Numbered With the Martyrs - John Wycliffe

We now turn our attention to John Wycliffe or "The Morning Star of the Reformation." Here we have a man that was so godly and knowledgable that even his persecutors marveled at him. Here we have a man that greatly influenced others and was used by the Lord to spur them on to reforming the faith. In fact, it was this man's books that kindled the fire under the feet of that great man John Hus; I suppose he could be called a Lollard through and through. His influence stands throughout all of time and we enjoy today Bibles and books translated in our own language as a result of what this man started. Let us now hear what John Foxe relates to this man's life and ministry.

It appeareth that [John] Wickcliff flourished about 1371, Edward III reigning in England. This is out of all doubt, that at what time all the world was in most desperate and vile estate, and the lamentable ignorance and darkness of God's truth had overshadowed the whole earth, this man stepped forth like a valiant champion, unto whom that may justly be applied which is spoken of one Simon, the son of Onias: "Even as the morning star being in the midst of a cloud, and as the moon being full in her course, and as the bright beams of the sun; so doth he shine and glister in the temple and Church of God."

In these days the whole state of religion was depraved and corrupted: the name only of Christ remained amongst the Christians, but His true and lively doctrine was as far unknown to the most part as His name was common to all men. As touching faith, consolation, the end and use of the law, the office of Christ, our impotency and weakness, the Holy Spirit, the greatness and strength of sin, true works, grace and free justification by faith, the liberty of a Christian man, there was almost no mention.

The world, forsaking the lively power of God's spiritual Word, was altogether led and blinded with outward ceremonies and human traditions; in these was all the hope of obtaining salvation fully fixed; insomuch that scarcely any other thing was seen in the temples or churches, taught or spoken of in sermons, or finally intended or gone about in their whole life, but only heaping of certain shadowy ceremonies upon ceremonies; neither was there any end of this their heaping.

[John] Wickcliff, perceiving the true doctrine of Christ's Gospel to be adulterated and defiled with so many filthy inventions and dark errors of bishops and monks, after long debating aand deliberating with himself (with many secret sighs, and bewailing in his mind the general ignorance of the whole world), could no longer abide the same, and at the last determined with himself to help and to remedy such things as he saw to be wide, and out of the way.

[...] through the favor and supportation of the Duke of Lancaster and Lord Henry Percy, he persisted against [the monk's and priest's] wolfish violence and cruelty: till at last, about 1377, the bishops, still urging and inciting their archbishop Simon Sudbury, who before had deprived him, and afterward prohibited him not to stir any more in those sorts of matters, had obtained, by process and order of citation, to have him brought before them. [Which under the protection of these men and after vicious debate and threatenings, said meeting was disbanded and not resumed.]

After King Edward III succeeded his son's son, Richard II, who was no great disfavorer of the way and doctrine of Wickcliff. But the bishops now seeing the aged king to be taken away, during the time of whose old age all the government of the realm depended upon the Duke of Lancaster, and seeing the said duke, with the Lord Percy, the Lord Marshall, give over their offices, and remain in their private houses without intermeddling, thought now the time to serve them to have some advantage against John Wickcliff; who hitherto, under the protection of the aforesaid duke and Lord Marshall, had some rest and quiet. Notwithstanding being by the bishops forbid to deal in doctrine anymore, he continued yet with his fellows going barefoot and in long frieze gowns, preaching diligently to the people.

Wickcliff, albeit he was commanded by the bishops and prelates to keep silence, yet could not so be supressed, but that through the vehemency of the truth he burst out afterwards much more fiercely. For he, having obtained the goodwill and favor of certain noblemen, attempted again to stir up his doctrine amongst the common people. Then began the Pharisees to swarm together striving against the light of the Gospel, which began to shine abroad; neither was the Pope himself behind with his part, for he never ceased with his bulls and letters to stir up them who otherwise, of their own accord, were but furious and mad.

The letters being received from the Pope, the Archbishop of Canterbury and other bishops took no little heart; for, being encouraged by them, and pricked forward by their own fierceness and cruelty, it is to be marvelled at, with what boldness and stomach they did openly profess before their provincial council, that all fear or favor set apart, no person, neither high nor low, should let them, neither would they be seduced by the entreaty of any man, neither by any threatenings or rewards, but that they would follow straight and upright justice and equity, yea, albeit that danger of life should follow thereupon. But these so fierce brags and stout promise, with the subtle practices of these bishops, who thought themselves so sure before, the Lord, against Whom no determination of man's counsel can prevail, by a small occasion did lightly confound and overthrow. For the day of the examination being come, a certain personage of the prince's court, and yet of no great noble birth, named Lewis Clifford, entering in among the bishops, commanded them that they should not proceed with any definite sentence against John Wickcliff. With which words all they were so amazed, and their combs so cut, that they became mute and speechless. And thus, by the wondrous work of God's providence, John Wickcliff escaped the second time out of the bishop's hands.

John Wickcliff returning again within short space, either from his banishment, or from some other palce where he was secretly kept, repaired to his parish of Lutterworth, where he was parson; and there, quietly departing this mortal life, slept in peace with the Lord, in the end of the year 1384... It appeareth that he was well aged before he departed, "and that the same thing pleased him in his old age, which did please him being young."

John Wickcliff, albeit in his lifetime he had many grievous enemies, yet was there none so cruel to him, as the clergy itself... And for the residue, we will declare what cruelty they used not only against the books and articles of John Wickcliff, but also in burning his body and bones, commanding them to be taken up many years after he was buried; as appeareth by the decree of the synod of Constance in 1415... But these and others must know that, as there is no counsel against the Lord, so there is no keeping down of verity, but it will spring up and come out of dust and ashes, as appeared right well in this man; for though they digged up his body, burnt his bones, and drowned his ashes, yet the word of God and the truth of his doctrine, with the fruit and success thereof, they could not burn. 

I know this breaks from the norm of what we do here. This man was not ultimately martyred and dies in peace. Yet this man fought for the truth and was persecuted and doggedly pursued throughout his life. For the sake of time I did not include all of the times he was called before these wicked men that had every intent of declaring him a heretic and burning him only to have the Lord intervene in numerous ways to save this man and preserve and propogate the truth of God's word. Well beyond the intervention of nobles there was an earthquake that sent him home unharmed and one time a lightening strike hit the front door of the church to set him free!

We focus here as a special break from the norm for a reason. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a day that was institutued for and should still be used to thank the Lord for all He has done for us in our lives. John Wycliffe was sought with murderous intent by his persecutors. Let no doubt exist in thinking it is so for below is proof enough that those evil men would seek his life based on the major tenets of what he preached to the people.

Articles Collected out of Wycliffe's Sermons

• The holy eucharist, after the consecration, is not the very body of Christ.
• The Church of Rome is not the head of all churches more than any other church is; nor that Peter had anymore power given of Christ than any other Apostle had.
• The Pope of Rome hath no more in the keys of the Church than hath any other within the order of priesthood.
• The Gospel is a rule sufficient of itself to rule the life of every Christian man here, without any other rule.
• All other rules, under whose observances divers religious persons be governed, do add no more perfection to the Gospel, than doth the white color to the wall.
• Neither the Pope, nor any other prelate of the church, ought to have prisons wherein to punish transgressors.

