Grovekids’ Weblog

On Sunday, Kent taught us from 1 Peter about suffering for being Christian. Do you know what was happening to Christians at the time Peter wrote this? In Rome, Christians were the scapegoats for every problem. If something bad happened, Christians were unfairly accused, then persecuted. They were sent to fight the lions, be burned to death (even as “living torches” at the emperors parties!). It was a gruesome time. Knowing this underlines Peter’s words so much more for me. He was telling these people, the ones fighting the lions, to rejoice in their suffering and realize that it was God’s will for them. Now, that is intense!

My kids and I have learned so much from the book Trial and Triumph: Stories from Church History by Richard M. Hannula. If you want to read more about the persecutions of the early church, get this book. It’s really interesting and enlightening. Last night at dinner, we recalled examples of real people in this book to help explain the meaning of this week’s Fighter Verse to our kids. We talked about Polycarp and Blandina, real people from long ago who suffered and died for their faith.

On a technical note, this book would be a great independent read for older elementary students or middle school students. Since we have younger students, I read it aloud to them.