The title of this blog, Post Tenebras Lux, highlights a famous Protestant Reformation saying. "After Darkness Light" is a wonderful summary of what God accomplished in Europe during the years 1517 to 1648. I choose this blog title because I believe that is what every revitalization ministry prays for (lux). I also selected this title because that is exactly what the Holy Spirit has begun to accomplish here in Freeport (on a much smaller stage of course); hence the subtitle: How God Revitalized a Local Church to the Praise of His Glorious Grace.
Having said that, one does not go from Egypt to Canaan overnight. Many of the articles so far have talked about the trials and tribulations of reformation ministry. You may call these "wilderness" articles. Every church revitalization resource that I have examined includes much blood, sweat, and tears. This "cross" is what Dr. Trueman talks about in his book, "Reformation: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" (see in particular his fine chapter on a Theology of the Cross).
Like most good things in life and ministry where there is no pain there is no gain. As such I have tried my best not to completely sugar coat this revitalization record. The past six years has included both highs and lows. Half of these years have included more low lows than high highs. Nonetheless, I embrace the plan and purpose of God for my life and for this local church! God's timing is not always our timing but His timing is always best!
Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Power;
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
Ever to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.