Many a man was brutally tortured and murdered for much less than this. But the Lord preserved this man through it all. John Wycliffe never lost faith though danger lurked at every corner. As experience taught him to be bold for Christ we see a progression wherein he not only refused to back down but he actually became louder; with an ever increasing strength of voice he shouted to the world the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord! He was thankful to the Lord and indebted to Him for the preserving of his life for it is sure there was no other good cause for him to have remained alive.

Perhaps one of the great lessons we should take from this story of Wycliffe is the description Foxe gives of the Church at that time. I think it would take no great effort to remove the dates provided and use the words verbatim to describe our own time. We should be thankful that the Lord has not entirely abandoned us and we should be striving to reform the Church once again. We need men today like Wycliffe that can "no longer abide the same, and at the last [will be] determined... to help and to remedy such things as [they see] to be wide, and out of the way." Give thanks the Lord has given us the opportunity for true religion in a world that hates His very name and then endeavor to serve the Lord through the exercise of that religion with zeal and in truth.

In closing, I think an honest evaluation of our own lives proves how the Lord sustains us even if the circumstances aren't as dire as were Wycliffe's. I can say that I am in the midst of two of the hardest years of my life. I can testify well to the certainity of defeat and ruin only to see the Lord deliver me and my family time after time. I don't foolishly presume that things can't get worse, for even then the Lord is in control and I am willing to abide according to His will even when it is painful to do so. But, I have a new confidence in Him that I have never had before and I have never treasured a roof over the heads of my family and food on our table like I do right now. I feel a little like the Pilgrims after their first year; and I, like them, am immensely grateful that my God has preserved me and my family and will gave thanks to Him knowing that I am owed nothing and yet He blesses me so abundantly. Please pray for the persecuted church, give thanks for those that gave their lives that we may enjoy the spiritual blessings we have today, and more than anything, give thanks to the Lord that He has made it to be so and has preserved us all for yet another year in the richness of His grace. Laus Deo!

A Scriptural Consideration of Divorce Based on Abandonment

In the recent past I heard a pastor declare that there are instances in a marriage where divorce is Biblically the preferable option. It has bothered me immensely since I heard it and the more I contemplate it the more I have been convicted that such thought is not only a gross error but in being so it is a remarkably dangerous statement to make to the people of God. In an era where approximately half of all marriages end in divorce, and according to a study done by George Barna of the Barna Research Group, 27% of all Christian marriages end in divorce, it seems inconceivable that such a statement would be made. It would seem to me that making such statements will encourage the flesh to rationalize those circumstances where a divorce would be a justifiable preference. Yes, it is no secret that the Church has long recognized two legitimate causes for divorce; one is adultery and the other is abandonment. It is the latter that will be the focus of our consideration here today. As part of our consideration, and in relation to the same aforementioned declaration, we will see if emotional abandonment is cause for divorce or if something more is being spoken of when the Bible presents this to us.

It is not enough for me to presuppose such a statement is wrong; it, as with all things, requires study and seeking out an answer from the word of God which is to be our rule for faith and life. So let us proceed to see what God’s view of divorce is and whether it is ever presented in terms of being preferable in any given situation.

We will start with Mal. 2:14-16. Here we are told that specifically "[…] the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce…” Hate is a very strong word; yet, that is exactly what God states here. He doesn’t say that at times divorce pleases Him or based on situational morality He will be pleased with divorce. No, He just states openly that He hates divorce. Why is that? One author explains that for us and says,

“[…] within Evangelical circles… one answer comes from those who have undergone the process. They say God hates divorce because it is so hurtful and traumatic. While this is certainly true, the answer seems to suggest that Scripture, covenants, and children all take a back seat to the hurts of those adults involved. A second, and more relevant answer relates to the fact that those involved in a divorce are covenant breakers… The second reason that God hates divorce… [is because] He… teaches that the husband represents Christ and the wife represents the Church within the context of marriage. Therefore, when a husband and wife get a divorce, they are destroying the picture that God has given to the world as the relationship that He has with His Church. To put it bluntly, many evangelicals are covenant breakers. Dr. Louis Hill, “Seven Foolish Questions”, pp 79-89

Another theologian deals more specifically with the warning given to all men in this passage of take heed to your spirit or as it is understood to mean, beware of losing your spirit. He says,

This warning is accounted for in ver. 16, first of all in the statement that God hates putting away… A second reason for condemning the divorce is given in the words… “he (who puts away his wife) covers his garment with sin…” The meaning is… that wickedness will adhere irremoveably to such a man. The figurative expression may be explained from the idea that the dress reflects the inward part of a man, and therefore a soiled garment is a symbol of uncleanness of heart. CF Keil, Keil and Delitzsch Commentaries, vol. 10, “The Twelve Minor Prophets,” pp 451-454

So we see that God hates divorce as a definitive rule because it breaks a covenant we have made before Him which also defiles the picture that God has given the world of His church as represented by our marriages. He hates divorce so much that He here includes a warning that we must be careful lest we lose our lives which is the meaning of losing our spirit. When we have committed the act of divorce our sin is evident to all; our wickedness is expressed in terms of being so deeply a part of who we are that it adheres to our clothes that all may see it; we are unable to hide our shame. There are a number of indictments made against Israel in the book of Malachi; this is one of them, and it is explained as one of the reasons God will no longer hear them when they cry to Him for help. Divorce presented in this manner doesn’t appear to be a preferable option.

Next we will look at Mk. 10:6-10. Here it is presented in terms just as clear as the ones we just read in Malachi. Christ tells us, “[…] what God has joined together, let man not separate.” Once again He doesn’t present this in terms that in certain times or in certain situations God encourages that marriages dissolve or even prefers it. No, He just states in a very blunt declaration that the expectation from God is that once a man and woman have joined together in a marriage covenant they are not to break that covenant throughout the rest of their lives.

“That Jesus did so regard marriage, namely, as an indissoluble union, changing what used to be “two” into what has now become “one” – note: It follows that they are no longer two but one flesh –, a union until death parts the two, a definitely divine institution that must not be tampered with, is clear from the following: a) Otherwise His argument would lose its force… c) this is in line with the words immediately following, namely, What therefore God has joined together, let man not separate. […] from every angle, it was God who established marriage as a divine institution (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5, 6). Marriage is therefore indeed “an honorable estate.” Therefore, let not man separate what God has joined together! The indissolubility of marriage is stated by Jesus in a very forceful manner. The word “Therefore” or “For this reason” shows that He is summarizing the divine revelation concerning the marriage bond… According to Christ’s teaching, then, husband and wife form a team. They work, plan, play, pray, pull, etc. together. For a man to separate what God has yoked together means arrogantly to defy an act of God! William Hendriksen, “New Testament Commentary,” vol. 2, pp378-379

It is abundantly clear in this passage as it was in Malachi that God views marriage as a covenant that cannot be broken. There is not one single occurrence that I am aware of in the entire word of God that would present divorce in such favorable terms as to give preferable conditions for it in the eyes of God. It is always presented as being apart from the will of God and so repugnant to Him that he “hates” it and makes de facto declarations that we are not to divorce. I am firmly convinced that if no other passages existed to bolster the point, though they do, that these two alone would be sufficient to show that in the eyes of God divorce is never a preferable option. Hendriksen sums up the inadequacy of our view as compared to God’s well when he says,

In a world where one divorce follows another in rapid succession, so that it is difficult at times to count the number of times a person has been divorced, the teaching of Jesus deserves to be repeated and emphasized.

