Day 185: Extreme Author - Extreme Devotion

Summary4 min read

Extreme Devotion: Day 185 - William Carey, The Extreme Author

Release Date: July 4, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Extreme Devotion, hosted by The Voice of The Martyrs, the spotlight shines on William Carey, a pioneering missionary whose unwavering commitment transformed the landscape of Christian mission work. Titled "Extreme Author," Day 185 delves into Carey's life, his challenges, and his enduring legacy.

The Call to Missionary Work

The episode opens by referencing the Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-19, where Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations." William Carey grapples with this directive:

William Carey (01:15): "They just can't do this."

A government official responds:

Government Official (01:25): "Can't you see how wrong it is? Look, most of the people in this town think it's the right thing to do. It's part of their religion."

Carey challenges the prevalent customs:

William Carey (01:40): "How is tying a living woman to her dead husband and burning them together right?"

The official, overwhelmed by the confrontation, retorts:

Government Official (01:50): Throws up his hands

Carey remains steadfast:

William Carey (01:55): "One man alone can't change this. Just give it up and go back to tending your flock."

Defying Tradition and Building a Movement

Despite opposition from his denomination, which believed that only divine intervention could convert heathens, Carey took matters into his own hands. He embarked on a missionary journey that would become one of the most successful in church history. Demonstrating extraordinary dedication, he:

Learned Multiple Languages: Carey taught himself several languages to effectively communicate his message.
Published Influential Works: He authored a book that laid the foundation for the modern missionary movement.
Biblical Translations: Carey translated the New Testament into 34 languages and the Old Testament into 8 languages, making the scriptures accessible to diverse populations.

Fighting for Change in India

One of Carey's most notable achievements was his relentless campaign against the horrific practice of sati—the burning of widows alongside their deceased husbands. Years of advocacy, despite governmental resistance, culminated in the banning of this inhumane tradition. His efforts not only saved countless lives but also paved the way for social reforms in India.

Innovator for Christ

Carey's life was marked by innovation and resilience. He faced numerous hardships, including financial struggles and societal pushback, yet his commitment to Christ never wavered. His approach was not just about evangelism but also about advancing societal change in alignment with Christian principles.

Drawing inspiration from Isaiah 54:2-3, Carey encouraged himself and others to:

William Carey (10:45): "Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God."

Categorizing Faith Sharing

The episode transitions into an insightful analysis of how individuals respond to the call of evangelism, categorizing believers into four distinct groups:

Go: Those who respond with enthusiasm and take immediate action.
Go and Go for the Gospel: Like William Carey, they pursue evangelism with vigor and dedication.
Slow: Individuals who engage in faith-sharing but may taper off due to aging or busyness.
No Go: Believers who acknowledge the command but defer action, assuming others will take responsibility.

This categorization prompts listeners to self-reflect on their approach to evangelism.

Encouragement and Call to Action

Carey's legacy serves as a testament to what unwavering faith and dedication can achieve. The episode encourages listeners to:

Renew Their Desire to Share Faith: Seek divine inspiration to invigorate their evangelistic efforts.
Aim for Greatness in God's Name: Embrace the possibility of making significant impacts through faith-driven initiatives.

Narrator (25:30): "If you are expecting great things from his answer, then be prepared to attempt great things in his name."

Closing Remarks

Extreme Devotion concludes by highlighting the ongoing support provided by The Voice of The Martyrs, where listeners can engage with testimonies from persecuted Christians and gospel workers. The episode serves as both an homage to William Carey's monumental contributions and a rallying call for modern believers to carry forward his legacy of extreme devotion.

Connect with The Voice of The Martyrs:

Website: thevoiceofthemartyrs.org
Podcast: Search for "The Voice of The Martyrs" or "VOM Radio" on your preferred podcast platform and subscribe today to stay inspired and informed.

Notable Quotes:

William Carey (01:15): "They just can't do this."
Government Official (01:25): "Can't you see how wrong it is? Look, most of the people in this town think it's the right thing to do. It's part of their religion."
William Carey (01:40): "How is tying a living woman to her dead husband and burning them together right?"
William Carey (10:45): "Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God."
Narrator (25:30): "If you are expecting great things from his answer, then be prepared to attempt great things in his name."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Day 185: Extreme Author, providing listeners—both existing and new—with valuable insights into William Carey's life and the broader themes of faith, dedication, and evangelism.

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Narrator
From the voice of the martyrs Extreme devotion Extreme Author India William Carey Day 185 Jesus came and told his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations. Matthew, chapter 28, verses 18 and 19 they just can't do this. Exclaimed William. Can't you see how wrong it is? Look, most of the people in this town think it's the right thing to do, replied the exasperated government official. It's part of their religion. William questioned, how is tying a living woman to her dead husband and burning them together the right thing to do with this? The official threw up his hands. William, he answered, one man alone can't change this. Just give it up and go back to tending your flock. When his denomination said that God alone would convert heathens in pagan countries, William ignored them and embarked on one of the most successful missionary journeys in church history. In addition, he taught himself several languages and published a book that became the source for the modern missionary movement. He also translated the New Testament into 34 languages and the Old Testament into eight. William Carey fought for years against the practice in India of burning wives alive with their dead husbands. Eventually, despite government opposition, he succeeded in getting the burnings banned. Carey spent his life as an innovator for Christ, facing hardship to make a difference. And he was known for encouraging others to expect great things from God, attempt great things for God based on Isaiah, chapter 54, verses 2 and 3. William Carey did just that. Most people fall into the following categories when it comes to sharing their faith. Go, go, slow, go and no go. When Jesus calls Christians to go into the world and make disciples, some respond with great fervor. Like William Carey, they go and go for the Gospel. Still others respond, but only half heartedly, slowing down with age or the busyness of their schedule. Sadly, many believers are no go Christians. They hear the command, but they figure that someone else will do it. Which category best describes your response to Jesus call to evangelism? Ask God to renew a desire to share your faith with others. If you are expecting great things from his answer, then be prepared to attempt great things in his name. You can hear testimonies directly from persecuted Christians and gospel workers serving them every week on VOM Radio. Search for the voice of the martyrs or VOM Radio. Wherever you listen to podcasts and subscribe today.