attachment for Christ’s sake.
   For instance, St. Paul forfeited his affluence and lived ordinarily so that he might fulfill the necessities of the Gospel.
   Not only was their faith not materialistic, but it was also laced with strong persistence even in the face of death.
   “When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious(BR) and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit,(BS) looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (BT) 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open(BU) and the Son of Man(BV) standing at the right hand of God.”It is saddening that when some modern believers are tried, they cower in fear and can’t defend what they profess.” Acts 6:54-56.

Over time, some churches have trained the believers to only enjoy receiving from God. When their wishful expectations are no longer met, they lose faith in God.

3. The Christ’s Doctrine.
   “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 1:3.
   The Fathers contended for the faith that was delivered to them and opposed any dogma intended to shift the believers’ focus from Christ. They were established in Christ’s doctrine and knew what was accurate and inaccurate.
4. The ministry of the Word and Prayer.
   They gave themselves to the study of the Word and prayer.
   The Fathers were never casual with the Bible. What this means is, whatever the scriptures stood for, they supported. Whatever the scriptures were against, they were against also.
   They followed the teachings of the Bible until they became living bibles.

Many modern believers choose to modify some precepts of Christ. They further enjoy modified sermons and follow their illusions. It is not they are unaware of their actions but they do this to satisfy their lust. In addition, prayer for them has become something that is rarely practiced.

The Gospel is sacrifice. The fathers in the past offered up themselves so that we can be saved. They showed that trials and persecution are part of true Christianity.
They worked hard and are long gone. We are only enjoying what they worked for.

Now that it is our time, how many of us can boast of maintaining the Faith of the Fathers with the same fervency as they did?

Greenhills Emmanuel.