But if there be a charge that perhaps the passage in Mark leaves room for an ambiguous view of marriage then perhaps in Matt. 19:1-10 the ambiguity is cleared up. For here Matthew tells us that Jesus doesn’t just make it clear that divorce is wrong but He takes the challenge from the Pharisees, and their pitiful attempts to trip Him up and find loopholes, and slams the door shut on any possibility that divorce is acceptable in the eyes of God. They thought that they had cause for divorce through the Law of Moses, but as the following makes clear that was not the case,

Jesus prefaces His [answer] with the question, ‘Have you not read that He who created them…?’ There was not much flattery in the question… The force of the citation, however, goes beyond this not-so-subtle rebuke and forces the Pharisees to consider the issue in the total Biblical context. They had been isolating the Mosaic Law out of the broader framework of God’s original intent with the institution of marriage. In effect, Jesus is saying, ‘If there is ambiguity in the Law of Moses, let the implications you draw be governed by what God spoke clearly in creation…’ [The Pharisees then ask] if God never intended divorce, why did He authorize Moses to command divorce? Jesus’ answer is direct. ‘Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way.’ Notice the change in words. The Pharisees talk about Moses commanding divorce; Jesus talks about Moses permitting divorce. A command leaves no option – it must be carried out. Permission is less forceful, giving the party and option. Jesus interprets the Mosaic Law as permission for divorce granted because of the hardness of the heart. This reflects an act of condescension to accommodate the influence of sin upon the marriage estate. But He repeats His point that in creation there was no provision for divorce. RC Sproul, “The Intimate Marriage,” pp 95-96

See, from the very beginning it has never ever been preferable in the eyes of God that mankind be divorced. Divorce is the product of sin and based on that God has permitted divorce in very few situations. But permitted and preferred is not the same thing as we well know. Then, even in those situations, it is presented as an option rather than a command; it is not a divine imperative. Based on all the evidence we may gather in the word of God it seems clear that even in those situations the preference of God is that if possible we remain married. If we look at the book of Hosea we see an example played out in his marriage which represents what God has to endure based on our infidelity to Him; yet He remains faithful and never leaves us nor forsakes us in spite of our lack of fidelity, we too should be so faithful. Even so, due to the existence of sin and the often times insurmountable damage that has been done in those unique cases He permits us to dissolve the union. Clearly there can never be any reasonable declaration from any man on earth that would make divorce preferable in the eyes of God.

So that leads us to the famous and oft used passage of 1 Cor. 7:10-16. Here Paul addresses the issue of abandonment and it is here where we will be able to look more closely at the idea of whether or not emotional abandonment is cause for divorce. I think an appropriate starting point would be to look at the word “depart” which is used a number of times in this passage. I suppose that a cursory reading of the passage may indeed lead someone to rationalize that emotional abandonment is cause for divorce. But if we look into the actual meaning of the word it has specific application. The original Greek word used in almost every instance in this passage is the word chorizo which isn’t just the idea of not being what you are supposed to be within your marriage but is a physical departure. Applied correctly this means the person has gotten up and left the marriage altogether, they are no longer to be found within the home. This is important, for while it is reprehensible that one spouse or the other is not contributing as they should to the marriage it is not cause for divorce as this passage is clearly telling us. If we were to start encouraging men and women to divorce their spouse based on emotional abandonment I fear there would be very few marriages left indeed. I think any honest review of our own marriages will show us periods where we have been guilty, for whatever length of time, of such an act ourselves. Thankfully our spouse was faithful and the Lord showed us our error and our marriage still thrives as a result.

He now entreats of another condition of marriage – its being an indissoluble tie. Accordingly, he condemns all those divorces that were of daily occurrence among the heathens, and were not punished among the Jews by the Law of Moses… Husbands frequently divorced their wives, either because their manners were not congenial, or because their personal appearance did not please them, or because of some offense; and as wives, too, sometimes deserted their husbands on account of their cruelty, or excessively harsh and dishonorable treatment, he says that marriage is not dissolved by divorces or dissensions of that nature. For it is an agreement that is consecrated by the name of God, which does not stand or fall according to the inclination of men, so as to be made void whenever we may choose. The sum is this: other contracts, as they depend more on the inclination of men, are in like manner dissolved in that same inclination; but those who are connected by marriage are no longer free, so as to be at liberty, if they change their mind, to break in pieces the pledge…, and go each of them elsewhere in quest of a new connection. For if the rights of nature cannot be dissolved, much less can this, which, as we have said already, is preferred before the principal tie of nature (i.e. the natural tie we have with parents Gen. 2:24).

But as to his commanding the wife, who is separated from her husband, to remain unmarried, he does not mean by this that separation is allowable, nor does he give permission to the wife to live apart from her husband; but if she has been expelled from the house, or has been put away, she must not think that even in that case she is set free from his power; for it is not in the power of a husband to dissolve marriage. He does not therefore give permission here to wives to withdraw, of their own accord, from their husbands, or to live away from their husband’s establishment, as if they were in a state of widowhood; but declares, that even those who are not received by their husbands, continue to be bound, so that they cannot take other husbands.

To the rest I say… the believing party ought not to seek divorce, unless he is put away… [and] if an unbeliever puts away his wife on account of religion, a brother or sister is, by such rejection, freed from the bond of marriage.” John Calvin, Calvin’s Commentaries, vol. 20, pp 238-241

