Would you die for what you believe?

With the popularity of the prosperity preaching and finding your best life now, I have a story for you....(story taken from Jesus Freaks book)

The communist soldiers had discovered their illegal Bible.

As the pastor was reading from the Bible, men with guns suddenly broke into the home, terrorizing the believers who had gathered there to worship. The Communists shouted insults and threatened to kill the Christians. The leading officer pointed his gun at the pastor's head. "Hand me the Bible," he demanded.

Reluctantly, the pastor handed over the Bible, his prized possession. With a sneer on his face, the guard threw the Word of God on the floor at his feet. He glared at the small congregation. "We will let you go," he growled, "but first, you must spit on this book of lies. Anyone who refuses will be shot." The believers had no choice but to obey the officer's order.

A soldier pointed his gun at one of the men. "You first."

The man slowly got up and knelt down by the Bible. Reluctantly, he spit on it, praying, "Father, please forgive me." he stood up and walked to the door. The soldiers stood back and allowed him to leave.

"Okay, you!" the soldier said, nudging a woman forward. In tears, she could barely do what the soldier demanded. She spat only a little, but it was enough. She too was allowed to leave.

Quietly, a young girl (16/17 years old) came forward. Overcome with love for her Lord, she knelt down and picked up the Bible. She wiped off the spit with her dress. "What they done to Your Word?
Please forgive them," She prayed.

The Communist soldier put his pistol to her head. Then he pulled the trigger.

I am not against the people preaching/teaching that God is willing to bless us. I agree. But ask this girl if that is what the gospel of Jesus is about. Is it really about us? We have made God into someone who is like Santa Claus at Christmas, but continually Jesus asks us pick up our cross and follow Him.

There are millions of believers out there risking their lives just to carry a Bible or have a church service. So the question I have asked myself for years is the question I have for you....would you die for what you believe? Really think about it. Because sometimes we cannot give up earthly stuff for the cause of Christ or stand up for Christ among friends. I know I have failed many times in those two areas.

Be blessed,

Steve