Biographies of Men & Women Who Changed the World with the Gospel
Key Scriptures
Hebrews 12:1–2; Acts 13:36; 2 Timothy 4:7
Introduction
The gospel has always advanced through ordinary people who said “yes” to God in extraordinary ways. Their courage, sacrifices, and obedience remind us that the Kingdom is built not just by preachers, but by believers in every walk of life.
By learning their stories, we see that world-changers are not superhuman — they are people who trusted a great God.
Biblical Foundation
- Hebrews 12:1–2 – Surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses,” we are called to run with endurance.
- Acts 13:36 – David “served the purpose of God in his generation.”
- 2 Timothy 4:7 – Paul’s testimony: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Profiles of Gospel World-Changers
- William Wilberforce (1759–1833) – A British politician whose faith drove him to lead the fight against the slave trade. His persistence led to the abolition of slavery in Britain. Lesson: Perseverance in the face of opposition can change unjust systems.
- Corrie Ten Boom (1892–1983) – A Dutch Christian who sheltered Jews during World War II. She was imprisoned in a concentration camp but later became a global voice for forgiveness. Lesson: Even in suffering, forgiveness and faith shine brightest.
- Billy Graham (1918–2018) – Preached to over 200 million people worldwide, keeping the gospel simple and Christ-centered. Lesson: Faithful proclamation of the gospel has global impact.
- Mother Teresa (1910–1997) – Dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor in India, embodying Christ’s love through practical compassion. Lesson: The gospel is lived out not just in words but in selfless service.
- Reinhard Bonnke (1940–2019) – German evangelist whose African crusades drew millions to Christ. Known for the phrase: “Africa shall be saved!” Lesson: Bold faith and vision can ignite mass evangelistic movements.
Kingdom Principles
- God uses surrendered lives, not perfect ones.
- The greatest legacies come from faithfulness in one’s generation.
- Courage in the face of resistance often becomes the seed of transformation.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Comparing yourself to famous figures instead of learning from them.
- Admiring without applying — stories inspire best when they lead to action.
- Forgetting the ordinary — many heroes were unknown in their day but made lasting impact.
Corrie Ten Boom’s Forgiveness
After surviving Ravensbrück concentration camp, Corrie was once approached by a former Nazi guard who had mistreated her. He asked for forgiveness. Though her heart froze with pain, she silently prayed for Christ’s help. Choosing to forgive, she extended her hand and described feeling God’s love flow through her. Her testimony of radical forgiveness touched millions worldwide, proving the gospel’s power to heal even the deepest wounds.
Action Challenge: “This Week’s Mission”
- Choose one Christian figure who inspires you.
- Read or watch a short biography of their life.
- Write down one principle from their story you can apply in your own daily walk with God.
Interactive Discussion Prompts
- Which biography inspires you most, and what principle can you apply to your own life?
- How does learning about these heroes change your perspective on what God could do through you?
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