In the accompanying pages we are going to be looking at some of the Christian martyrs.
We can’t hope to cover them all for no book or newsletter on Earth could contain
the stories of all those who have laid down their lives for the gospel cause. Our
main reference book is going to be Foxe’s “Voice of the Martyrs” ISBN 978-088270-330-5,
copyright 2007. I highly recommend this book for those interested in this topic;
it is in my opinion, the absolute best.
Foxe’s “Book of Martyrs” has been called the second most important book in history,
second only to the Bible itself. John Foxe wanted the church to know the stories
of those who had gone before --- those who stood firmly for their Savior even to
the painful point of death. It wasn’t only that they had died, or even the details
of how they died. Foxe wanted the church to be encouraged by their testimonies,
that even in the lowest moments of torture and tribulation; they had found Christ
worthy of their devotion and love. He wanted Christians to be blessed and encouraged
by the testimonies of those who had gone before, who now formed part of the “great
cloud of witnesses” in the stadium of history. Hebrews 12:1-2
|
|
|
John Foxe painstakingly collected the stories of the martyrs up to his time, and
his son carried on the effort. The full title of Foxe’s book was “Acts and Monuments
of Christian Martyrs.” He considered it a written memorial to those who had been
faithful unto death and a reminder of their suffering.
Some people will be offended by Foxe’s stories. To them, it will be just a collection
of murder, blood and mayhem. But where others see only tragedy and suffering, discerning
Christians will find courage, faith, and blessing.
I hope that you will find the blessings and the hope in these stories. Jesus told
His followers that the world hated Him, and that if they followed Him the world
would hate them too,(John 15:18-19) His words are coming true even now in China,
India, Pakistan, Sudan, Egypt, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and many other nations.
Hopefully these stories will help you to fortify your beliefs and strengthen commitment
to God, so as the trials and tribulations that confront you daily may be marginalized
by your faith.
When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had
been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried
with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and
avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Revelation 6:9-10
Pray and be strong, for the Lord Jesus Christ is coming again!