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The Martyr's Oath: Living for the Jesus They're Willing to Die for
We are witnessing an astonishing escalation in Christian persecution like we have rarely seen since the first century. Some estimate that every five minutes a Christian is martyred for their faith. Egypt has experienced more Christian persecution in the last three years than in the previous six hundred years combined.
Johnnie Moore, like many American Christians, didn't fully appreciate the extent of what was going on until he witnessed a graduation of seminary students in India. Unlike graduation ceremonies in America-where feel-good speeches made by visiting celebrities are featured-this one featured a remarkable oath. It wasn't an oath to excel. It was an oath to be willing to die, if necessary, for the cause of Christ. This was no empty promise. A placard, next to the speaker's platform, listed former graduates who had died for the Christian faith. At this graduation Johnnie knew he was witnessing a raw first-century Christianity his comfortable American Christianity had shielded him from. He and his team crisscrossed the world, recorders in hand, to gather reports from dozens of survivors of persecution to see what it means to live for the Jesus Christians around the globe are dying for. It was only then, after hearing their stories and being broken by what he saw, that he could dare to take the martyr's oath.
Join Johnnie Moore on this compelling journey to the heart of the Christian faith.
Johnnie Moore, like many American Christians, didn't fully appreciate the extent of what was going on until he witnessed a graduation of seminary students in India. Unlike graduation ceremonies in America-where feel-good speeches made by visiting celebrities are featured-this one featured a remarkable oath. It wasn't an oath to excel. It was an oath to be willing to die, if necessary, for the cause of Christ. This was no empty promise. A placard, next to the speaker's platform, listed former graduates who had died for the Christian faith. At this graduation Johnnie knew he was witnessing a raw first-century Christianity his comfortable American Christianity had shielded him from. He and his team crisscrossed the world, recorders in hand, to gather reports from dozens of survivors of persecution to see what it means to live for the Jesus Christians around the globe are dying for. It was only then, after hearing their stories and being broken by what he saw, that he could dare to take the martyr's oath.
Join Johnnie Moore on this compelling journey to the heart of the Christian faith.
- GenresChristianFaithNonfiction
215 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2017
About the author
Johnnie Moore
26 books25 followersJohnnie Moore author of Defying ISIS, is a humanitarian who has been called one of the "world's most influential young leaders" and "a modern day Dietrich Bonhoeffer." He has appeared on dozens of leading television, radio, print and online outlets. He is also a widely read opinion columnist whose work has appeared in The Washington Post, Fox News, Relevant Magazine and CNN. He serves on the boards of World Help, the National Association of Evangelicals, the Dream Center LA, the U.S. Lausanne Committee, and the World Evangelical Alliance. He is a Senior Fellow at the Liberty University Center for Apologetics and Cultural Engagement, a Senior Contributing Editor to The Christian Post, the co-Founder of The Cradle Fund, the consulting executive director of the Persecution Intervention Fund, the executive director of the Nazarene Fund, and a contributor to Fox News and The Blaze. He is President of The KAIROS Company.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 18, 2017
I had an advanced copy of this and was privileged to help on the project. There are more Christians persecuted today than at any time in history, and their stories are awful, yet also hopeful. Johnnie Moore put himself on the line, personally going to the Middle East and financing on-the-ground researchers to complete the background. What he's written is a Christian jewel.
December 1, 2017
About the Book
Be Inspired by Amazing Eyewitness Stories of Hope and Courage from the Persecuted Church
We are witnessing an astonishing escalation in Christian persecution like we have rarely seen since the first century. Some estimate that every five minutes, a Christian is martyred for his or her faith. Countries like Egypt have experienced more Christian persecution in the last five years than in the previous six hundred years combined. And who could have missed the atrocities of ISIS in Syria, Boko Haram in Nigeria, and the continued persecution of Christians in North Korea?
Johnnie Moore, like many American Christians, didn't fully appreciate the extent of what was going on--until he witnessed the graduation of theology students in India. Unlike graduation ceremonies in America--where feel-good speeches made by visiting celebrities are common--this one featured a remarkable oath. It wasn't an oath to excel or succeed. It was an oath to be willing to die, if necessary, for the cause of Christ. This was no empty promise. This was a choice, choosing the eternal over the temporal.
