“You are the light of the world...”

- Matthew 5:14

When Queen (Bloody) Mary took the throne, she attempted to undo all that the Reformers had done under her father (Henry VIII) and her brother (Edward VI). She set her sights on three men who lit the light of the gospel across England by the name of Latimer, Cranmer and Ridley. After languishing in prison for months, they were burned at the stake as heretics in 1555. As the end neared, Latimer spoke his famous words to Ridley: “Be of good comfort, Master Ridley. And play the man. We shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out!” Haven’t we had enough of the self-serving, entertaining, ear-tickling, comfortable Christianity that consumes the church today? It is time to start by lighting a fire in our own hearts. Speak up for Christ, defend His word, and speak out against the philosophies, psychologies and religious practices of unsaved men who often claim to be saved. It is time to play the man! Be a light for Jesus Christ in the home, the workplace, the church and in the world that even death cannot extinguish. Be encouraged!

References: Matthew 5:14; Frontline, January/February, 2018