The Christian life is not one of earthly prosperity. That does not mean that there are not Christians who are prosperous by God’s grace, but it does mean that prosperity is not the reason for trusting in Jesus. The reason we follow Christ is because He provided the only way for us to be rescued from our sin through His suffering and death on the cross at Calvary, and also because of what He did after the cross. Defeating death and paving a way, an eternal hope, for His people to live forever with Him in glory (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). In this process of trusting alone in Christ for our salvation and turning away from sin, by God’s amazing grace, we are reborn, given a new nature and sealed by His Holy Spirit. This new nature, through His Spirit, causes us to desire to follow Him no matter the cost (Ezekiel 36:27). This is not for our benefit only, but for God’s glory ultimately!

As for bearing our cross, the result of our newly transformed life (2 Corinthians 5:17) causes the Christian to give up longing for wordly ideals of success as his or her primary goal for life, because now we have a new heart with a new desire, one that can see and know that there is an immeasurable gain of eternal glory that awaits us in Christ. One which cannot be measured by earthly titles, success or wealth and one the world does not know apart from God’s grace. We live for His purpose, according to His Will, and not our own because of what Jesus Christ did on our behalf at Calvary, we were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20).

The Christian’s life is a life of sacrifice and of love, not for ourselves, but first and foremost for our Lord and then for people, especially His Church. Bearing your cross means dying to self desire and accomplishment, and sometimes dying for the Gospel. It means to live out your purpose as a new creation in Christ and to biblically love others in the process (1 Corinthians 13:4-13), giving up your life for their benefit. Christian, are you living your purpose in Christ today? I encourage you today to get into God’s word, learn what His will is and go out and serve the King (James 1:22-27).

If you have never read through, at least portions of Foxxes Book of Martyrs (because it is a hard but essential read for a Christian) then you are missing out on the essence of what this verse means.

“When the Church does not feel pain with those that are part of them, the Church’s nerves … become dead.” Sabrina Wurmbrand, Co-founder of The Voice of the Martyrs

In 1563, John Foxe began writing a book in tribute to Christian martyrs, beginning with Stephen, the first believer who died for the cause of Christ. Foxe’s original work ended with the martyrs of his own day — those who were killed during the reign of “Bloody Mary.” He wanted the Church to remember the martyrs, for he knew that the blood of the martyrs truly is the seed of the Church.

Martyrdom is not a thing of the past. The Christian Church continues to endure great persecution in many places around the world. In fact, more Christians were affected by persecution, including martyrdom, during the twentieth century than in all previous centuries combined. Listen to the cries of the martyrs, and let their faith, courage, and love touch your life.

This classic work will stir you, challenge you, and inspire you to surrender everything to Christ. It will greatly build your faith.

Find the link to the book on our books page by clicking the link below:

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (Pure Gold Classics)

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