As Elisabeth Elliot points out, not even dying a martyrโs death is classified as extraordinary obedience when you are following a Savior who died on a cross. Suddenly a martyrโs death seems like normal obedience.
David PlattAs long as you and I understand salvation as checking off a box to get to God, we will find ourselves in the meaningless sea of world religions that actually condemn the human race by exalting our supposed ability to get to God. On the other hand, when you and I realize that we are morally evil, dead in sin and deserving of God's wrath with no way out on our own, we begin to discover our desperation for Christ.
David PlattFaith is the realization that God's pleasure in you will never be based upon your performance for him.
David PlattConsider the cost when Christians ignore Jesus commands to sell their possessions and give to the poor and instead choose to spend their resources on better comforts, larger homes, nicer cars, and more stuff. Consider the cost when these Christians gather in churches and choose to spend millions of dollars on nice buildings to drive up to, cushioned chairs to sit in, and endless programs to enjoy for themselves. Consider the cost for the starving multitudes who sit outside the gate of contemporary Christian affluence.
David Platt