Jesus: Matchless Treasure And Everlasting Friend

I was very encouraged by a sermon by Tullian Tchividjian. The sermon was a part of a series called: "Jesus Plus Nothing Equals Everything." That's a good reminder! In this particular sermon, he ended with the following story about a 5th century believer named John Chrysostom:

When he was threatened with banishment by the Roman Emperor because of his faith, John Chrysostom replied: "Thou canst not banish me, for this world is my Father’s house." "But I will slay thee," said the Emperor. "Nay, thou canst not," said the noble champion of the faith, "for my life is hid with Christ in God." To this the Emperor replied, "I will take away thy treasures." "Nay thou canst not, for my treasure is in heaven and my heart is there." Finally the Emperor said, "But I will drive thee away from man and thou shalt have no friend left." "Nay thou canst not, for I have a friend in heaven from whom thou canst not separate me! I defy thee; for there is nothing that thou canst do to hurt me!"