COMPLETING YAHSHUA’S SUFFERING
(The Anti-Prosperity Gospel)

Yahshua’s persecution and suffering continues to this day. Do you know anyone who is blessed to be part of his suffering?

Mt 5:11 Happy are you when they revile and persecute you.. for my sake.

Col 1:24  I (Paul) now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Messiah, for the sake of his body, which is the assembly.

We’re hearing here that Messiah’s suffering and afflictions are on going. A good question is: why did he have to suffer so much to begin with?

PERFECT THROUGH SUFFERING

Heb 2:9 But we see Yahshua, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that he, by the grace of Elohim, might taste death for everyone. 10 For it was fitting for Him, (Almighty Yah) for whom are all things and by whom are all things, to make the captain (author) of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Heb 5:8 Though he was a Son, yet he learned obedience by the things which he suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him.

Wasn’t Yahshua perfect to begin with? Of course not, for he was a man! Like all men he was made lower than the angels and made subject to death. If he was perfect how could he learn obedience, grow in wisdom and understand temptation? If he was perfect how could he represent us? If he was perfect why would he have to be made perfect? If he was perfect why would he say, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, Elohim” (Lu 18:19)?

PERFECT EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW

Heb 2:17 Therefore, in all things he had to be made like his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to Elohim, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself has suffered, being tempted, he is able to aid those who are tempted.

Heb 4:15  For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Heb 7:28  For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been made perfect forever.

We all know how Yahshua suffered from the flogging, the crown of thorns, the punching, the pulling out of his beard, nails hammered into him, plus the mocking, spitting and shame.

Isa 50:5 The Sovereign Yahweh has opened my ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away. 6 I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide my face from shame and spitting.

He had to set an example in all things. Had not the prophets suffered? Yes, and John the Baptist and the apostles as well.

Heb 11:35 Others (OC saints) were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trial of mockings and flogging, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented– 38 of whom the world was not worthy, wandering about on deserts and mountains and in caves and in holes in the ground. 39 And although they all witnessed through their faith, they did not receive what was promised, 40 because Elohim had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.

12:1 Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, put aside every weight and let us run with patient endurance the race that has been set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Yahshua, the captain and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the stake, disregarding the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of Elohim. 3 For consider the one who endured such hostility by sinners against himself, so that you will not grow weary in your souls and give up. 4 You having not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.     

MAKING UP THE DIFFERENCE

Col 1:24  I (Paul) now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Messiah, for the sake of his body, which is the assembly.

But Brother Paul what “is lacking in the afflictions of Messiah?” Is the apostle saying we have to make up the difference?

2Co 1:5 For as the sufferings of Messiah left over (perisseuo) in us, so our encouragement also abounds through Messiah. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your encouragement and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your encouragement and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the encouragement.

Strong’s #G4052 – perisseuo: to exceed a fixed number of measure, to be left over and above a certain number or measure, to be over, to remain

Mt 14:20  So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that were left over (perisseuo).

And so it passes on, you encouraging me and I in turn encourage my neighbor and my neighbor encourages his friend and so forth. Nothing encourages another like seeing loyalty, faith and fortitude proven through suffering. If one suffers for a cause it proves they’re committed.

But let’s allow Paul to finish what he was saying.

2Co 1:8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself. 9 Why, we even felt that we had received the sentence of death; but that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on Elohim who raises the dead.

Wow, that’s a beauty. “Suffering makes us rely not on ourselves but on Elohim.” Put that on your refrigerator in bold print.

Ro 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Take that as a motivator, an inspiration, to endure suffering for the great reward waiting for all the faithful.

WHY MUST WE SUFFER?

Other then enabling us to trust in Yah and strengthen us spiritually, is there any other purpose for us having to suffer?

Rom 5:3-5 We also revel (exult or triumph) in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces endurance; and endurance character; and character hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of Elohim has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which was given to us.

Endurance is translated from the Greek word hupomone and also can mean patience, steadfastness or perseverance.

Do we really think of hope when we are suffering?

Rom 8:24  For we were saved in this hope (resurrection), but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with endurance.

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Suffering – endurance – character – hope – faith – evidence. Suffering builds up endurance which develops our character that gives us hope and in turn strengthens our faith which is the evidence to prove our belief. Without this how could we endure till the end?

