Amid 'Horrifying Growth' Of Global Persecution, Heroic Stories Of Martyrs Build Faith

Introduction: Inspiring the Next Generation of Believers

In this enlightening interview, Johnny Moore discusses his recently released book, "The New Book of Christian Martyrs." Moore explains that the stories of Christians who have died for their faith have served as a spiritual shot in the arm for generations. He felt a calling to update and revise the historic text of Fox's Book of Martyrs, including stories of Catholics and Orthodox Christians who have also been martyred for their faith. Moore believes that these stories are crucial for believers in the West to truly comprehend the reality of persecution and the physical violence that it encompasses.

Unearthing the Untold Stories

The process of gathering the information for the book was no easy feat. Moore and his co-author, Dr. Jerry Pattengale, had to sift through volumes of Fox's Book of Martyrs and decipher archaic English that would be understandable to modern readers. Ultimately, they had to make the difficult decision of which stories to include, resulting in a first draft that was 200 pages longer than the published version. However, Moore hopes that this will be just the beginning, as there are countless other stories that deserve to be told in future volumes.

Everyday Heroes: The Strength of Common Christians

While the individuals featured in the book are undoubtedly heroes for their willingness to die for their faith, Moore emphasizes that they are also everyday Christians. These are not stories of super Christians, but rather stories of ordinary believers like you and me, whose faith cost them everything. Moore highlights the incredible testimonies of individuals like Polycarp, an elderly man who faced unimaginable torture but remained steadfast in his faith. He also praises the bravery of strong women in the early church who defied societal norms to proudly proclaim their faith in Jesus. These stories serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of ordinary Christians throughout history.

Lessons from the Persecuted Church: A Spiritual Awakening

Moore's deep involvement in supporting persecuted Christians around the world has had a profound impact on his own faith. He reminds us that despite the increasing levels of persecution worldwide, the church remains strong. Moore has had the privilege of meeting remarkable Christians in the most challenging circumstances, individuals who embody the spirit of early believers from the pages of the New Testament. He draws strength from the knowledge that the blood of martyrs is the seed of the church and believes that the unwavering faith of these persecuted Christians encourages and revives our own faith.

Staying Vigilant: Recognizing Early Warning Signs

While Moore acknowledges that there is no parallel between the religious discrimination faced in the West and the severe persecution endured by believers in other parts of the world, he urges caution and vigilance. Through his interactions with the persecuted church, Moore has learned that persecution often starts with marginalization, discrimination, and the erosion of religious freedom. He warns that when people demand a change in beliefs or else face consequences, it raises red flags. Moore acknowledges the freedom enjoyed in the United States but emphasizes the need to protect and defend that freedom by remaining vigilant.

Standing Together: Supporting Warriors for Religious Freedom

Moore believes that it is vital to support those fighting for religious freedom within our own country. He cites the example of a football coach who had to battle for years to maintain a simple prayer tradition on the field. While the coach ultimately prevailed with the help of legal support, Moore recognizes the toll it takes on individuals fighting these battles. He emphasizes the importance of organizations that stand with these individuals, providing legal and financial assistance to ensure that their rights are protected and their families are cared for.

Resonating Stories: A Plethora of Powerful Testimonies

With hundreds of stories at his disposal, Moore finds it impossible to pinpoint just one that resonated with him the most. From the ancient stories of Polycarp and the courageous women of the early church to the modern tales of Kayla Mueller and Tom Little, each story serves as a testament to the unwavering faith and commitment of believers. Moore also includes the untold stories of countless unnamed Christians who faced martyrdom in places like North Korea. These stories, both famous and forgotten, inspire and challenge believers to live their faith with conviction and to stand with those whose faith has cost them everything.

Conclusion: Awakening the Church to the Reality of Persecution

"The New Book of Christian Martyrs" is not merely a collection of inspiring stories, but a call to action for the church. Moore hopes that this book will spark a renewed interest in the persecuted church, acting as a catalyst for a culture shift. He believes that believers in the West must understand and live in proximity to those whose faith has cost them their lives. Moore encourages readers to recognize the freedoms they enjoy and to defend them fervently, while simultaneously supporting and learning from those who face persecution on a daily basis. By doing so, Moore believes that the church can be truly discipled and reflect the authentic spirit of the early Christians.