In a few minutes we will be on our way to church. We hear often from those who have 'unchurched' themselves that the church is not the building. By that they mean they needn't gather. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. And so, no, the church is not the building, but it isthe gathering. And so with joy and with faith we go to meet with our brethren to sing praises to our Redeemer. And this we will do whether in public, in secret or in prison.
I was listening this morning to the Revival Hymn and remembering my daily walk to seminary. I used to listen to it every day back then. Over and over again. It was a powerful tonic against the liberal and laocidean Christianity to which I was regularly exposed in that place.
Those were blessed days not because of the school but because of the nearness I enjoyed with God.
I have had my ups and downs since then. Sometimes more zealous, other times less zealous. Sometimes like Paul willing to be counted a fool for Christ and other times (sadly) allowing myself to be influenced by professionalism.
But here is what I have found as I look back on 14+ years of ministry... that when I have been nearest to God I have been less a professional and more a 'madman'; and in those times I have found myself going back to the same 'dead' mentors (or friends) surrounding myself again and again with those who have most resembled Him; whether a Rutherford, a Fletcher, a Wesley, a Whitefield, a Brainerd, a Spurgeon or a Ravenhill. These were never understood by the world because they were not at home in the world. But they were understood and known by their King.
You know, it is not their stories (alone) that fascinate me, but their likeness to Jesus. And so this morning as I listened again to the Revival Hymn and now prepare to gather with the saints I cannot help but pray that God would raise up a host of men like them in our generation. We sorely need them.
Good ideas, brother. Yes, I love saints who resembled more of Jesus. There is no real and lasting fulfillment in our soul but when we are in God's will, whatever the cost. I recommend to you E. M. Bounds's book, "Power through prayer". Only a man of prayer can see the things he writes there.
Brilliant post Stephen and excellent sermons, I've felt most convicted and challenged (and encouraged) by your excellent preaching a lot recently! Thank you, Laura
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2/7/2021 8:56 AM