Jas 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brothers, whenever you encounter various trials, 3  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

We’ve got to get some of this under our belt. We must be built up so we don’t fall down.

Suffering is often a test of our faith

1Pe 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7  that the trying of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Yahshua Messiah.

Suffering enables us to cease from sin

1Pe 4:1 Therefore, since Messiah suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.

Suffering for Messiah finds favour with Elohim

1Pe 2:20  For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if you endure when you do good and suffer for it, this finds favour with Elohim.

How can our suffering help Yahshua? Or, just maybe, is it not to help us?

Php 3:10 That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship (koinonia) of His sufferings, being conformed to His death

#G2842 koinonia – fellowship, association, joint participation, to share in anything.

1Pe 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Messiah’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Messiah, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of Elohim rests upon you.

THE SUBSTITUTION THING

When we are suffering for Messiah is he not also suffering, since we are his body.

Col 1:24  I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Messiah, for the sake of His body, which is the assembly.

Are we not blessed to represent him as if he himself was suffering?

Act 9:4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5  And he said, “Who are you, master?” Then the Master said, “I am Yahshua, whom you are persecuting.”

It is the same old substitution thing, only it is us doing it for him.

Mt 25:40  Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.

Let’s not forget, it is never about you or about me, but it is all about him.

Lu 10:16  “He who hears you hears me, he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects Him who sent me.”

1Sa 8:7  And Yahweh said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

1Th 4:8  Therefore he who rejects this (teaching) does not reject man, but Elohim.

REJOICE WHILE SUFFERING

Suffering on behalf of Messiah is a privilege.

Php 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Messiah not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.

As co-heirs don’t we want to share in Yahshua’s glory?

Ro 8:17 If children (of Elohim), then heirs, heirs of Elohim and fellow heirs with Messiah, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Heb 10:32 But recall the former days in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on those prisoners in chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.

1Pe 5:9 Resist him (Satan) firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the Elohim of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Messiah, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.

Mt 5:10 Happy are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Happy are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. 12 “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Ac 5:41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

2Co 7:4  I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.

Jas 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.

Of course we all are terrified should we ever have to go through any kind of suffering but you can see the scriptures are plugged full of encouragement, promises, reward and examples for us to lean on.

HOW BAD CAN IT GET?

Mt 10:21  “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.

Mt 10:22  And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Joh 16:2 The time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers Elohim service.

Hey, we can’t say he’s not giving us a heads up.

WEAKNESS = STRENGTH

2Co 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Messiah may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Messiah’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Here, to the Corinthians, Paul reinforces what he declared to them in the first chapter of his letter and what he had written the Romans. The pattern, or principle, is that when our flesh is weak we gain strength where it counts, and that is in our spiritual life. This forces us to trust in Elohim rather then on our own ability. Always remember this principle when you need spiritual strength and know that fasting and other ways to deny the flesh will help revive that strength.

ARE THE RICH DOOMED?

Mt 19:16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, Elohim. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to Him, “Which ones?” Yahshua said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honour your father and your mother, and, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’” 20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 21 Yahshua said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 Then Yahshua said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Elohim.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Yahshua looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with Elohim all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed you. Therefore what shall we have?” 28 So Yahshua said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.

Let’s look at the 12 important commandments Yahshua often mentioned.

1) You shall have no other gods before Me.✘

2) You shall not make any carved image to bow down to or serve ✘

3) You shall not take the name of Yahweh your Elohim in vain ✘

4) Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it set apart and sanctified ✘

5) Honour your father and your mother✔

6) You shall not murder. ✔

7) You shall not commit adultery. ✔

8) You shall not steal. ✔

9) You shall not bear false witness ✔

10) You shall not covet what belongs to your neighbour ✘


11) Love Yahweh with all your heart, soul, and mind.’ {Mt 22:37; De 6:5}✘

12) You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ {Le 19:18}✔

Now, take note ✔ of the ones Yahshua mentioned and this man said he was keeping. Now look at ✘ the ones not mentioned and tell me why Yahshua left them out.

