Biographies

The fierce, stormy sea violently rocked the ship. White-knuckled sailors clung to wooden spars and ropes. The young captain, John Newton, despaired. Surely they were all about to die! Recently he had been reading The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. In response to the book’s influence and the realization that his life might end during the tempest, John Newton fervently prayed: “O God, if Thou wilt get me safely ashore, I will serve Thee forever.” John Newton was a hardened man. He had worked on ships as a young boy. He had been kidnapped by a British press gang and forced into naval service when he was eighteen years old. After leaving the navy, he worked for a slave trader who treated him brutally. Now, five years later and helpless in a terrifying storm at sea, the young man totally surrendered his life to God. John Newton later recorded in his journal:  That tenth of March is a day much remembered by me; and I have never suffered it to pass unnoticed since the year 1748—the Lord came from on high and delivered me out of deep waters. John Newton’s conversion was genuine. His new life reflected humility. […]

The time of Christ’s return is a mystery. Only God knows the day and hour of Christ’s return. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36). Since Christ’s ascension, believers throughout the ages have eagerly anticipated His imminent return. Not knowing when He will return motivates us to prepare and be ready as were the wise virgins in Matthew 25:1–13. At the exact time appointed by the Father, Jesus will descend through the clouds with the great sound of a trumpet to gather believers unto Himself! (See I Thessalonians 4:16–17.) Perhaps these Scripture passages inspired Leila Morris as she wrote “What If It Were Today?” Many of her hymns urged people to consider Christ and draw near to Him. Obviously, she was eagerly awaiting Christ’s Second Coming! Faithful and true would He find us hereIf He should come today?Watching in gladness and not in fear,If He should come today?Signs of His coming multiply,Morning light breaks in eastern sky,Watch, for the time is drawing nigh,What if it were today? Mrs. Morris was born Leila Naylor on April 15, 1862, in Ohio. Following her father’s death, her mother and […]

The October wind whipped about, chilling passersby in Wittenberg, Germany. Seemingly unaware of the bitter cold, a short man stood before the massive doors of the town’s church. Steadily, he nailed a long paper to the wooden doors where other public announcements were displayed. His bold public proclamation would gain attention throughout the worldfor years to come! A priest and university professor, Martin Luther boldly posted his ninety-­five theses—statements for public debate—on the Wittenberg Church doors. This historic event occurred on October 31, 1517. As an extremely pious monk, Dr. Luther had spent many hours in prayer and solitude. He had even starved and beaten himself physically, desperately trying to appease God’s just wrath for his sin. However, his efforts yielded him no peace. Then, God began to reveal His truth to Dr. Luther. Gradually, the despondent monk began to grasp what the Bible meant by “the just shall live by faith.” Upon realizing that salvation is not by works, but by faith in Jesus Christ alone, Dr. Luther trusted Christ’s full payment for his sin and began sharing this important truth with others. One point of Dr. Luther’s theses publicly proclaimed salvation could not be obtained through buying indulgences, […]

Music ministry is one avenue of hospitality! Harper G. Smyth is an excellent example of someone who used his musical talent to bring spiritual refreshment to others.  When he had completed his musical training in New York, Mr. Smyth became a performing member of the prestigious Metropolitan Opera House. After performing for two years, he left the Opera House. He then traveled to Indianapolis, and later to Atlanta, to direct church choirs. Mr. Smyth also served as the song leader for one of D. L. Moody’s key evangelists who ministered at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. The music minister’s strong voice led the crowd in singing, preparing their hearts to hear the Gospel. He enthusiastically fulfilled his task, thrilled to know he was preparing people to receive spiritual refreshment. Indeed, his music ministry was a form of Christian hospitality.  Ten years after his ministry at the World’s Fair, Mr. Smyth wrote the hymn “Make Me a Channel of Blessing.” The words clearly expressed his life’s desire and drive: Is your life a channel of blessing?Is the love of God flowing through you?Are you telling the lost of the Savior?Are you ready His service to do? Later, Mr. Smyth moved […]

“Let’s go have some fun and heckle those stuffy churchgoers!” With a fiendish chuckle, twenty-year-old Joachim [wa-KEEM] Neander sauntered through the twisting streets of Bremen, Germany. Several rowdy and rebellious fellow students accompanied him, eager to provoke a preacher. Yet Joachim’s family line included faithful preachers of the Gospel! For four generations, the name “Joachim” had been bestowed upon the family’s baby boys. Joachim’s father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather were all named “Joachim.” But this young Joachim disdained his ancestors’ callings. Now in college, he whole­heartedly joined others in riotous living. That particular morning, Joachim had no idea how his life would change. Entering a church with the intent to disrupt the sermon, his attitude quickly changed from being disrespectful to being reverent as the Holy Spirit opened the young man’s eyes and heart to the Gospel message. Convicted, the rebellious young man repented and gave his life to Jesus Christ. For several years afterward, Mr. Neander served as an assistant to the preacher who had led him to the Lord. Next, Mr. Neander began tutoring other young men while holding a position at a school in Dusseldorf.A vibrant believer, he encouraged prayer and preaching at the school. Not far […]