“GOD, OFTEN SUFFERED THE WICKED TO TRIUMPH FOR A WHILE, AND EXPOSED HIS CHOSEN CONGREGATION TO MOCKERY, DANGERS, AND APPARENT DESTRUCTION, IN ORDER TO ABASE THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE, AND INDUCE THEM TO LOOK TO HIM FOR DELIVERANCE AND VICTORY. If they turned unfeignedly to the Eternal, he no more doubted that their present distress would be converted into joy, and followed by success, than he doubted that Israel was finally victorious over the Benjamites, after being twice repulsed with ignominy [shame]. The cause in which they were engaged would, in spite of all opposition, prevail in Scotland. It was the eternal truth of the eternal God which they maintained; it might be oppressed for a time, but would ultimately triumph.” (John Knox – Stirling, Scotland, late 1560 – Scots Worthies)
Context:
John Knox preached the words quoted above just before Scotland was almost universally turned away from Rome in the year 1560. Yea, Roman Catholicism, with all of its unbiblical superstitions, inhumane cruelties, and soul-damning heresies, was nearly shut out of Scotland right after this message was preached. At the same time, the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation began to flourish – indeed, biblical truth was disseminated throughout Scotland on a massive level and many hearts were turned to God. We still feel the effects of this Reformation in the world today.
Yet ... when John Knox preached the above excerpt and the sermon it was a part of, the Protestants in Scotland, and the cause of God in their day, were in dire straits. Many had treacherously betrayed their brethren and their consciences in cowardice! They had recently retreated from a Protestant stronghold in Edinburgh. The French army was still in Scotland defending the cause of the Romish Church and they were unable to find assistance from Queen Elizabeth in England. TRULY, THE PROTESTANT PARTY IN SCOTLAND WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DISPIRITED, AND MANY WERE BELIEVING THAT THE LORD HAD FORSAKEN THEM!
John Knox, of whom it was said at his funeral, “there lies he, who never feared the face of man”, was not afraid, however, and after preaching this message in the power of the Spirit of God, the tides began to change! Yes, through the foolishness of preaching the Lord Jesus Christ went on the move again! Bless His name! The French and their military were cast out of Scotland, the knowledge of much Scriptural truth was disseminated throughout the nation, the false doctrines of Rome were manifested on every side, and multitudes prepared their hearts to seek the LORD!
May the Lord have mercy on our nation. Not in the same way as in the this Scottish Reformation, which was partly by force, but by the Spirit of the Living God turning many away from the the dead Churchianity of our day unto the Christianity depicted in the book of Acts. How many souls are in bondage to the corrupt professed Christianity of our nation with all of its easy-believism abominations? How many Christians are sleeping and saying, please don't wake me up, I want to sleep on!
Save souls, Lord Jesus, save souls and bring many sons unto glory! Please let your truth be known! Amen.
Context:
John Knox preached the words quoted above just before Scotland was almost universally turned away from Rome in the year 1560. Yea, Roman Catholicism, with all of its unbiblical superstitions, inhumane cruelties, and soul-damning heresies, was nearly shut out of Scotland right after this message was preached. At the same time, the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation began to flourish – indeed, biblical truth was disseminated throughout Scotland on a massive level and many hearts were turned to God. We still feel the effects of this Reformation in the world today.
Yet ... when John Knox preached the above excerpt and the sermon it was a part of, the Protestants in Scotland, and the cause of God in their day, were in dire straits. Many had treacherously betrayed their brethren and their consciences in cowardice! They had recently retreated from a Protestant stronghold in Edinburgh. The French army was still in Scotland defending the cause of the Romish Church and they were unable to find assistance from Queen Elizabeth in England. TRULY, THE PROTESTANT PARTY IN SCOTLAND WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DISPIRITED, AND MANY WERE BELIEVING THAT THE LORD HAD FORSAKEN THEM!
John Knox, of whom it was said at his funeral, “there lies he, who never feared the face of man”, was not afraid, however, and after preaching this message in the power of the Spirit of God, the tides began to change! Yes, through the foolishness of preaching the Lord Jesus Christ went on the move again! Bless His name! The French and their military were cast out of Scotland, the knowledge of much Scriptural truth was disseminated throughout the nation, the false doctrines of Rome were manifested on every side, and multitudes prepared their hearts to seek the LORD!
May the Lord have mercy on our nation. Not in the same way as in the this Scottish Reformation, which was partly by force, but by the Spirit of the Living God turning many away from the the dead Churchianity of our day unto the Christianity depicted in the book of Acts. How many souls are in bondage to the corrupt professed Christianity of our nation with all of its easy-believism abominations? How many Christians are sleeping and saying, please don't wake me up, I want to sleep on!
Save souls, Lord Jesus, save souls and bring many sons unto glory! Please let your truth be known! Amen.