Greg Johnson

Portrait of Presbyterian minister Philip Lindsley (1786–1855) beside a quotation from The Pastoral Office and Work praising Christian efforts to end slavery, calling it a long-standing and “more than fiendish” violation of justice and humanity.

Philip Lindsley, #Presbyterian minister and college pres, praised the pastoral office in 1833 Tennessee. Decades before emancipation, he called slavery “fiendish contempt” for justice and humanity, urging pastors to declare the whole counsel of God. What does faithful pastoral courage look like now?

Black background quote graphic. On the left is a sepia illustration of a church building above the name and attribution: John Edwin Whitteker (1851–1925), Gospel Truths. On the right, white text explains that the church’s first duty is saving souls, and that preaching the Gospel should also drive pauperism from society; failure occurs when theological debates replace care for the poor

John Edwin Whitteker, #Lutheran, says the church should save souls, *and* drive pauperism from our shores. Unfortunately, many today want to do such “driving” with masked people, not with the gospel and canned food drives. Whom can you materially help today?
#lcms #gospel #rooted

Black background quote graphic featuring a portrait of Episcopal bishop Henry Benjamin Whipple in clerical dress. Text quotes Whipple lamenting how Native Americans learned moral corruption from white settlers, lost their hunting grounds, and depended on a nation’s broken promises, warning such injustice would provoke violent consequences.

Henry Benjamin Whipple, first Episcopal bishop of Minnesota, mourned how Native peoples learned hypocrisy from a “Christian” nation that broke its promises and destroyed their livelihood. If national greatness excuses sin, what greatness remains? Where must you repent?
#episcopal #faith #minnesota

Black background quote graphic featuring a portrait of Anglican bishop J. C. Ryle with a long white beard. Text quotes him calling young men to active service for God, urging them to reject selfishness, awaken from apathy toward others, and be ashamed of Cain’s question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

J. C. Ryle, #Anglican #evangelical, urged young men to reject selfishness and apathy, refusing Cain’s question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Yet today many are taught detachment and blame. Christian faith calls us back: refuse indifference and accept responsibility for your neighbor.
#christianity

Black background quote graphic featuring a portrait of Martin Luther on the left. Text identifies Martin Luther (1483–1546), Fourth Sunday After Trinity. The quotation teaches that true faith in God’s undeserved mercy necessarily produces mercy toward one’s neighbor and loving action for their welfare.

Luther says mercy isn’t optional décor for faith — it’s the evidence you’ve understood grace at all. If God showed mercy to you at your worst, you don’t get to clutch grudges while explaining why your neighbour’s suffering is actually good for them. So… how merciful are you, really?
#rooted #lcms

Black background quote graphic featuring a portrait of 19th-century Congregationalist minister Mark Hopkins (1802–1887) on the left. Text reads: “Christianity introduced the principle of general benevolence, leading people to labor, suffer, and give their property for the good of those they have never seen and never expect to meet.”

Mark Hopkins says Christians once gave away time, money, and comfort for strangers they’d never meet. Today? Half of us want enlightenment-by-ignoring-everyone, and the other half hide from generosity like it’s a doorbell at dinner. So—are we known for love, or avoidance?
#congregationalist #rooted

Black background quote graphic. On the left is a black-and-white portrait of Charles Pettit McIlvaine, an elderly 19th-century clergyman standing in formal dress. Below appears: “CHARLES PETTIT MCILVAINE (1799–1873) — Christian Meekness and Forgiveness.” On the right, white text quotes McIlvaine teaching that apathy and hardness of heart are unfitting for Christians, who live by God’s compassion and should feel sympathy for the suffering of others because they share the same human frailty and may themselves one day need such mercy.

US Senate chaplain Charles Petit McIlvaine warned that Christian faith leaves no room for hardened hearts. We live by mercy and share the frailty of those who suffer, so their pain must move us. When tragedy comes, will we judge from safety—or allow evil to truly affect us?

#bookofjob #compassion

Black quote graphic with a portrait of John Livingston Nevius (1829–1893) on the left. An excerpt from China and the Chinese reflects on how Chinese observers judged Western morality in light of foreigners forcing the opium trade upon China despite government opposition, contributing to war and shaping perceptions of Christianity.

#Presbyterian missionary John Livingston Nevius observed that Chinese hearers judged Christianity by Western conduct—especially the Opium Wars, when Christian nations forced opium by violence. The result: evangelism suffered. What tolerated practices today quietly wound the gospel?
#missions

Black quote graphic featuring a portrait of James Spencer Cannon (1776–1852) on the left. A passage from Lectures on Pastoral Theology urges Christians to humble themselves toward the poor, welcome them into the church with joy, visit their homes, speak kindly, and faithfully preach the gospel to them.

James Spencer Cannon, Dutch #Reformed pastor, urged believers to “condescend to men of low estate”—not in pride, but by entering humble homes, speaking kindly, and welcoming the poor fully into church fellowship. Are we ready for true communion, not distant charity?
#rooted #christianity

Black quote graphic with a portrait of Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834–1892) on the left. A passage from “Saving the Lost” teaches that all humanity shares one origin and one Savior, urging Christians to seek the salvation of every person equally and condemning contempt toward the poor or socially despised.

