We are back from an experience of Sixteenth century Reformation history. It was thrilling to stand in some of the places that played such an important role in the recovery of Gospel light. The sights of ancient churches and documents relating to these years of struggle were truly inspiring.
We were blessed by the teaching of R.C. Sproul during our tours and we especially counted it a privilege to hear him preach in the churches where Calvin and Luther preached in Geneva and Wittenberg.
There was though, and is, sadness in the midst of all of this enjoyment. The sadness springs from the present spiritual state of the European countries where such great light shown forth in times past.
These nations that have been so blessed have now seemingly fallen back into spiritual apathy and darkness once again. Moral looseness is evident everywhere.
There appears to be no comprehension of spiritual or eternal things. Life is about this present world and fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind.
How tragic to see churches that were once places where the power of the gospel was boldly declared standing now as mere museums and memorials!
This is the case in both Catholic and Protestant churches!
On a train ride to Berlin I had the opportunity to speak with an elderly German woman who seemed to be quite surprised that we in America were there because of interest in the Reformation. She made it clear that most people in that country were no longer interested in these things or, for that matter, the things of God in general.
I was able to share with this lady, who had been raised in Catholicism, some of the truths regarding how we are justified and the issues that the Reformation revolved around. (I pray God will give the increase in her life!)
She seemed to be genuinely interested in what I was telling her.
My heart cried out inside because she is one of millions abiding in this same hopelessness!
One of the famous statements made with regard to the reformation in the sixteenth century was, "AFTER DARKNESS LIGHT"
Once again we need such light because, once again, darkness has enveloped the lands of our Forebearers!
There is certainly a famine in the land, not of bread or of material things, but of hearing the word of God and of being changed by the Spirit.
My burden is for God's light to once again shine forth and dispell the darkness that is taking soul after soul into a Christless eternity, not just for Europe but for our nation as well.
4 comments:
Interesting. My husband and I have lived in Europe, and it is true -- not many people there are interested in the things of God.
BTW, my husband's nephew and nieces last name is Gabbard. They are from Connecticut.
It is certainly sad to see a return to darkness after such a mighty work of God had been experienced. But, is it not the same with us here in the U.S.?
The main difference being, we have fallen back in a much shorter time!
The "Gabbard" name is not encountered, at least not in the states as often as it is in places like Germany. This is where my Father's ancestory is found. My prayer is that the land of my forefathers experiences another spiritual awakening!
Amen bro. Tom,
We truly need a modern reformation and a clear proclamation of the Gospel.
BM
Yes, Tom, my husband's brother-in-law says that his last name of Gabbard was originall Gebhardt and was indeed German.
Yes, in our country, you are right, we have fallen back in a much shorter time. Never thought about that. It is getting just like Europe here as far as spiritual atmosphere goes.
Post a Comment