John Tauler (Christian Biographies Adapted for Children) -- Santosh Poonen -- August 24, 2022
Audiobook Live recordings from RLCF Family Prayer Meetings during which Santosh Poonen shares Christian biographies adapted for children Based loosely on the chapter from the book, "They Knew Their God" by Harvey, Harvey & Hey ----- http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon recounts the story of John Tauler, a highly knowledgeable theologian who preached theories of self-improvement from the Bible. Despite his skill, his teachings failed to bring true spiritual change because they lacked the grace of God. A young man named Nicholas of Basil observed this, realizing Tauler was preaching intellectual concepts rather than the true Gospel.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Who was John Tauler?John Tauler was known as the enlightened doctor of theology, a brilliant scholar and preacher from Strasbourg who ultimately received spiritual light.
Tauler's background and early ministryBorn to a rich senator in 1290, Tauler became a Dominican monk at 18 and studied theology in Paris, becoming a sincere, beloved, and eloquent preacher despite the city's papal interdict.
Preaching theory without graceAlthough his church meetings were packed, Tauler only preached theories of self-improvement and intellectual concepts from the Bible that left his listeners unchanged.
A mysterious stranger in the audienceA young man named Nicholas of Basil sat intently in Tauler's audience, recognizing that the gentle preacher was completely in the dark regarding the light of grace.
Pretending to make confessionNicholas used the Catholic practice of confession as an excuse to hold private conversations with Tauler over twelve weeks, eventually asking him to preach on attaining the highest spiritual life.
Tauler's 24 points of Christian perfectionTauler delivered a detailed sermon outlining 24 points of human self-emptying and holiness, entirely omitting human sinfulness and the necessity of faith in Christ's atonement.
Nicholas confronts Tauler's self-loveAfter writing the sermon from memory, Nicholas boldly told Tauler that he was not living according to his own standard and that his heart was full of self-love and pharisaism.
Tauler is humbled and seeks instructionDeeply convicted when Nicholas exposed his hidden self-love, Tauler embraced the young man and begged to be taught how to reach true perfection.
The ABC lesson of self-despairNicholas put Tauler through weeks of agonizing failure to bring his self-effort to an end, leading him to recognize his own total inability and helplessness.
The way of the cross and two years of silenceFollowing Nicholas's advice, Tauler stopped preaching completely, lost his financial support, sold his books, and was scorned by the public as a madman for two years.
The great revelation of graceAround the time of the feast of Paul's conversion, Tauler was laid low by sickness and heard a voice telling him to trust in Christ, filling him with a new inner strength and light.
Weeping before the congregationWhen Tauler finally announced a new meeting, he stood before the crowd unable to speak, weeping uncontrollably as listeners grew angry and walked out.
Preaching to the conventIgnoring his reputation, Tauler preached a penetrating message on Christ as the true bridegroom to nuns and priests, piercing hearts and leaving listeners deeply convicted.
Preaching during the Black DeathEquipped with the true gospel, Tauler spent six years preaching to the living and dying during earthquakes and the devastating Black Death plague.
Profound spiritual excerpts on the pure heartTauler's later sermons emphasized that true workers in God's vineyard seek nothing but God Himself, and that a pure heart is the precious sanctuary and throne of the Holy Trinity.
Final years and Martin Luther's evaluationAfter facing opposition in Strasbourg and ministering in Cologne, Tauler returned home to die, leaving behind writings that Martin Luther later valued above all his seminary teachers.
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