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REFORMATION ANNIVERSARY - Living in Fire (1 Peter 4:12-19)
Paul Barker, October 16, 2005Part of the HTD English Protestant Reformation 2005 series, preached at a Morning Service
Protestantism took hold in England under the reign of Edward VI in the years 1547 – 1553. The bible was read in English instead of Latin and distributed as widely as people could afford. Reformers began to preach the truths of the scriptures.
When Edward died the throne passed to his sister – Queen Mary – an avowed Catholic who put to death many Protestants during her five year reign.
Reformers Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley were together burned at the stake on 16 October 1555. Latimer spoke these famous words:
“Be of good cheer, Master Ridley, and play the man, for we shall this day light such a candle in England as I trust by God’s grace shall never be put out.”
This sermon was preached – to the very day – 450 years after the martyrdom of these two men. It illuminates the England of that time and sets out the great and important truths recovered by the Protestant reformers – truths which today remain under serious attack in the West.
1 Peter 4:12–19 (Listen)
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
(ESV)