"You'll Get Through This"

We have already covered about half of the life of the Church.  Sadly, though, the first half was mostly characterized by dark times and troubles.  However, the Church, the body of Christ, survived and even thrived through the dark times of history.  

For this week's forum, write 3 lessons you have learned personally as you reflected on God's providence in the life of His Church.

Emperor Julian the Apostate

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Emperor Julian became emperor following the 3 sons of Constantine the Great.  He grew up under the care of Constantine's family after his parents were killed by the 3-brother emperors who sought to kill every possible rival to the throne. 

Julian and his half-brother Gallus grew up in an extended family who claimed to be Christian.  Yet, the Christians he knew were the ones who killed his parents, imprisoned him and his brother, and forced him to learn the Scriptures without providing him reasons for doing so.  This effort fueled his hatred of God and Christians.  Thus his name, The Apostate.