If I found a key on the road, and discovered it fit and opened a particular lock at my house, I would assume most likely that the key was made by the lock maker. And if I find set of teachings set out in pre-modern oriental society that has proven itself of such universal validity that it has fascinated and satisfied millions of people in every century, including the best minds in history and the simplest hearts, that it has made itself at home in virtually every culture, inspired masterpieces of beauty in every field of art, continues to grow rapidly and spread and assert itself in lands where a century ago the name of Jesus Christ was not even heard; if such teaching so obviously fits the locks of so many human souls, in so many times and so many places, are they likely to be the work of a deceiver or a fool? In fact it is more likely that they were designed by the Heart Maker.

- G.K. Chesterton

With tomorrow’s imminent 8 hour drive down to Orlando for the Southern Baptist Convention, a Great Commission Resurgence prayer:

Lord, we are a means to an end and that end is your glory.

We pray not just for a passed motion but rather a new movement,

that is not the end of lobbying but the beginning of new behavior,

and a call not to “others,” but first to myself to to make disciples of Jesus.

Let a “yes” vote not further our kingdom but rather Yours,

and please allow us to finally experience what it is like,

to be a Great Commission people sold out for your fame and mission.

Amen.

From Justin Taylor: 

Tim Keller, Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything, p. 201 (my italics):

The gospel produces a constellation of traits in us:

1. We are compelled to share the gospel out of love.
2. We are freed from the fear of being ridiculed or hurt by others, since we already have the favor of God by grace.
3. There is a humility in our dealings with others, because we know we are saved only by grace, not because of our superior insight or character.
4. We are hopeful about anyone, even the “hard cases,” because we were saved only because of grace ourselves.
5. We are courteous and careful with people. We don’t have to push or coerce them, for it is God’s grace that opens hearts, not our eloquence or persistence or even their openness.

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Romans 15:1-7

¹ We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. ² Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. ³ For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” ⁴ For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. ⁵ May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, ⁶ that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁷ Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.