Emphasis Preaching Journal

Thascius Cyprian, born into a well-educated family that afforded him the same opportunity, reluctantly accepted the office of Bishop of Carthage in 248 ACE. He did so, in personal opposition to his highly publicized belief there was no place for a hierarchal organization within the church, for all worshipers were "co-presbyters." Arrested during the Decian persecution for refusing to offer a sacrifice to the Roman state-gods, he was ordered to be executed by the sword. In his dying words he confessed, Deo Gratias I, meaning "Thanks I be to God." His teaching was reflected in his life, as Cyprian forthrightly acknowledged the seriousness of the commission that his followers wear the shoes of peace while walking among hostile overseers. This belief was recorded in "The Epistles of Cyprian" with the admonition "let our feet be shod with evangelical teaching, and armed, so that when the serpent shall begin to be trodden and crushed by us, he may not be able to bite and trip us up." Shall we walk upon the forbidden floors where serpents dwell that peace may be restored in our homes, our places of employment, within our community, and even, we must confess, among our own congregants? Vipers bite, the poison stings -- shall the gospel of peace prevail?

Application: We must always be willing to share the gospel message of mercy and peace.