There is a lot here but two things are clear that will drive the point home that emotional abandonment is never cause for divorce. 1) Calvin deals specifically with a husband or wife that fails in their duties within the marriage. Perhaps with wives it is a disagreeable nature that is a real nuisance to her husband or perhaps she doesn’t support her husband the way she should. Perhaps with husbands we can best sum up what Calvin says by saying they are tyrants and in general jerks. Certainly in both cases the charge of emotional abandonment would hold some merit. Yet the Bible says and Calvin explains that it is by no means cause for divorce. You are, in such cases, still bound to that marriage based not on the merits of your spouse but on your commitment to God when you made this marriage covenant in His name. 2) You are bound to your marriage even when you are unequally yoked to a lost person, whether that case existed prior to or after marriage makes no difference. I would think it reasonable to assume that a lost spouse will fail in almost every way to actually live up to the expectations that God has laid out in His word for husbands and wives. In fact, I would guess that it is true that in most cases there will not even be a reasonable attempt at living up to godly expectation within the marriage from the unbelieving spouse. Guess what? Even then, even when no more perfect of a case could be made for emotional abandonment and a lack of attentiveness to their spouse we are still not allowed to divorce. The exception is if they physically leave the home or banish us from the home. In that case we are no longer bound to the marriage; it is as if they died. If that principal holds true when dealing with a lost spouse, how much more so when both parties are saved? It is sure that your spouse will fail you in this life at some point and fail to be what you have expected or desired and even more so failed to be what God has expected them to be. But you are bound to that marriage and that is not contingent on the other person, that is contingent on the covenant you have made before the Lord and must be adhered to with a ferocious zeal. One last consideration here is that it is clear from all of the books I have read on this and from Paul himself that even if separated from your spouse it is not then cause for divorce, you may have a claim on the separation, depending on who you read here, but I couldn’t find anyone who justified a divorce in this situation. When they have filed for divorce from you, especially concerning an unbelieving spouse, then you are no longer bound to the marriage. Otherwise, you are not free to remarry, end of story.

Conclusion:

As I think we have clearly seen in this study it is never safe or correct to say that divorce is ever a preferable option. In fact, it is faulty to its very core and it sets a dangerous precedent within the church that there are certain loopholes and when you have become dissatisfied within your marriage you may seek those loopholes and escape the promise you have made to God and to your spouse. RC Sproul addresses errors such as this when he says, “[…] in many cases the institutional church has sanctioned divorce on grounds that are in clear opposition to the teaching of Christ. It means that many clergymen and counselors throughout the land are recommending divorce where Christ has prohibited it. It means that not only is the sanctity of marriage corrupted by state and church, but also the authority of Christ is flagrantly disobeyed in both spheres over which He is King. The word for such disobedience is treason.” When you teach your people that divorce is an acceptable and even a preferred option you are committing an act of treason against God and working with the secular government that has sought to destroy the institution of marriage and is finding an ever increasing level of success through such filth being spoken of from the pulpit. It is an act of treason, it is an act of defiance against God, it is a violation of a covenant made before the Lord Himself. When you find that your congregation has a spike in divorces I pray that you will fear the day you stand before the Lord to explain why you told His people divorce was preferred by Him and that will convict you to change your ways immediately.

To add insult to injury people are being told that when a spouse has emotionally checked out of a marriage that you can abandon the marriage and go your merry way. This is just as dangerous as the previous declaration because not only is it wrong, it is leading people to rationalize and actively seek reasons for divorce and then to go on and commit adultery by remarrying. A better exhortation from our pastors would be to get over yourself and honor your marriage vows for the selfless love of God and your spouse even if it is causing you pain in the meantime to do so.

Earlier we saw Dr. Louis Hill speak about the marriage representing the relationship between Christ and His Church. I am reminded here that the Bible tells us if we are faithless, He remains faithful and I would exhort believers to take this same mentality into their marriages. Love your spouse in the face of all difficulties and never ever entertain divorce as a solution to your problems. If you carry with you that very Biblical view then it is sure that you will by default work on issues that cause others to fail and more than likely learn to ignore issues that should have never caused dissention in the first place. Divorce is Biblically given as an option in the case of adultery and when an unbelieving spouse divorces a believer; but, even then, it is only as an option and you can dedicate yourself to the marriage in spite of the great sin that has been committed against you which Biblically is the actual preferred choice of God.

Remember pastors, remember people of God, that God hates divorce and He never instituted marriage to be ended by anything other than death itself. If that is His expectation then so too must it be ours if we are to glorify Him in our marriages and in our lives. Any advice you give or receive to the contrary I am confident in saying is faulty advice and should be discarded immediately. May your marriages be fruitful, lengthy, healthy, beautiful pictures of Christ and His Church until the day the Lord sees fit to call you home. Amen.

Numbered With the Martyrs - Patrick Hamilton

Patrick Hamilton has the distinction of being the first Scottish martyr of the Reformation. In the following account John Foxe shares with us this man's faith and bravery in the fight for faith.

[...] Patrick Hamilton [was] a Scotsman born of high and noble stock, and of the king's blood, of excellent towardness, twenty-three years of age, called abbot of Ferne. Coming out of his country with three companions to seek godly learning, he went to the University of Marburg in Germany, which University was the newly erected by Philip, Landgrave of Hesse. Using conference with learned men, especially with Frances Lambert, he so profited in knowledge and judgment that, through the incitation of the said Lambert, he was the first in all that University who publicly did set up conclusions there to be disputed of, concerning faith and works. Which young man, if he had chosen to lead his life after the manner of other courtiers, in all kind of licentious riotousness, should peradventure have found praise without peril or punishment; but, forsomuch as he joined godliness with his stock, and virtue with his age, he could by no means escape the hands of the wicked. For there is nothing safe or sure in this world but wickedness and sin.

Whoever saw the cardinals or bishops rage with their cruel inquisitions against riot, ambition, unlawful gaming, drunkenness, and rapines? But if any man were truly addict to the desire and study of godliness, confessing Christ to be his only patron and advocate, excluding the merits of the saints, acknowledging free justification by faith in Christ, denying purgatory (for these articles Hamilton was burned), they spare neither age nor kindred, neither is there any so great power in the world, that may withstand their majesty or authority.

This learned Patrick, increasing daily more and more in knowledge, and inflamed with godliness, at length began to revolve with himself touching his return into his country, being desirous to impart unto his countrymen some fruit of understanding which he had received abroad. Whereupon, persisting in his godly purpose, he took one of the three whom he brought out of Scotland, and so returned home without any longer delay. Not sustaining the miserable ignorance and blindness of that people, he valiantly taught and preached the truth, was accused of heresy, and, stoutly sustaining the quarrel of God's Gospel against the high priest and Archbishop of St. Andrews, named James Beaton, was cited to appear before him and his college of priests on the 1st of March, 1527. Being not only forward in knowledge, but also ardent in spirit, not tarrying for the hour appointed, he came very early in the morning before he was looked for; and there mightily disputing against them, when he could not by the Scriptures be convicted, by force he was oppressed. And so the sentence of condemnation being given against him, the same day after dinner, in all hot haste, he was had away to the fire, and there burned.

And thus was this noble Hamilton, the blessed servant of God, without all just cause, made away by cruel adversaries, yet not without great fruit to the Church of Christ; for the grave testimony of his blood left the truth of God more fixed and confirmed in the hearts of many than ever could after be plucked away: insomuch that divers afterwards, standing in his quarrel, sustained the like martyrdom.

How amazing it is that as we work our way through this series we see how powerfully the Lord used these men to advance the Gospel. We may marvel at the strength and fortitude He imparted to them, which we should. But it seems to me that the greater thing to be admired is how their blood stood as a timeless witness that not only failed to deter the elect from coming to the cross but beckoned them in! It defies logic unless we stop and realize that our sovereign Lord does not operate based on the logic of men and quite often stands opposed to it. We must be willing to lay down our lives, for the thing to be accomplished may have little or nothing to do with that instant our spirit ascends to heaven; the Lord may be using the spilling of our blood to draw others to Himself and no more noble a death could possibly exist than such as that.

