If God called me home today, what would I have to show for my life? I know my eternity is secure, for I’ve trusted wholly in the blood of Christ for my forgiveness. But have I stored up any treasure in heaven (Mt. 6:19)? Have I performed any deeds of lasting value, like gold, silver, and precious stone (1 Cor. 3:12)? Would I hear those tender words from my Lord, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Mt. 25:21)?

I ask this question, not because death appears immanent, but because Robert Murray M’Cheyne was exactly my age today when the Lord took him home. M’Cheyne was a Scottish minister who lived from 1813-1843. He is one of my greatest heroes of the faith. And in just 29 short years, he accomplished more for the kingdom of God than most people who are twice his age.

Despite several battles with illness, M’Cheyne remained a man of deep devotion, compassion, self-discipline. At the age of 24, he pastored a church with 4,000 members. In 1939, he spent six months in Palestine to scout out future missionary work in the region. He wrote many letters and tracts, and preached frequently throughout Scotland. Though he never saw the full effects, M’Cheyne was instrumental in a national revival and the founding of the Free Church of Scotland. His memoirs and shorter biography have been an inspiration to me and countless other Christian leaders and laymen for over 150 years.

I thank the Lord for this humble servant, Robert Murray M’Chenye. I don’t know the day or the hour God will take me home, but as long as He keeps me on this earth, I pray I will live with a growing urgency and devotion like this great man of God.

Dr. Daniel Wong is a Bible Professor at The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, CA. His testimony is a vivid example of the trials and joys of Christian discipleship in a land of persecution. As Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me” (Mk. 8:34).

“You are now entering the mission field.” This message has been posted above the exits doors of countless church buildings. And there’s a lot of truth in it. Perhaps now more than ever, as illustrated by David Wells:

“The United States,” writes Gordon Melton, “is currently home to more than 1,500 different religious organizations – churches, sects, cults, temples, societies, missions,” each the primary focus of spiritual allegiance for its adherents. Some of the more conservative Christian groups continue to speak of America as a Christian country, or at least that it should be… The reality, however, is that America is the world’s most religiously diverse nation now and from a Christian point of view it is as fully a mission field as any to which churches now are sending their missionaries. This is true, not only because of the arrival of these new immigrants with their diverse religions, but also because of the post-modern decay in American culture.” (Above All Earthly Pow’rs, p. 108)

This doesn’t undermine our great need for foreign missionaries, but it does remind us of the spiritual darkness of our own country. It should also cause us to rethink our strategies for global evangelism. Let’s not be deceived into thinking America is a “Christian nation.” Time is short, and the need for the gospel in America is perhaps greater than ever before.

Here are some of my favorite quotes (or paraphrases) from the 2008 Together for the Gospel conference and Band of Bloggers seminar. You can download all the messages for free on MP3 at the T4G website.

“According to John 17:13, If you denigrate doctrine, you are a killjoy” – Ligon Duncan

“Christ’s blood creates a deeper lineage than our genes” – Thabiti Anyabwile

“Soft preaching makes hard people. Hard truth will make a soft person” – John MacArthur

“We have the only profession in the world where we can take no credit for anything we do” – John MacArthur

“It’s not about how cool you are. It’s about how clear you are.” – John MacArthur

“An evangelistic spirit unmoored from theology will lead to liberalism” – Mark Dever

“Pastors have the only job with a report card that comes after we’re done” – Ligon Duncan

“The gospel could not be more kind. It is grace and kindness to tell the truth and then make provision for it.” – Al Mohler

“Jesus was the ultimate obscenity” – R. C. Sproul [This statement still sends shivers up my spine as I consider the curse Christ bore on my behalf. See 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13]

“The pure gospel is the only hope we have, and it is hope enough” – R. C. Sproul

“After preaching, we should feel dissatisfied (which motivates us to grow), but not discouraged (which reveals pride)” – C. J. Mahaney

“There is an interconnectedness to the gospel. When you deny penal substitution, you eventually reject other fundamental doctrines as well” – Al Mohler

“Let your ministry have a radical, risky flavor” – John Piper

“Yes, Christ and His work are a means to something (justification, sanctification, glorification). But more importantly, Christ becomes my end. The ticket becomes the treasure. Christ is our final reward.” – John Piper

“The sweetest fellowship with the Savior is the fellowship of suffering” – John Piper

“When preparing for a sermon, I pray, ‘Lord, show me what’s there, and help me feel what’s there.’ We need both the light and the heat.” – John Piper

“In suffering, the possibilities of making much of Jesus are staggering.” – John Piper

“Let the cross overshadow everything you write in your blog” – Tim Challies

“Always check your heart before you hit the post button” – Tim Challies