19 Signs You Are Becoming A Part Of The Great Apostasy

From Pure Life Ministries – I have not personally reviewed their website, I do understand a bit about what they are about but don’t know whether I can support them whole-heartedly yet. I only say that as there are many that turn holiness into a work of the flesh or some “steps” that one can walk in order to be holy when in reality it is the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in conjunction with the will of man that allows this to come to pass. Grace becomes effectual!

Regardless, I was very blessed by this exhortation. Please read and heed.

Anytime a person falls, gravity creates a force that drives the person to the ground. This momentum is not easily reversed.

So it is with the "Great Falling Away" predicted for the Last Days. Scripture gives every indication that many professing Christians will move in increasing velocity away from the things of God and toward the things of the world. In the days ahead, it will be increasingly difficult to swim against this powerful current.

The following list is provided to allow people to examine which direction their ongoing lifestyles are taking them:

1. Prayer is either nonexistent or mechanical.

2. You know the Word but you don't really live it.

3. Earnest thoughts about eternal matters no long grip your heart.

4. You can indulge in inward and outward sin without feeling devastated.

5. A longing for holiness is no longer a predominant passion of your life.

6. The pursuit of money and possessions are an important part of your life.

7. You can sing worship songs without really meaning what they express.

8. You can hear people treating eternal issues flippantly without becoming upset.

9. Your main concerns are of your temporal, earthly life.

10. Conflicts in your relationships with others are not a major concern to you.

11. You no longer hunger for a deeper life in God.

12. You don't live with a full and grateful heart.

13. You have little concern over and make little effort to meet the needs of others.

14. You always see your level of spirituality in positive terms.

15. You are more concerned about your pet doctrines than people's souls.

16. Sports, entertainment and pleasure are important aspects of your life.

17. You are more concerned with your image than with the reality of your life with God.

18. You are full of bitterness, or criticism, or pride, or covetousness, or lust.

19. You have a head full of knowledge and a heart made of stone.

How Will We Come?

This was sent to me a while ago by a dear brother. I hope that you are as blessed as I was by this writing.

“Then the kingdom of the heavens shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.” The Greek word for “wise” is φρονιμοι, the same word Jesus used in the parable of the “wise” and “foolish” builders. Jesus described the wise builder as one who not only hears the word of God, but after hearing, puts what he has heard into practice. Conversely, the same word for “foolish” is used in both parables; it is the Geek word μωραι, meaning dull or stupid. Jesus described the “foolish” builder as one who hears the word of God but fails to put what he has heard into practice.

Applying this understanding to the ten virgins, we have five whose habit was to hear the word of God and put it into practice and five whose habit was to hear the word of God without practicing the doing of it. In this parable, however, the distinction is indicated in another manner. Jesus first mentions that the “foolish” virgins took lamps but did not take vessels of oil along with their lamps.

The “wise” He said, took oil in their vessels with their lamps. The Holy Spirit would have us to see that it is in the practicing of what we hear that we secure the oil for our vessels. Peter even said so while speaking to the Sanhedrin: “We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit Whom God has given to those obeying Him.” Paul indicated that God gives His Spirit and works miracles among us through the “hearing of faith.” He certainly meant the “hearing under” of faith, for this is what he called all the Gentiles to, “the hearing under (obedience) of the faith.”

The parable continues to unfold illustrating that all ten virgins experienced the same conditions.

They all experienced a time of waiting, a long delay. They all experienced becoming drowsy and they all fell asleep. They were all awakened with a start in the middle of the night by a cry that the Bridegroom was coming and it was time to go out to meet him. They all awakened to the same urgent need for something – for light! It was the middle of the night, thick darkness, and they needed light in order to be able to make their way to the meeting place without stumbling. Can you imagine waking up in the pitch blackness and attempting to make your way without a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path? Their lamps were simply an earthen vessel with an oiled wick aflame that had to be carried delicately. There was a great danger of stumbling over unseen rocks, roots, or uneven ground, dropping or jostling the lamp and suddenly finding oneself with a snuffed out lamp in pitch darkness.

