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  EXHORTATION TO CONFESS CHRIST BY SILENCE AS WELL AS SPEECH
  by Ignatius of Antioch
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Summary: True Christianity is demonstrated not just by words, but by
actions and a genuine faith that comes from the heart.

Topics: "Faith And Action", "Christian Living"
Scripture References: Matthew 7:24, Luke 24:19, Romans 10:10, 1 Corinthians 3:16, Galatians 2:20

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DESCRIPTION
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Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of actions aligning with
words in the Christian faith, stating that it is better to be silent and
be a true Christian than to speak without genuine faith. He highlights
that the kingdom of God is manifested through power and righteous deeds,
not just empty words. Ignatius encourages believers to not only teach
but also live out their faith, following the example of Jesus Christ who
both acted and taught. He reminds the audience that nothing is hidden
from the Lord, urging them to live as temples of God with Christ
dwelling within them.

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CONTENT
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It is better for a man to be silent and be [a Christian], than to talk
and not to be one. "The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power."
Men "believe with the heart, and confess with the mouth," the one "unto
righteousness," the other "unto salvation."

It is good to teach, if he who speaks also acts. For he who shall both
"do and teach, the same shall be great in the kingdom." Our Lord and
God, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, first did and then taught,
as Luke testifies, "whose praise is in the Gospel through all the
Churches." There is nothing which is hid from the Lord, but our very
secrets are near to Him. Let us therefore do all things as those who
have Him dwelling in us, that we may be His temples, and He may be in us
as God.

Let Christ speak in us, even as He did in Paul. Let the Holy Spirit
teach us to speak the things of Christ in like manner as He did.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ignatius-of-antioch/exhortation-to-confess-christ-by-silence-as-well-as-speech/
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