STAND FIRM TO THE END

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Matthew  10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, was threatened to deny Christ so that his life would be spared to enjoy more of what life would offer him. Surprisingly however, he answered, "Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never once wronged me, how then shall I blaspheme my king who has saved me?" so fearless was he in the face of his martyrdom. With those words, he was burnt at the stake.

This is the import of standing firm to the end. The apostles and their successors were heavily persecuted. Yet, they didn't deny Christ.

For us today, it may not mean physical death. It may mean losing a lucrative job, missing a well deserved promotion, or repeating a class in the school, all because you have chosen to stand for the holiness of Christ.

Whatever it will cost, our best bet is to stand firm, in spite of whatever we will have to pass through.

We have a good example on Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Act 7:1-60). In the heat of his martyrdom, he was still interceding for his killers.

Are you facing some trying situations in the hands of your  spouse, colleagues, lecturer/teacher, boss, or any other person, because you have decided not to compromise your faith in Christ? You are not alone  Stephen saw Jesus standing to welcome him.

Whatever you may be passing through, only be sure that you do not suffer as a criminal. May you find God's grace to stand firm, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

God bless you.

HYMN:
1
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
  Standing on the promises of God.

2
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
  Standing on the promises of God.

  Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
  I’m standing on the promises of God.

Prayer key:

1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ name.

2. Lord, I find grace to stand for for/in you in every situation in Jesus Christ name.

3. Lord, restore sanity and your uncompromising spirit in every sector of the church, society and governance of our nation in Jesus Christ name.

4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.