It is in the middle of the darkness that the wisdom of the prudent became apparent, for during the long delay the oil in all the lamps had been used up. Flames must be kept burning to have light and be able to light other lamps, but to have continuous flame one must have continuous oil. This is where the “foolish” virgins had been short-sighted. Like those in II Peter who have not given all diligence to add to their faith, virtue, knowledge, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Not having those things in an abounding measure, Peter warns will result in our becoming near-sighted and blind. Thus was the state of the “foolish” virgins as they go to trim their lamps and discover the problem is not with the wick, they have run out of oil, their wick is nearly dried out. Wicks that burn need to be trimmed, that is they need the burnt, brittle area clipped off so that a brighter flame can become a brighter light. The “foolish” virgins first assumed that the problem was with their wicks, but became alarmed to discover that their oil had run out. A trimmed wick, in a good vessel, is completely useless without “the oil.”

The reaction of the “foolish” virgins was predictable and common among far too many believers today. They turned to their “wise” fellow virgins and begged their help. Seeing the vessels of oil in their sisters hands they asked them to share from their supply. The answer they received was not what they had hoped for: “Not ever!” That's right, it was not a simple no, for there was a Greek word for simply no; the answer here was “Not ever!” How could a fellow virgin be so calloused as to give such an answer for such an earnest request for help? The answer was not callous, simply “wise;” because, the prudent virgins realized that it would take all the oil in their vessel to bring their own wicks back to full light. The answer was “Not ever, lest there not be enough for us and you.”

If you have ever used an oil lamp, you will understand that an oil lamp will not work unless it contains a sufficient amount of oil. The “wise” virgins realized that the oil in their lamps was so low it would take all the oil they had brought along to re-kindle a full flame upon their own lamp. There was no point sharing, for it would likely take all the oil on hand just to keep five lamps burning. Five burning lamps are better than ten partially filled useless lamps; they wisely refused to risk otherwise.

There was no other answer to give in the situation but for the “wise” to instruct their “foolish” companions to hurry to the ones selling oil and buy for themselves. Reluctantly and remorsefully, the “foolish” virgins had no other choice but to go back by the very way they had previously come. Moreover, they had to do so without the benefit of a good light from their lamp. It is difficult enough to carry a good lamp, fully alight; how much harder was it for them to attempt to retrace their journey while attempting to preserve the dying flame on their empty lamps. The difficulty must have been nearly unbearable, for their progress would necessarily be slow and arduous, all the while filled with the anxious thoughts of would they be in time. Moreover, in the back of their minds, would they not all have been convicted for the missed opportunities they had to purchase extra oil while it was near and readily available. Now it was midnight, no stores were open, visibility was extremely limited, and yet they were forced to press on in their dim hope.

While the journey for the “foolish” became tedious, anxious, and somber, the journey for the “wise” virgins became a joyful celebration in the presence of the bridegroom and the bounties of the wedding feast. Isn't that the way it is today with many fellow virgins? We all have trials, we all have to wait, we all find ourselves in a crisis needing light to make our way. Those with the oil of the Holy Spirit are the over-comers. The “wise” virgins who hear the word of God and put it into practice are purchasing the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit in due season and their vessels are full. Jesus called them the “ready” ones – a word which comes from the Greek word meaning “fit.”

Only believers full of the Holy Spirit are “ready” and “fit” for the marriage feast of the Lamb. They are the only ones experiencing the fullness of the abundant life of Jesus. They are the ones who are counting it all joy, whose weaknesses are becoming those areas where Christ strength is being perfected. They are the ones feasting on the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Their joy is full, Christ's peace is guarding their hearts and minds, and they have entered into His rest. They are living in the righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

While the “wise” virgins are celebrating, the “foolish” virgins have had to retrace their journey, going backwards to purchase the oil that they had neglected to buy when the time was right. Notice, that the voice of the bridegroom will awaken all virgins, but it will not fill all their lamps with oil. The oil of the Holy Spirit will be given to everyone who asks, but the voice of the bridegroom does not make up for the choice of not asking. The consequences for not being “fit”, not being a “ready” one, are the whole point of this parable. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation!” “Be very careful then how you hear, with the measure you meet, it will be measured to you. Whoever has he will be given more and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.” Have we checked our oil lately? Do we actually have oil, or could we be those who think we have, only to be shocked to discover our lamps are going out?

The “foolish” virgins eventually came. The actual wording of the Greek expresses it this way, “falling short they came.” Yes, the same word used in Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The same word used in Hebrews 12:15 “Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God.” The same word found in Hebrews 4:1 “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have fallen short of it.”

