June 07, 2019
Terrorism is so unstoppable right now by Muslim extremists because they believe that if they die a martyr’s death, they will be assured of a place in their supposed heaven.
Once again, Satain is mirroring what God has designed, yet without reality. Similar reasoning, coupled with real purpose and real joy, is what makes true Christian martyrs unstoppable. It was modeled for us by the first believers from the first church in Jerusalem.
40 They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.
41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
A MARTYR’S JOY
These believers were filled with joy in their persecution, which is an unreasonable response, were it not for Christ. Their joy sprang from a deep well. They were honored that they were considered worthy to “suffer shame for His name.”
A MARTYR’S WITNESS
And, the persecution against them did not have its desired result. It just made them share the gospel MORE. In both venues where the church met--in the temple and in the homes of the people--they “kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”
THE PROBLEM
… with most of us modern Christians is that we are stoppable. A little discomfort, a turn from our desired daily routine, or a little resistance from those to whom we’re witnessing throws us off. We have not settled the issue that our greatest joy and highest purpose comes from our witness, and so we are unwilling to push through in sharing Christ with others every day, even in the mildest environments. Even when persecution is not present.
The days are coming (soon) when we will be persecuted for our faith. May God find us faithful to “keep right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”
December 20, 2024
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