There is simply so much reason to believe the good news of Jesus Christ in history, in Scripture, as well as in our own experience that it would take a leap of faith not to believe in the gospel.
Mark DeverIf you have no interest in actually committing yourself to an actual group of gospel-believing, Bible-teaching Christians, you might question whether you belong to the body of Christ at all!
Mark DeverThe church arises only from the gospel. And a distorted church usually coincides with a distorted gospel.
Mark DeverI know a girl who has become a really enthusiastic Christian. I remember meeting her several years ago. She lived in a house near us. She was standing out the front smoking, not apparently interested in religious things, but she did have a respect for spiritual matters when I spoke to her. So as we talked, she expressed an interest, and began to come to church occasionally. Over the years, I have watched her come to Christ, be converted, baptized and changed in wonderful ways. It's a real joy to me when I see things like this.
Mark DeverDo you want to know that your new life is real? Commit yourself to a local group of saved sinners. Try to love them. Donโt just do it for three weeks. Donโt just do it for six months. Do it for years. And I think youโll find out, and others will, too, whether or not you love God. The truth will show itself
Mark Dever