The time may come soon for brothers and sisters in the west to face the kinds of decisions that so many of our brothers and sisters had to face down through the centuries. Ask yourself this question, are you ready to give your all for the Lord Jesus Christ? Is He more important to you than your life, your reputation, your worldy goods, even your family?We must never underestimate what has went before us. Yet, as you listen to just one testimony of a saint from a dungeon, your spirit will soar to realize that even in the darkest dungeon the Light of the world will illuminate and pierce the evil. For what is darkness? Darkness is the absence of light. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty, indeed, He will never leave us nor forsake us. Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmJQ46nDn04&feature=player_embedded

Hi brother,

Every couple of years I try and read Foxes book of Martyrs just to remind me how little it actually costs modern day believers in the West to follow Jesus, it puts it in perspective......Frank

Are we ready? I should think the answer is no.

I don't think we realise what the Christian life that God expects of us is really all about.

Martyrdom is not part of our Christian walk, thank you very much. Or so we think.

In scripture, suffering is mentioned alongside the Christian walk. Though we hate the very idea, we should not ignore what God has told us in His word.

Foxe's is not an easy read, but it does bring reality home.

God bless.

"Are we ready? I should think the answer is no."

I think I agree with you Enid.......Frank

[b]Lutherans ask forgiveness for 16th century persecution of Anabaptists[/b]. The artist depicting persecution in this article looks like the same one you used Frank.[url=http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue7497.html] Link[/url]

[url=http://www.eni.ch/featured/article.php?id=3479 ]A longer report is found here.[/url]

Strange things are occurring. Setting aside end-times scenarios, it almost looks as though Luther is getting his sought for debate. [url=http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_31101999_cath-luth-joint-declaration_en.html ]Link here.[/url]

I have thought on these things (who has not) and wept. It would be hard not to weep, particularly considering how Christians have persecuted Christians. After first reading Fox's Martyrs and then later seeing a long documentary on the US Civil War, my heart has been heavy when I think of persecution. Surely many brothers in Christ killed brothers.

Then I read and considered what you raised Frank in this thread. I think I have God's direction for me.

Last evening, I prayed with others for persecuted believers today. In this case it was prayer for believers persecuted by unbelievers. I am acutely aware of our unity in the Holy Spirit as I pray. Intercession is a "real thing” that I have to do with brothers and sisters that are persecuted for His sake.

As is often the case in intercession for the needs of others, I came away fed myself. It was 2 Timothy 3: 12 - “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” This was like a great comfort from our Father. Like His view of a “second thing I have to do with persecution.” I understood this to be that my focus need be on “living a Godly life.” [b]The persecution and the readiness for it will take care of itself[/b].

I am meditating on how a Godly life prepares one for persecution. It is a comforting thought.

Not every Christian is called to be a martyr. Some could not endure it. There are those in the Christian family that don't have great faith, their faith is feeble. I would be considered one of those, my faith is feeble and I can't see God putting someone like that through that knowing that they would probably deny him to save their neck, like Peter.

Remember Jesus warned the disciples about having to face persecution, about being brought up before councils, and it would turn to them for a testimony? He said:
Luk 21:12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
Luk 21:13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
Luk 21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
Luk 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Mat 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
Mat 10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
Luk 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
Luk 12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.


Likewise the martyr will be given the faith and power they need in that hour. The Holy Spirit of God will enable them to endure that with the joy of the Lord for they know they will be coming home. As He was with the three Hebrew children in the fire, so He will be with those who are called to give their lives for His sake.

Psa 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

That says He's watching over them when they die, their willingness to lose their life is precious to Him. This also can testify to us allowing the cross to work death to self in our lives now. If we die to self now, martyrdom is just one step further. Either one requires the indwelling power and strength of the Holy Spirit in our lives to be accomplished in us. You may not have the faith you think it would take to submit to death for His sake, but if the time comes, He will furnish you with what is needed. Remember, the children only had enough manna for the day. He does not give out enough to store up only what is required for the moment. This keeps us dependent.

_________________
Kathleen