Page 34 - FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE; EXPLORING GOD’S UNIVERSE
P. 34
Persecution
After fleeing to Holland, Helwys came back to England and formed the first Baptist church
near London. He appealed boldly to King James but was thrown into prison where he died.
However, 1 Peter 4:14 says, ‘If you insulted for the name of Jesus, you are blessed.’ God
blessed the Baptist movement with growth because it was standing out for truth according to
God’s Word.
It grew until 1,720 churches stretched from London to Wales and even to America.
They were called ‘the logical fruit of the Reformation.’
Under William of Orange and Queen Ann, persecution ceased through The Act of Toleration in
1689. Numbers grew to about 50, 000.
Famous Baptists include: -
John Bunyan - author and preacher
William Carey - missionary to India
Charles Spurgeon - famous preacher
Adoniram Judson - missionary to Burma
John played an important role in the Baptist movement.
Questions:
Why are we not called Baptists today?
Do they believe the same as we did?
What do we owe to Baptists?
Foundations of Our Faith 8
(Foundations for Life) 23
