ASAAD SHIDIAK

Assad Saidiak lived middle east in the country of Lebanon and was born in the district north of Beirut. His parents were devoted Muslims. He had four brothers and two sisters.

At the age of sixteen he entered the college of Ain Warka, and spent a year and a half in studying grammar, (Arabic”“and Syriac,) logic and theology. After this he passed two years teaching theology to the monks of a convent near Hadet.”Assad was dismissed without ceremony. Where he encountered a gentlemen named Mr King He pronounced him to be one of the most intelligent natives of the country, where they had met and discuss religious subjects.

For he began in earnest study of the Bible, and made constant progress in the knowledge of scriptures.

He became a “protestant in faith, and, as there is every reason to believe, he was a genuinely a pious man.

However, he was not sure if he was born again even thou he understood the gospel. Someone proposed to prayer and make inquiries, and see where the path lays,and allow your conscious be your guild. He came conclusion Jesus was Son of God who came to redeemed humanity from the curse of sin.

Upon reading Apocrypha he came to the conclusion that they were not by inspired by God. Because he studied the scriptures in-depth, he was competent to distinguish between a false doctrine and a false creeds. The more he studied, the more he was convince that the church of Rome is radically wrong the Pope was not infallible.

Asaad point out these inconsistent or question the Bishop and patriarchs on the Church doctrines and thier beliefs. Stating“No your holiness, “that is not the meaning of the passages.“Assad has often remarked, that he is full of anxiety, and finds no rest for the sole of his foot. In many ways he sees the Romish church to be “wrong. My own countrymen was against him, and there was so much error, and creeds He could not please them.

However, Assad was biblically correct, nevertheless, he was going up against a networks that was morally corrupt and not willy to give it up their power, and there intend was to afflict as much damage possible to keep Assad inline. There would be a great cost, and he would pay a great prize for declaring the truth.

However, he defended the great doctrines of the gospel, and he besought, that the scriptures might be circulated, and read, and be made the only standard of faith, and rule of practice. that evangelists might be sent through the land.

The patriarch in the middle east is the bishop of the Catholic church where he, rose up in wrath, and threatened him with imprisonment and death if continue to preached the gospel.

When Assad talks to Mr Bird his desires was display love to his to adversary and his people. He also believes in prayer to open the spiritual eyes who live in darkness, he uttered these words,“I now beseech you once more, to pray for me, that I may be delivered from the dark devices of men.

His desire was talk about Jesus Christ his Lord, that he would establishd His love.

However, the patriarch accuse of being mad or insane, and pity him, and declare him a heretic. They also threaten to arrested, and throw him in dungeon again. He replied,“that he was ready to go to prison and to death. He was engaging in daily disputes with the patriarch and others. Even thou, “His countenance wore a shade of melancholy, and his eyes were red with weeping.” Similar to the prophet Jeremiah where he wept over his kinship and the Catholic church.

As long he opens their eyes to the truth. Where Jesus came to redeemed mankind from the curse sin and is the true the Messiah not the church or pope.

According Assad much their teaching was not found in scriptures. “From this I was the more established in my convictions against the doctrines of the pope, and saw that they were the doctrines of the ravenous beast, and not of the gentle lamb.

Even though he was warned not to declare this truth to his people.He started neither death, nor life, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, separates us from love of Christ.

Where the “patriarch inquired of me my faith. He then explained to him what I believed respecting the unity and trinity of God “and that the Messiah was one person with two natures, and that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and Son.”

Furthermore, he started, “we may know, from the holy scriptures, every thing necessary to our salvation. Jesus declared these words,“You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

In presence of the patriarch to say that my faith was like that of the Romish church. He replied, that I feared to tell a falsehood by saying a thing, while, in my reason, I did not believe it. “But,” said they, “the patriarch here will not absolve you from the sin of this a falsehood.” I turned to the Patriarch and put the question whether he would so absolve. “He answered, that he would.”

According to scriptures only Jesus can atone humanity from their sins not the pope, bishops or priests can not absolve people from their sins

When Assad consult Hoory Joseph Shaheen, he told them “he did not believe that the pope was infallible in matters of faith. Furthermore he declared,“that it was impossible for him to teach any thing contrary to the council of Trent. Despite uphill battle he was a faithful servant of the Lord. John the Baptist declares Jesus was the lamb of God who take away the sins of world.

“True and living faith must be divine “connected with hope, love and repentance, and that all these virtues are the gift of God; that I believed the truth as God had inspired it; and that it would be but a lie, if I should say that I believed as the Romish church does, while in “fact I do not. I must have proofs.

However, Asaad while was biblically correct, however, he was going after a networks that was morally corrupt.

The Bishop declare him a hectic again, and his doctrine inaccurate, and threaten take away his livelihood. He also ask them to swear to “eucharist and by the gospel, that my faith was like the faith of the Roman Catholic church. He declared that he would look into further. However, the Catholic doctrine give him huge headache when continue to look into them. Where utter these words, “And here I wish to say a word to every reader that regards and loves the truth; how does doctrine appear to you? and how could I “believe in all which the Romish church holds, without knowing all of it? and how could I say, without a lie, that I believe, when I do not believe?

