From a Civil War encounter spared by a hymn to countless opportunities to follow the Lord’s leading we are reminded, through the story of Ira Sankey, that God works powerfully through believers who cultivate intimacy with Christ and respond in faithful obedience.
In this message, we see through the life of Darlene Deibler Rose that Christ’s command to “fear not” calls us to trust the Lord more than our circumstances, feelings, or fears (Matthew 10:28). From the mission field of New Guinea to imprisonment under the Japanese during World War II, Darlene learned that Jesus could never be locked out, even from a death-row cell.
In this message, we are reminded through the life of William Wilberforce that Christ calls us to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Though surrounded by the spiritual darkness and injustice of the British slave trade, Wilberforce’s heart was transformed by the gospel, and God used him to shine the light of Christ boldly in public life.
How might God use one praying life to awaken many? In John Hyde’s life, we see Christ’s command to “Pray for Laborers” lived out through fervent intercession, sacrificial evangelism, and deep dependence on Jesus.
As God opened Luther’s eyes to the reality that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone—not by human effort, he was compelled to stand against false teaching, not in pride, but in obedience to the truth, trusting God above man.
We are reminded through the life of John Bunyan that the narrow way begins with entering through Christ alone—the only gate of salvation—and continues as a daily walk of obedience, fixing our eyes on Him.
We are reminded through the life of Mary Slessor that the call to “do unto others” is a call to sacrificial love—one that moves us beyond our comfort into compassionate action for others.
We are reminded through the life of E.M. Bounds that prayer is not merely a duty, but a powerful communion with God through which He accomplishes His purposes.