Dear Friends,
Today is Reformation Day. Martin Luther posted his explosive 95 theses October 31, 1517. In the wake of Luther’s life, an army of Reformers soon emerged. Foremost among them was John Calvin. Together they recovered for the church the supreme authority and clarity of the Scriptures. Grace-erasing tradition had buried the glory of the gospel. But now light was breaking out. So the Reformers took up a Latin phrase to describe the wonder: “Post Tenebras Lux”—“After Darkness... Light.”
In honor of Calvin’s ministry and, even more, in celebration of the God who restored the gospel to his church, we are making this video available today. My prayer is that it would stir in your heart a fresh passion for the majesty of the word of God.
In spite of his flaws, the essential meaning of Calvin's life and preaching is that he recovered and embodied a passion for the majesty of God and his word. The labor of exposition through preaching was the supreme work of his life.
I am no John Calvin. But I do stand with him as a fellow preacher of the majesty of God’s word. Preaching has been the central labor of my life. I pray that God will give me a mind and voice that enables me to preach this word as long as I live. What a gift and privilege that would be.
Transition from Bethlehem
As I prepare to transition from my role at Bethlehem, it seems to me that the Lord is saying, “You have led Bethlehem to this point; it is time to hand off the internal leadership labors to another; I have a few other things yet for you to do.” Yes. Writing, preaching, teaching. There is an increasing pull on my life to be involved in ministry in the wider church through Desiring God. The plan is for these next years of my life, as God gives me strength, to be devoted to that mission. I just read the story of Elisha asking for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. I paused to pray, Lord, could I have a double portion of your Spirit for the last chapter of my life?
Prayer for Desiring God
Along with my transition, these next two months of November and December are important for ministries like ours. We will provide more communication in the coming weeks, but for now, we would be greatly honored if you would pray about how you might be involved in supporting our mission as this year comes to a close. We give most of what we have away freely. This is possible because lots of thankful people help us make that happen.
For Christ and his kingdom,
John Piper
with Josh Etter, Director of Communications
with Josh Etter, Director of Communications
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