Do not fear what you are about to suffer… Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10

Principle 2: Sharing the gospel can incur a personal cost.

Sharing the gospel often incurs a personal cost. It can impact friendships and family relationships as well as limit business and career opportunities. Ultimately, it might even cost us our life.

The first person murdered for sharing the gospel is Stephen (Act 7). Described as being  “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5) and “full of grace and power, [who] was doing great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8) he fearlessly shared the gospel.  Some very evil people noticed God’s influence through him and stoned him (Act 7:57-58) – despite not having broken any law or harmed them in any way.  God, who is great and righteous and pours love, grace, and mercy upon us, did not stop them. With our human minds, we cannot understand God’s reasons for allowing this to happen. However, we know that no matter the outcome of sharing His gospel, He is always with us, just as He was with Stephen. (Act 7:55-56).  Further, God promises a “crown of life” for everyone who is faithful unto death (Rev 2:10).

Stephen gave his life for the gospel of Christ. His devotion to God was great, but it is a mere glimpse of our Saviour’s devotion to fulfilling the will of his Father (Joh 12:27-8), who, when dying for us said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luk 23:46).

This snippet is part of a set which can be found here.

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Luke 23:46