A Glorious Christian Heritage

All over the world people are fascinated with Great Britain. Rightly so! It has played a central role in the story of Western civilization for two millennia. Many are captivated by the tales of medieval chivalry, royal succession, the British Empire, and courageous fighting in the Napoleonic and world wars. They ignite the heart and imagination. In addition, the landscape is replete with ancient castles and cathedrals, drawing millions of visitors every year.
Believers are especially intrigued by England’s rich Christian heritage. How could we not be? From the establishment of Christianity through monasteries; to the emergence of the Protestant Reformation; to the courageous reforming of worship and confession by the Puritans; to the bold gospel preaching of the first Great Awakening; English church history is as eventful as it is inspiring.
We certainly found this to be true on our recent men’s trip to London, Oxford, Cambridge, and Canterbury. In preparation for the trip, we studied the lives and leadership of three historically significant figures who made a profound impact on their generation and beyond. These men are Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556), John Owen (1616-1683), and Winston Churchill (1874-1965).
Thomas Cranmer was the first Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury, set apart to the office in 1533. It was an expressly volatile time in King Henry VIII’s court. Cranmer was the principal author of the Book of Common Prayer under King Edward VI (1549 / 1552). Through it, Cranmer and others (e.g. Bucer, Vermigili, Knox) sought to bring reform to the worship and liturgy of the church. Due to his strong protestant beliefs, and his assistance with King Henry VIII’s annulment from Catherine of Aragon, he was arrested by the newly ascended monarch, Queen Mary Tudor (Catherine’s daughter!). Queen Mary (i.e. Bloody Mary) sought to reestablish Catholicism in Britain. In her mind, Cranmer needed to be silenced. She imprisoned him in the Tower of London and then in Oxford. He spent the better part of two years suffering in prison, even being forced to watch two friends — Thomas Ridley and Hugh Latimer — be burned alive at the stake.
It seems the great physical and psychological pressure got to him. While in prison Cranmer recanted his protested beliefs and declared his allegiance to the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. Queen Mary, however, was not convinced. His execution for treason and heresy would not be rescinded. Not long before Cranmer’s execution, many gathered in a worship service to hear Cranmer’s penitence and further recantation. Instead, to the great surprise of all, he recanted his recantations! He boldly proclaimed the gospel and declared that the pope was the antichrist. He also announced that he would stretch out his hand to be burned first, the same hand with which he signed the recantations. Cranmer died a martyr for Christ in 1556.
During our trip we visited numerous locations connected to Cranmer’s life and ministry. We visited Jesus College in Cambridge where he was educated and began exploring Reformation ideas through men like Luther and Zwingli. We visited Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Canterbury Cathedral, three places where Cranmer boldly preached God’s Word. In addition, we went to Oxford where he was imprisoned and finally executed. In fact, we stood over the clearly marked spot where Cranmer was burned at the stake in 1556. It was a powerful, humbling, and inspiring experience. One cannot help but reflect upon one’s own commitment to Christ when contemplating those who’ve given their lives for Him.
John Owen is my favorite minister and theologian. You’ve heard me quote him often over the years. The English Puritan and his theology were the subject of my post-graduate work at the University of Edinburgh in the early 2000s. During his life, he mainly served as a pastor and theologian. However, under Oliver Cromwell, he also served as a military chaplain, author, statesman, and academic dean of Christ Church, Oxford. Our group visited Christ Church, Oxford, including University Church, where Owen preached his mortification of sin sermons in the 1650’s. We also went to Bunhill Fields burial grounds in London where Owen was interred in 1683. Other notable figures buried at Bunhill Fields are John Bunyan, Thomas Goodwin, Isaac Watts, Joseph Hart, and Susannah Wesley (mother of John and Charles).
Winston Churchill is one of the greatest leaders in history. Although not a professing Christian, his leadership and oratory were used by God to deliver Western civilization from fascism. His life was truly an adventure. It all started at Blenheim Palace. We visited Blenheim Palace and its marvelous Churchill exhibit. It was there that we lingered in the room where Churchill was prematurely born in 1874. In London, we explored the Churchill War Rooms, the underground bunker where Churchill, his cabinet, and his staff led the war effort during the Blitz. From there we walked to Parliament and on to the formidable Churchill statue. It was all very inspiring. It also provided a lot of exercise. We figured out that we walked well over 40 miles on our trip!
Our daily routine was a blessing. Each morning, after breakfast, I led a group devotion from God’s Word. The fellowship and time of prayer were deeply encouraging. During the trip, Dr. Tom Clark and I shared two lectures on the life and leadership of Churchill and Cranmer. I also gave a lecture on John Owen during our time in Oxford. While in the city of spires, we spent time with Rev. Andy Young, one of our gifted missionary church planters. The Lord is working powerfully through his ministry at Oxford Presbyterian Church.
We spent the Lord’s Day with Cambridge Presbyterian Church— attending morning and evening worship, as well as a fellowship meal! The congregation was very warm and encouraging. It was a privilege to preach in the evening service from Acts 4. We concluded the week by visiting Westminster Chapel in London. At this church, not far from Buckingham Palace, D. Martyn Lloyd Jones (d. 1981) faithfully preached God’s Word for thirty years.
The writer to the Hebrews exhorts us to reflect upon that “great cloud of witnesses” from the past. We do so, in part, so that we will “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2a). The leadership lessons in London men’s trip was a catalyst to that reflection and a great encouragement to our souls.
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