It worth noting in North America today we have the freedom to disagree with the Roman Catholic, and the Muslim doctrines, and church hop without any threats. In Assad era you simply did not go against the Roman Catholic or Muslims creeds without a paying a price. Jesus declared these words in scripture“You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven.

Assad declares these words,But the cowards, unbelievers, vile, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars—their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is second death. He “rose to depart. When I reached the door, I turned and said to him, “I will hold fast the religion of Jesus Christ, and I am ready for the sake gospel to shed my blood; and though you should all become infidels,than he left the room.

“Armenian priest threaten excommunication to his own brother, and his mother, if he continue in denouncing the Catholic doctrines.

A Bishop in Beirut felt pity for him was unwilling they should be to put in chains to die a lingering death. However, the Bishop and Assad discuss the infallible of Pope where Assad inquired ask where found in scriptures He quoted, Thou art Peter found in Matthew 16:18“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The problem that Peter denied Jesus three times. Previously he was called Simon meaning listen” or hearing a common name among Jews. However,Jesus renamed Peter meaning little boulders or little rocks. Note the text it states, Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, meaning a big rock or boulder. Meaning Jesus is the head of the church not Peter.

Asaad declared that the pope was infallible, and the apostles not; “that the pope was infallible, and the apostles not; for it was well known to all, that the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in a peculiar manner.

Furthermore, he started, “Were they not all infallible as well as Peter? He would not!! Excellence point!!!

Assad intention was “teach in the school of Ain Warka, I will do that. “No, I cannot have you go to Ain Warka, to corrupt the minds of those who are studying science, and to contradict my opinions.

Furthermore the Bishop started, “I will not suffer you to “go back among my flock to deceive them, and turn them away to heresy. Furthermore he attempting “he is even attempting to make heretics of us also. They continue threaten him “The bishop then turned to me“in the bitterest anger and rage, reviling me and saying, “If you go among my people again, I will send and take your life. They would not hesitate to take his life since they had permission from the goverment. He responded,“If you wish to kill me, or shut me up in prison, or give me up to the government, or whatever it may be, I wish to know it

Furthermore he started,“I asked the bishop his reasons for wishing to kill me. What evil had I done?” The bishop was concern that would corrupt his people

They more concern about about fleecing the sheep instead of feeding the sheep, and keeping them in the darkness, and putting them under a heavy burden on them,and not lifting a finger help them. Jesus declares these words, If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

Furthermore, Jesus started  They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves aren’t willing to lift a finger to move them.  They do everything to be observed by others: They enlarge their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love the place of honour at banquets, the front seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by people.Matthew 23:4-7

Assad responded by stating,“Our Lord Jesus Christ said, out of the abundance of “the heart the mouth speaketh, and that Satan, who was in his heart, wished to kill me, for Satan was a murderer from the beginning.” I told him, moreover, that he was not a true disciple of Christ.

The patriarch attempted bride him. “by way of flattery to promise him all the worldly advantages he could bestow him; if he should put away all the heretical notions,“corrupt knowledge, which the Bible-men, those enemies of the pope, had taught him.”

Assad desire was to be true disciple of Christ, and to serve Him, and by using the Scriptures to defend his positions in front of the bishops, and the priests. He stated“ may act as a disciple and servant of Christ” He further stated, “And I beg every member of my sect, i. e. of the Maronite church, who loves truth, if he “sees me in an error to point it out to me.

A bishop“I do not wish to attempt to point out my errors; for such men, it is evident, need rather to be preached to, than to preach; and to be guided, rather than to guide.” Furthermore he declared,“I cannot confess to be correct, although it should cost me the shedding of my blood. Be it known, that I am not seeking money, nor office; nor do I fear any thing.“from contempt, nor from the cross, nor from the persecution of men, nor from their insults, nor their evil accusations, so far as they are false. For I am ready for the sake of Christ to die daily.“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.

He further stated,“there is no salvation for me unless I submit to the pope, or at least shew me that it is lawful to do so. In short he willingly die for the sake of the gospel. The bishop and priest not could produce any evident that pope was infallible but a mere man.However, Assad put a nail in his coffin. You simply do not go against powerful people without paying the price.

His four earthly brothers, and family turn on him as well. Jesus declares Now great crowds ere traveling with Him. So He turned and said to them: 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

Luke 14:25-27. Furthermore he declared, 21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will even rise up against their parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by everyone because of My name. But the one who endures to the end will be delivered. 28 Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

“They taunted, mocked Assad and threatened him, calling him possessed, mad, and under Satan when they visit him in the chamber.

The bishop and priest agree let the family take him home as long he did not preach the gospel among his people. Assad objected declaring these words,“must I go and live like a dumb man? No, that I will never do.“My religion binds me not to do it. I must love my neighbour as myself.”

“Secure me but the free exercise of my conscience, and I will go with you. My religion is my all, and I must be free in it.