The wealthy and famous, outstanding athletes, dazzlingly beautiful people, geniuses or any other extraordinary gifted individual will have the same problem as this young man had. Doors will fly open for them, their flesh will grow stronger and stronger and the root of all evil will control their lives. The 1st commandment will be very difficult to obey.

1) You shall have no other gods before Me.✘

Let’s set aside the scary topic of suffering for a minute. In your comfortable, cosy life what stands between you and your Heavenly Father? What would you struggle to give up? House, friends, family, dreams, bank account or something personal, maybe your health?

Lu 14:33 Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple.


WOE

Luke 6:24 Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

IT’S WAR!

1Ti 1:18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare

2Ti 2:3 You therefore must share the suffering as a good soldier of Yahshua Messiah. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of Elohim, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armour of Elohim that you may be able to withstand in the evil day.

2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but mighty in Elohim for pulling down strongholds,

Re 12:17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of Elohim and have the testimony of Yahshua Messiah.

Re 13:7 It was granted to him (Beast) to make war with the saints and to overcome them.

PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR

It’s a war and we are the army of Elohim. Put on the whole armour of Elohim (Ep 6:14-17).

BELT OF TRUTH – begin with truth or don’t begin at all, His “word is truth” and His word must be our foundation.

BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS –  How do we do righteousness? Obedience = righteousness. Obeying the law produces righteousness; disobeying the law produces unrighteousness.

1Jn 3:7-8  Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil

Ro 6:16  Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But Elohim be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

A breastplate that is not righteous will easily be pierced by the Adversary’s attacks. In fact he will use it against you.

SANDALS OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE

Jas 3:18  Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Isa 32:17 The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.

See the connection to righteousness and its effects on our walk. Good advice from Paul: “Let the peace of Elohim rule in your hearts” (Col 3:15).

Mt 5:9 Happy are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of Elohim.

Heb 12:14  Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see Yahweh.

1Pe 3:11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.

Sounds easy enough but maybe, when tested, it’s not as easy as it sounds.

Mt 5:39 I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. 43 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

Suffering as a peacemaker is no easy walk but a great test of faith. Faith that Elohim controls each situation. Do you believe Him? He said He does. It’s the old story back to Adam, do you trust Him or don’t you.

THE SHIELD OF FAITH – What can faith shield us from?
From fear.

Yahweh promised, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward” (Gen 15:1).  In David’s song of deliverance he wrote, “Yah is a shield to all who trust in Him” (2Sa 22:31).

Ps 115:9 O Israel, trust in Yahweh; He is their help and their shield. 10 O house of Aaron, trust in Yahweh; He is their help and their shield. 11 You who fear Yahweh, trust in Yahweh; He is their help and their shield.

Fear is the crack in the armour the enemy needs to pry open our most susceptible weaknesses, especially when pain and suffering are involved. That is why Paul adds, “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” The attacks will come so always go to your Saviour and Protector to shield you.

I wonder how I could possibility endure. But then, when we admit that we are as weak as many characters in scripture who faltered, look beyond that to where many overcame. Maybe we can accept that we can be as strong as those who prevail, those who conquered their fear, even unto death.

Re 2:10  Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Re 12:11 And they have overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

THE HELMET OF SALVATION

1Pe 1:9  Receiving the end of your faith–the salvation of your souls.10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you.

Use all this armour to “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Php 2:12) for “Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Ro 13:11).

THE SWORD OF THE WORD – A good defence is a strong offence. Use Yahshua as your example.

Mt 4:4  But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of Elohim.’” {#De 8:3}

Ro 15:4  For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

2Ti 3:16  All Scripture is given by inspiration of Elohim, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

Where did Paul get the idea for this analogy? Where he got all his ideas – The Tanakh.

Isa 59:17  For He (Yahweh) put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.

We have to always remember our Father is there for us. We have to know for example, that if we go out and witness and somebody screams at us that it is not in vain. If we are mistreated in our job or shunned by our family, it is not in vain.

WE ARE A DEMONSTRATION TO THE WORLD

2Co 4:6  For Elohim who said, “Light shine out of darkness,” (Gen 1:3) is the one who has shined in our hearts with the light of the knowledge of the glory of Elohim in the face of Messiah. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels [our bodies], in order that the extraordinary degree of the power may be from Elohim and not from us.