(Pictured above is the memorial with Hamilton's initials at the spot where he was martyred.)

Numbered With the Martyrs - Alban

We now turn our attention to Alban who has the distinction of being the first English martyr recorded. The exact time frame of his martyrdom is a little vague but it seems appropriate that it occurred either in the third century or very early fourth century. If John Foxe is right and it happened under the Emperor Dioclesian then we can date it in the late third century, though that is a debated fact. Just the same, that he was the first martyred Englishman does not seem to be up for debate and so we will assume it to be so.

Alban was the first martyr that ever in England suffered death for the name of Christ. At what time Dioclesian and Maximian the emporers had directed out their letters with all severity for the persecution of Christians, Alban, being then an infidel, received into his house a certain clerk, flying from the persecutors' hands, whom when Alban beheld continually, both day and night, to persevere in watching and prayer, suddenly by the great mercy of God he began to imitate the example of his faith and virtuous life; whereupon, by little and little, he being instructed by his wholesome exhortation, and leaving the blindness of his idolatry, became at length a... Christian.

And when the aforementioned clerk had lodged with him a certain time, it was informed the wicked prince, that this good man and confessor of Christ (not yet condemned to death) was harbored in Alban's house, or very near unto him. Whereupon immediately he gave in charge to the soldiers to make more diligent inquisition of the matter. As soon as they came to the house of Alban he, putting on the apparel wherewith his guest and master was apparelled, offered himself in the stead of the other to the soldiers; who, binding him, brought him forthwith to the judge.

It fortuned that at that instant when blessed Alban was brought unto the judge, they found the same judge at the altars offering sacrifice unto devils, who, as soon as he saw Alban, was straight ways in a great rage, for that he would presume of his voluntary will to offer himself to peril, and give himself a prisoner to the soldiers, for safeguard of his guest whom he harbored; wherefore he commanded him to be brought before the images of the devils whom he worshipped, saying: "For that thou hadst rather hide and convey away a rebel, than deliver him to the officers, that (as a contemner of our gods) he might suffer punishment of his blasphemy; what punishment he should have had, thou for him shalt suffer the same, if I perceive thee any whit to revolt from our manner of worshipping." But blessed Alban, who of his own accord had betrayed to the persecutors that he was a Christian, feared not at all the menaces of the prince; but being armed with the spiritual armor, openly pronounced that he would not obey his commandment.

Then said the judge, "Of what stock or kindred art thou come?" Alban answered, "What is it to you, of what stock I come? If you desire to hear the verity of my religion, I do you to wit, that I am a Christian, and apply myself altogether to that calling." Then said the judge, "I would know thy name, and see thou tell me the same without delay." Then said he, "My parents named me Alban, and I worship the true and living God, who created all the world." Then said the judge, fraught with fury, "If thou wilt enjoy the felicity of prolonged life, do sacrifice (and that out of hand) to the mighty gods." Alban replieth, "These sacrifices which you offer unto devils, neither yet can they accomplish the desires and prayers of their suppliants." The judge, when he heard these words, was passing angry, and commanded the tormentors to whip this holy confessor of God, endeavoring to overcome with stripes the constancy of his heart against which he had prevailed nothing with words. And he was cruelly beaten, yet suffered he the same patiently, nay rather joyfully, for the Lord's sake. Then when the judge saw that he would not with torments be overcome, nor be seduced from the Christian religion, he commanded him to be beheaded. - John Foxe

It is no doubt true that Alban knew little about the Christian religion. It is no doubt true that he could not expound the finer points of theology. It is no doubt true that there were probably things that he believed as a new convert that were wrong, even dramatically wrong. But he believed truly in Christ and confessed him with his mouth to the world so that it is also true that this brother now lies blissfully in Christ's holy bosom thankful he was called to die for His sake. May we all have such conviction and fortitude.

A Layman’s Exhortation to Pastors

“Tell me, brethren, in the fear of God, do you regard the success of your labors, or do you not? Do you long to see it upon the souls of your hearers? If you do not, what do you preach for; what do you study for; and what do you call yourselves ministers of Christ for?” Richard Baxter

I do not intend this paper to be directed at any one pastor and honestly not even at a number of pastors specifically. I write this to the Reformed pastorate in general based on experience and what I have witnessed on a macro level throughout my life; and especially since I became saved.

The passage that I intend to dive into is found in 1 Tim. 4:12-16. We start here because the qualifications for this office have been, though woefully ignored in far too many churches, well covered. This paper assumes that you are qualified to be a pastor based on the qualifications presented to us in the Pastoral Epistles; if you are not, as only God, you, and your local body can attest to, then this paper is not intended for you since, quite frankly, you should resign your post. But for those that are rightfully called to be pastors in our churches I pray that this paper will be edifying to you and informative to the laity in order to encourage all of us to be seeking what best glorifies God and edifies His people as laid out in His Word.

“[…] be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
¨    [Paul] informs [Timothy] what are the true ornaments; not external marks… but soundness of doctrine and holiness of life. When he says, by speech and conversation, the meaning is the same as if he had said, “by words and actions,” and therefore by the whole life… The only way of procuring reverence is, by excellent virtues, to guard ourselves against contempt. John Calvin
¨      [You will be an example] if thou so livest as to be a just pattern unto Christians, imitable by them in word, in thy common and ordinary discourse, (for he speaks not of his being a pattern only to other ministers, but to believers in the generality,) not talking frothily or profanely, or idly or impertinently, but seriously and gravely, but things that are good, to the use of edifying, that it may administer grace to the hearers. In conversation; and in all thy converse with men behaving thyself justly, and [comely], and gravely. Matthew Poole
¨      Observe, those who teach by their doctrine must teach by their [life], else they pull down with the one hand what they build up with the other: they must be examples both in word and conversation. Their discourse must be edifying, and this will be a good example: their conversation must be strict, and this will be a good example. Matthew Henry

Take heed to yourselves, lest your example contradict your doctrine, and lest you lay such stumbling-blocks before the blind, as may be the occasion of their ruin; lest you unsay with your lives, what you say with your tongues; and be the greatest hinderers of the success of your own labors. It much hindereth our work, when other men are all the week long are contradicting to poor people in private, that which we have been speaking to them from the Word of God in public… but it will much more hinder your work, if you contradict yourselves, and if your actions give your tongue the lie, and if you build up an hour or two with your mouths, and all the week after pull down with your hands! This is the way to make men think that the Word of God is but an idle tale, and to make preaching seem no better than prating. He that means as he speaks will surely do as he speaks. One proud, surly, lordly word, one needless contention, one covetous action, may cut the throat of many a sermon, and blast the fruit of all that you have been doing. Richard Baxter

I have noticed an increasing trend for pastors to think their personal life is somehow separate from their ministry. While it is true that every nosy person in every church shouldn’t be obliged it doesn’t mean that your life is not to be examined in general both at the pulpit and away from it. I mentioned the qualifications earlier for being a pastor and have heard people say that it would be almost impossible for a man to fulfill those qualifications, which is true… and that is the point. In fact, that point is being carried on here. Not just your eloquence on Sunday is up for examination as a pastor, your general character is always under scrutiny whether you like it or not. A normal man would not be able to handle such microscopic examination but you men have passed an extremely difficult test of character and with all of your might you must maintain and improve upon the character you had when you began. You are a practical model for pious living to every single one of your congregants. But it doesn’t stop there; you are the face of Christianity to the lost world. They judge us quite often by your actions and your way of living. Think otherwise? Ask the average lost man to name two righteous pastors and he will more than likely fail to produce those names. But ask that same man for two examples of pastoral frauds and Jim Baker and Ted Haggard will be mentioned with little or no difficulty.