Even his familybwas against him.Her mother stated,“Away, with Christ, and the word of God; what have we to do with them!” She also believe that scriptures taught paganism, or witchcraft. She told him it all was over—my son is hopelessly lost! His brother Phares enter the chamber. Assad requested that he should read New Testament in which he agreed.

“The sheikh before mentioned offer his daughter if“marriage, on condition he should leave the English or the gospel and come back home. Because he openly declare the gospel he was constant danger The emir had made arrangement to assassinate him and had men to lie in wait for that purpose.

Assad was arrested put in chain subjected cruelty, and accused being mad along again.

In the Fox Martyr account they wrote thefollowing,“He was confined in a small room with an iron collar round his neck fastened to the wall with a strong chains. He had to prepare his own meals. He also tortured, and tie him upside down and best his feet, constantly taunting him for believing in Christ

He subjected to lies by the bishop, priest, and the patriarchs while others felt he was demoniac. His malady increases upon him, until I have been obliged to take severe measures with “him, and put him under keepers, lest he should escape from here, and grow worse, and infuse his poison into others.

He escaped, however, he was incarcerated was subject to more beating and they mock his faith, and declare him heretics, and pleaded him to return to the church, and their teachings. You will die under your tortures, and go to perdition. He stated the following, Whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. I am willing to expose myself to every indignity and “suffering for the sake of Him who loved us, and shed his precious blood for our salvation. They all laugh at him, and scorn him, called him a madman, and they continue to beat him.

Martyrs is Greek word to witness meaning to declare a belief in (a god or religion) They would testify to their faith. The meaning martyrs someone who suffers persecution and death for advocating, renouncing, refusing to renounce, or refusing to advocate a religious belief or cause as demanded by an external party.

Even thou Assad severely persuaded for his faith he still declare Jesus as Lord, and uses the scriptures to validate his points. For example he utter these words, several times, I am willing to expose myself to every indignity and “suffering for the sake of Him who loved us, and shed his precious blood for our salvation. He willingly be persecute endure insults, and evil accusations, so far as he was. concern they were false teachers. He stated I am ready for the sake of Christ to die daily.“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. Remember Jesus was “beaten, and spit upon, and led as a sheep to the slaughter, on our account.“I am a Christian, a follower of Jesus of Nazareth.

Remember Assad declaring the gospel

As scripture declares,Then, if anyone hears the sound of the trumpet but ignores the warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. Since he heard the sound of the trumpet but ignored the warning, his blood is on his own hands. If he had taken warning, he would have saved his life. However, if the watchman sees the sword coming but doesn’t blow the trumpet, so that the people aren’t warned, and the sword comes and takes away their lives, then they have been taken away because of their iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood. Ezekiel 33:4-6. Simply put if they are rejecting the gospel,and ignore the Assad warning, the blood is now on their own hands.

Assad was faithfully declaring Jesus as Lord and His atoning work. He no longer bears the responsibilities.

Remember Jesus made this promise, that those who believe Him will have eternal life. John 3;15-16

When go up against wolves wearing sheep clothing you need arm yourself with the scriptures. For example the exchange between Assad and the bishop. “Priest,—”We kiss it in honour of him ( Jesus) who hung upon it. (Cross) where he responded, “honour, and all paid him obeisance; but when he was on the cross, he was in sorrow and disgrace.” The priest reproved him gently for returning such answer, ” He pleaded with the high priest to search the scriptures yourself , and see who is telling the truth.

When the bishop heard in other to started hurling insult at him, and beated with a slipper, and. stated “your contempt of the cross, and of the worship of the images, whose worship is only in honour of those to whose memory they are set up, and who laboured and died in the service of Christ.

Assad replied, the forefather have gone to inherit unspeakable glory in their master’s presence when they declared the gospel.

Concerning the false religion they will organize, and well thought out could easy deceiving the elect. You need to arm yourself with the scripture as Assad did, and prepare yourself be little and suffer as Assad did. Jesus declare in scripture,  False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note: I have told you in advance. So if they tell you, ‘Look, He’s in the wilderness!’ don’t go out; ‘Look, He’s in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.Matthew 24:24-26

Remember Satan is deceitful and clever as scriptures declares, For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christfor even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. Remember Jesus warned His follower, if they persecuted Him they also persecuted you the apostle Peter wrote Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you.Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah, so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation of His glory. If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Apostle Paul wrote, For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. Assad died in 1832 he was 35 years old little was known how he died, however, there is every reason to believe that he loves and obeys the truth, that he is sanctified by it, rooted and grounded in it, and ready to suffer for it. Surgeon wrote “I-value these iron chains far more than if they had been of gold; it is a sweet thing to die for Christ.

I live in a country where you are free express your Christian faith, and no one what torture you and throw. in prison for believing in Christ. The worst that you may endure is occasional insulted, and be little trusting in Christ.

However, there well be a time in the future when the current law that protected you from free speech, and your religious liberties and belief would be striken from the law book. My prayer is that will be faithful like Assad was in declaring the gospel.