Martyrdom for the Gospel

Martyrdom for the Gospel for paper         Rev. Terry Goerz, Redeemer Lutheran Church

As we look at the accounts of the early disciples in Acts and in early church history we see that martyrdom for the gospel was common. Sadly the earthly lives of all but one of the early apostles ended in martyrdom as they spread the gospel to the whole known world. And the early church was severely persecuted by the Roman and other governments. And during the two thousand years since, millions of Christians have joined them also in suffering and dying for the Gospel. And it continues today.

Some years ago, church leaders spent a month with missionaries and their families in Nigeria, West Africa. They delivered encouragement and counsel to the missionary families. The missionaries, in turn, shared stories of Christian children being kidnapped or run over by trucks at a picnic; of congregations’ lay leaders regularly disappearing, never to be heard from again; of Christian villages living in constant fear but also amazing courage as Islamic terrorists raided many of them. Most striking were the burial services, which ended with the deceased’s congregation—led by its pastors, choirs, and ever-present drums—marching from village to village, singing favorite Christian hymns, fearlessly calling attention to and witnessing to their Christian faith.

That Martyrdom at the hands of Islamic radicals continues unabated to this day. Today, with the news captured by the wars we are now hearing, the martyrdom of Christians goes largely under reported. A while back a video surfaced that received widespread public attention. It featured a large group of shirtless dark-skinned men lined up in front of a large body of water. They stood absolutely still, spaced a few feet apart, their hands tied behind their backs, their at-peace-but-determined faces looking forward and upward, and their skin glistening with sweat under the hot African sun. Behind each man stood another man, fully clothed, a hint of scorn on their face, and each with a large machete in his hand. It was clear what was about to happen to these soon-to-be martyrs standing before them. The calmness of the martyrs was a witness to their firm faith in the resurrection of Christ and their own resurrection to follow.

We rarely, here in Canada, if ever, think of suffering or even dying for our faith, although we, too, are regularly being tempted and challenged by the devil and his minions, who would gladly take our life, goods, fame and most of all our Christian faith. Evil activity is always going on around us. Sometimes we even see and feel evidence of it in our own lives. But for us, at least for now, it’s rare that we or our loved ones find ourselves in serious physical danger. Sadly though, unlike the early disciples and many martyrs since, we are tempted to remain quiet and mind our own business, even shying away from voicing our Christian convictions to others, often even within our own families, lest we give offense.

A half-century or so ago, in a number of denominations, there was quite a lot of excitement about a new evangelism program that involved congregations sending out teams to knock on people’s doors to ask them two blunt questions about their going to heaven. I still have the Evangelism Explosion book we used and I still use these questions even today. One thing was noticed. Many members of those teams who witnessed rejoiced, not necessarily because so many people’s hearts were changed but because they were counted worthy not only to share their faith and God’s Law and Gospel but also on some occasions even to receive rebuke or suffer dishonor for sharing the name of Jesus. According to them, it just plain felt good to be speaking up and sharing the Gospel, often being able to remind people of their baptism, knowing that they were also sharing the power of the Holy Spirit to change their hearts and lives.

We have seen a number of evangelism training programs come and go since then. But on the whole Christians today are reluctant to share the gospel. One of the things that keeps us from doing so is our societies mandate to “not discuss politics or religion” lest we give offence. Many feel it will only give rise to an argument. Others fear they are not knowledgeable enough. And some are scared of the thought of being rejected or ridiculed. What a change from the early church where they fearlessly spread the gospel even under thread of physical punishment and martyrdom.

If you feel intimidated when the Holy Spirit gives you an opportunity to share the gospel, remember what Christ did for you and share it. He lived a sin free life because we cannot, he suffered terribly on the cross in our stead, he accepted the entire wrath of God for that sin, the wrath that we deserve. Then he rose from the dead assuring us that he has overcome our greatest enemy, death. He ascended into heaven assuring us that both our redemption and our eternal destiny there with him was now accomplished. Then tell the person you are speaking to that God wants that to be their eternal destiny too and invite them to attend church with you to learn more.

I say often, there is no greater joy as a Christian than to see Christ using you to snatch the lost from the Lake of Fire.

Blessings