"In 2,000 years of Christian history, approximately seventy million faithful believers have given their lives as martyrs. Of that number, 45.5 million (65 percent) were within the last century.
www.ewtn.com: “20th Century Saw 65 percent of Christian Martyrs”




Nancy Leigh DeMoss "Ears to Hear" Read her comments below:
First:Read Revelation 2:8–11.
"Record the description of Christ.

What is the significance of this description of Christ?

Jesus’ words, “I know your tribulation and your poverty” (Rev 2:9), come from One who can truly identify with those who suffer. Consider His personal experience with affliction as you read these passages: Isaiah 63:9; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 4:15–16; 1 Peter 2:22–24.

Does your family misunderstand you? Jesus can relate. Have you been rejected or falsely accused? So was He. Have you been abandoned or betrayed by someone you trusted? Turn to the One who experienced the greatest betrayal known to man. The child of God never suffers alone. Jesus has walked the path of suffering and knows it well, and He will walk with you each step of the way.

Read the account of the first Christian martyr in Acts 7. How does Stephen’s response to those who stoned him compare to your reaction when criticized or attacked? How was he able to respond this way?

Record the promise given to the persecuted believers in Smyrna (Rev. 2:10). The Greek word for crown in this verse is stephanos. It is the word for the victor’s crown. The first Christian martyr, Stephen (Gk: Stephanos), received a victor’s crown for his faithful witness for Christ, even as he was being stoned to death for His faith in Christ.

How can you demonstrate your faithfulness as an overcomer today?" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.
Praise God for her teaching and many like her like all of our pastors and their wives: especially Janet Wicker, who teaches from the Word of God! If you haven't attended ReFresher at our church, please go on Tuesday morning or Wednesday nights! Go to the website to see times: First Baptist Church of Naples, Naples, Florida.