Martyrdom is not something most American Christians worry much about. Nevertheless, Christians are the most persecuted group in the World. That is a little known fact in this nation, but it is nevertheless true.
Check out some of these reports.
https://www.christiansinpakistan.com/christians-persecution-around-the-globe-increasing/
https://aleteia.org/2018/01/08/christians-who-have-given-their-life-for-christ-in-2017/
Here are a couple of Christian organizations that serve persecuted Christians.
What can we do for persecuted Christians? We can urge our leaders to take up their cause. We can demand that our government make the effort to expose the crimes of those who persecute our fellow human beings. At the very least we should strive to discover and expose those who commit genocide of any sort.
As you read Julie (aka Cookie)’s post, keep in mind that the first act of martyrdom is to die to sin. The second is to be willing to die before denying Jesus Christ, our Savior. Before we can die for Jesus Christ, we must have already given our life to Him. We exhibit that commitment by dying to sin.
“You cannot turn me from my holy Faith by threats, nor with promises of riches and pleasures.
I will obey your orders willingly, if you will leave me free to follow my religion.
I would rather surrender my head to you than to change my faith.
I was born a Christian, and I shall die a Christian.”
+ St. John the Russian
(lingering pomergarnite / Rosemary Beach, Fl / Julie Cook / 2018)
The definition of the word martyr, according to Merriam Webster is: a person who voluntarily
suffers death as the penalty of witnessing to and refusing to renounce a religion.
When we think of individuals who fit that description…we think of those individuals
who reach out to us from various Biblical tales.
We recall the stories of individuals who were tried and sentenced to death
for their faith in God, people like Daniel in the lion’s den—
or…
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Kia, Phillip Augustine
”
“Not so scattered wisdom”
I agree with Phillip’s above verses. Keep in mind St. Peter’s denial when he had to face a crowd intent on harming him.
Regards and goodwill blogging.
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When I see crucifixes, paintings, and other works of art, My attention is always fixated on John if he’s in the work. I think, “What was it that brought you to the foot of the cross, as tradition often holds John being he youngest, when all others scattered?”
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I ask myself, “Am I a coward?”
What do I really believe? How strong is my faith?
I often pray that I am not put to test…but… I am reminded…
Christ says:
11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious how or what you are to answer or what you are to say; 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Lk 12:11-12
“13 This will be a time for you to bear testimony. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict” Lk 21:13-15 RSV
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@Philip Augustine
Thanks for reminding us that courage and wisdom, even the words we speak, are gifts from God.
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Choosing to die for your religious beliefs can be related to wise or foolish choices.
Anyone who is among the living has hope –even a live dog is better off than a dead lion! (Ecclesiates 9:4}
Jesus Christ did not choose to become a martyr. He was made a martyr by fools.
What’s My Point?
When you consider that Christians and Muslims keep warring over and over for centuries, and still are today, is there any hope for peace in future generations,
Thou shalt not kill seems to be a simple commandment, in my opinion.
Will we humans ever wise up?
Regards and goodwill blogging.
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I agree with you. Not so scattered wisdom.
And “thou shalt not toss your life away” should also be a commandment for those who live for Christ, their family or anything they hope to encourage and promote to continue.
Too many dead in the name of religion, but also too many who pridefully see themselves as potential martyrs for it also.
Great words from you brother.
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Very well said.
On the subject of immigration (a different thread) it might be helpful to consider virtually all Muslim countries forbid non-Muslim immigration, for any reason.
The folks who are attacking Christians (and Jews) are not coy about their motivations. No dog whistling there, they’ve spoken openly of genocide on the UN floor.
I’m all for welcoming people who bring useful skills, good families, and are trustworthy into the community but there has to be a very comprehensive screen here.
“First the Saturday people, then the Sunday people” the saying goes.
I am in awe of people who keep the faith during dangerous times. I would like to think I would do the same. But I’ve never encountered any real adversity (quite the contrary, what I see in the Christian community reaffirms my faith) so I don’t think I can make any claims of acts of heroism over something I’ve never experienced.
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This is a huge issue, world wide and beginning here as well. Thanks for the insight. Much appreciated.
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Soon enough it will arrive here.
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But I’d rather live for them.
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I am willing to die and be killed for my family.
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