Miracles, revelations, conversions, all credit to Elohim but worked through our puny bodies.

Demonstrated, not through power, wealth, intelligence or sophistication (worldly values) but by humility, weakness, dependence, plainness and poverty. That’s the persons Yah has chosen as far back as Adam.

2Co 13:4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of Elohim. For we are weak in him, but in dealing with you we shall live with him by the power of Elohim.

The Father projects His power more effectively through weak vessels, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Peter and maybe you and me.

Those who never go out of their way to witness are those who will never have an opportunity to suffer for Messiah.

Con’t 2Co 4:8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying around the death of Yahshua in our body, in order that the life of Yahshua may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are continually being handed over to death because of Yahshua, in order that the life of Yahshua may also be revealed in our mortal flesh.

Paul does the parallel thing here, rephrasing points like Yah does to get his message across. Why is our suffering revealing Yahshua’s? Here’s why.

Joh 15:19  Because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Jas 4:4 Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with Elohim? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of Elohim.

Con’t 2Co 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but even if our outer person is being destroyed, yet our inner person is being renewed day after day. 17 For our momentary light affliction is producing in us an eternal weight of glory 18 because we are not looking at what is seen, but what is not seen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is not seen is eternal.

See the pattern in verse 16, weak flesh = strong spirit. Verse 17: short term pain = long term gain. Verse 18: Faith is the evidence.

1Co 10:13 Testing has not come upon you except what is common to other men. But Elohim is faithful, who will not permit you to be tested beyond what you are able, but will also make a way out together with the trial, so that you may be able to endure it.

Ps 37:28  For Yahweh loves justice and will not forsake his faithful ones.

That is an out right promise from someone who’s been known to keep His promises.

BE CONTENT

1Ti 6:8 If we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

Heb 13:5 Live your life free from the love of money, being content with what you have.

Have you ever heard those verses quoted on prosperity TV?

For our Creator sets the example

Ro 5:8 But Elohim demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Messiah died for us.

Mt 5:45 He (THE Father) makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Ps 145:9 Yahweh is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.

Imitate Yahshua who imitates the Father

Eph 5:1 Therefore be imitators of Elohim as dear children.

Joh 5:19 (Yahshua) The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.

Then others will imitate you.

WHO WILL BE YAHSHUA’S WITNESS?

Ac 5:32  And we are Messiah’s witnesses (martus) of these things; and so is also the Holy Sprit, which Elohim has given to them that obey him.

#3144 martus translated witness 29, martyr 3

Re 17:6  I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs (martus) of Yahshua.

Martyr, as we define it today, first began to be used in the 12th century.

THE MARK OF ELOHIM

(Read Ezekiel chapter 8-9 sometime)

Eze 9:3 And He (Elohim) called to the man clothed with linen, who had the writer’s inkhorn at his side; 4 and Yahweh said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.” 5 To the others He said in my hearing, “Go, follow him through the city and kill; do not let your eye spare, nor have any pity.

Rev 7:2 Then I saw another angel ascend from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living Elohim, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, 3 saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our Elohim upon their foreheads.” 4 And I heard the number of the sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand sealed, out of every tribe of the sons of Israel

Are we indignant, do we weep over wickedness or see the faithless in disgust?

Ps 119:53 Indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.

Ps 119:136 My eyes shed streams of tears, because men do not keep your law.

Ps 119:158 I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands.

DO YOU CHERISH YOUR LIFE?
DON’T CHERISH IT TOO MUCH.

Ac 20:24 (Paul) I do not count my life of any value or dear to myself so that I may finish my race with joy.

This warning from Yahshua’s is repeated seven times in the gospels.

Joh 12:25  “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Mt 16:25  “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

THE WRATH OF MAN OR THE WRATH OF ELOHIM?

I did say a while back that you would have a choice.

Isa 51:12 I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass?

Mt 10:28  (Yahshua) Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna).

Lu 12:5  But I will show you whom you should fear: fear the one who has authority, after the killing, to throw you into hell! Yes, I tell you, fear this one!
Re 19:15  Now out of His (Messiah) mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should strike the nations. And he himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty Elohim.

YAHSHUA’S PROMISE

Mt 24:13  But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Re 21:4 And Elohim will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”