Revelation 12:11 says "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death"
Over the course of history, Christians have faced widespread persecutions, sufferings, afflictions, betrayals & torture from those who oppose & hate the Truth.
From the sufferings of Christ, to the Great tribulations of Emperor Nero (64- 68 A.D) & Diocletian (303 - 313A.D), Christians were forced to denounce their Faith. Those who refused were burnt on stakes, crucified, skinned alive & some fed to Animals
During the Reformation, many Clergies who opposed Roman Catholic doctrines were deemed persona non grata, excommunicated, or severely punished for standing up for the Truth
The 20th century saw a peak in Christian persecution, with over 160,000 Christians martyred annually across the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, China & North Korea
Some of us are vocal about our Faith, not because we are trying to blow or make a name for ourselves; but when we think of the sacred calling & how many have towed this path of suffering, pain & blood, we know it's worth living & even dying for.
We know when we get martyred for our Faith, there await for us in eternity, crowns of glory & power, surpassing all honors we can ever achieve here in this world.
Philippians 3:7 "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ....3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ"
It's why we get vexed when we see charlatans, ravenous wolves, thieves, false prophets & teachers on pulpit preaching profanities & lies, desecrating the sanctity & value of the sacrifice made over centuries to defend Christianity
In contrast to all this, we the 21st century Christians, while still facing tribulations, are among the least persecuted
This relative peace is why we are complacent & relaxed, with a mixed multitude Christianity. Many in the Church now dishonor the cross openly, bringing entertainment-focused worship & other abominations like LGTVK into the Body of Christ
It's why there's little to no display of raw Power & Glory as compared to the early days of revival. The fire of evangelism is gradually fading out
Those at the fore-front, in trying to get validations are trying not to offend the world, some even proclaiming Christ isn't the only way to the Father anymore
For there to be a restoration of fire on our altars just like the days of the early apostles & prophets, there has to be a reconfiguring of our taste buds, a re-orientation of our value systems, of what drives us & lastly a thorough heart check.
We will not rest until all souls are set ablaze for God once again & even much more than ever before.
We won't rest.
Daniel Ezeokeke
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