5 More Things that Christian Martyrs teach us

The first martyrdom in the church was Stephen (Acts 7).  When I was eight years old I learned that five missionaries were martyred in Venezuela. It stirred the hearts of many young Christians who wanted to serve God and take the place of missionaries like Jim Elliot and his four friends. I was reminded of them a few days ago when Charlie Kirk was martyred for his faith. From Stephen to Charlie, thousands have given their life for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Two weeks ago I shared eight lessons from the martyrdom of Charlie Kirk. Today I want to share five more things that all Christian martyrs can teach us:

1. Faithfulness–This is exemplified by the Apostle Thomas who heard Jesus tell the disciples that He was going to die. Thomas said in John 11:16 "Let us also go, that we may die with him." Thomas was so faithful to Jesus at this point that he decided to die with him. In fact, all but one of the disciples did in fact give their life up because of their faithfulness and love for Jesus. 1 Peter 4:12-14 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."

2. Dedication – Martyrs teach us dedication. Jesus said in, John 15:20, "Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours." The martyrs teach us, do not choose what is the world, choose Jesus. Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32–33). Martyrs show us what it looks like to stand firm in not denying Jesus. They show us dedication.

3. Destiny - Revelation 20:4–6 “I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. . . . This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection.” Martyrs remind us to keep our eyes on the prize. To not forget our eternal destiny. As they began to stone Stephen to death, Stephen cried out, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). Yes, the martyrs remind us to stay focused. Heaven is greater than anything you are going through now.

4. Love – When Stephen uttered his final words he said, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). Wow. The scripture says in Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Then just a few days ago Erika Kirk forgave the man who murdered her husband. Her example was Jesus, who exemplified what it means to lay your life down for those you love. He was willing to die for us even though we had done wrong too. The martyrs lay their lives down as well, because of their love for Jesus, because their love for others. Many are caught because they are trying to share their faith. Trying to help others know the love of Christ. Which is the final thing Martyrs teach us.

5. Sharing – Share what you have. Tell others about Jesus. People have to know about Him. Nothing in this world should stop you from telling others about Christ. Maybe we cannot relate to what Martyrs go though really, but we can learn from them. We can be more faithful and dedicated. We can show love, we can tell others about Jesus. And if it gets a little hard or we come under a little difficulty for doing that, then we can remember our destiny and the rewards that come with it to keep us going. What do you think you can learn from a martyr? Okay, when the storms of life blow in your world. Be faithful, dedicated, full of love, share your faith and keep your eye on the goal. Be like a martyr!

Today Jesus calls for our bodies to be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2). Martyrs remind us that even when we feel persecuted and in despair, the Kingdom of God is worth it all. Sacrifice takes courage, and the Holy Spirit has been given to us as a helper. All we have to do is ask, and the door will be opened to us (Matthew 7:7). I wonder at the idea that behind that door, we will all be united in one body, having sacrificed what God called us to give in order to prepare our hearts for the most precious treasure in the cosmos: Jesus Christ.

Lord, thank you for people like Stephen, Charlie and others who have laid down their lives for the gospel. Thank you for their example and testimony. Remind us of the rewards for martyrdom and for faithful service! Help us to be living sacrifices who don't crawl off the altar when things are tough! And may all who come behind us find us faithful! In Jesus name. Amen.

Happy in the service of the King!

Pastor Ken

Weekly Schedule @ Faith Fellowship:

Wed. at 7 PM is Prayer Meeting

Fri. at 7 PM is Prayer for our Nation as we enter our 250th year!

Sat. at 7 AM is Men’s Bible & Breakfast

Sun. 9 AM is Sunday School / 10 AM is Worship (Message: Fire in My Bones -Jeremiah 20)

Faith Fellowship -Our Forever Family, 2597 State Hwy 35, Luck, WI

Ken Mettler, Pastor (715) 475-7666

The first eight lessons from the martyrdom of Charlie Kirk are repeated below:

1. Let Christ be real in you and through you! -- Don’t hide who God has made you!

2. Find a cause! -- Then give your life to it! (Charlie was a Good and Faithful Servant who Fought the Good Fight!)

3. Engage! -- Make America talk to each other again! (Charlie himself once reminded us: “Freedom of speech means freedom of disagreement. The health of a society is measured not by the absence of dissent, but by the presence of civil discourse. If we lose the ability to have conversations, to exchange ideas without fear, then we lose the very heart of what it means to be a free people.”)

4. Become a Daniel! -- Don't fear going into the lion's den. God is with you! (Charlie said: “If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas—not run away from them or try and silence them.”)

5. Speak the truth! -- Even when others disagree! Debate, not hate! (Charlie said, “You have to stand for truth no matter how difficult it is.”)

6. Have convictions! -- And live up to them! (Charlie said, "I want to be remembered for courage and for my faith! The most important thing in my life is my faith!")

7. Recognize that we're in a spiritual battle!-- Pray, prepare, and put on God's armor!

8. Finally: Remember! -- Love unites us all. Charlie loved everyone and so must we!

Let’s be people who forgive boldly.

Even when it’s hard.

Even when it’s costly.

Even when no one else is.

Because Christ did that for us.

