Sermon Illustrations

Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna was brought before the Roman authorities and told if he cursed Christ he would be released. He replied, "86 years have I served him, and he has done me no wrong: how then can I blaspheme my king who saved me?" The Roman officer replied, "Unless you change your mind, I will have you burned." But Polycarp said, "You threaten a fire that burns for an hour, and after a while is quenched; for you are ignorant of the judgment to come and of everlasting punishment reserved for the ungodly. Do what you wish."

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