The Persistence in Forgiveness
After sixteen years as a missionary on the continent of Africa. David Livingstone returned Scotland to address the students at Glasgow University. His body had been ravaged by some 27 fevers that had overtaken him during his years of service. One arm hung useless at his side, the result of being mangled by a lion. The core of his message was: 'Shall I tell you what sustained me amidst the toil, the hardship, and loneliness of my exile? lt was Christ's promise, "Lo. I am with you always, even unto the end." Christ's promise isn't just for David Livingstone, it also is for you. He is with the missionary, hut He also is with the Christian living out his or her faith in the business world, in the schoolroom, and in the home. Christ is with every Christian at all times, in all places. So take courage and remain faithful.
Joy of Christ Forgiveness: A member of a major non-Christian religion said to a missionary to India, "Tell me one thing your religion can offer the people of India that mine can't." The missionary thought for a moment and replied, "Forgiveness! Forgiveness!"
Unlike the followers of all other world religions, those who put their hope in Christ have full assurance that their sins are forgiven.
British Bible teacher David Pawson says, "I have talked to devout Muslims who pray five times a day, have journeyed to Mecca, have fasted during Ramadan, and are more devout than many Christians. But when I ask, 'Do you know if your sins are forgiven?' they've said, 'We don't. We just have to hope for the best.'
The Christian who daily enjoys the reality of God's presence in his life is one who daily subjects himself to examination whereby he might make sure that his walk before the Lord is blameless.
From Dave McFadden's Sermon "Persisting In His Presence"