An example of being a martyr

  

                                                          An example of  being a martyr 

  Millions have died for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior. from Steven the first martyr of the faith to the majority who are unknown , by us , some man or women is now dying somewhere on earth for Jesus. Christians are the most persecute group in the world .The news will not tell you this since they despise the faithful. j Jesus said in John 15:18  “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. Thsi is a part of being a follower of Jesus, that many preaches especially those in Mega churches and ministries. Persecution can come in many forms financial , political , emotional but violence is a favorite.  

   Jesus warned in Matthew 10:28-33 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, ..."  Why say this unless that temptation would be a constant in the lives of true Christian in this fallen world .  

   Lets take a look at how we could we respond , using the example of a church father Polycarp.according to history Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John. He became the bishop of the Church at Smyrna in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey)

   Polycarp was a personal disciple of the Apostle John. As an old man, he was the bishop of the Church at Smyrna in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey). Persecution against the Christians broke out there and believers were being killed, during that time Polycarp was being hidden, but was eventually captured. We have excerpts from early church writing "The Encyclical Epistle of the Church at Smyrna Concerning the Martyrdom of the Holy Polycarp" Some of his spoken words are revealed

   Polycarp was offered freedom if he would JUST deny Jesus . Say it out loud , some would say it is just words but the brother in Jesus refused  when  offered  “Swear, and I will set thee at liberty, reproach Christ;” Polycarp declared, “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?”Polycarp refused .  The proconsul yet again pressed him, and said, “Swear by the fortune of Cæsar,” he answered, “Since thou art vainly urgent that, as thou sayest, I should swear by the fortune of Cæsar, and pretendest not to know who and what I am, hear me declare with boldness, I am a Christian. And if you wish to learn what the doctrines of Christianity are, appoint me a day, and thou shalt hear them.” 

   Tradition says the proconsul then said to him, “I have wild beasts at hand; to these will I cast thee, except thou repent.” But he answered, “Call them then, for we are not accustomed to repent of what is good in order to adopt that which is evil; and it is well for me to be changed from what is evil to what is righteous.” But again the proconsul said to him, “I will cause thee to be consumed by fire, seeing thou despisest the wild beasts, if thou wilt not repent.” But Polycarp said, “Thou threatenest me with fire which burneth for an hour, and after a little is extinguished, but art ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and of eternal punishment, reserved for the ungodly. But why tarriest thou? Bring forth what thou wilt.”

     Tradition says Polycarp was then Sentenced to be be burned alive!  It is said that looked up to heaven, and said, “O Lord God Almighty, the Father of thy beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the knowledge of Thee, the God of angels and powers, and of every creature, and of the whole race of the righteous who live before thee, I give Thee thanks that Thou hast counted me, worthy of this day and this hour, that I should have a part in the number of Thy martyrs, in the cup of thy Christ, to the resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and body, through the incorruption [imparted] by the Holy Ghost. Among whom may I be accepted this day before Thee as a fat and acceptable sacrifice, according as Thou, the ever-truthful God, hast foreordained, hast revealed beforehand to me, and now hast fulfilled. Wherefore also I praise Thee for all things, I bless Thee, I glorify Thee, along with the everlasting and heavenly Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, with whom, to Thee, and the Holy Ghost, be glory both now and to all coming ages. Amen.”

    Paul said in Philippians 3:10  " that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, Tradition says Paul the apostle had that opportunity being beheaded for the faith. Notice unlike most western Christians who hate the idea of persecution FOR and IN the  name  of Jesus was considered an honor and an action of faith. We also will be called to die sometimes in actual martyrdom  but most in suffering by giving up some of the world pleasures , time or money Let the worlds pleasures , temptations , the wealth , human praise and glory burn if God calls them to be sacrificed. The rich young ruled from Mark could not Chapter 10 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

https://www.uncomplicatedchristianity.com/earlychurchfathers/the-martyrdom-of-polycarp

Written by SSligh blog creator/moderator