In the wake of so many Christians being murdered for the Christian Faith, I must wonder if I am ready to lay down my life for Christ. As I asked myself this question, the answer rose out of my soul “YES!!!”
God has been preparing me for years to be able to answer that question in the affirmative.

Because of a life-threatening illness, I live everyday with the very real possibility that I may suddenly die at any time and at any moment. Although I carry on my life as if nothing is wrong, I am acutely aware of death’s presence. I have been at death’s door on more than one occasion and I know the very smell of death. But I thank God in Christ for removing Death’s sting of fear from me and any possibility of Death’s victory. Hallelujah! I have been washed in the blood of the Crucified One (The Lamb of God) by baptism into His name and raised with Him in the Holy Ghost as evidenced by speaking in tongues before many witnesses.

Nevertheless, I must wonder if there are others who are prepared to live and/or die for Christ. (Romans 14:8 and Philippians 1:21)

In this world of “Convenient Christianity” and “Prosperity Christianity,” many well-intentioned Christians have lost their focus and abandoned their First Love – Christ Jesus.  For many, being a Christian is more of a club membership that an actual life and death proposition.

Oh I know that many will say that they “love the LORD” and that they will lay down their lives for the LORD. And some really mean it. But then there are those who have never truly been tested. They have lived a relatively comfortable Christian existence without experiencing any real personal persecution or life altering consequences for being a Christian.

For instance, I had the real possibility of Pastoring in a mainstream Christian denomination at a great salary that would help lift me out of poverty if I would renounce what I know about God’s ordained plan of salvation (Obey Acts 2:38) and accept that denomination’s theology and book of discipline as my guide and authority. I would not and in poverty I remain.

I wonder how many of us would sacrifice our livelihood and professional careers for the sake of the Kingdom of God. I dare say not many.

I wonder how many of us would sacrifice our own pleasures, dreams and aspirations for the sake of the Kingdom of God. I dare say not many.

Some of us would not sacrifice the luxury or convenience of cable television, fine jewelry and clothing, a meal, a car or sexual gratification for the sake of the Kingdom of God.   

Many have become soft and undisciplined Christians who have been deceived by Satan and her ministers to feel entitled to riches and prosperity and “the good life” here on earth. (1 John 2:15)

For many Christians, the goal is to live well by any means necessary and avoid denying themselves anything of personal significance. (Matthew 16:24)

I dare say that if physical war broke out now against the members of Christ ONE TRUE CHURCH, that many among us would renounce our God and our faith for a loaf of bread and a glass of water.

Many have already done so.  All one has to do is look at the television and listen to the radio to see and hear many so-called Christians who have renounced God in favor of wealth and fame and job security.  Many would not dare speak out against homosexuality or lesbianism or same-sex marriage for fear of losing their cash, fame and extravagant lifestyles. This indictment includes certain celebrity preachers and evangelists and gospel performers as well. It also includes the common everyday type preachers who “went” into the Pastoral/Preaching ministry as a career choice instead of being “sent” by God.

Whether they are aware of it or not, many have chosen the god of this world and her temptations over GOD ALMIGHTY YHVH.

If you didn’t know, now you know and you have no excuse.

Every REAL CHRISTIAN should arm their minds and hearts with this RESOLUTION: “FOR GOD I LIVE AND FOR GOD I DIE.  BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD!”

REPENT

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O.W.  Prince, Jr.
All Rights Reserved

ALL PRAISE, HONOR AND GLORY BELONGS TO GOD!