Some may be reading this and saying to themselves, “I know this, what’s the point?” The point is that far too often you indeed know this but ignore it. The point is that when it is brought to your attention that you are having trouble in this area or that, too many of you don’t respond like David did to Nathan saying, “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Sam. 12:13) No, it is far more likely in this day and age that the charge is denied, dismissed, and then the person that brought it up is attacked in order to silence their voice from your conscience! I have seen this far too often. Gentlemen, you are not above reproof, you are not above admonition and exhortation. Even if you think they are wrong perhaps there is something in your character that is being shown you by the Lord and you must pay heed just the same. We do not place you into these positions to be trampled on and dominated by you; we put you there to edify, instruct, and lead us by your teaching and example as we strive to lead more pious lives ourselves! You should not be a stumbling block to your people! I heard a pastor say one time that he watches movies and reads books that he knows most of the church wouldn’t approve of. Then why are you reading them? Is it a legalistic objection you expect which is worthy only to be ignored? Or is there something you have obstinately engaged in knowing it is wrong and an offense to the people you serve? Either way why would you do such a thing and then boast of it knowing that it causes others offense? Is this living by example in word and deed? I think it is more likely the opposite and it is something that has become too familiar in our churches today; arrogance in the clergy is an especially despicable trait since it almost always will lead to indifference for their own behavior and faults.

“[…] give attention to reading...”
¨      He knew Timothy’s diligence, and yet he recommends to him diligent reading of the Scriptures. How shall pastors teach others if they be not eager to learn? And if so great a man is advised to study to make progress from day to day, how much more do we need such an advice? Woe to the slothfulness of those who do not peruse the oracles of the Holy Spirit by day and by night, in order to learn from them how to discharge their office! John Calvin
¨      Be diligent in reading the Holy Scriptures, both for thine own instruction and for the edification of others. Matthew Poole
¨      Those ministers that are the best accomplished for their work must yet mind their studies, that they are improving their knowledge. Matthew Henry

It is a palpable error of some ministers, who make such a disproportion between their preaching and their living; who study hard to preach exactly, and study little or not at all to live exactly. All the week long is little enough, to study how to speak two hours; and yet one hour seems too much to study how to live all the week. Richard Baxter

It is evident when we hear a sermon that is being regurgitated from the past with no actual preparation for the Lord’s Day it is being used on. It is evident when we hear the same quotes over and over again that there isn’t a great deal of study being accomplished. It is evident when we hear lackluster sermons that are a painful waste of our time. It is evident when this becomes habitual that the pastor who is guilty in this does not care about his flock or his charge before the Lord to shepherd that flock. But more than all of that it is evident when there is no time in study for yourselves and that is reflected in your daily living. Many, many men can put together an academic presentation based on study, to whatever degree, and pass off a decent result; but, I have yet to meet a man that can for any length of time pass off a righteous life without personal study and a striving to grow in grace and piety. That is true of all men, pastors included.

I have always wondered what was the great hindrance to a pastor’s time that prevents solid study week in and week out. Is it just poor time management or an utter disregard of responsibility? I am not even talking about the week you are just off your game and didn’t deliver the best sermon of your life. But the pastor, and you men know who you are, that continuously delivers unprepared sermon after unprepared sermon should, in my estimation, have to explain to his congregation why that is. It is a great disservice to them that they come to be nourished and instructed and instead they hear drivel that hurts their ears. More than that though, it is an affront to God that He has clearly told you in His word to study diligently in order to feed His children and yet you do not. Please don’t take lightly the Biblical commands of how you are to function as a pastor or the harm you may do in neglecting to be prepared. And please don’t think that anyone is fooled when you fail here, they may not always say something but make no mistake about it, they recognize it. Perhaps in a church such as Joel Osteen’s you could get away with this as long as every so often you told the people that God wants them to be rich; but not in a church that truly desires to grow in the Lord.

“[…] to exhortation, to doctrine…”
¨      Lest it should be thought that careless reading was enough, he, at the same time, shows that it must be explained with a view to usefulness, when he enjoins them to give earnest attention “to doctrine and exhortation;” as if he enjoined him to learn in order to communicate to others. It is proper, also, to attend to this order, that he places reading before doctrine and exhortation; for, undoubtedly, the Scripture is the fountain of all wisdom, from which pastors must draw all that they place before their flock. John Calvin
¨      […] to exhort others to their duty there described, or to comfort others from arguments fetched thence… to instruct others in the principles of religion. Matthew Poole

This now explains why there must be a diligent study of the Scriptures and why it is so offensive when it is obvious there has not been such. It is not only for your personal growth, as important and necessary as that is; it is to bolster your ability to skillfully present the word of God to the people of God and the world. If you do not spend time in diligent study then you should have no expectation that you are actually preaching the word of God. If that be the case then it is as William Hendriksen says, “[…] if there be no pulpit reading, exhorting, and teaching, divine worship is a misnomer… Timothy, then, must continue to devote his attention to these important matters.” If true for Timothy then it is certainly true for all pastors. If you are not studying and preparing then you are also not exhorting and teaching, and if all of that be true then you are not leading your people in the worship of God, whatever else it may be it has strayed from that.

