Portraits of Faith Series

Mike Fisk / December 19, 2023

If you ever wander into my office, you'll immediately notice a ton of faces staring back at you from the walls. It’s not as creepy as it sounds. Let me be clear, these aren't just any faces. They are the faces of faith giants, my personal heroes who've passionately pursued Jesus and have brilliantly showcased the gospel in their lives. They're not just historical snapshots; they're my daily dose of gospel-fueled motivation.

Each of these men, with their unique life circumstances, challenges, and victories, tell one powerful story – the enduring and transformative power of the gospel. They were shaped, forged, and passionate about Jesus' redemptive love and the Spirit's moving.

Starting this January, I’m excited to roll out a series of articles that takes a deep dive into these historical legends. These articles are not just about the 'who did what'. They are about the 'why' and the 'how'. They are designed to focus on their gospel-driven core, their identity anchored in Christ, and their faith in the midst of life's storms.

You might be thinking why a history lesson is really all that important (I get it). But these lives are more than just snapshots of history, they are inspiring tales. Living examples of the power of the gospel. These bios hit home the fact that the gospel isn't just a one-time theological point in our lives; it's life-changing dynamite! If the gospel was their joy, it needs to be ours too. When we immerse ourselves in their stories, it's like watching the gospel ripple through time.

Paul says, "Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ'' (1 Corinthians 11:1). We’ll see through this series that these heroes did just that. They lived out their days soaked in the reality of Christ's sacrificial love and grace, and they found their real value, not in what they achieved, but in what they received: Jesus, and his righteousness gifted to them though faith.

This series isn’t just about learning the history of the Church. They are designed to help us dive deeper into the love of Christ, to truly grasp our Christ-given identity, and to get us excited for our mission of being disciples who make disciples, just like these men.

So, as we dive into these stories, my hope and prayer is that we won’t see them as dusty old stories. Rather, may they be living, breathing displays of the gospel's timeless impact. Let's get passionate for Jesus all over again, doubling down on our call to proclaim the gospel and embody Christ.

Join me this January as we re-explore the gospel through these legends, soaking in its power, its beauty, and its impact.