Christian Biographies

Weekly Update – January 6th, 2022

One of the things that has encouraged me over the course of my Christian life is reading biographies of Christians who have gone before us. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Though this passage is referring back to Hebrews 11 and the number of men and women who had displayed an example of faith, we could easily apply this to the example of other countless men and women who have gone before us and endured faithfully until the end. With that said, as I consider the effects of reading about men and women of the past for my own life, let me give you four reasons why you should consider reading a Christian biography this new year. 

First, Christian biographies connect you with God’s work through time.  Naturally we are consumed with the present more than we are with the past.  But a knowledge of the past is essential to understand the present time in which we live.  For example, without the knowledge of William Carey, we don’t rightly understand the mission’s movement of our current day.  Or, without the knowledge of Martin Luther, we don’t rightly understand the fight of the church for gospel clarity.  Plus, as you grow in understanding of how God used men and women in the past, you also grow in seeing his faithfulness to seek out and to save the lost.

Second, Christian biographies show you God’s work through imperfect people.  As you dive into people’s lives you find much to be admired.  Men and women who gave up all that they had for the work of the gospel.  Some who lost spouses and children while serving the Lord, others who endured persecution and many who fought through discouragement and disappointment.  But at the same time you also see their faults.  These men and women had the same types of temptations that are common to everyone.  Whether it be a struggle with pride, or the desire for more things, or even difficulties in their relationships with others.  Regardless, learning about others of whom God has used around the world, despite their sin, ought to remind us that God is glorified even in the midst of our weaknesses. 

Third, Christian biographies display the expansion of God’s kingdom.  In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”  It is easy to look at the world today with the threat of terrorism, North Korea, and even the hostile culture in our own country against historic Christianity, and we may wonder, how will God accomplish his work?  As we learn about the world of the past and the men and women God used during that time, we see that what we are experiencing now is really nothing new.  God will build his kingdom despite the opposition of the world and reading about the work of men and women in the past reminds us of this.     

Fourth, Christian biographies provide a passion for your own soul.  What you read about men and women from the past is that many of them were normal people like you and me.  They were not exceptionally gifted in any particular area nor were they privileged over and beyond others.  They were simply willing to be used and went wherever the Lord led them.  As you learn about those who have gone before, you see how God used them and how God accomplished much through them.  This ought to remind you of how big and how great our God is.  Knowing the stories of those who have gone before provides the inspiration to want to be involved in God’s work.

Again, I want to challenge you this year, pick up a Christian biography and see how God has always been at work through his people. Consider reading one of my favorites, To the Golden Shore about missionary Adoniram Judson or read about the story of Jim Elliot in the biography titled, Through Gates of Splendor.  There are many others, of course, but the point is, seek to know about others of whom God has used and may it enliven your soul to want to be used by God for the spread of His great name all over the world.

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson