Tony Reinke, in his study of the Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin, makes a profoundly relevant observation about the types of hearts which will genuinely appreciate biblical preaching and theology. Without being self-congratulatory in a sort of piously exaggerated humility, the Vancouver APC pulpit is certainly a place where sinners receive the truth about who we are and how we must be redeemed in Christ.
Churches that understand the inclination of the sinful heart will place great stress on biblical preaching and theology. I fear many churches get bored with scriptural preaching and offer only ‘practical’ messages on finances, children, marriage, etc. because they fail to see the towards ‘religious atheism’ in our hearts. Nothing is more central to Christianity than a proper understanding of God that brings humility and fear of Him. Preaching about God’s wrath and holiness and judgment upon sinner, preaching about His Son Who lived a perfect life and died a wretched death because I lived a wretched life and want a glorious death … These doctrines bring us back to the love of God and humble us for a life of godliness. Theology – a true knowledge of God – requires a life-long re-calibration of the sinner’s mind and heart.
The whole piece is worth checking out here
(Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash: Thank you!)