Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? (Romans 8:35)
Martyrdom. It is a word that we don't hear much in the United States of America, but martyrdom still occurs. There are many countries in our world where professing faith in Jesus Christ will cost you your life.
In Sunday's sermon Pastor Sam noted that the apostle Paul, when writing the letter to the Christians in Rome, had experienced six of the seven challenges listed in Romans 8:35-- all except "the sword". However, the day eventually came when Paul was beheaded for his faith. Our pastor shared with us that Paul was not fearful or sad; rather, he boldly proclaimed his readiness to be "poured out as a drink offering" (see Second Timothy 4:6). Paul was a man who had experienced the love of God through his relationship with Jesus. It is a love that, once a person embraces it, they won't let go... not even if you threaten them with death.
Jesus, our Lord and Christ, thank You for loving us with an everlasting love.
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