Johnnie knew he was witnessing a raw, first-century Christianity that his comfortable American version had shielded him from. "For the first time, I really understand my faith," says Johnnie Moore. Now, he's on a mission to give this same experience to others. He and his team have crisscrossed the world, recorders in hand, gathering eyewitness accounts from dozens of people who survived persecution--and the stories of some who didn't.
Join Johnnie Moore on this compelling journey to the heart of the Christian faith.
The Martyr's Oath by Johnnie Moore is a collection of stories of people who have died for their faith. A concept for so many in the West we can't even wrap our heads around. But in the last several years the persecution of Believers around the world has escelated to a high we have not seen in generations. Men, women, and yes even children in nations like Egypt, Iraq, Iran, China, North Korea. Nations where being a Christian is either severaly frowned upon or illegal. The Martyr's Oath is a timely work that needs to be read by Believers and non-believers alike.
Be Inspired by Amazing Eyewitness Stories of Hope and Courage from the Persecuted Church
We are witnessing an astonishing escalation in Christian persecution like we have rarely seen since the first century. Some estimate that every five minutes, a Christian is martyred for his or her faith. Countries like Egypt have experienced more Christian persecution in the last five years than in the previous six hundred years combined. And who could have missed the atrocities of ISIS in Syria, Boko Haram in Nigeria, and the continued persecution of Christians in North Korea?
Johnnie Moore, like many American Christians, didn't fully appreciate the extent of what was going on--until he witnessed the graduation of theology students in India. Unlike graduation ceremonies in America--where feel-good speeches made by visiting celebrities are common--this one featured a remarkable oath. It wasn't an oath to excel or succeed. It was an oath to be willing to die, if necessary, for the cause of Christ. This was no empty promise. This was a choice, choosing the eternal over the temporal.
Johnnie knew he was witnessing a raw, first-century Christianity that his comfortable American version had shielded him from. "For the first time, I really understand my faith," says Johnnie Moore. Now, he's on a mission to give this same experience to others. He and his team have crisscrossed the world, recorders in hand, gathering eyewitness accounts from dozens of people who survived persecution--and the stories of some who didn't.
Join Johnnie Moore on this compelling journey to the heart of the Christian faith.
The Martyr's Oath by Johnnie Moore is a collection of stories of people who have died for their faith. A concept for so many in the West we can't even wrap our heads around. But in the last several years the persecution of Believers around the world has escelated to a high we have not seen in generations. Men, women, and yes even children in nations like Egypt, Iraq, Iran, China, North Korea. Nations where being a Christian is either severaly frowned upon or illegal. The Martyr's Oath is a timely work that needs to be read by Believers and non-believers alike.
September 28, 2017
Do not read this book unless you are prepared to be heartbroken and challenged by what so many of our brothers and sisters all over the world are going through to be a follower of Christ.
This book is nothing if not convicting, it shows how little we Christians in prosperous nations know what is going on in our world today and how little we truly "sacrifice" to follow Christ. This is a book filled with testimonies of those who have paid terrible prices for their faith, many losing their lives, the lives of those they love or just suffering unimaginable circumstances to follow Christ. They have counted the cost and have not been found wanting.
I know I learned so much reading this book, for instance I didn't know much about the Boko Haram which is a much more deadly foe to Christianity than Isis.Their goal is to ethnically cleanse Nigeria of Christianity before moving onto the rest of Africa. I had heard of their attack on a government school in Nigeria and their kidnapping of over 200 girls some of whom still have not been recovered.
Filled with moving insight and heartbreaking stories this book stays with you long after you close the final page.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book is nothing if not convicting, it shows how little we Christians in prosperous nations know what is going on in our world today and how little we truly "sacrifice" to follow Christ. This is a book filled with testimonies of those who have paid terrible prices for their faith, many losing their lives, the lives of those they love or just suffering unimaginable circumstances to follow Christ. They have counted the cost and have not been found wanting.
