A Voice that Cannot Be Silenced
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”
Hebrews 11:1–4
Jan Hus, more commonly known in America as John Huss, was one of the earliest to stand against the abuses and heresies of the Catholic church in his day. Heavily influenced by John Wycliffe to prioritize the Bible over tradition and church doctrine, Hus wielded a powerful influence that sparked the ire of the Pope. He was invited to address the Council of Constance under a guarantee of safe conduct, but was quickly arrested and put on trial for his teaching. Though Hus offered to recant any doctrine that conflicted with Scripture, no one was able to show where he disagreed with the Bible. Despite that, Hus was sentenced to be burned at the stake. His last words were, “What I taught with my lips, I seal with my blood.”
More than 700 years have passed since the martyrdom of Jan Hus, yet his influence and example remain. Most of us will not be called on to die as martyrs, but we should be just as faithful and committed to the truth. The Christian faith is not just academic—it is meant to be practical, applied, and lived out day after day. It is not just the dramatic moments of conflict or sacrifice that create a testimony and have an impact, but the consistent life of daily obedience and devotion to God that makes a faithful life.
Hebrews 11:1–4
Jan Hus, more commonly known in America as John Huss, was one of the earliest to stand against the abuses and heresies of the Catholic church in his day. Heavily influenced by John Wycliffe to prioritize the Bible over tradition and church doctrine, Hus wielded a powerful influence that sparked the ire of the Pope. He was invited to address the Council of Constance under a guarantee of safe conduct, but was quickly arrested and put on trial for his teaching. Though Hus offered to recant any doctrine that conflicted with Scripture, no one was able to show where he disagreed with the Bible. Despite that, Hus was sentenced to be burned at the stake. His last words were, “What I taught with my lips, I seal with my blood.”
More than 700 years have passed since the martyrdom of Jan Hus, yet his influence and example remain. Most of us will not be called on to die as martyrs, but we should be just as faithful and committed to the truth. The Christian faith is not just academic—it is meant to be practical, applied, and lived out day after day. It is not just the dramatic moments of conflict or sacrifice that create a testimony and have an impact, but the consistent life of daily obedience and devotion to God that makes a faithful life.
Today’s Growth Principle:
If we are truly committed to God and His work, our lives will have a long-lasting and powerful impact.
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