INTRODUCTION

The Bible has received unjust criticism for suggesting the end times will see believers "beheaded for the witness of Jesus." Critics mock the idea that the world would return to the practice of beheading as a means to kill God’s people. Interestingly enough, the last few years have seen a resurgence of beheadings. It should be of no surprise to anyone that believes the Bible that there will indeed be people who live in the future who will love the Lord and His word so much that they would lay their heads on the chopping block. These brave men and women would no doubt have opportunities to avoid martyrdom, but their love for the Saviour will compel them to testify, even to their death.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) John the Baptist was beheaded for his faith (Mark 6:17-18 [17] For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. [18] For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.
  See All..., 27). The Bible gives us a glimpse into his character. He truly knew and loved the Lord (John 1:26-30 [26] John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; [27] He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. [28] These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. [29] The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. [30] This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
  See All...; John 3:30He must increase, but I must decrease.
  See All...). Jesus gave him a compliment (Luke 7:27-28 [27] This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. [28] For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
  See All...a). Oh, that we loved Him that much.
• During the tribulation the church will be in heaven with the Lord, but there will still be people who love the Lord and are willing to die for Him.
• How much do you love the Lord? How important is it to you to be a "witness of Jesus"? Would you be willing to die for what you believe?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank God for all who are and have been willing to die for Him.
• Ask the Lord to give you a stronger love for Him.

HYMN

Hold the Fort

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