A Reformation of Love and Truth
" If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves,
and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will
I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their
land." - 2Chronicles 7:14
In the Bible there are many examples of God blessing individuals or the
nation of Israel when they choose to follow God and His ways. God chose
people like Noah, Abraham, Moses, Gideon, Deborah, Esther, Elijah,
Daniel, Samuel, David and many others to accomplish great things which
blessed their family and nation. These people were not perfect but they
were called, chosen, equipped and set apart for God's purpose.
During the period before and during the Reformation in Europe, God used
people such as John Hus, William Tyndale, John Wycliff, Martin Luther,
John Calvin, etc. to bring reform. Again, none of these reformers were
perfect, but when they practiced and taught Biblical principles to the
people, reformation did take place albeit not without opposition. Many
of the heros of the faith were not well known when God called them,
however, they responded to God's call and were teachable.
Francis Schaeffer, a modern reformer wrote:
"We must remember throughout our lives that in God's sight there are no
little people and no little places. Only one thing is important: to be
consecrated persons in God's place for us, at each moment."
(Francis A. Schaeffer, No Little People, Ch. 1)
A nation or a culture can be great or it can be destroyed from within
by moral corruption of it's people and leaders. In the history of
Israel you see times of great blessing and great suffering depending on
how faithful they were in worshipping God and following his
commandments. A careful overview of Old Testament history will show
this clearly. Please read what Moses was instructed by God to write and
declare to the people of Israel.
Deuteronomy 28
[1] And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto
the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his
commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will
set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
[2] And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if
thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
[3] Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the
field.
[4] Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy
ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the
flocks of thy sheep.
[5] Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.
[6] Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou
be when thou goest out
[7] The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be
smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and
flee before thee seven ways.
[8] The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses,
and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee
in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
[9] The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he
hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD
thy God, and walk in his ways.
[10] And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the
name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.
[11] And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of
thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy
ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
[12] The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to
give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of
thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not
borrow.
[13] And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou
shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou
hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee
this day, to observe and to do them:
[14] And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command
thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other
gods to serve them.
Moses here warns the people about God's judgments when individuals and
nations abandon God and seek not to obey and follow His teaching and
commandments.
[15] But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice
of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his
statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall
come upon thee, and overtake thee:
[16] Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the
field.
[17] Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store.
[18] Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land,
the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
[19] Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be
when thou goest out.
[20] The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in
all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be
destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of
thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.
[21] The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have
consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it.
[22] The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever,
and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the
sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee
until thou perish.
[23] And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth
that is under thee shall be iron.
[Please read verses 24 to 68 for further warnings...]
Many nations today are facing many domestic, social and other problems
such an increase in crime, violence, terrorism, war and poor
leadership. Is there a solution for all these increasing concerns? Yes,
God has not left us in the dark as to how individuals, families and
nations can solve their problems. The answer may be as simple as
turning away from our false gods and idols and turning back to the God
who made us. He has provided the solution for mankind in the atonement
and ongoing work of His Son, Jesus.
Some Biblical References:
The Bible contains clear solutions for mankinds ills. If you read it
you will discover this truth in the Good News it contains. May God
bless you as He opens our hearts and eyes to see.
2 Chronicles 7
[14] If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked
ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and
will heal their land.
Jesus taught that God's love and His atonement when accepted can bring
healing and peace to people and nations:
Matthew 5
[38] Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a
tooth for a tooth:
[39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall
smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
[40] And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat,
let him have thy cloke also.
[41] And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
[42] Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of
thee turn not thou away.
[43] Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
[44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use
you, and persecute you;
[45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for
he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain
on the just and on the unjust.
[46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not
even the publicans the same?
[47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others?
do not even the publicans so?
[48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is
perfect.
Luke.6
[27] But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them
which hate you,
Romans 13
[10] Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the
fulfilling of the law.
1John 4
[7] Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one
that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
[12] No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God
dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
John 14
[27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it
be afraid.
The European Reformation, led by men like Luther and Calvin, was not a
perfect Reformation. It did not lead to a 'golden age', however it did
bring freedoms and reform as well as needed checks and balances for
government and church based upon the absolutes of Scripture. Some
critics of the Reformation claim it also was divisive - leading to
religious wars and peasant revolts. This cannot be denied as there were
humanistic elements to the Reformation. Acceptance or rejection of
Christ's teaching can divide people, but it can also unite people who
hold to it in love.
