Good Old Days, Same Old Problems

We often look back and think that the grass was greener in other centuries.  However, when you read Luther, Ryle, Spurgeon, Lloyd-Jones and men from other centuries you quickly find out that even though circumstances may differ our sin nature often act out the same.  We are prone to being predominately concerned with the things of this earth and do not seek first the kingdom of God.  Over at Church Matters Michael Mckinley had this to say:

I was reading Richard Sibbes the other day (because, you know, that’s what the cool kids do) and I came across a complaint of his. It seems that he was frustrated by Christians who made life decisions (like, for instance, where they should live) based on superficial criteria rather than the most important thing: the ability to hear God’s Word preached.

Sibbes writes:

In our buildings and dwellings we look for good air, good soil, good neighbours, but where is the main? Who inquireth what minister have we? What means of salvation? Tush! this enters not into their thoughts; and thus do they invert God’s order.

Two things stand out to me:

1. He said “Tush!” in a sermon.

2. He’s got a good point. If hearing the Word of God is the “one thing necessary” (Luke 10:42), then choosing a good church should be our first priority when considering a move. No?