Teaching about Christian history is important to me. I want my children to know what being a Christian can cost. I want them to know what it has cost many and what it still costs today. Being a Christian in America isn't hard. It costs little, if anything, most of the time. Perhaps this will change sooner than later. We are promised tribulation in this life, not from God, but from man. I want them to be prepared for this eventuality. Will they see physical persecution of Christians in America in their lifetimes? Will I? Only God knows.
After studying the deaths of the Apostles, who can help but be inspired to die for God's Word, should circumstances demand it? Who could bear the thought of denying our Lord? The lives of Polycarp, Tyndale, Luther, Bonhoeffer, Jim Elliot, and others show that the Holy Spirit gives grace in times of need.
"And I tell you, every one who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And every one who speaks a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious how or what you are to answer or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." Luke 12: 8-12
Here, in no particular order, are some of the resources that I either use, have used or plan to use to keep my children aware of past and current Christian reality.
The Religion of Peace (may show graphic images, I read this myself and verbally share some stories with my older children, but never all!)
Stephan's Test of Faith (available on Netflix instant play)
Jesus Freaks Vol. I and II (we read through these aloud in school)
VOM Torchlighters (also available on Netflix at the moment)
21st Century Martyrs (a collection of true stories missing from the nightly news)
Trial and Triumph (used in Ambleside Online)
Voice of the Martyrs (we get their free magazine monthly, along with the quarterly Kids of Courage insert)
Foxe's Book of Martyrs
Martyr's Mirror (similar to Foxe's Book; free online)
Have you any resources to share? Please add them in the comments!
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