Assuming one is alive______________

[LifeHiscost]

________________when the expected takes place, can you see yourself being as faithful as these?

 

 

  

On March 12, 295, the Roman army drafted 21-year-old Maximilian of Tebessa. He refused the badge, claiming that he already wore the badge of Christ. The proconsul told him, “Then I will send you to your Christ,” and ordered his execution.

On October 29, 298, Marcellus of Tangiers, a Roman centurion who was also a Christian, likewise found himself at the wrong end of a sword after he threw down his weapons and insignia at a party in honor of the emperor’s birthday and proclaimed that he would worship only Jesus Christ. He was executed for deserting the military.

Both Maximilian and Marcellus were later canonized by the church. Although they are regarded as conscientious objectors, others would argue that they simply disagreed with the religious implications of service to Roman armies that fought under the banner of pagan deities. Yet, the religious fervor of civil religion still plays a central role in much of today’s warfare.

 

 

…2For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. 4But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;…1 Thessalonians 5

 

God is Love!  Jesus saves!