“[…] meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.”
¨      The greater the difficulty in faithfully discharging the ministry of the Church, so much the more ought a pastor to apply himself earnestly, and with his whole might; and that not only for a short time, but with unfailing perseverance. Paul therefore reminds Timothy that this work leaves no room for indolence, or for slackening his labors, but demands the utmost industry and constant application… [Timothy] ought to labor to this purpose, that by his agency the edification of the Church may be more and more advanced, and that corresponding results may be visible; for it is not the work of a single day, and therefore he should strive to make daily progress. John Calvin
¨      Let these things be the business of thy thoughts… be in them, let them be thy whole work, not thy work by and by, but they chief and principal business. Matthew Poole
¨      […] Timothy must be nourished on the words of the faith, and must train himself for godly living; that he must so conduct himself that no one will despise [him]; that he must not neglect but must exercise and cultivate his special gift… “Be in them with your whole heart, with all your soul; be completely wrapped up in them.” […] if Timothy… devote[s] himself completely to his task, as indicated, all… will take note of his spiritual and professional advancement, to the glory of God. William Hendriksen
¨      Ministers are to be much in meditation. They are to consider beforehand how and what they must speak. They are to meditate on the great trust committed to them, on the worth and value of immortal souls, and on the account they must give on the last. Ministers must be wholly in these things, they must mind these things as their principal work and business… By this means their profiting will appear in all things, as well as to all persons; this is the way for them to profit in knowledge and grace, and also to profit others. Matthew Henry

As our people must be ‘doers of the word, and not hearers only;’ so we must be doers and not speakers only, lest we ‘deceive our own selves.’ A practical doctrine must be practically preached. We must study as hard how to live well, as how to preach well. We must think and think again, how to compose our lives, as may most tend to men’s salvation, as well as our sermons. When you are studying what to say to your people, if you have any concern for their souls, you will oft be thinking with yourself, ‘How shall I get within them? And what shall I say, that is most likely to convince them, and convert them, and promote their salvation?’ And should you not as diligently think within yourself, ‘How shall I live, and what shall I do, and how shall I dispose of all that I have, as may most tend to the saving of men’s souls?’ Richard Baxter

It is not enough that you do the bare minimum expected of you as a pastor. This is a special job that requires men of exceptional character to perform the duties required therein. In order to accomplish that you must be wholly invested into your ministry. 100 percent of your effort is required at all times, on all days, in all surroundings. You cannot ever let your guard down for even a moment. You are a prime target for the devil and he is constantly in the business of leading you astray. Your character must shine forth in reliance on God to sustain you in spite of impossible odds. It is not easy, we know that, it is not intended to be. But you are not working for a reward that can be measured in bank statements and applause, your reward is from God Himself and will last an eternity. Be busy with the things of God and the work He has given you the privilege of performing; and make no mistake about it, it is a privilege indeed. Let this work consume you for your profit and for the profit and edification of the Church.

“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine… for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
¨      It is no ordinary spur to excite the thoughtfulness of pastors, when they learn that their own salvation, as well as that of the people, depends on the industry and perseverance with which they devote themselves to their office… Our salvation is… the gift of God alone, because from Him it proceeds, and by His power alone it is performed; and therefore, to Him alone, as the author, it must be ascribed. But the ministry of men is not on that account excluded, nor does all this interfere with the salutary tendency of that government on which, as Paul shows, the prosperity of the Church depends… If thus a good pastor is the salvation of his hearers, let bad and careless men know that their destruction must be ascribed to those who have the charge of them; for, as the salvation of the flock is the crown of the pastor, so from careless pastors all that perishes will be required. John Calvin
¨      […] thus thou shalt do what in thee lieth to save thine own soul, and also to save the souls of others to whom thou preachest, or among whom thou conversest. Matthew Poole
¨      God promises a special reward to His faithful ministers, yes, to all His faithful witnesses; and threatens with severe punishment the unfaithful ones. William Hendriksen

Take heed to yourselves, lest you live in those sins which you preach against in others, and lest you be guilty of that which daily you condemn. Will you make it your work to magnify God, and, when you have done, dishonor Him as much as others…? O brethren! It is easier to chide at sin, than to overcome it… As Peter saith to every Christian in consideration of our great approaching change, ‘What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness!’ so may I say to every minister, ‘Seeing all these things lie upon our hands, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy endeavors and resolutions for our work!’ This is not a burden for the shoulders of a child. What skill doth every part of our work require! – and of how much moment is every part! To preach a sermon, I think, is not the hardest part; and yet what skill is necessary to make the truth plain; to convince the hearers, to let irresistible light in to their consciences…, to drive sinners to a stand, and make them see that there is no hope, but that they must unavoidably either be converted or condemned – and to do all this, as regards language and manner, as beseems our work, and yet as is most suitable to the capacities of our hearers… It is a lamentable case, that in a message from the God of heaven, of everlasting moment to the souls of men, we should behave ourselves so weakly… [that] sinners [are] rather hardened than converted; and all this through our weakness and neglect! How often have carnal hearers gone home jeering at the palpable and dishonorable failings of the preacher! How many sleep under us, because our hearts and tongues are sleepy, and we bring not with us so much skill and zeal as to awake them. Richard Baxter

This is the culmination of these verses; this is the fruit that will be evident for those that are obedient to its commands. There are very real ramifications to what you do as a pastor that far outweigh what the normal man has to deal with. Some have entered the ministry with no apparent understanding of what the gravity of their calling is. Perhaps still others lost it along the way. But pastors, for your sake and the sake of the church we need you to regain it. You are going to have to give an answer for blessing or harming the people of God and I certainly wouldn’t want to be on the wrong end of that answer. The souls of men have been entrusted to you and that is a magnificently honorable and frightening gift. If we look down our noses and condemn men like Bernie Madoff for ripping people off with money they entrusted to him, how much more so will God frown upon you when you have been found to be ripping Him off of souls he has entrusted to you? A pastor who diligently gives himself to his duties has a pious congregation as his crown; for a pastor who flippantly goes through the motions it would be better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Summary:

Pastors, the people of God need you badly. We need the instruction and exhortation that should come from you. We need to see that what you preach you live and that the picture of Christian living is exemplified in your life. I am not saying you are expected to be perfect, but an utter disregard for how you affect others is not advisable for your sake or the sake of those that interact with you. Your behavior is expected to be exemplary just as your character has the same expectation in coming to your office in the first place. Your language should not be vile in any way, you should not be engaged in things that carry with them even a possibility of staining the office you hold, your reputation is necessarily one of the most important tools you are given by the Lord. When you so carelessly disregard how men view you it shows how little you value the office you hold.

I have spoken to a number of people who perceive that the elders (teaching and ruling) are tending towards a Catholic attitude when it comes to how they view themselves in relation to their people. In many cases, though thankfully not in all, a charge can longer be made against either class of elder because the initial reaction is that they rally the troops and attack with a vitriol you would expect only from a lost person. Church discipline is given to silence and intimidate, people are kicked out of churches without warning or due process, people are blackballed to the point that they leave altogether of their own accord hoping that something better will appear at the next church. This arrogance and lack of regard for the saints committed to your charge overflows beyond the interaction during church service. Social media for all of its advantages is a remarkable magnifier of a man’s true heart. When face to face almost all of us will put on a show of amiability, but put a cloak of anonymity in front of us and such pretense falls away. Some of the most vicious attacks I have seen and some of the most consistently disagreeable men I have had the misfortune of encountering on the internet have been pastors. They rule with a sense of unapproachable superiority in their own churches and when questioned by men that are not intimidated by them or in fear of being outcasts, their impatience and distemper becomes readily evident. I recently saw a man announce with joy that he had received a call to a new church and based on my interactions with him in the past felt genuine sorrow for the people that were getting ready to sit under his care. That shouldn’t be the case! Pastors should inspire confidence and we should want them to be near us, but increasingly this is not the case.

Shepherd your flock with the heart of Christ as your model. Christ was willing to give all to recover one lost sheep (Matt. 18:10-14). Yet today many pastors are more concerned with whether or not they will be able to transform their local body into the next mega-church and as long as they are putting bodies in the pews see no reason to have a shepherd’s heart in seeking after the one. You must be willing to give all you are and all you have to fulfill the office you hold. If you are not willing to do that with each and every congregant you have then you should perhaps start questioning whether or not you should hold the office in the first place. Self-preservation has no place in what you do; you are there for God and His people exclusively. Serve them well and leave the rest to the Lord.

Time is only a marginal excuse to justify the lack of time many pastors spend with their people, in visiting them, in instructing them, and in growing them in the faith; yet time is so often used as the excuse that supposedly none can dare question. Nowhere in the word of God can I see where it says to be on twenty committees at Presbytery, to take four weeks of vacation a year, to be a guest speaker at every conference on earth, or to publish a relentless amount of articles. There is nothing wrong with those things ultimately if they can be done while you are actually spending an appropriate amount of time shepherding your flock. If they interfere with that then you must abandon some or all of these things to focus on what really matters. Sure you will not be a well known pastor from coast to coast and the accolades will dim in comparison, but thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly. John Calvin refused to rest for fear that the Lord would come back and find him idle; John Owen likewise worked himself to death; Matthew Henry preached six days a week traveling from church to church under extreme pain due to his long battle with gout. Are you willing to do the same? Or is a 40 hour work week the criteria whereby you will judge that you have done enough?

Please consider the deplorable state of the modern Church. Please consider yourself and what you can do to effect godly change and reform for you are such a vital cog to Christianity. We need godly men to rise up and lead with character. We need men who with unwavering certainty will insist that orthodoxy and orthopraxy are essential to the health of the Church and will settle for nothing less. We need qualified men to exhibit the character necessary to care for and grow the Church. I implore you to consider what I have presented here and, if you are wanting, to cast yourself before the Lord and correct these things for in so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you. Amen.

Sources Cited:
¨      John Calvin, Commentary on Timothy, vol. 21, pp 113-118, Baker Books
¨      Matthew Poole Commentary, vol. 3, pp 783-784, Hendrickson Publishers
¨      William Hendriksen Commentary, vol. 10, pp 158-160, Baker Academic
¨      Matthew Henry Commentary, pp 1888, Hendrickson Publishers
¨      Richard Baxter, “The Reformed Pastor,” pp. 63-70, Banner of Truth

Numbered With the Martyrs - Blandina of Lyon

We continue our series on Christian martyrs by looking now at Blandina of Lyon, France who was martyred by the Romans in the early days of Christianity. Her endurance and bravery is a lasting testament to the strength we have in Christ. May this blessed martyr stand, as John Foxe has said, "[...] as a glorious testimony, and to all Christian men as a spectacle or example of singular fortitude in Christ our Savior."

The whole fury of the multitude, the governor, and the soldiers, was spent... on Blandina, through whom Christ showed that those things that appear unsightly and contemptible among men are most honorable in the presence of God, on account of love to His name exhibited in real energy, and not in boasting and pompous pretences. For - while we all feared, and among the rest while her mistress according to the flesh, who herself was one of the noble army of martyrs, dreaded that she would not be able to witness a good confession, because of the weakness of her body; - Blandina was endued with so much fortitude, that those who successively tortured her from morning to night were quite worn out with fatigue, owned themselves conquered and exhausted of their whole apparatus of tortures, and were amazed to see her still breathing whilst her body was torn and laid open. The blessed woman recovered fresh vigor in the act of confession; and it was an evident annihilation of all her pains, to say, "I am a Christian, and no evil is committed among us."

Blandina [along with some fellow Christians] were led to the wild beasts into the amphitheater to be the common spectacle of the Gentile inhumanity. They were exposed to all the barbarities which the mad populace with shouts demanded, and above all to the hot iron chair, in which their bodies were roasted and emitted a disgusting smell. These after remaining alive a long time, expired at length.

Blandina, suspended from a stake, was exposed as food to the wild beasts; she was seen suspended in the form of a cross and employed in vehement supplication. The sight inspired her fellow combatants with much alacrity, while they beheld with their bodily eyes, in the person of their sister, the figure of Him Who was crucified for them. None of the beasts at that time touched her: she was taken down from the stake and thrown again into prison. Weak and contemptible as she might be deemed, yet when clothed with Christ, the mighty and invincible champion, she became victorious over the enemy in a variety of encounters, and was crowned with immortality.

The blessed Blandina... as a generous mother having exhorted her children, and sent them before her victorious to the king, reviewing the whole series of their sufferings, hastened to undergo the same herself, rejoicing and triumphing in her exit, as if invited to a marriage supper, not as one going to be exposed to the wild beasts. After she had endured stripes, the tearing of the beasts, and the iron chair, she was enclosed in a net, and thrown to a bull; and having been tossed some time by the animal, and proving quite superior to her pains, through the influence of hope, and the realizing view of the objects of her faith and her fellowship with Christ, she at length breathed out her soul.

I was reminded on reading this account and the hope that this great woman had in enduring great pain at the hands of our enemies, of the character in "The Pilgrim's Progress" named Standfast who like Blandina did not cower at the thought of death but approached it with joy as if, as Foxe said earlier, "invited to a marriage supper." Standfast, as he was ready to cross the river into the heavenly kingdom says,

This river has been a terror to many, yea, the thoughts of it also have often frightened me; but now methinks I stand easy, my foot is fixed upon that upon which the feet of the Priests that bare the Ark of the Covenant stood, while Israel went over this Jordan. The waters indeed are to the palate bitter, and to the stomach cold; yet the thoughts of what I am going to, and of the conduct that waits for me on the other side, doth lie as a glowing coal at my heart.

I see myself now at the end of my Journey; my toilsome days are ended. I am going now to see that Head that was crowned with thorns, and that Face that was spit upon for me.

I have formerly lived by hearsay and Faith; but now I go where I shall live by Sight, and shall be with Him in whose company I delight myself.

I have loved to hear my Lord spoken of; and wherever I have seen the print of His shoe in the earth there I have coveted to set my foot too.

His name has been to me as a civet-box; yea, sweeter than all perfumes. His Voice to me has been most sweet; and His Countenance I have more desired than they that have most desired the light of the Sun. His Word I did use to gather for my food, and for antidotes against my faintings. He has held me, and I have kept me from mine iniquities; yea, my steps hath He strengthened in His way.

Now, while he was thus in discourse, his countenance changed, his strong man bowed under him; and after he had said, "Take me, for I come unto thee," he ceased to be seen of them.

Such a picture is the one we receive when hearing of the faithful battle of blessed Blandina. May we all know and be assured that the battles of this life cannot be compared with the glory in the next and that regardless of how death arrives it only ushers in the life we as Christians have been striving for. With great peace and courage may we until our dying breath glorify our God.