Throughout the history of the church, the story of faithfulness to the Word of God has always been the story of persecution. After all, Jesus promised it! Who would send defenseless sheep into a world of ravenous wolves? It makes no sense, yet that is precisely the plan that Jesus describes for his church. It makes no sense—unless you are the Good Shepherd who wants his sheep to utterly depend on him.

Our trust in Jesus doesn’t mean an absence of persecution, but faithfulness despite it. We will witness to the Word of God before brothers, fathers, children, governors, and princes. Jesus promised, “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” What comfort that must have been for Martin Luther, whose faithful witness caused him to be expelled from his order, excommunicated from his church, and outlawed from his empire. Before the kings and princes of Europe, Luther gave faithful witness at Worms: “Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”

The Bible readings for this message are Matthew 10:16-23.

Video of this worship service and message can be found here.

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Remember your Savior Jesus loves you! May he bless you with his grace!