Seth Martin

Jesus in His High Priestly prayer in John 17:17 prayed this to His Father about us, Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy word is truth. Those of us who have been Christians for some time can begin to understand a little what this means. God sanctifies and justifies us initially at conversion in the name of the Lord Jesus (1Co 6:11). The Holy Spirit continues with progressive sanctification. I believe the chief agent He uses in doing this is His sword, the Word of God. Sanctification is an absolute essential to the true believer.

It is shortly after midnight on Feb. 26, 1852, off the coast of Africa. The troopship HMS Birkenhead has struck a rock and has begun to settle into the ocean. On its decks, 124 women and children are rushed into lifeboats while 454 English soldiers stand at attention on the deck. There is not enough room for them on the lifeboats. Major Seton gives the word of command, “Stand still, and die like Englishmen.” We all admire the discipline of a good soldier.