Ran across this interesting sermon excerpt from D.A. Carson. Aside from some of his out-of-date comments about the economy (and it was only 2007!), he looks at the call of the prophet Ezekiel and makes some good observations on what it means to be called (as we all are) to preach the gospel in times when there is a lot of cultural opposition. Here’s a taste:
…you see, the first element in Ezekiel’s call is a call to see God and be humbled. Now that is always important. God help us. We don’t need preachers who have no vision of God before their eyes, for whom the whole business is merely an education exercise; skills nicely decked out from homiletics classes. In a declining culture this is non-negotiable. You see, in times of great revival everybody is talking about God. But in times when the whole culture is moving in other directions it is essential that those who proclaim the Word of God have their eyes so fastened on what God is like in all His transcendent glory that they are devoured by Him. And thus speak out of the fear of this living God.
Read the whole thing here.