Obedience may come at a cost—alienation, criticism, or even suffering. But as holy sojourners and ambassadors of God’s kingdom, we must remain faithful and display our true allegiance in all we do.

So cry out to God for his help. He is near. He is near to the broken-hearted and saves those crushed in spirit.

In this excerpt, pastor and author Brad Edwards shows readers what makes church, church and calls Christians to examine their individualism and leave it outside the threshold of the sanctuary.

Give me faith like one who has held on when all seems lost, who has stared despair in the face but clung to the assurance of things hoped for.

Believers must actively remind ourselves that God has set us upon the Rock. Physical circumstances don’t change spiritual reality—your soul is secure in Christ.

In this excerpt, pastor and author Seth Lewis shows readers the appropriate response to discovering the majesty of being made in God’s image is to respond to him in worship.

God isn’t asking you to be strong enough to handle everything. He’s asking you to trust that he’s near even in the mess.

Since the gospel has implications for every area of our lives, no area is untouched by realignment.

In this excerpt, pastor and author Jeremy Writebol challenges readers to make it their life’s ambition to share the gospel with all those around them.

We do not lose heart because we know that the day is coming when, like the Egyptian army, evil will be destroyed, and we will sing the song of the Lamb together by the sea.

God has given you a unique voice to reach a unique audience for his glory. Use it and write what’s been written.

In this adapted excerpt, pastor and author Josh Hayden shows readers the potential profit of “burying our preferences” for the sake of our shared mission.