Let’s never be intimidated or depressed by our ordinariness and inadequacy and unimpressiveness. Most of us are quite ordinary. All of us can improve our preaching, and we will. But the sacred given is the message of the cross, which the Holy Spirit empowers in men of the cross. Let’s not disempower it. Let’s trust God’s strategy. God Himself entered into His own strategy through an egoless nobody named Jesus Christ, whom this brilliant world crucified. That Christ is sending us out to preach His message by His power. We are fully equipped in every essential with the testimony of God, the message of Christ crucified, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Will you decide to stake your whole ministry there?
— Ray Ortlund (b. 1949), Pastor, Theologe und Autor
Topics: Witness & Mission, Courage & Strength, Grace & Redemption
Occasions: Encouragement
Ray Ortlund
Ray Ortlund (* 1949) ist ein US-amerikanischer Theologe, Alttestamentler und Pastor im reformiert-evangelikalen sowie anglikanischen Raum, der unter anderem am Trinity Evangelical Divinity School lehrte und die Immanuel Church in Nashville gründete. Er steht für die theologische Verbindung von biblischer Lehre mit einer gelebten Gemeindekultur der Gnade, Barmherzigkeit und geistlichen Erneuerung. Für Bibelleser verknüpfen seine Auslegungen und Schriften theologische Reflexion mit einer seelsorglichen, auf Christus zentrierten Alltagspraxis.
All quotes by Ray Ortlund (67)
Mother Teresa
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
What is an evangelist? It is one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.
Adrian Rogers
Carl F.H. Henry
Live what you have grasped of the Gospel, however little it may be.
Brother Roger
Whoever is full of joy preaches without preaching.
Mother Teresa
We Christians are the light of the world. Maybe only 40 watts. But 40 watts light up the room.
Otto Wassermann
Just as a candle is lit from the flame of another, so faith is kindled by faith.
Romano Guardini