May the grace of God lead us to carefully examine ourselves to see the true condition of our waiting for His return. There is not a doubt that He will come, and there is not a doubt that we will come. The question is HOW will we come? Will we be “fit”, the “ready” ones, or our coming “fall short?”

My Goal Is God Himself

My goal is God Himself, not joy, nor peace,

Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God;
'Tis His to lead me there - not mine, but His—
At any cost, dear Lord, by any road.

So faith bounds forward to its goal in God,
And love can trust her Lord to lead her there;
Upheld by Him, my soul is following hard
Till God hath full fulfilled my deepest prayer.

No matter if the way be sometimes dark,
No matter though the cost be oft-times great,
He knoweth how I best shall reach the mark;
The way that leads to Him must needs be strait.

One thing I know, I cannot say Him nay;
One thing I do, I press towards my Lord;
My God, my glory here, from day to day,
And in the glory there my great Reward.

—F. Brook

Characteristics of the Self Life

I pulled this from the following site. I have really appreciated this since the first time i saw it about 9 years ago and will typically re-read it periodically. I hope you find it a blessing as well. Please note, while I do appreciate the site I don't approve of all that is there. http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/selflife.htm

Characteristics of the Self Life

A secret spirit of pride or an exalted feeling in view of your success or position-because of your good training or appearance because of your natural gifts or abilities- an important independent spirit? Prov. 16:18, 20:6; Rom. 12:3; James 4:6-8.

Love of human praise; a secret fondness to be noticed; love of supremacy, drawing attention to self in conversation; a swelling out of self when you have had a special open door in speaking or praying? Jn. 5:44, 12:42-43; I Cor. 13:4.

The stirrings of anger or impatience which, worst of all, you call nervousness or holy indignation; a touchy, sensitive spirit; a disposition to resent and retaliate when dissaproved of or contradicted; a desire to throw sharp, heated remarks at another? Psalms 37:8; Eccl. 7:9; Luke 21:19; James 1:19: Rom. 5:3.

Self-will; a stubborn unteachable spirit; an arguing, talkative spirit; harsh, sarcastic expressions; an unyielding, headstrong disposition; a driving, commanding spirit; a disposition to criticize and pick flaws when set aside and unnoticed; a pevish fretful spirit; a disposition that loves to be coaxed and humored? Deut. 1:43; Mal. 2:2; James 3:17; II Peter 2:10.

Carnal fear; a man-fearing spirit; a shrinking from reproach and duty; reasoning around your cross; a shrinking from doing your whole duty to those of wealth or position; a fearfulness that someone will offend and drive some prominate person away; a comprimising spirit? I Sam. 15:24; Prov. 29:25; Gal. 2:12; I John 4:18.

A jealous disposition; a secret envy in your heart; an unpleasant sensation in view of the great prosperity and success of others; a disposition to speak of the faults and failings rather that the gifts and virtues of those more talented and appreciated than yourself? Gen. 26:12-16; I Sam. 18:8-9; Prov. 6:34,14:30; Mt. 21:15; Rom. 12:9-10.

A dishonest and deceitful disposition; the evading and covering of the truth; the covering up of your real faults; leaving a better impression of yourself than is strictly true; false humility; exageration straining the truth? Ps. 15:2-3; Isa. 29:13; Jer. 17:9; Mt. 23:28; Lk. 22:48; Acts 5:2-3; I Tim. 4:2.

Unbelief; a spirit of discouragement in times of pressure and opposition; lack of quietness and confidence in God; lack of faith and trust in God; a disposition to worry and complain in the midst of pain, poverty, or at the dispensations of divine Providence; an overanxoius feeling whether everything will come out all right? Is. 7:9; Lk. 12:28-30; I Cor. 2:14; II Cor. 5:6; Heb. 11:6; I Pet.S:7,

Formality and deadness; lack of compassion and concern for lost souls; dryness and indifference; lack of power with God? Mt. 15:14; II Tim. 3:5; Rev. 2:4, 3:1.

Selfishness; love of ease; love of money; love of your own time? Lk. 12:19-21; I Tim. 6:10-11; Amos 6:1-6.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me..." Psalms 139:23-24

Who will Jesus be to you?

This was written by a dear brother. I hope this encourages and challenges you.

Who will Jesus BE to ME?