I know I learned so much reading this book, for instance I didn't know much about the Boko Haram which is a much more deadly foe to Christianity than Isis.Their goal is to ethnically cleanse Nigeria of Christianity before moving onto the rest of Africa. I had heard of their attack on a government school in Nigeria and their kidnapping of over 200 girls some of whom still have not been recovered.
Filled with moving insight and heartbreaking stories this book stays with you long after you close the final page.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 4, 2017
As a student at Liberty University in the late 2000s, I sat under the ministry of Johnny Moore. Well I did not know Johnny Moore personally I did sit under his preaching for a time during my tenure at Liberty University. During my time there I saw Johnny Moore have a fervor for preaching the gospel and to share in the Great Commission like few men I have ever seen. When I heard that he was putting out a new book after his highly acclaimed, defying Isis, I relished the opportunity to review this book.
Johnny Moore’s passion for presenting the wise of Christians throughout the world who are ready to live and die for Christ is on Full display in this work. In many ways this work can be akin to a modern-day foxes book of Martyrs, a bet more personal in nature with longer narrative sections, combined with an explanation of what it means to die for Christ. I found this work deeply convicting, something I do not find in many biographical works, and will read this work again in the near future.
The Narrative accounts of real and recent Christians drives to the heart of what it means to be prepared to die for Christ. This is something that the American culture has a hard time understanding. I have seen this firsthand and weep for those for only culturally Christians and do not have a real relationship with Christ. The men and women depicted in this book from all around the world demonstrate what a true relationship in Christ looks like and how to live it out so that the Great Commission can be fulfilled. I highly recommend this book to all those who are looking for a biographical study on Modern Christians who are willing to let out but they have been called to do.
The blood of the martyrs are the seeds of the church.
This book was provided to me free of charge from Tyndale Publications in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
The Martyr’s Oath: Living for the Jesus They’re Willing to Die For
© 2017 by Johnny Moore
Publisher: Tyndale Publications
Page Count: 240 Pages
ISBN: 978-1496419453
Johnny Moore’s passion for presenting the wise of Christians throughout the world who are ready to live and die for Christ is on Full display in this work. In many ways this work can be akin to a modern-day foxes book of Martyrs, a bet more personal in nature with longer narrative sections, combined with an explanation of what it means to die for Christ. I found this work deeply convicting, something I do not find in many biographical works, and will read this work again in the near future.
The Narrative accounts of real and recent Christians drives to the heart of what it means to be prepared to die for Christ. This is something that the American culture has a hard time understanding. I have seen this firsthand and weep for those for only culturally Christians and do not have a real relationship with Christ. The men and women depicted in this book from all around the world demonstrate what a true relationship in Christ looks like and how to live it out so that the Great Commission can be fulfilled. I highly recommend this book to all those who are looking for a biographical study on Modern Christians who are willing to let out but they have been called to do.
The blood of the martyrs are the seeds of the church.
This book was provided to me free of charge from Tyndale Publications in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
The Martyr’s Oath: Living for the Jesus They’re Willing to Die For
© 2017 by Johnny Moore
Publisher: Tyndale Publications
Page Count: 240 Pages
ISBN: 978-1496419453
December 30, 2019
This is an excellent book as it not only tells the stories of Christians living for Christ under some of the most hostile regimes in the world, but the author also challenges his Western Christian readers to get out of their comfort zone; to really challenge his readers to think long and hard about what it truly means to take up your cross and follow Jesus. Do we European and North American Christians see “Jesus as [y]our security blanket” or is he our life?
The book is structured around The Martyr’s Oath, which the author first heard at a graduation ceremony at an Indian Bible college. Each chapter tells the stories of people who have been persecuted for their faith in countries such as Eritrea, Iran, China and Nigeria. These people have endured terrible suffering but their faith has endured and their love of Christ shines through. People whose passion for Christ takes them onto the streets to talk to people about the amazing forgiveness we have through Christ’s death on the cross, even though it is illegal to share Jesus.
These witnesses are amazing, but what I also really valued about the book was the challenge the author gave in each chapter to think through what such love for Christ should look like for us, when we do not risk life and limb to talk about our faith to others.
