Paul's Letter to America

Hey Everyone,

I read this Letter to America by a renowned pastor and walked away blessed in the depths of my soul from reading his words. It wasn't written by John Piper, Billy Graham, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, William Carey, or the Pope, for that matter, but it was written by a saint, brother and martyr in God's kingdom. It's an awesome reminder. Although many things are attached to his name, it's easy to forget he was first and foremost a Christian activist and evangelist. We as the Body of Christ so often forget that we, also, are united to his mission-- to glorify Christ.

The letter is over half a century old, yet it speaks still so much truth to us today. Take a few minutes to read this. You won't be able to put this down without a feeling of love for this man, his connection to the Spirit and the compelling need to get out there and do something. We must do our part to recognize his rebuke and do something about it. 

To all of God's children out there reading this doing something to fulfill this mission, I respect you and love you for all you do as a brother and sister in Christ. If you have read this letter before, I hope this reminds you of something new, especially the power from which this man did such great things. Let this encourage us to do more in this way.

In the love of Christ,

Eliot

P.S. hint: that renowned pastor saw thousands of people standing around this pool (click the link to see the letter)....

The Washington Monument from Lincoln Memorial

Remind me I'm yours.

Hey friends,

It's been a while since I've written in my blog, but I've had an interesting last couple of months. Too much has happened to type it all, but here are some highlights: Wandered from reading the Word and seeking God towards the end of last semester. Signed up to take the LSAT in February. Went to Cabo San Lucas on vacation with family. Got back on path towards God. Went to Breakthru with Emily's youth. God confirmed that Atlanta and India is where he wants me to go, but that I need to seek him in the now. Went to the Gator Bowl (Go Dawgs!). Started school again. Stumbled again. God has made it clear that I need to remove obstacles that are keeping me from doing his will (John the Baptist, Matthew 3 => “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” and "Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.’). Snow Day happened. We're up to speed now.

I read 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 today:

Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. (emphasis added)

Charles Spurgeon

We must not boast in the person who showed us Christ, but we ought to remember that we belong to God. Through the commentary of Charles Spurgeon's commentary these verses hold a valuable defense against temptation and sin because remembering whose possession we are will change our actions toward godliness. Check it out:

"Ye are Christ's." You are His by donation, for the Father gave you to the Son; His by His bloody purchase, for He counted down the price for your redemption; His by dedication, for you have consecrated yourself to Him; His by relation, for you are named by His name, and made one of His brethren and joint-heirs. Labour practically to show the world that you are the servant, the friend, the bride of Jesus. When tempted to sin, reply, "I cannot do this great wickedness, for I am Christ's." Immortal principles forbid the friend of Christ to sin. When wealth is before you to be won by sin, say that you are Christ's, and touch it not. Are you exposed to difficulties and dangers? Stand fast in the evil day, remembering that you are Christ's. Are you placed where others are sitting down idly, doing nothing? Rise to the work with all your powers; and when the sweat stands upon your brow, and you are tempted to loiter, cry, "No, I cannot stop, for I am Christ's. If I were not purchased by blood, I might be like Issachar, crouching between two burdens; but I am Christ's, and cannot loiter." When the siren song of pleasure would tempt you from the path of right, reply, "Thy music cannot charm me; I am Christ's." When the cause of God invites thee, give thy goods and thyself away, for thou art Christ's. Never belie thy profession. Be thou ever one of those whose manners are Christian, whose speech is like the Nazarene, whose conduct and conversation are so redolent of heaven, that all who see you may know that you are the Saviour's, recognizing in you His features of love and His countenance of holiness. "I am a Roman!" was of old a reason for integrity; far more, then, let it be your argument for holiness, "I am Christ's!"

The feet of Jesus on the Cross

Spurgeon's commentary on Paul's letter to the Corinthians is a practical way to make a stand against temptation. We are Christ's. Our conduct ought to point to him. The price he paid was much too high for us to cheapen it with our continued unrepentant sin. It's easy to say, but I know all too well how disobedient is my heart. I have let sin take root in me. I have bonded that to Christ. In this admission Satan attempts to own me in condemnation, but he will not this day. Christ owns me, thus God owns Christ. He has bought me and holds no wrong against me because of the substitution of the Lamb. Lord, provide us the strength this day and all our days to say, "No!" to ungodliness.

I am yours, lure and strengthen my focus on you.

When I seek to be lazy with my tasks, remind me I'm yours.

When I think to do evil in your sight, remind me I'm yours.

When I want to quit following you, remind me I'm yours.

When you invite me to your works, remind me I'm yours.

When evil lays a snare in my midst, remind me I'm yours.

When I'm selfish and puffed up, remind me I'm yours.

I'm yours, Christ Jesus, all yours.