Jesus Freaks (book)
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Jesus Freaks is a 1999 book by dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs. The name comes from the hit album that they released in 1995. It includes stories and testimonies of Christians from all over the world, past and present, who have been persecuted and tortured for their Christian beliefs. Jesus Freaks is published by Albury Publishing (ISBN 1-57778-072-8).
After its publication, a sequel book was also published, along with affiliated books. These included a blank Journal book, Journal, a devotional-style book, Live Like a Jesus Freak, and a book of Bible verses, Promises for a Jesus Freak, for many occasions from many (Protestant) Bible translations, including the popular The Message translation.
Voice of the Martyrs also released a book independently of similar stories, Extreme Devotion.
[edit] Excerpt
Bartholomew Armenia 70 AD
"You are unsettling the worship of our gods. And not only that, you have perverted my own brother!" the king of Armenia shouted at Bartholomew. But Bartholomew did not back down. One of the original twelve disciples, he had boldly preached Jesus Christ for 37 years. Starting in the heathen cities throughout what is now Turkey, he then traveled to India. Here, after he learned the language, he translated the gospel of Matthew and taught the Indians in their native tongue. Later he preached in twelve different cities in the country of Armenia (located between the present-day countries of Turkey and Iran). Many people turned from idolatry to worship Jesus, including the king of Armenia's brother and his family. Bartholomew boldly answered the king, saying, "I have preached the true worship of God throughout your country. I have not perverted your brother and his family, but rather have converted them to the truth." King Astyages threatened Bartholomew, "Unless you stop preaching Christ and make sacrifices to the god Ashtaroth, you will be put to death." "You can be sure of this, King Astyages; I will never sacrifice to your idol. I would rather seal my testimony with my blood than do the smallest act against my faith or conscience." Upon hearing this, the king ordered, "I want this man to suffer severe torture. First beat him with rods. After that, suspend him upside down on a cross and skin him alive!" Following the king's command, Bartholomew was beaten, crucified and flayed. Despite all this, he was still conscious and continued to exhort the people to believe in Jesus and worship the true God. Finally, to prevent him from saying anything else, the king's men took an ax and cut off his head. Bartholomew was united with Jesus, his Lord.
Text from Jesus Freaks: Martyrs
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