Charles Spurgeon, #Baptist preacher, taught that all people share one origin and deserve equal longing for salvation—gentleman or vagabond alike. He rebuked contempt for the poor: not to erase class, but to bring everyone to Christ. Do we truly want all beside us? “Their“ kids in your Sunday School?

Well I was going to say in that movement, the only thing that trumps it is traditional women, leaving the kitchen to take up a keyboard and impugn the masculinity of men who won’t be traditional enough.

Black quote graphic featuring an icon-style image of Cyprian of Carthage (c. 210–258) on the left. The quotation from On Works and Alms teaches that Scripture consistently urges Christians toward acts of mercy, and that those instructed in the hope of God’s kingdom are commanded to give alms and care for the needy.

Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, taught that Scripture—Old and New Testaments alike—never stops urging God’s people toward mercy and almsgiving. Hope in heaven always leads to compassion on earth. How can you encourage works of mercy today?
#pulpitsky #churchfathers #theologymatters #bible

Hi, what are the images trying to say? Is it more like window dressing not exactly related to the comment?

A black-background quote graphic featuring a portrait of David James Burrell (1844–1926) on the left and white text on the right. The quotation teaches that Christian giving must rise above selfish motives, urging believers to give out of love for Christ, who became poor so that others might become rich.

David James Burrell— #Reformed Dutch & Presbyterian—links the widow’s two coins with Jesus’ promise that giving returns blessing. But he says don’t give like you’re working a loyalty scheme. Give because Christ became poor for you. Charity isn’t a transaction; it’s love in motion.

Black quote card featuring a sketch portrait of Alexander Murdoch Mackay (1849–1890), identified as a pioneer missionary. The quotation cites a letter from Dr. Emin Pasha arguing that lasting peace and prosperity in Central Africa require stopping the importation of firearms, ammunition, and gunpowder that fuel slavery and violence.

A. M. Mackay, a Scottish #Presbyterian missionary to Uganda, opposed the slave trade by urging limits on imported weapons fueling violence. He believed gospel work required protecting life as well as preaching salvation. How can Christians serve souls while safeguarding bodies?
#missions #gospel

Black quote card featuring a portrait of William Perkins (1558–1602) on the left, labeled Commentary on Galatians. The quotation on the right cites St. Ambrose, urging Christians to relieve others’ needs according to their ability—even beyond it—echoing Paul’s praise of the Corinthians’ generous giving (2 Corinthians 8:3).

William Perkins, #Puritan leader, read Galatians 6:10 as a real command: do good to all—even beyond comfort or ability, like the Corinthians and as Ambrose urged. Charity was not optional devotion but duty. How might we relieve the needs placed before us today?
#galatians #churchhistory #reformed

Black quote card featuring a sepia portrait of Alfred Houtz on the left. Text below reads: “Alfred Houtz (1844–1924), Ties That Bind.” On the right, a quotation stating that recognizing humanity’s common origin would foster sympathy toward all people, break oppression, and inspire prayers and charitable aid for the uplift and Christianization of others.

Alfred Houtz, a #Reformed pastor, notes that Acts 17:26 gives humanity one origin—awkward news for slavery and tribal hostility alike. Christians happily forget this when convenient. If we truly believed it, we might treat even irritating neighbours as kin. How will you?

#reformeddoctrine #onelove

Black quote card featuring an engraved portrait of Clement of Alexandria on the left, depicted as a bearded early Christian teacher gesturing with one hand. Text below reads: “Clement of Alexandria (150–215), The Miscellanies.” On the right, a quotation explaining how God’s law shows His righteousness and generosity, instructing harvesters not to gather what remains so that provision may be left for others, teaching piety and kindness rather than greed.

Clement praised the gleaning laws: landowners left crops for the poor and foreigners to gather, curbing greed and teaching generosity. God feeds without grudging; His law reflects His goodness. If that’s so, what would “gleaning” look like in your world today?
#pulpitsky #property

Black background quote card. Left: a sepia portrait of a bearded 19th-century man, with printed text reading “William Alfred Passavant (1821–1894), Life and Letters.” Right: a long quotation describing Dr. Passavant’s work in Bielefeld, where an institution marked by extreme suffering was transformed into a “colony of mercy” through Christian love that helped, healed, and comforted those in distress, followed by the note “[biographer’s comment].”

William Alfred Passavant, a #Lutheran pastor, is remembered for serving #immigrants, freed slaves, and the sick. At an epileptic asylum in Germany, helpers showed “Christly” love by healing, soothing, and restoring.

Do we enter misery to help—or wall it off?
#minnesota

This is the game plan of Thanos

Black background quote card featuring Joseph Parker (1830–1902). Left: sepia portrait of Parker, labeled with his name and The People’s Bible. Right: a quotation reflecting on generosity and self-examination, asking whether one who withholds abundance can truly answer God’s call, and concluding with Parker’s resolve to hold his own life under continual moral inquiry.

