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Foundations In Times Like These

Ministry in the mid-seventeenth century was tough, particularly if you were an Anglican priest.

The Cromwellian revolution, having toppled the reign of Charles I, proceeded to divest the monarchy of its power and influence. Since the king was the head of the state church, Anglicanism got caught in the fury of the overthrow.

In the midst of this turmoil, a tribute was written to the local pastor of the Harold Church in the village of Staunton, England. It remains today on the wall of the church and reads, "In the year 1653, when all things sacred were throughout the nation destroyed or profaned, this church was built to the glory of God by Sir Robert Shirley whose singular praise it was to have done the best of things in the worst of times."

As bad as our times may seem, they are not the worst of times. No one is throwing us to lions or burning us on lampposts. But these are challenging days for those committed to engaging this culture with the claims of Christ. If we want it said ...

May/June
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