From John Calvin's Sermons on Micah, which I began reading this morning, I found a lovely paragraph for contemplation.
True, in our time, humanity could not care less about God's Word. It scarcely considers it of importance at all. Nonetheless, in the last days at the final judgment, God will reveal that he never spoke in vain and that his Word is too preciuos ever to have been brushed aside as useless or ineffective. All the more then we ought to respond, whenever God summons us to the knowledge of his truth and bids us to accept his authority. Consequently, let us submit to the truth of his Word. And rather than stampeding off like runaway horses, let us bend our necks to welcome and carry his yoke.
I wish I knew more of Calvin's Geneva, for this sounds so much like he is talking to early 21st century America. Let us hear and heed his call.
I share your desire, Todd. May God forgive me for a lazy approach to His word. May God forgive a nation that has so easily dismissed it and may God forgive a church for allowing it to happen.
Posted by: William Hill at November 4, 2004 05:47 AMWe live in a day very similar to that faced by Calvin, Luther, and the other Reformers. People do not know what the doctrines of Scripture are, so we constantly have to define, define, define. In the Reformation doctrines were seen through the filter of Rome; in our day it is more the filter of existentialism or "post-modernism." I believe this is one of the major tasks before the real church.
Posted by: Bud Powell at November 8, 2004 08:00 AM