Mac expresses gratitude for God's love and the importance of church history, emphasizing that God's love draws believers closer to Him. He reflects on the church's resilience, stating that the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Mac encourages learning from past believers, particularly during the Reformation, which recovered key truths like justification by faith and the accessibility of the Bible. He discusses the Anabaptist movement, highlighting their commitment to believers' baptism and separation from state control. The Anabaptists faced severe persecution, with many martyred for their faith. Mac also mentions the Hutterites, who practiced communal living out of necessity during persecution, and the importance of self-denial and sacrifice in Christian life. He warns against the dangers of political alliances, using the Huguenots' tragic history as a lesson. Finally, he emphasizes the need for believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ and to live out their faith authentically, reflecting on the balance between grace and truth in their lives.
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.