Is Jesus the same to everyone? There are those who believe He is and those who would disagree. What does the bible say? We know that Jesus is the same today, yesterday and forever – but the question most relevant to us is – Who will Jesus BE to Me? Does our walk have anything to do with how He will be to us? Is Jesus one way to some men and a different way to others? Knowing that Jesus will be what He has been, I urge you to read carefully what the record will clearly indicate.

Let’s begin by looking at how Jesus introduces Himself to four of the churches in Revelation. To each of the seven churches Jesus takes a portion of the full revelation of Himself that He had shown John and begins His word to that particular church with the aspect of Himself most relevant to the church He is addressing. Note first His introduction to the church of Pergamos, which had some among them who held to the teachings of Balaam and others who held to the doctrines of the Nicolaitans. To this church He introduces Himself as “He who has the sharp two-edged sword.” To the church of Thyatira that was tolerating the woman Jezebel and her evil influences, Jesus introduces Himself as “The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire….” To the church of Laodicea who saw themselves as wealthy, rich, and having need of nothing, while in fact they were wretched, poor, miserable and blind, Jesus introduces Himself as “The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness….” Not all is negative though, for to the church of Smyrna for whom there is no rebuke, Jesus begins His word to them by introducing Himself as “The First and the Last, who was dead and came to life….”

Jesus will not appear the same to everyone and He will not give the same reward to everyone; “each man will be rewarded according to his own works.” Consider His warning to some in the church of Sardis – “Remember therefore how you have received and heard: hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.” How Jesus will come to us depends entirely upon our walk. This is amply illustrated in Jesus’ words found in Luke 12:35-48: “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Then Peter said to Him, Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people? And the Lord said, ‘Who then is that faithful and wise steward, who his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, My master is delaying his coming, and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when his is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.’ “

The same Jesus will be two different masters to two different servants. To the faithful servant who prepares himself and is found watching and serving, Jesus will be the benevolent master who rewards with kindness. However, to the unfaithful servant, who neither prepares himself, nor is found watching and serving, Jesus will come like a thief to seize that one, cut him in two with his own sword and assign him his place with the unbelievers. Jesus is not the same to everyone. This should be no surprising revelation, but it is often forgotten when we fail to understand why Jesus would appear to be stern to some and kind to others. Have we fully comprehended these words? – “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Even in the parable of the talents we can see that the same master appears as two different men to his servants. To the faithful servants who put what he had entrusted to them to good use, he was the gracious rewarder of their diligence; but to the self-centered, lazy servant, he appeared as a judge sentencing a criminal. Many of us forget the end of the parable that Luke alone records foreshadowing the end for all who do not joyfully serve the man whom God has appointed Lord of heaven and earth. Luke records the last act of the recently returned, newly crowned King, with these words – “But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.” The same Lord who is kind to some is severe to others.

This is no new revelation, for David the man after God’s own heart clearly understood and recorded this in Psalm 18:25-27 “To the faithful You show Yourself faithful, to the blameless You show Yourself blameless, to the pure You show Yourself pure, but to the crooked You show Yourself shrewd. You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.”

God is the same - He does not change – this is plain to see

But this does not answer the most crucial question

Who will He BE to ME?

Michael Sattler's Trial

A beloved brother from the 1500's as found in Martyr's Mirror. I do wonder if many that name the name of Christ today would be able to stand AND answer during such times as this....

Michael Sattler, AD 1527

After a long trial on the day of his departure from this world, the articles being many, Michael Sattler requested that they would be read to him again and that he should have another hearing. This the bailiff, as the governor of his lord, opposed and would not consent to it.

Michael Sattler then requested permission to speak. After a consultation, the judges returned as their answer, that if his opponents would allow it, they (the judges) would consent. Thereupon the town clerk of Ensisheim, as the attorney of said Governor spoke thus: "Prudent, honorable and wise Sirs, He has boasted of the Holy Ghost. Now, if his boast is true, it seems to me, it is unnecessary to grant him this; for if he has the Holy Ghost, as he boasts, the same will tell him what has been done here." To this Michael Sattler replied: "Ye servants of God, I hope my request will not be denied; for said articles are as yet unknown to me." The town clerk responded: "Prudent, honorable and wise Sirs, Though we are not bound to do this, yet in order to give satisfaction, we will grant him his request that it may not be thought that injustice is done him in his heresy, or that we desire to wrong him; hence let the articles be read to him.

Articles or Charges Against Michael Sattler

First, that he and his adherents have acted contrary to the mandate of the Emperor.

