In The Revelation we are told that we overcome our enemy by three things: 1) the blood of the Lamb; 2) the word of our testimony; and, 3) that we do not love our lives even when faced with death.
The Lamb of God has already been slain. His blood has already been shed. His work is already finished. We are completely empowered so far as it depends on Him.
Those of us who have received the Holy Spirit have already received the power to be witnesses personally observing what Jesus is doing in this world and in the eternal realm. Thus, if we remain aware of His actions and His Words we will have the power to testify honestly as eye witnesses of what He has done for man. The Word of our testimony will be sure, clear, and powerful. We are completely empowered so far as it depends on Holy Spirit.
Ah, but the third element remains a question. Tragically, here in the United States, during the 1960s and 70s a radical change took place in our society. If we look back to the period from the 1850s through the 1950s, we see a hundred years of people who would sing from their hearts “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. From the depths of our hearts we would sing with reference to Jesus: “As He died to make men holy let us die to make men free”. However, by the late 1960s we were watching protesters about the Vietnam war in our streets. They chanted on national television: “We would rather be red than dead”. Literally they were saying that they would rather live under the known tyranny of the communist dictators than to take a stand and die for the freedoms of our country. Perhaps even more telling, they were saying they were willing to let people in other countries around the world be crushed and die under communist tyranny in lieu of taking the risk of being part of the less than 1/2 of one percent of our population who would die to keep men, women, and children free. For the first time in our history we had come to the place that many of our young men could not see anything worth more than their own personal safety. But, when you pause and think about that, you quickly realize: if I have nothing worthy of my death then I also have nothing worthy to which I can dedicate my life.
Even more tragically, in the institutional ‘church’ system the zeal for more members has propagated doctrines of wealth and happiness. The typical call to receive Jesus into ones heart is based on how that Jesus will save you from hell and make you happy with abundant blessings. People are not told that ALL who live Godly lives will suffer persecution. Indeed, people are told if they are poor or sick or distressed or suffering it is because they lack faith. Even the simplest reading of the New Testament will make obvious these are lies.
Jesus was beaten and nailed to a cross to suffer and die a cruel painful death for you.
Here is a simple question:
Are you willing to do the same for Him ?
Here is a fact: Even if I were going directly to hell and received no blessings at all, Jesus is worthy of my worship because He is God.
His, thus Yours,
Stuart
His-Family 
It was not a comfortable time for sure. Even less so for a young lad who ‘volunteered’ to serve. (I never divulged that I had to get a medical waiver to enlist) The chiding and scorn when or if it was discovered that I enlisted was deeply painful and very confusing. I now know our nation as a whole was & is under spiritual attack. I forgive her for her sins against me and my generation and pray the Lord raise up leaders to their knees in every arena of this great land. In Jesus’ name. (thank you for this word, Stuart)
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Hard hitting…and much to ponder. Thanks, Stuart.
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Great Post, refreshing!
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Even if I were going directly to hell and received no blessings at all, Jesus is worthy of my worship because He is God.
I know that’s true intellectually but a hard concept to fully accept. Sadly, I think most people only worship God because they have been rescued from hell and enjoy his blessings. Myself included. Sadly, I often forget that he is worthy of my worship simply because he is God. Thank you for the reminder today. 🙂
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