2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution
Sometimes Mondays live up to their reputation. It was that kind of Monday for me today – lots of unexpected stress, obstacles, and pressure. Let it be said that working with the public can be quite demanding. (Christians aren’t oblivious to these worldly dynamics (stress or anger). We face trials just like everyone else! It is our faith that helps us to survive. It’s our FAITH in Him that allows us to keep a positive attitude and keep going forward). We all KNOW that God ‘has the whole world in His hands,’ but it’s a different manner altogether to actively practice it. To live what we speak of in faith!
I had that moment, where the ultimate event can send us over the edge of sanity – the preverbal straw that broke the camel’s back had reared its ugly head. By Grace, and grace alone, I kept my composure. I began talking with the Lord; claiming His promises. Just reminding myself that my problems are not HIS problems. He‘s the Creator of the universe! He parted the Red Sea for Moses. Jesus walked on the water! He saved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. The Resurrection itself! The list could go on and on, in both the Old and New Testaments. Remember Balaam and his talking donkey? So I ask myself…my big problems?? My situations? They really aren’t so big.
My thoughts turned to the Apostles and the suffering that they endured for the Faith – I highly doubt anyone I personally know will ever be persecuted like these great men, and I know some tremendous Christians! That isn’t a criticism. This is a reminder of the price that has been paid – the ole’ Blood Stained Banner! Let’s take a closer look at 8 or 9 of the Apostles. I won’t cover all today since the list is lengthy – but it will really help us to keep perspective in perilous times! (Side Note: Earlier I received an email with much of this information broken down in it...if you'd like the email send me a note and I will forward it to you).
Matthew suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia; Killed by a sword wound.
Mark died in Alexandria, Egypt, after being dragged by Horses through
the streets until he was dead. Luke was hanged in Greece as a result of his tremendous Preaching to the
lost. John faced martyrdom when he was boiled in huge basin of boiling oil
during a wave of persecution In Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from
death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison Island of Patmos.
He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos . The apostle
John was later freed and returned to serve As Bishop of Edessa in modern
Turkey . He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.
Peter - was crucified upside down on an x-shaped cross.
According to church tradition it was because he told his tormentors
that he felt unworthy to die In the same way that Jesus Christ had
died. James - The leader of the church in Jerusalem , was thrown over a hundred
feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to
deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall,
his enemies beat James to death with a fuller's club.
* This was the same pinnacle where satan had taken Jesus during the
Temptation.
James the Great - Son of Zebedee, was a fisherman by trade when Jesus Called him to a
lifetime of ministry. As a strong leader of the church, James was
ultimately beheaded at Jerusalem. The Roman officer who guarded James watched
amazed as James defended his faith at his trial. Later, the officer
walked beside James to the place of execution. Overcome by conviction, he
declared his new faith to the judge and Knelt beside James to accept beheading as a Christian
Andrew - Was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece. After being
whipped severely by seven soldiers they tied his body to the cross with
cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was led
toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: 'I have long desired
and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body
of Christ hanging on it.' He continued to preach to his tormentors
for two days until he expired. Jude - Was killed with arrows when he refused to deny his faith in Christ.
Mark died in Alexandria, Egypt, after being dragged by Horses through
the streets until he was dead. Luke was hanged in Greece as a result of his tremendous Preaching to the
lost. John faced martyrdom when he was boiled in huge basin of boiling oil
during a wave of persecution In Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from
death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison Island of Patmos.
He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos . The apostle
John was later freed and returned to serve As Bishop of Edessa in modern
Turkey . He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.
Peter - was crucified upside down on an x-shaped cross.
According to church tradition it was because he told his tormentors
that he felt unworthy to die In the same way that Jesus Christ had
died. James - The leader of the church in Jerusalem , was thrown over a hundred
feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to
deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall,
his enemies beat James to death with a fuller's club.
* This was the same pinnacle where satan had taken Jesus during the
Temptation.
James the Great - Son of Zebedee, was a fisherman by trade when Jesus Called him to a
lifetime of ministry. As a strong leader of the church, James was
ultimately beheaded at Jerusalem. The Roman officer who guarded James watched
amazed as James defended his faith at his trial. Later, the officer
walked beside James to the place of execution. Overcome by conviction, he
declared his new faith to the judge and Knelt beside James to accept beheading as a Christian
Andrew - Was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece. After being
whipped severely by seven soldiers they tied his body to the cross with
cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was led
toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: 'I have long desired
and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body
of Christ hanging on it.' He continued to preach to his tormentors
for two days until he expired. Jude - Was killed with arrows when he refused to deny his faith in Christ.
Paul - Was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero at Rome in
A.D. 67. Paul endured a lengthy imprisonment, which allowed him to write his
many epistles to the churches he had formed throughout the Roman Empire.
These letters, which taught many of the foundational Doctrines of Christianity,
form a large portion of the New Testament.
A.D. 67. Paul endured a lengthy imprisonment, which allowed him to write his
many epistles to the churches he had formed throughout the Roman Empire.
These letters, which taught many of the foundational Doctrines of Christianity,
form a large portion of the New Testament.
Let us be reminded: Our sufferings and trials here ARE indeed inconsequential compared to the intense persecutions and cold cruelties faced by the apostles and disciples during their times for the sake of the Faith! Keep up the good work, Christian! He is worthy.
Look UP my friends!
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