"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).
Each member of God's family is called to be a living sacrifice -- obeying His Word, seeking His glory, anticipating His will, accomplishing His work, and "looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God" (II Peter 3:12).
Living Stones
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" (I Peter 2:5).
God calls us His "stones" -- firm yet usable, unique yet joined together -- to build upon His foundation (Ephesians 2:20-22). Our bodies become "temples" through which the Spirit works to accomplish God's holy work (I Corinthians 3:16; II Corinthians 6:14-18).
Faithful Soldiers
"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (II Timothy 2:3).
A soldier fights battles, but he doesn't fight alone; he's part of a unit. A soldier does not act without orders; he waits for authorization from his commander. A soldier does not seek personal glory; he fights because he believes in the mission and his unit. Above all, a soldier is thoroughly trained, sufficiently armed, and always ready for battle.
We are "chosen" to be soldiers (II Timothy 2:4), not to fight spiritual battles with fleshly weapons, but to bring "into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:3-5). We are to "endure all things" for the sake of the Gospel (II Timothy 2:10), outfitted with the "whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11-18).
These three metaphors keep ICR focused on its mission. Through your prayers and support, each staff member strives to maintain the attitude of a living sacrifice, a stone fit for use by the Master Builder, and an effective warrior for our King. Thank you for your generous financial help that keeps our army on the front lines in this crucial battle for the truth.
