DevotedBy Mark Jackson

Editor’s note: In 1981, on the GARBC’s 50th anniversary, Mark Jackson delivered this sermon at the association’s annual conference. We believe it perfectly captures the Christ-centered heartbeat that characterized his entire ministry, and we are honored to reprint it here in his memory. Some light editing and condensing have been applied, but the words and substance remain Dr. Jackson’s.

Ephesians 5:1 says, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” The theme assigned to me is “Devotion to Christ.” It is so axiomatic among us that it is difficult to preach upon. To think any individual or believer or church or association might be anything other than dedicated and devoted to Christ is to call their spiritual integrity into question. Whoever doubted the integrity and the devotion to Christ of R. T. Ketcham or Joseph Stowell or Paul Jackson? It is the standard which has waved over us and among us all these years. Let anyone say anything to the contrary or question our faithful fidelity to Christ, and we’re ready to fight.