I just started reading The Change of Conversion and the Origin of Christendom by Alan Kreider.  Here's an interesting quote about Justin, one of the second century Church fathers who was martyred in 165 A.D.  Our beliefs lead to changed behavior and a sense of community belonging.  We are strengthened by our community of faith.  Be encouraged today! Pastor Bob

For Justin, Christian belief let to a discerning of areas of demonic power in society that enslaved people; but the freedom that Christ brought liberated people from addiction and compulsion, and led to distinctive forms of behavior.  It also led to a unique sense of belonging.  The Christian community was knit together by its ways of dealing with...[human behaviors]...that would be in keeping  with the teachings of Jesus (underlined text mine).

(Kreider, p. 5-6)