Feb. 12, 2014
MY FRIENDS, TO DIE FOR CHRIST, OH WHAT A HONOR!!
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
As God’s chosen, as we begin to escalate Christ in our life. We also must begin to diminish self to the point where self no longer exist, because a transformation has taken place, and we are now crucified with Christ as He lives out His life through us for all to see.
For “He bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness…..” 1 Peter 2:24 But there must be a PASSION and a DESIRE from within that will forever live for the greater goal of spreading the good news of the gospel, as we await Christ soon return.
We also must be willing to live out our FAITH even to the point of death. Many Christians have died for the GOSPEL of CHRIST. Is your FAITH today at a point if asked by the good Shepherd to lay down your life for Him, you would consider it an HONOR.
Martyr John Huss: “When he had been fastened to the stake, and all was ready for the fire to be lighted, the martyr was 
once more exhorted to save himself by renouncing his errors. “What errors,” said Huss, “shall I renounce? I know myself guilty of none.
I call God to witness that all that I have written and preached has been with the view of rescuing souls from sin and perdition; and, therefore, most joyfully will I confirm with my blood that truth which I have written and preached.
” When the flames kindled about him, he began to sing, “Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me,” and so he continued till his voice was silenced forever. Martyr Jerome of Prague: As the sentence of condemnation was passed upon him.
He was led out to the same spot upon which Huss had yielded up his life. He went singing on his way, his countenance lighted up with joy and peace. His gaze was fixed upon Christ, and to him death had lost its terror. When the executioner, about to kindle the pile, stepped behind him, the martyr exclaimed:
“Come forward boldly; apply the fire before my face. Had I been afraid, I should not be here. His last words, uttered as the flames rose about him, were a prayer. “Lord, Almighty Father,” he cried, “have pity on me, and pardon me my sins; for Thou knowest that I have always loved Thy truth.”His voice ceased, but his lips continued to move in prayer. (E.G.White)
Today my friends our eyes are to be forever “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…. (Hebrews 12:2) Acts 20:24 states “But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.”
This is where I need you to focus at today my friends, on the words of Paul that says “BUT I COUNT MY LIFE OF NO VALUE TO MYSELF, SO THAT I MAY FINISH MY COURSE, AND THE MINISTRY” As we read God’s Word, this is God’s MANDATE to His FAITHFUL, to finish His MINISTRY.
What man can do to the body is of no significance to our salvation and eternal life. “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Rev. 12:11
Today my friends we must give it all to the Master as we allow our faith to be stretched to the limit, as our focused revolves around the timing of this journey God has each of us own. But we must accept God’s plan for us as we rest in his PRESENCE as our Character is being shaped for Eternity, because once self is dead Christ can say without any reservations my child enter into my kingdom that has been prepared for you.
So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY
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