The object of the Christian ministry is to convert sinners and to edify the body of Christ. No faithful minister can possibly rest short of this. Applause, fame, popularity, honor, wealth – all these are vain. If souls are not won, if saints are not matured, our ministry itself is vain. The question, therefore, which each of us has to answer to his own conscience is, “Has it been the end of my ministry, has it been the desire of my heart to save the lost and guide the saved? Is this my aim in every sermon I preach, in every visit I pay?”
— Horatius Bonar (1808–1889), Pastor
Topics: Discipleship, Church & Congregation, Witness & Mission
Occasions: For Reflection
Horatius Bonar
Horatius Bonar (1808–1889) war ein schottischer presbyterianischer Pastor und Mitbegründer der Free Church of Scotland, der in Kelso und Edinburgh wirkte. Bekannt als produktiver Liederdichter und theologischer Autor, betonte er die stellvertretende Sühne Christi und geriet durch die Einführung von Kirchenliedern sowie seine Unterstützung für Dwight L. Moody in innerkirchliche Debatten. Heutigen Bibellesern begegnet er vor allem durch seine geistlichen Lieder sowie seelsorgerliche Schriften zur Rechtfertigung allein aus Gnade und zum Trost im Leiden.
All quotes by Horatius Bonar (32)
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Prayer does not equip us for greater works – prayer is the greater work.
Oswald Chambers
In a sense, learning to follow Jesus is simply learning to pray the Lord’s Prayer.
N.T. Wright
Being a Christian is not a 'do-it-yourself' affair.
Jerry Bridges
God has not called us to success, only to faithfulness.
Mother Teresa
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
Jim Elliot
Do not be afraid of Christ. He demands nothing and he gives everything.
Pope Benedict XVI
A Christian is not a man who never goes wrong, but a man who is enabled to repent.
C.S. Lewis