From: Ken Mettler <kbmett@hotmail.com>

Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2025 7:43 PM

To: Ken Mettler <kbmett@hotmail.com>

Subject: It's Friday, but Sunday's coming

5 More Things that Christian Martyrs teach us

The first myrtyr in the church was Stephen (Acts 7). Than, when I was eight years old five missionaries were myatyred in Venezuela.  It stirred the hearts of many young Christians who wanted to serve God and take the place of missionaries like Jim Elliot and his four friends.  I was reminded of them a few days ago when Charlie Kirk was myrtyred for his faith.  From Stephen to Charlie, thousands have given their life for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Two weeks ago I shared eight lessons from the myrtyrdom of Charlie Kirk.  Today I want to share five more things that all Christian myrtyrs can teach us:

1. Faithfulness–This is exemplified by the Apostle Thomas who heard Jesus tell the disciples that He was going to die. Thomas said in John 11:16  "Let us also go, that we may die with him." Thomas was so faithful to Jesus at this point that he decided to die with him.  In fact, all but one of the disciples did in fact give their life up because of their faithfulness and love for Jesus. 1 Peter 4:12-14 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."

2. Dedication – Martyrs teach us dedication. Jesus said in, John 15:20, "Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours."  The martyrs teach us, do not choose what is the world, choose Jesus. Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32–33). Martyrs show us what it looks like to stand firm in not denying Jesus. They show us dedication. 

3. Destiny - Revelation 20:4–6 “I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. . . . This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection.” Martyrs remind us to keep our eyes on the prize. To not forget our eternal destiny.  As they began to stone Stephen to death, Stephen cried out, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). Yes, the martyrs remind us to stay focused. Heaven is greater than anything you are going through now. 

4. Love – When Stephen uttered his final words he said, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). Wow. The scripture says in Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."  Then just a few days ago Erika Kirk forgave the man who murdered her husband. Her example was Jesus, who exemplified what it means to lay your life down for those you love. He was willing to die for us even though we had done wrong too. The martyrs lay their lives down as well, because of their love for Jesus, because their love for others. Many are caught because they are trying to share their faith. Trying to help others know the love of Christ. Which is the final thing Martyrs teach us. 

5. Sharing – Share what you have. Tell others about Jesus. People have to know about Him. Nothing in this world should stop you from telling others about Christ. Maybe we cannot relate to what Martyrs go though really, but we can learn from them. We can be more faithful and dedicated. We can show love, we can tell others about Jesus. And if it gets a little hard or we come under a little difficulty for doing that, then we can remember our destiny and the rewards that come with it to keep us going. What do you think you can learn from a martyr? Okay, when the storms of life blow in your world. Be faithful, dedicated, full of love, share your faith and keep your eye on the goal. Be like a martyr!

Today Jesus calls for our bodies to be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2). Martyrs remind us that even when we feel persecuted and in despair, the Kingdom of God is worth it all.  Sacrifice takes courage, and the Holy Spirit has been given to us as a helper. All we have to do is ask, and the door will be opened to us (Matthew 7:7). I wonder at the idea that behind that door, we will all be united in one body, having sacrificed what God called us to give in order to prepare our hearts for the most precious treasure in the cosmos: Jesus Christ.

Lord, thank you for people like Stephen, Charlie and others who have laid down their lives for the gospel.  Thank you for their example and testimony.  Remind us of the rewards for myrtyrdom and for faithful service!  Help us to be living sacrifices who don't crawl off the altar when things are tough!  And may all who come behind us find us faithful!  In Jesus name. Amen.

Happy in the service of the King!

Pastor Ken

Weekly Schedule @ Faith Fellowship:

Wed. at 7 PM is Prayer Meeting

Fri. at 7 PM is Prayer for our Nation as we enter our 250th year!

Sat. at 7 AM is Men’s Bible & Breakfast

Sun. 9 AM is Sunday School / 10 AM is Worship

Faith Fellowship -Our Forever Family, 2597 State Hwy 35, Luck, WI

Ken Mettler, Pastor (715) 475-7666

The first eight lessons from the myrtyrdom of Charlie Kirk are repeated below:

1. Let Christ be real in you and through you! -- Don’t hide who God has made you! 

2. Find a cause! -- Then give your life to it! (Charlie was a Good and Faithful Servant who Fought the Good Fight!)

3. Engage! -- Make America talk to each other again! (Charlie himself once reminded us: “Freedom of speech means freedom of disagreement. The health of a society is measured not by the absence of dissent, but by the presence of civil discourse. If we lose the ability to have conversations, to exchange ideas without fear, then we lose the very heart of what it means to be a free people.”)

4. Become a Daniel! -- Don't fear going into the lion's den. God is with you! (Charlie said: “If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas—not run away from them or try and silence them.”)

5. Speak the truth! -- Even when others disagree!  Debate, not hate! (Charlie said, “You have to stand for truth no matter how difficult it is.”)

6. Have convictions! -- And live up to them! (Charlie said, "I want to be remembered for courage and for my faith! The most important thing in my life is my faith!")

7. Recognize that we're in a spiritual battle!-- Pray, prepare, and put on God's armor!  

8. Finally: Remember! -- Love unites us all. Charlie loved everyone and so must we!

Let’s be people who forgive boldly.Even when it’s hard.Even when it’s costly.Even when no one else is.Because Christ did that for us.

It is hard to cary a full cup of love or joy without spilling some on others around us!