Grumblers and Faultfinders
"These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow
their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and
flatter others for their own advantage." - Jude 1:16
In November 1782, Charles Simeon became pastor of the Holy
Trinity Church in Cambridge, England. The church was less
than pleased to receive this blustering minister who
insisted that those who called themselves "Christian" be
truly saved by grace and live lives more closely conformed
to Christ.
Opponents within the church harassed Simeon by locking the
family-owned pews, forcing those who wished to hear the new
minister to find standing room as best they could. When
Simeon brought in benches, the churchwardens took them out
and threw them in the churchyard. When he tried to visit
from house to house, hardly a door would open to him. This
situation lasted at least ten years.
Simeon was also a target from those outside his church. The
students at Cambridge held Simeon in disdain for his
biblical preaching and his uncompromising stand as an
evangelical. They repeatedly disrupted his services and
caused a tumult in the streets.
One observer wrote from personal experience, "For many years
Trinity Church and the streets leading to it were the scenes
of the most disgraceful tumults." But through time, Simeon
was steady in his ministry.
He remained at the Holy Trinity Church for 54 years. He
began a Christian College at Holy Trinity and of the
undergraduates Simeon trained during his 54 years, some
1,100 became effective-and many, distinguished- parish
ministers, chaplains, and missionaries.
Are you a grumbler or faultfinder? Today in prayer, confess
any sin in your life and stop any grumbling or faultfinding.
"Grumblers seldom take their issue directly to those who can
resolve it." - John White
God's Word: "Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or
you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!" -
James 5:9
By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2004, Devotional E-Mail
DEVOTIONS IN TITUS, JUDE, PHILEMON
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