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THE STAND Magazine is AFA’s monthly publication that filters the culture’s endless stream of information through a grid of scriptural truth. It is chock-full of new stories, feature articles, commentaries, and more that encourage Christians to step out in faith and action.
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In the quiet, rolling hills near Dublin, England, an unassuming barn was the setting for what would be a pivotal moment in religious history. Let’s journey back in time to uncover the story of a young, illiterate preacher and the seemingly inconsequential meetings he held.
Sparse attendance and a lack of influential conversions led the preacher to abandon his efforts and move on. But among the few who did attend was a young boy named Gus, whose decision for Christ was barely noticed.
Gus (Augustus M. Toplady) became a preacher with a fiery spirit and a penchant for writing. Despite his early death at 38 and many of his works fading into obscurity, one of his creations endured: the hymn 'Rock of Ages.' This beloved song has found its way into nearly every hymn book and has touched the hearts of millions across the globe.
While popular attention may be short-lived, the spiritual impact and legacy of Toplady's songs have resonated in the hearts of believers for centuries.
Deciding to follow God's calling can leave a profound legacy.
Toplady's story encourages us to consider our own spiritual legacy and how the decisions we make today, guided by our faith, can positively influence others for generations to come, even if our origins seem humble.
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