Opposition to the Reformation was not always peaceful. The Inquistion
in Catholic Spain and other Catholic countries was ruthless in its
attempt to stop the Reformers and their followers. However, can reform
in the church lead to changes without the humanistic fruits? Jesus and
the apostles of the New Covenant faced persecution and death. Were they
able to bring about change in individuals without violence and
revolution? The answer is 'Yes'. They were indeed persecuted, but
following the loving example of Jesus, the believers were able to bring
change without chaos.
One of the problems of the European Reformation is that the reformers
and their followers were, like us, imperfect men and woman. To avoid
the pitfalls and to experience a truly Spirit-led Reformation and
revival, we need to follow the teaching and example of Christ. Jesus
said: "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ;
and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth:
for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called
masters: for one is your Master, even Christ."
The Apostle Paul, writing to the believers in Corinth, also affirms
Christ as the Head of the Church and the one we should follow and be
led by. Paul does not glorify himself or the other apostles, nor should
we place any human theologian, mystic, saint or pope above Christ's
authority and teaching. If we do so, we are disobeying Christ and not
honoring the Father. The Holy Spirit does not glorify men but testifies
to and glorifies Christ alone. This is how we discern the difference
between the Spirit of God and the spirits and teachings that are not of
God. John the Baptist, who Jesus said was a true prophet of God, said
of Christ, "He must increase, but I must decrease."
Some quotes, and scriptures on Biblical Reformation
" My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world,
then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the
Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." - Jesus of Nazareth
Francis A. Schaeffer
We live in a post-Christian world. What should be our perspective as
individuals, as institutions, as orthodox Christians, as those who
claim to be Bible-believing? How should we look at this post-Christian
world and function as Christians in it?
(Francis A. Schaeffer, Death In The City, Ch. 1)
Further quotes from this book:
The church in our generation needs reformation, revival, and
constructive revolution.
At times men think of the two words reformation and revival as standing
in contrast one to the other, but this is a mistake. Both words are
related to the word restore.
Reformation refers to a restoration to pure doctrine; revival refers to
a restoration in the Christian's life. Reformation speaks of a return
to the teachings of Scripture; revival speaks of a life brought into
its proper relationship to the Holy Spirit.
The great moments of church history have come when these two
restorations have simultaneously come into action so that the church
has returned to pure doctrine and the lives of the Christians in the
church have known the power of the Holy Spirit. There cannot be true
revival unless there has been reformation; and reformation is not
complete without revival.
Such a combination of reformation and revival would be revolutionary in
our day -- revolutionary in our individual lives as Christians,
revolutionary not only in reference to the liberal church but
constructively revolutionary in the evangelical, orthodox church as
well.
May we be those who know the reality of both reformation and revival,
so that this poor dark world may have an exhibition of a portion of the
church returned to both pure doctrine and Spirit-filled life. (Francis
A. Schaeffer, Death In The City, Ch. 1)
To have real reformation and revival we, as Christians, need to be
renewed by the teaching of Christ and be revived by the genuine work of
the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of Truth. Jesus said that only if we
abide in Him (our branch) can we produce the fruits of the Spirit. The
Holy Spirit glorifies and testifies of Christ - his person, his
teaching and his atoning work.
Too often in the church the final authority for matters of doctrine and
faith is not the teaching of Christ (the Rock) and the apostle's and
prophet's teaching which is the foundation of our gospel. Instead we
have made the teachings of theologians, academics, mystics and popes
our authority. Here we are not speaking about good theology, or
academics who take pains to correctly 'divide the word of truth' so as
to make scripture plain and understandable. Rather than blindly accept
the teachings of 'church leaders', all Christians must be like Bereans
and check any teaching or theology to make sure is it backed by the
authority of Holy Scripture.
Some Biblical References related to Revival and Reformation (KJV):
John 3:
[26] And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was
with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same
baptizeth, and all men come to him.
[27] John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be
given him from heaven.
[28] Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ,
but that I am sent before him.
[29] He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the
bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because
of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
[30] He must increase, but I must decrease.
[31] He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is
earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above
all.
[32] And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man
receiveth his testimony
[33] He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God
is true.
[34] For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God
giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
[35] The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his
hand.
[36] He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that
believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth
on him.
John.18
[36] Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom
were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be
delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Matthew 23 (Jesus speaking...)
[8] But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ;
and all ye are brethren.
[9] And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father,
which is in heaven.
[10] Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
[11] But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
[12] And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that
shall humble himself shall be exalted.
John 13
[34] A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I
have loved you, that ye also love one another.
