Do You Believe?

Do you believe? What do you believe? Will you still believe?

When your churches are closed, destroyed, turned into nightclubs or pagan temples?

When your bibles are outlawed, taken and destroyed?

When the pastors are struck down and the congregation is scattered?

When you are imprisoned, death is impending and martyrs are being made?

When you have nothing left in common with Jesus but the cross and certain death?

Will you still believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and all things visible and invisible?

Will you still believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten eternal son of the Father, born of the virgin Mary, who suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried? Who descended into hell, and rose again on the third day? Who ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father and will come again to judge the living and the dead?

Will you still believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life of the world to come?

Will you believe as much as a thief on a cross, hoping to steal into heaven with the help of its king who was close at hand, hanging on a cross beside him?

“The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel!”

Believe! And be saved!