The chapters are short and easy to read, and there are some good questions at the back of you want to read the book as part of a group and discuss further.
Stylistically I found the language a bit clumsy in places, but in translating the interviews that were held with the witnesses, the author and his team have been as faithful as possible to the original words spoken. Once I realised this, I appreciated what had been done to give these individuals their voices.
I would thoroughly recommend this book as an encouragement and a challenge to all Western evangelical Christians.
The book is structured around The Martyr’s Oath, which the author first heard at a graduation ceremony at an Indian Bible college. Each chapter tells the stories of people who have been persecuted for their faith in countries such as Eritrea, Iran, China and Nigeria. These people have endured terrible suffering but their faith has endured and their love of Christ shines through. People whose passion for Christ takes them onto the streets to talk to people about the amazing forgiveness we have through Christ’s death on the cross, even though it is illegal to share Jesus.
These witnesses are amazing, but what I also really valued about the book was the challenge the author gave in each chapter to think through what such love for Christ should look like for us, when we do not risk life and limb to talk about our faith to others.
The chapters are short and easy to read, and there are some good questions at the back of you want to read the book as part of a group and discuss further.
Stylistically I found the language a bit clumsy in places, but in translating the interviews that were held with the witnesses, the author and his team have been as faithful as possible to the original words spoken. Once I realised this, I appreciated what had been done to give these individuals their voices.
I would thoroughly recommend this book as an encouragement and a challenge to all Western evangelical Christians.
October 16, 2017
Christians know about persecution, we've been warned by Jesus that it will happen. However, many of us don't face anything worse than name calling and being avoided. There have been millions in other countries that have been beaten, imprisoned, and killed for following Christ. In The Martyr's Oath, Johnnie Moore leaves us with a simple question, are we willing to live for the Jesus they died for?
Using the oath that Christians graduating from a seminary in India recite and commit to, Moore tells about people who have sacrificed relationships, possessions, and even their lives in the name of Jesus. They did not let fear stop them from sharing the gospel with those who needed to hear it.
I have heard of Christians being put in jail and killed for not denying Jesus. Seeing these stories brought a new perspective and depth to the issue. Though I may not ever face what other Christians face, I cannot pretend it doesn't happen.
The Martyr's Oath reasserts the call Jesus gave each Christian to be ready to forsake all they have. We need to be aware that following Jesus will have a cost, and we need to decide if we are willing to pay it.
Johnnie Moore admits that a lot of Christians won't face the level of persecution related in the book. That doesn't mean we can go along and ignore what happens. He gives us practical ways to help, including telling legislators, praying, and giving to groups that help persecuted Christians.
I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Using the oath that Christians graduating from a seminary in India recite and commit to, Moore tells about people who have sacrificed relationships, possessions, and even their lives in the name of Jesus. They did not let fear stop them from sharing the gospel with those who needed to hear it.
I have heard of Christians being put in jail and killed for not denying Jesus. Seeing these stories brought a new perspective and depth to the issue. Though I may not ever face what other Christians face, I cannot pretend it doesn't happen.
The Martyr's Oath reasserts the call Jesus gave each Christian to be ready to forsake all they have. We need to be aware that following Jesus will have a cost, and we need to decide if we are willing to pay it.
Johnnie Moore admits that a lot of Christians won't face the level of persecution related in the book. That doesn't mean we can go along and ignore what happens. He gives us practical ways to help, including telling legislators, praying, and giving to groups that help persecuted Christians.
I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
October 21, 2017
The Martyr’s Oath will challenge you and cause you to stop, think and inspire you to grow deeper in your faith and walk with Jesus. To walk alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ. Every day we are witnessing an astonishing escalation in Christian persecution like we have rarely seen since the first century. Like the stories in the book, we all need to start walking a life that Jesus expects us to, a life willing to die and gain for Christ. Jesus warns us that we will be persecuted for leading a life each day when we follow Him. He said that our lives should not be life of comfort, but of one that we need to listen Him.
Johnnie Moore, like many American Christians, didn’t fully appreciate the extent of what was going on until he witnessed a graduation of theology students in India. Unlike graduation ceremonies here in America- where feel good speeches made by visiting celebrities are expected-this one featured a remarkable oath. It wasn’t an oath to excel. It was an oath to be willing to die, if necessary for the cause of Jesus.
