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“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7 NLT
“God requires two things of us: punishment for our sins and perfection in our lives. Our sins must be punished, and our lives must be righteous. But we cannot bear our own punishment, and we cannot provide our own righteousness. Therefore, God, out of His immeasurable love for us, provided his own Son to do both. Christ bears our punishment, and Christ performs our righteousness. And When we receive Christ, all of his punishment and all of his righteousness is counted as ours.”
- John Piper, This Momentary Marriage (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2009), 46.
Father, thank you for the gospel. Thank you for your immeasurable love; thank you for your grace. How could I ever feel unloved or alone with you in my life?!
This statement was made by a young African martyr, penned just before his death. The poem has become a battle cry for missionaries, not only in Africa, but around the world.
I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.
I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, chained visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and warped goals.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear.
I won’t give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, and paid up for the cause of Jesus Christ.
I must go ’til He comes, give ’til I drop, preach ’til everyone knows, work ’til He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear.
(Courtesy of Every Home for Christ)
I want to be a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. Have you “crossed the line?” Is your decision clear?
“Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.”
Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:61-62
