Martyrs

In Acts 7, we see the first Christian martyr, Stephen. Stephen literally gave his life to leverage the Gospel. He had every intention of spreading the good news of Jesus to anyone who would listen, and even those who didn't want to hear. And it cost him his life. Stephen was stoned to death for his faith. Even as he was about to take his last breath, he prayed out loud saying "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). He loved these people so much and wanted to see their salvation so badly that he prayed for them as he took his last breath.

After Stephen is brutally murdered, the apostles scatter the lands to continue to preach the Gospel. Seriously? One of their best friends has been stoned to death, and they immediately keep preaching.

How do I get faith like that? Why is it so hard for me to share my faith, when I don't even risk persecution? It's like a constant let down. I know these people will go to Hell if they don't believe Jesus, so why aren't I more eager to spend every moment trying to tell them about the Lord?

What it comes down to is this: I am a sinner. I feel guilty, like a B team Christian. But before I let those negative thoughts take over, I have to remember that Satan is the one in charge of them! He is doing anything he can to make me feel guilty and ashamed. I just need to keep praying every time I feel down. The power of prayer plus scripture memorization can seriously affect my relationship with Jesus!

I experience multiple opportunities a day to share my faith, and show others the love of Jesus through the way I live my life. I can't save people, that's not my job. My job is to tell them about Jesus, and show them his love through the way I live my life. Salvation belongs to the Lord. I just have to open the door for them to hear, and give the Holy Spirit the opportunity to speak to them.

The Lord is coming back, and it's going to be sooner than we think. I want to make sure everyone I know is ready.