[35] By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have
love one to another.
John.15
[2] Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every
branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more
fruit.
[4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in
me.
[5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in
him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do
nothing.
[6] If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is
withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they
are burned.
Gal.5 - Paul writing to the Galatians
[13] For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not
liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
[14] For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt
love thy neighbour as thyself.
[15] But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not
consumed one of another.
[16] This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the
lust of the flesh.
[17] For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against
the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye
cannot do the things that ye would.
[18] But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
[19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
[20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife,
seditions, heresies,
[21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the
which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that
they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith,
[23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
[24] And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts.
[25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
[26] Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another,
envying one another.
The Apostle John
John.14
[17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because
it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth
with you, and shall be in you.
John.15
[26] But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the
Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he
shall testify of me:
John.16
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you
into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he
shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Paul's letter to the Colossians confirms that Christ is the one whom
believers should follow as Head of the church. Paul writes to the
believers in Corinth, "That no flesh should glory in his presence."
Paul is affirming what Christ said, "But be not ye called Rabbi: for
one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no
man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in
heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even
Christ."
Col.1
[18] And he is the Head of the body, the church: who is the beginning,
the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the
preeminence.
Col.2
[10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality
and power:
[19] And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and
bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with
the increase of God.
1 Corinthians 1:
[9] God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his
Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
[10] Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among
you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in
the same judgment.
[11] For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them
which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
[12] Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I
of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
[13] Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized
in the name of Paul?
[14] I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
[15] Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
[16] And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know
not whether I baptized any other.
[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not
with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none
effect.
[18] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;
but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
[19] For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will
bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
[20] Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of
this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
[21] For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not
God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that
believe.
[22] For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
[23] But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock,
and unto the Greeks foolishness;
[24] But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the
power of God, and the wisdom of God.
[25] Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness
of God is stronger than men.
[26] For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men
after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
[27] But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound
the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound
the things which are mighty;
[28] And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath
God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things
that are:
[29] That no flesh should glory in his presence.
[30] But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us
wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
[31] That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory
in the Lord.
Eph.2 - Paul to the Ephesians
[1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
[2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this
world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that
now worketh in the children of disobedience:
[3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the
lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the
mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he
loved us,
[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with
Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in
heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his
grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good
works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
[11] Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the
flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the
Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
[12] That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the
commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise,
having no hope, and without God in the world:
[13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made
nigh by the blood of Christ.
[14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down
the middle wall of partition between us;
[15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of
commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain
one new man, so making peace;
[16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the
cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
[17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to
them that were nigh.
[18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but
fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
[21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an
holy temple in the Lord:
[22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God
through the Spirit.
2Chr.7
[14] If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked
ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and
will heal their land.
Eph.6
[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of
his might.
[11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
[14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and
having on the breastplate of righteousness;
[15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God:
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints;
No Little People
Summary
"I am such a small person. I don't have many talents. I'm weak. Nothing
I do has any real significance." So says many a Christian about the
possibility of being used by God. Schaeffer's response to any man or
woman is that, "with God, there are no little people."
Quotes From The Book
The Scripture emphasizes that much can come from little if the little
is truly consecrated to God. There are no little people and no big
people in the true spiritual sense, but only consecrated and
unconsecrated people. The problem for each of us is applying this truth
to ourselves: "is Francis Schaeffer the Francis Schaeffer of God?"
(Francis A. Schaeffer, No Little People, Ch. 1)
Our attitude toward all men should be that of equality because we are
common creatures. We are of one blood and kind. As I look across all
the world, I must see every man as a fellow-creature, and I must be
careful to have a sense of our equality on the basis of this common
status. We must be careful in our thinking not to try to stand in the
place of God to other men. We are fellow-creatures.
(Francis A. Schaeffer, No Little People, Ch. 1)
Dead orthodoxy is always a contradiction in terms...
(Francis A. Schaeffer, No Little People, Ch. 1)
God's people are to be active, not seeking (on account of some false
mystical concept) to sit constantly in the shade of a rock. There is no
monasticism in Christianity.
(Francis A. Schaeffer, No Little People, Ch. 1)
Quietness and peace before God are more important than any influence a
position may seem to give, for we must stay in step with God to have
the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Francis A. Schaeffer, No Little People, Ch. 1)
We must remember throughout our lives that in God's sight there are no
little people and no little places. Only one thing is important: to be
consecrated persons in God's place for us, at each moment.
(Francis A. Schaeffer, No Little People, Ch. 1)
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