So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12.

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. – 1 Peter 3:15.

To Pay The Price

Alexander Campbell, the brilliant leader of the Restoration Movement in the nineteenth century, often studied sixteen hours a day, rising at 4:00 A.M. to work uninterrupted in his study. He spoke without notes but never without preparation. With only two hours notice, he preached his famous sermon on the law to a group of Baptist pastors. One pastor later said that Campbell had broken more light from the book of Romans than any man he had heard preach.

In his debate with skeptic Robert Owen over the nature and historicity of Christianity, Campbell spoke for twelve hours on the evidences for Christianity as a supernatural religion after Owen had exhausted his objections to Christianity. One who heard him at the time declared, “I have been listening to a man who seems as one who has lived in all ages.” Mr. Owen, hitherto unchecked by religious leaders, went back to Scotland, taking his infidelity with him.

Our life with God is as enjoyable, fruitful, and educational as we determine. Our knowledge of God is as deep as we desire. We can rise early, or retire later, in order to read the Bible and pray. Perhaps we will never be called to Alexander Campbell’s significance, but we are challenged to set Christ apart as Lord so we can give an accounting to those who ask about our faith.

Courtesy of Speaker’s Sourcebook of New Illustrations by Virgil Hurley copyright © 1995 by Word, Incorporated. Used by permission.

*Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Applicable Quotations

An uncommon future will require uncommon preparation. – Mike Murdock

Discipline is the result of an action, while refinement is a preparation of your calling. – Robin Bertram

Your present pause is not punishment! It’s preparation! – Bishop Gary Oliver

God will always prepare you for the place He is taking you. What looks overwhelming for you now, will feel natural when you get there. That’s how you know it’s supernatural. – Pastor John Gray