Epic Times

Our great missionary friend, Peter Ratcliff, is a British citizen. Even though he has not lived in his home country for many years he still possesses that distinct accent. One of his go to words is "epic". My wife, Rhonda, brought some shirts for his children that said "My dad is Epic".  No truer words have ever been spoken, Peter and his whole family are 'epic'! They are an epic family in epic times. The simplistic definition of epic means the heroic deeds of a person of unusual courage and unparalleled bravery.

History produces events that call for "Epic People" to rise to the challenge. We have witnessed the courage of doctors and nurses in hospitals worldwide to fight to save lives. We have witnessed men and women serve countries around the world fighting for whatever cause their respective countries promote. On any given day first-responders are just a call away from an epic event. Humanity owes a deep debt of gratitude for these brave men and women. They have answered the call of service with courage and bravery.

In Christiandom, "epic times" began when Adam sank his teeth into the forbidden fruit in the garden. From that time until today, it takes an epic person to stand for truth in a world where truth is subject to personal opinion. The power of media sways the uninformed to follow a lie, and of course satan, with his deception, deceives even the very elect scripture (Matt 24:24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.). The intensification of persecution upon Christians worldwide goes unnoticed in mainstream news but it is a daily occurrence. 

As we travel to other countries we have been so blessed to meet many epic christians. Men and women with tremendous courage and bravery that have strengthened my life with their wisdom and faith. Sadly, I see in our western style of religion that the thought of having to be an 'epic person' is something to try and avoid. The thought of having to be brave or courageous is something we try to reason ourselves and our children out of. "Let's play it safe" seems to be the banner most want to carry.

Epic times will demand, and have always demanded, epic christians to stand firm in the Faith. Let us be known as an Epic generation for an Epic time.