Secondly, he has taught, held and believed that the body and blood of Christ are not present in the sacrament.

Thirdly, he has taught and believed that infant baptism does not conduce to salvation.

Fourthly, they have rejected the sacrament of extreme unction.

Fifthly, they have despised and condemned the mother of God and the saints.

Sixthly, he has declared that men are not to swear before the authorities.

Seventhly, he has commenced a new an unheard of custom in regard to the Lord's Supper, placing the bread and wine on a plate, and eating and drinking the same.

Eighthly, he has left the order, and married a wife.

Ninthly, he has said that if the Turks should invade the country, no resistance ought to be offered them; and if it were right to wage war, he would rather take the field against the Christians than against the Turks; and it is certainly a great matter, to set the greatest enemies of our holy faith against us.

Thereupon Michael Sattler requested permission to confer with his brethren and sisters, which was granted him. Having conferred with them for a little while, he began and undauntingly answered thus: "In regard to the articles relating to me and my brethren and sisters, hear this brief answer:

First, That we have acted contrary to the imperial mandate, we do not admit; for the same says that the Lutheran doctrine and delusion is not to be adhered to, but only the Gospel and Word of God. This we have kept; for I am not aware that we have acted contrary to the Gospel and the Word of God; I appeal to the words of Christ.

Secondly, That the real body of Christ the Lord is not present in the sacrament, we admit; for the Scripture says: Christ ascended into heaven and, sitteth on the right hand of His heavenly Father whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead; from which it follows, that if He is in heaven, and not in the bread, He may not be eaten bodily. Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9; Col. 3:1; Acts 10:42; II Tim. 4:1.

Thirdly, As to baptism we say: Infant baptism is of no avail to salvation; for it is written that we live by faith alone. Again: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Peter likewise says: The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Romans 1:17; Mark 16:16; I Pet. 3:21.

Fourthly, We have not rejected the oil; for it is a creature of God, and what God has made is good and not to be refused; but that the pope, the bishops, monks and priests can make it better, we do not believe; for the pope never made anything good. That of which the epistle of James speaks is not the pope's oil. Gen. 1:11; I Tim. 4:4; James 5:14.

Fifthly, We have not condemned the mother of God and the saints; for the mother of Christ is to be blessed among all women; for to her was accorded the favor of giving birth to the Saviour of the whole world. But that she is a mediatress and advocatess, of this the Scriptures know nothing; for she must with us await the judgment. Paul said to Timothy: Christ is our Mediator and Advocate with God. As regards the saints; we say that we who live and believe are the saints; which I prove by the epistles of Paul to the Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians; and in other places where he always writes: To the beloved saints. Hence we that believe are the saints; but those who have died in faith we regard as the blessed. Luke 1:28; Matthew 1:21; I Tim. 2:5; I Cor. 1:2; Eph. 1:1; Rev. 14:13.

Sixthly, We hold, that we are not to swear before the authorities: For the Lord says: Swear not; but let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay. Matt. 5:34; James 5:12.

Seventhly, When God called me to testify of His Word, and I had read Paul, and also considered the unchristian and perilous state in which I was; beholding the pomp, pride, usury, and great whoredom of the monks and priests, I went and took unto me a wife, according to the command of God; for Paul well prophesies concerning this to Timothy: In the latter time it shall come to pass that men shall forbid to marry, and command to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving. I Cor. 7:2; I Tim. 4:3.

Eighthly, If the Turks should come, we ought not to resist them; for it is written: Thou shalt not kill. We must not defend ourselves against the Turks and others of our persecutors, but are to beseech God with earnest prayer to repel and resist them. But that I said, that if warring were right, I would rather take the field against the so-called Christians, who persecute, apprehend and kill pious Christians, than against the Turks, was for this reason: The Turk is a true Turk, knows nothing of the Christian faith; and is a Turk after the flesh; but you, who would be Christians, and who make your boast of Christ, persecute the pious witnesses of Christ, and are Turks after the spirit.

In conclusion: Ye ministers of God, I admonish you to consider the end for which God has appointed you, to punish the evil, and to defend and protect the pious. Whereas, then, we have not acted contrary to God and the Gospel, you will find that neither I nor my brethren and sisters have offended in word or deed against any authority. Therefore, ye ministers of God, if ye have not heard or read the Word of God, send for the most learned, and for the sacred books of the Bible, of whatsoever language they may be, and let them confer with us in the Word of God; and if they prove to us with the Holy Scriptures, that we err and are in the wrong, we will gladly desist and recant and also willingly suffer the sentence and punishment for that of which we have been accused, but if no error is proven to us, I hope to God, that you will be converted, and receive instruction." Wisd. 6:4; Acts 25:8; Rom. 13:4; Acts 25:11.

