I was listening to one of Mark Driscoll's talks in the "Doctrine" series today. This particular talk was on the significance of Jesus' death on the cross. Right at the end, he did "something we have never done [here before]", and did an altar call. I am not a big fan of the altar call, but Driscoll was not guilt-tripping anyone. I was listening to an audio recording, so after his first appeal, there was just a sudden silence. He made another appeal, follow by more silence. After another appeal, there was a short, muffled applause. He then made another appeal, so then I knew that the applause was for him, not someone who was responding. But after this latest appeal, there was another, more spirited applause. I knew that someone was finally responding: someone had decided to stop being self-conscious, to stop being a sinner, and to turn to Jesus and accept Him as Saviour and King of his life. My eyes welled up, which was a bit bad, as I was driving. But the thought was so powerful: a new brother joining the eternal family! Powerful, and wonderful!

Someone once said to William Taylor when they were in the presence of a particular crowd: "They're all perishing , brother. Never forget it. They're all perishing." Is this a reality for you? Do you think about how lost most people are as you encounter them during your day? If you are a Christian, you don't have to evangelise anyone, as your salvation—strictly speaking—does not hinge on it. But do you love them? Do you love you enemy? How about strangers? And your friends? And your family? We were enemies of God and did not know Him, but Jesus came and called us to be His friends and brothers. In the process of your sanctification, do you feel yet for these people as Jesus felt towards you? And how are you responding?