Ordination

One of my friends gets ordained at church on Sunday. He was struck by the enormity of the laying on of hands. Every single person who puts their faith in God throughout history gives you the charge - Preach the Word! From Abraham of Ur, to Abraham Piper. All Christians everywhere call you to minister faithfully, trusting fully in the Saviour.

Here's some words from past Christians that have encouraged me:

"You… strengthened me saying "that Christ died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died". See, Lord, I cast my cares upon You that I may live and "see wonderful things in Your law". You know my lack of knowledge and my infirmities; teach me, and heal me. He, Your only Son, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge", has redeemed me with His blood. "Let not the arrogant oppress me", because I meditate on my redemption and eat and drink and share it…" - St Augustine of Hippo

"Two things I remember; I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great Saviour!" - John Newton

"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." - C.S. Lewis

"I repent of ever having recorded one single song, and ever having performed one concert, if my music, and more importantly, my life has not provoked you into Godly jealousy or to sell out more completely to Jesus!" - Keith Green