Church History is as important as Theology and we do well to know and remember it. There are certain facts in history which the world tries hard to forget or ignore. These facts may not be favourite themes because they get in the way of things and are highly inconvenient. Yet as believers, we must never deny or forget our historic past and know the roots of our rich religious heritage. During this commemoration of the 493rd year of the 16th century Reformation, we would not speak of Luther and other magisterial Reformers as they are already well known. But, we will remember those who worthily contended for the faith with their lives, particularly the English Reformers and Puritans like William Tyndale to whom we owe our English Bible.

We all, from time to time, need a little encouragement especially when it seems things couldn't get any worse. Reading about some of the 'heroes of faith' which have gone before us is one way to put our own situation into perspective. I am reminded of what the inspired writer of the book of Hebrews wrote:

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Hebrews 12:4-6 (ASV) Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin: and ye have forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you as with sons, My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, Nor faint when thou art reproved of him; For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
May the Lord bless this short article to your souls.

You can read it by going here: Remembering the Christian Martyrs of the Church: Living Witnesses of the Past.

In His service and grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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