Each chapter is a first hand account of those who are truly ready to die for their faith in Jesus across the Middle East and Africa, but these are more than stories, they are life experiences of real people who faced torture, danger and sometimes death. Your faith will be challenged!
January 9, 2018
This is a heartbreaking book, no doubt.
It’s incredible all what Christians go through because of their faith and how they’re willing to endure anything before denying what Jesus has done in their lives.
Of course this book encourages us to explore our own heart and see if dying for Christ is truly a gain for us.
As I was reading, obviously I felt the need to pray for my brothers and sisters in the Middle East, with a real understating of their situation this time, but I also thought that maybe if they looked at how we treat our “religion freedom” sometimes in the West, they’d think we’re the ones in trouble. Probably, they’d feel the need to pray for us.
However, I have to emphasize that just because a person is willing die for something doesn’t mean that the cause is worth it, it simply means that the person believes it is. But we must acknowledge that there are people willing to die even for the wrong causes.
So, this book is a great inspiration, but it shouldn’t encourage anybody to die just for the sake of dying. The conviction to do it if necessary will come as we get to know better our Father and His Son.
**I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own**
It’s incredible all what Christians go through because of their faith and how they’re willing to endure anything before denying what Jesus has done in their lives.
Of course this book encourages us to explore our own heart and see if dying for Christ is truly a gain for us.
As I was reading, obviously I felt the need to pray for my brothers and sisters in the Middle East, with a real understating of their situation this time, but I also thought that maybe if they looked at how we treat our “religion freedom” sometimes in the West, they’d think we’re the ones in trouble. Probably, they’d feel the need to pray for us.
However, I have to emphasize that just because a person is willing die for something doesn’t mean that the cause is worth it, it simply means that the person believes it is. But we must acknowledge that there are people willing to die even for the wrong causes.
So, this book is a great inspiration, but it shouldn’t encourage anybody to die just for the sake of dying. The conviction to do it if necessary will come as we get to know better our Father and His Son.
**I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own**
January 27, 2018
“As He has given His life for me, so I am willing to give my life for Him.” This statement is at the core of the Martyr’s Oath, and the stories that the author tells demonstrate it in a powerful way. In his latest book, Johnnie Moore uses his abundantly personal and relatable writing style to draw the readers’ focus beyond themselves to those in need. Johnnie’s words stand as a clarion call to awaken western believers from the fog of complacency. Whether listening one of his messages at Liberty, having a conversation with him, or reading one of his books, it always feels as though he is speaking to you, rather than simply speaking at you His writing carries an unparalleled combination of conviction and compassion, which challenges the American church to live out the love which they are commanded to have for their brothers and sisters in Christ. Everyone who claims to follow Christ and love their neighbor needs to read this book.
March 8, 2020
I hope more people will read this book. Moore relates stories of believers who are being persecuted for their faith in many countries all over the world. I was particularly interested by the stories that took place in China, but all of the stories were inspiring.
“The world is not worthy of them.” Hebrews 11:38
Moore also draws out some applications for the readers living in the West who really have no concept of this kind of opposition to our faith.
“If you’re a Christian who takes the Bible seriously, then you cannot do anything but welcome and show kindness to refugees. Period.” Pg. 152
“The cross should be a Demi see to all of us that following Jesus will cost us something—our very lives. ‘Taking up our cross’ means conditioning ourselves to understand that sacrifice is a regular experience.” Pg. 166
I’m still mulling over this book and how to apply and live it rather than just read it.
“The world is not worthy of them.” Hebrews 11:38
Moore also draws out some applications for the readers living in the West who really have no concept of this kind of opposition to our faith.
“If you’re a Christian who takes the Bible seriously, then you cannot do anything but welcome and show kindness to refugees. Period.” Pg. 152
“The cross should be a Demi see to all of us that following Jesus will cost us something—our very lives. ‘Taking up our cross’ means conditioning ourselves to understand that sacrifice is a regular experience.” Pg. 166
I’m still mulling over this book and how to apply and live it rather than just read it.
