Hymn: A Mighty Fortress is our God - stand firm in the faith
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe Me not.” (John 8:44-45)
The Jews witnessed the miracles of Jesus, yet still hardened their hearts. Though prophecy after prophecy pointed to Jesus as their Messiah, though His words revealed unmatched authority, and though His holiness radiated the very presence of God, they refused to believe. Instead, their pride and sin were laid bare, and rather than repent, they sought to kill the Son of God. Jesus told them plainly: by rejecting Him, they revealed who their true master was - the devil. They loved darkness more than light.
This is no distant story - it is the world we live in. Today, many still silence the truth of Christ. They mock His Word, persecute His people, and cling to sin even while eternity in hell hangs over them.
“In Him (Jesus) was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:4-5)
Yet the light has not gone out. As children of God, we are called to shine His truth with boldness. Eternity is at stake. Can we stand by while souls rush to destruction? Do we love them enough to warn them, to show them that only Christ can break sin’s
chains and give freedom, holiness, and life everlasting?
Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
So let us be bold, even unto death. For what is a brief life of suffering compared to endless glory with Christ, the Light who conquers all darkness?