The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.
– Tertullian
I often wonder why people fall in the trick of Prosperity Gospel and Word-Faith Movement. These groups promise riches, good health and comfortable lives while on earth, using the name of Jesus. Perhaps, people should read the Bible thoroughly and ask the Holy Spirit to guide them while reading.
The lives of the Christians both in and out of the Scriptures are far from comfortable. They have suffered persecution of some sort because of their faith in Christ. Moreover, they endured martyrdom one way or another. It was their hope in Christ that helped them go through their sufferings.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Acts 7:54-60. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Acts 7:1-53: Is Your Deafness Related To Being Stiffed Necked?
Stephen The Martyr
The Israelites were enraged and attacked Stephen when he charged them as unregenerate. They stoned Stephen to death. And like the question he threw to the Israelites (Acts 7:52), he became one of the prophets that came before him. Before his death, Stephen was able to see a vision of Christ on the right hand of the Father (Acts 7:56).
The Spirit of Christ was with him even in the middle of stoning. Stephen, moved by the Holy Spirit, uttered similar prayers and words that Jesus did on the cross (Acts 7:59-69; Luke 23:34,46). One of the people, who were there at his stoning, was Saul. The same person who wrote half of the New Testament books.
Other Martyrs
Apostles and Disciples – Philip: crucified in Phrygia. Matthew: beheaded in Ethiopia. John: abandoned in Patmos. Barnabas: burned to death in Cyprus. Mark: dragged to death in Alexandria. James (the Less): clubbed to death in Jerusalem. Paul: beheaded in Rome. Peter: crucified in Rome. Andrew: crucified in Achaia. Thomas: speared to death on Calamina. Luke: hanged in Athens.
Martin Luther – was excommunicated and coerced to retrieve his claims of The 95 Theses. Ten Booms – were imprisoned in concentration camps because they were helping the Jews in Holland. Ignaz Semmelweis – was expelled from the medical profession. Furthermore, he was trick by former colleagues to visit a mental institution and committed him against his will.
Are You Ready To Be A Martyr?
Truly, one can never know what challenges each of us will face. But as Christian, we are asked if we are ready to die for Christ. The pastor asked us this during our baptism. The query was not only a metaphoric question. All around the world, people, who genuinely believe in Jesus, are persecuted in all shapes and forms. If you are not aware of this. Then I urge you to do more research about it.
Even today, we see it. Churches close are a form of persecution. One might think that it is for health safety. But a person who knows the Bible will understand that worshipping God as a community was the principal purpose. And it is right to do so. However, we are restricted to gather and worship.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV.
- Do you know stories of Christian Martyrs? Read their lives.
- How do you see their stories?
- Have you accepted Jesus Christ? Accept Jesus Now.
- Are you willing to die for Jesus?
Related Posts
- What Is Really About To Happen?
- Who was the Greatest
- A broken Heart, The Flame of Love
- How Does God’s Wrath Differ From His Discipline
Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