Joseph Parker, an English #Congregational minister, turns Matthew 25 inward. Who truly gives as they ought—sharing even their last crust with Christ in the poor? He questions whether comfortable lives can claim obedience at all. How can you live an examined life?
#christian

Cyril of Alexandria imagines the rich man hearing this in hell: you could have shared paradise with Lazarus if you’d shared your wealth with him. Refusing mercy made the punishment fit the crime. Would any preacher today urge the rich to make the poor partners in their wealth?

Cyril of Alexandria, imagines the rich man hearing this in hell: you could’ve shared paradise with Lazarus if you’d shared your wealth with him. Refusing mercy made the punishment fit the crime. Would any preacher today urge the rich to make the poor partners in thy wealth?
#churchfathers #christian

Black background quote card featuring Robert Moffat (1795–1883). Left: engraved portrait of Moffat with full beard, labeled with his name, dates, and “The Black Man and the War.” Right: quotation describing the persecution of Cape coloured people—arrests, street chases, home raids, and midnight seizures—for alleged non-compliance with an impossible law, attributed to Rev. Charles Phillips.

Robert Moffat, #Congregationalist, recounts African Christians harassed for their faith—arrested on the way to church, hunted in homes, punished under impossible laws.

Anyone treated this way now, and what happens when Christians defend them? How will you pray for the persecuted?
#persecutedchurch

I think that much of modern evangelical devotional practice represents a retreat to the monastery. John Piper said we should be reading the bible until it tastes like cardboard.

Black background quote card featuring William Beveridge (1637–1708). Left: engraved portrait of Beveridge seated in clerical dress, labeled with his name, dates, and “Steadfastness to the Established Church Recommended.” Right: quotation urging believers to be unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord—both works of piety toward God and works of justice and charity toward one’s neighbor.

Beveridge, #Anglican minister, says God’s work comes in two flavours: devotion upward and justice outward. Miss either and you’ve misunderstood the job. Today we mock one or the other to dodge inconvenience. Steadfast faith, it turns out, still expects both hands to be busy.
#christian #neighbor

Portrait of Martin Luther on a black background, with white text quoting his commentary on Isaiah 58. The quote criticizes fasting and bodily punishment as empty worship and says God instead requires care for the poor—feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. The image identifies Luther (1483–1546) and cites his commentary on the Sermon on the Mount.

Luther hears God say in Isaiah 58: I’m not after holy misery or spiritual self-harm. I want justice with skin on it—feed the hungry, clothe the naked, lift the poor. If faith never leaves the prayer room, it’s missing the point. So—what fast will you live?

Black background quote card with a small book cover on the left. White text quotes Parsons Cooke describing elite women nursing the sick during plagues, risking contagion and giving money, labor, prayers, and instruction to comfort the desperately afflicted. Attribution reads: “Parsons Cooke (1800–1864), The Divine Law of Beneficence.”

Parsons Cooke, #Congregationalist, notes that early Christians treated plagues as a call to service: rich women volunteered as nurses, risked infection, spent money, energy, prayers—everything. Today we fear inconvenience more than contagion. When did charity develop an immune response?
#usaid

Black background quote graphic with white text. At left is a gold mosaic icon of John Chrysostom (349–407) holding a book and raising a hand in blessing. The quote urges humility through almsgiving and forgiveness, warning that wealth, power, honor, or even imperial status cannot bring joy without repentance. Attribution reads: “Homily IX.”

John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople, urges humility through almsgiving, forgiveness, and honest reflection on our own sins. He warns that power, wealth, and force are spiritual dangers, not prizes. It’s worth asking what we admire—and how we learn to stay low.
#christianity

Black background quote graphic with white text. A long excerpt urges self-examination for barrenness in works of mercy, calling believers to confess stinginess toward charity while being generous toward their own desires. Attribution at the bottom reads: Robert Harris (1581–1658), “A Sermon Touching Prayer and Mercy.”

Robert Harris, a #Puritan and Westminster divine, complains that we’re impressively generous to ourselves and astonishingly tight-fisted toward God and neighbour. He says this should shame us into repentance. If that sermon feels unnecessary today… well, that might be the problem.
#sermonsky

Black quote card with a painted portrait of John Calvin on the left. Beneath the portrait, bold white text reads “JOHN CALVIN (1509–1564)” with the source labeled Calvin’s Commentaries. On the right, a long white quotation condemns the cruelty of ignoring a starving man while dogs tend his sores, arguing that when even animals show mercy where humans do not, they stand as witnesses appointed by God against human guilt and moral failure.

John Calvin notes that the dogs tended Lazarus (Lk 16) when respectable people didn’t. Imagine being out-performed in mercy by a Labrador. Calvin says when animals do the duty we dodged, God has appointed witnesses—and it’s not flattering. So, before the dog beats you to it: who will you help today?