Sacrifice: Tertullian, an early church author, said that, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." Jesus likewise warned His followers of the cost they must pay to follow Him (Jn 16:2-4, Luke 14:25-33, Jn 12:24-26). Though the sacrifice is great the reward is greater still (2 Cor 4:16-18). We will not sacrifice because it’s trendy, motivational, or religious, but because Jesus is worthy to receive the reward of His sufferings (Rev 5:9)! Paul’s words, when asked to bypass suffering, are our anthem, “Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” (Acts 21:13-14)[1]
Gospel: The Gospel is the display of God throughout human history culminating in and through the person and work of Jesus. It is the power of God unto salvation (Rom 1:16) and our only hope for change in any sphere of life (Jn 3:3-7). We put all our hope in the truth of God’s Word (Col 1:5) and would be considered the most to be pitied if the Gospel was found to be false (1 Cor 15:16-19). The Gospel is our orthodoxy (Eph 1:13), which shapes our doxology (Rev 14:6-7), and fuels our methodology (Phil 1:27).
Church: The church is not simply a building, 501c3 organization, order of service, or ethnic people group. It’s people from every tribe, tongue, and nation (Rev 5:9) called by God, through the Holy Spirit to worship the Son. The church is Christ’s body (Eph 1:22-23), salt and light to a hostile world (Matt 5:13-16), and precious bride (Eph 5:25-32). God has chosen to exercise His authority by bringing His Kingdom through His church (Matt 28:18-20). Jesus is the chief corner stone for (Eph 2:19-22), and is committed to, building His church (Matt 16:18). He loves His church and will present her pure and spotless on the last day (Eph 5:25-32).
Glory: The primary motivation behind all we do is the glory of God. We sacrifice, proclaim, and serve for His name’s sake. All things are about God, and apart from Him there is nothing (Rom 11:34-36)! In the end we will hear the applause of One. The Gospel is the display of God throughout human history for the glory of God alone. Soli Deo Gloria (Rev 4:6-11, 1 Tim 6:13-16, Ps 106:8, 1 Sam 12:22, 2 Chron 6:32-33, Psalm 23:3, 31:3, 79:9, 106:8, 109:21, 115:1, Is 48:9-11, Ezek 20:9, 1 Cor 10:31; 1Pet 4:11; Rev 1:6; 2 Pet 3:18; Eph 3:21; Rev 7:12; Rom 11:36)
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ac 21:13–14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.