Dear Daily Message Readers,
READ: Hebrews 11
Hebrews 11:39 (NIV) "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised."
As Christians, there is nothing more faith inspiring than a story about a brother or sister who has laid their life down for the sake of the gospel. One famous book that recounts many of these tales in detail is Fox's Book of Martyrs. The book explains how men and women and even children--when given a chance to deny their faith in Christ--refused to renounce the name of Christ, and they suffered terrible deaths. Just look at some of the famous names and the deaths they experienced for Jesus:
How could these people suffer such deaths willingly? One reason: They had a hope beyond the grave. It was worth it to give up this life for the gospel. Their faith was not in a religion but in a person: Jesus Christ. So with their deaths in mind, I challenge you to read Hebrews 11 and ask God to reveal to you the level of faith you have for Him. If you can't see yourself giving your life for Christ, then perhaps it is time to reexamine your faith.
Faith Lesson: If you want to live for Christ, you must be willing to die for Him.
READ: Hebrews 11
Hebrews 11:39 (NIV) "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised."
As Christians, there is nothing more faith inspiring than a story about a brother or sister who has laid their life down for the sake of the gospel. One famous book that recounts many of these tales in detail is Fox's Book of Martyrs. The book explains how men and women and even children--when given a chance to deny their faith in Christ--refused to renounce the name of Christ, and they suffered terrible deaths. Just look at some of the famous names and the deaths they experienced for Jesus:
- Stephen was stoned.
- Matthias was tied to a Roman cross, his body covered with various oils and spices and he was eaten by vultures while still alive.
- Nathaniel was skinned alive and crucified afterward.
- Mark was dragged to death behind a fast-speeding chariot.
- Thomas was speared by an angry mob.
- Thousands of others were thrown to wild animals and burned at the stake under Emperor Nero.
How could these people suffer such deaths willingly? One reason: They had a hope beyond the grave. It was worth it to give up this life for the gospel. Their faith was not in a religion but in a person: Jesus Christ. So with their deaths in mind, I challenge you to read Hebrews 11 and ask God to reveal to you the level of faith you have for Him. If you can't see yourself giving your life for Christ, then perhaps it is time to reexamine your faith.
Faith Lesson: If you want to live for Christ, you must be willing to die for Him.