January 18, 2018
The Martyr’s Oath - Using the oath that Christians graduating from a seminary in India recite & commit to, Johnnie Moore tells about people who have sacrificed relationships, possessions, & even their lives in the name of Jesus. They did not let fear stop them from sharing the gospel with those who needed to hear it. You will read personal testimonies & stories that are unimaginable.
The author states- "I do not believe you can fully experience the Christian life unless you are being persecuted or are close to those who are. So much of the NT is written to the persecuted or about the persecuted, & Jesus was himself killed for his teaching. I believe that so many of us miss so much of faith that can only be found through the persecuted church."
A great read & an important read.
The author states- "I do not believe you can fully experience the Christian life unless you are being persecuted or are close to those who are. So much of the NT is written to the persecuted or about the persecuted, & Jesus was himself killed for his teaching. I believe that so many of us miss so much of faith that can only be found through the persecuted church."
A great read & an important read.
October 17, 2023
Very rarely do I say that I would recommend a book for all Christians to read. In fact, I can think of only one so far. But this one just got added to the list. If you’re struggling with finding boldness in sharing your faith. This book will gladly challenge you. If you believe that, you have faith. This book will gladly challenge you. Read the stories of modern day martyrs while remaining focused on the big picture. This book was an epoch in my faith, and it has set my life on a course that I cannot ignore, or turn away from.
November 27, 2017
The book is arranged around "The Martyrs Oath" which Christians in some parts of the world take. Real life stories written in the first person are the major part of the book with comments from the author. The author challenges all Christians to live according to this martyrs oath in which they pledge to lay down everything for Christ and die for him if necessary.
May 16, 2019
I was greatly encouraged by this book. When I felt nervous about sharing my faith with family or strangers, I would sit down and read a chapter of this. It’s really challenged me to look at the work I do for Christ and see if I’m really accomplishing all He’s called me to do, or if I’m trying to do only the bare minimum. I highly recommend!
October 22, 2017
Johnnie Moore presents the stories of the persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Their stories are very powerful. We need to be in prayer for them. I recommend this book for all who want to learn about the strong faith of our fellow Christians who are willing to die for their faith.
November 23, 2021
Although I don’t think this is Moore’s strongest written work, the message is poignant and moving. I especially appreciated the stories that revealed the humanity and emotional struggles of the Christians profiled.
June 26, 2026
Very easy read. I often find testimony’s of believers very encouraging for my own walk but when those testimonies are from persecuted believers it certainly challenges how much for granted we often take our own lives.
September 29, 2017
Absolutely wonderful book that not only gives Christians in the west perspective but also motivation.
June 17, 2019
Hard-hitting, inspiring, and compelling
December 14, 2022
This was a very interesting & informative book to read!!!
February 1, 2025
It is a collection of stories of real people who are living for Jesus under repressive regimes.
December 18, 2017
Thought provoking
How appropriate to read this during the Christmas season. Reading the accounts of joyfulness under the horrible conditions of persecution is humbling, especially as I reflect on whining about long lines at the story; inability to get everything I need from ONE grocery story for Christmas parties; fussing over the tidiness of the house for our guests, etc.
Wake up call - worrying about who to say Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays to is not only overrated but a disservice to those who suffer for their faith - and feel blessed to do so.
The study notes at the end of the book really helped with reflection and group discussion. Thank you!
How appropriate to read this during the Christmas season. Reading the accounts of joyfulness under the horrible conditions of persecution is humbling, especially as I reflect on whining about long lines at the story; inability to get everything I need from ONE grocery story for Christmas parties; fussing over the tidiness of the house for our guests, etc.
Wake up call - worrying about who to say Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays to is not only overrated but a disservice to those who suffer for their faith - and feel blessed to do so.
The study notes at the end of the book really helped with reflection and group discussion. Thank you!
March 24, 2018
I loved this book. As a Christian in America, I have taken many things for granted and the Lord has touched my heart, again, and convicted me. It was inspiring to read stories of our brothers and sisters in Christ that are not afraid to share the gospel and their faith, regardless of the possible repercussions.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews