Faithful Witness
Read: Acts 7:54-60; Revelation 2:12-13 Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you. (Rev. 2:13) There is often a high cost for being “not ashamed of the gospel.” On
Rev. David Bast December 26, 2024
Around the world, there is often a high cost for being “not ashamed of the gospel” (Rom. 1:16). For some that comes in social stigma, in family alienation, or even being arrested, beaten, and killed for their faith. At Words of Hope, we know this truth because we know people who have paid that cost—for whom the all-surpassing power of knowing God is worth more than anything that the world offers.
This short series shares stories of faith from believers who have faced persecution. Each day, you’ll be invited to meditate on Scripture and stories of faithful witnesses—ordinary people whose lives were transformed by their devotion to Jesus.
Through their experiences, you’ll be encouraged to stand firm in your faith, even in the face of trials, and to trust that God is always at work, no matter the challenges you encounter. Their witness serves as a powerful reminder that God’s strength is available to us, even in our hardest moments.
As you read, we hope that you will become more aware of the challenges that people of faith face, and that you will be encouraged to pray for believers facing persecution today, and that you will be strengthened in your own faith so that you too will be a faithful witness.
Read: Acts 7:54-60; Revelation 2:12-13 Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you. (Rev. 2:13) There is often a high cost for being “not ashamed of the gospel.” On
Read: Revelation 12:7-17 They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (v.
Read: Luke 6:20-23 Blessed are you when people hate you . . . and revile you . . . on account of the Son of Man! (v. 22) “Blessing” and
Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Faith comes from hearing . . . the word of Christ. (Rom. 10:17) So here is how the gospel works. As Christians share the gospel, some
Read: John 10:14-30 My sheep hear my voice . . . and they follow me. (v. 27) Who are the “other sheep” to whom Jesus refers (v. 16)? They are
Read: Revelation 6:9-11 How long before you will judge and avenge our blood? (v. 10) Walking through the old market district of a city in eastern Turkey, my guide mentioned
David Bast is a writer and pastor who served for 23 years as the President and Broadcast Minister for Words of Hope. In his more than 40 years of devotional writing and preaching, he has been encouraging believers around the world to be shaped by God and his Word.
Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he is the author of nine devotional books and Bible studies, including God of My Days,Why Doesn't God Act More Like God,Christ in the Psalms, andA Gospel for the World.
Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and eight grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.