Faithful Unto Death

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Hugh Latimer was protestant Reformer in England. He started out as a bishop, but began to see the errors in the Papacy. Soon he began denouncing the papacy from the pulpit, and was thrown into jail. About to be executed, he was saved by a government official. Although not retaining his superior rank and prestige of bishop, he traveled vastly, boldly preaching the truth. For a time he had no opposition, for the Royalty was Protestant. This was so until Lady Jane Grey was murdered and the wicked Mary Tudor, or "Bloody Mary", ascended the throne. Immediately she threw Latimer in prison, where he languished for a time. He was brought for trial with Nicholas Ridley, another faithful warrior. Both were sentenced to death on that fateful day in 1555. As they ascended the stake, Ridley encouraged Latimre that either God would lessen the pain or give them strength to endure. It is said that Latimer died quickly, while Ridley suffered a slow and painful death. Both died courageously as might heroes of the faith.

What gave these men the strength and courage to bear the flames? In the last days there will again be martyrs. That could be you and I. Are we ready to stay faithful to God even if it means a cruel death?

Jesus gave His life for us, why can't we give ours for Him?

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38,39

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