Upon this speech the judges laughed and put their heads together, and the town clerk of Ensisheim said: "O you infamous, desperate villain and monk, shall we dispute with you? The hangman shall dispute with you, I assure you."

Michael said: "God's will be done."

The town clerk said: "It were well if you had never been born."

Michael replied: "God knows what is good."

Town Clerk: "You arch-heretic, you have seduced the pious; if they would only now forsake their error, and accept grace."

Michael: "Grace is with God alone."

One of the prisoners also said: "We must not depart from the truth."

Town Clerk: "You desperate villain and arch-heretic, I tell you if there were no hangman here, I would hang you myself, and think that I had done God service."

Michael: "God will judge aright."

Thereupon the town clerk said a few words to him in Latin, what we do not know.

Michael Sattler answered him Judica.

The town clerk then admonished the judges and said: "He will not cease from this talk today; therefore my Lord Judge, proceed with the sentence; I will commit it to the law."

The judge asked Michael Sattler whether he also committed it to the law.

He replied: "Ye ministers of God, I am not sent to judge the Word of God; we are sent to bear witness of it, and, hence, cannot consent to any law, since we have no command from God concerning it; but if we can not be discharged from the law, we are ready to suffer for the Word of God whatever sufferings are, or may be imposed upon us all for the sake of the faith in Christ Jesus our Saviour, as long as we have breath within us; unless we be dissuaded from it by the Scriptures."

The town clerk said: "The hangman shall convince you; he shall dispute with you, arch-heretic."

Michael: "I appeal to the Scriptures."

Then the judges arose, and went into another room, where they remained for an hour and a half, and determined on the sentence. Matt. 6:10; John 16:2; I Cor. 4:5; John 1:8; Job 27:3; Acts 25:11.

In the meantime, some in the room treated Michael Sattler most unmercifully, heaping reproach upon him. One of them said: "What have you in expectation for yourself and the others, that you have so seduced them?" With this, he also drew forth a sword which lay upon the table, saying: "See, with this shall they dispute with thee." But Michael did not answer upon a single word concerning his person, but willingly endured it all. One of the prisoners said: "We must not cast pearls before swine." Matt. 27:14; 7:6.

Being also asked, why he had not remained a lord in the convent, Michael answered: "According to the flesh I was a lord; but it is better so." He did not say more than what is recorded here, and this he spoke fearlessly.

The judges having returned to the room, the sentence was read. It was as follows: "In the case of the Governor of his Imperial Majesty versus Michael Sattler, judgment is passed, that Michael Sattler shall be delivered to the executioner, who shall lead him to the place of execution, and cut out his tongue; then throw him upon a wagon, and there tear his body twice with red hot tongs; and after he has been brought without the gate, he shall be pinched five times in the same manner."

After this had been done in the manner prescribed, he was burned to ashes as a heretic. His fellow brethren were executed with the sword, and the sisters drowned. His wife, also, after being subjected to many entreaties, admonitions and threats, under which she remained very steadfast, was drowned a few days afterwards. Done the 21st day of May, A. D. 1527.

-- Martyr's Mirror, Thieleman J. van Braght,
Herald Press, 1987, pp. 416-418.

Some Quotes

These were some quotes that other brothers pasted on Facebook that I thought were pretty encouraging / challenging.

Much of our difficulty as seeking Christians stems from our unwillingness to take God as He is and adjust our lives accordingly. We insist upon trying to modify Him and bring Him nearer to our own image. -- A. W. Tozer

"The friends of God are always grieved when they see a church asleep and doing nothing for the salvation of sinners. Those who have other objectives in view may think things are going on very well. They are not grieved when they see professed people of God going after show and folly." - Charles Finney

Mal 1:6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? It's heartbreaking to see how casually God's house is treated.

"Help me to understand Your Word. If I’m a friend of this world. It’s hatred towards my God." - Christ Our Life www.ChristOurLife.ca

"There's two safe places for someone God will use, one is in heaven and the other one is in the dust." -Keith Daniel