Monday
Aug292011

Round the Sphere Again: Concerning Christ

In the Incarnation
A warning against “novel ideas” concerning the person of Christ.

Whenever the discussion turns to Christology and the Incarnation, people seem to crawl out of the woodwork and start shooting from the hip. This is one area of theology where orthodoxy is very meticulously defined and has been accepted by all major traditions without serious challenge since the fourth century. Why anyone would want to enter the fray with a “Well, I think this: [your novel idea here]” kind of argument is mystifying to me. 

The reason these issues were hashed out so carefully in the early church is that they are absolutely foundational. And it behooves us all to study historical theology and the major creeds on these matters before launching into speculation. 

(Phil Johnson at Pyromaniacs)

Here’s what might be the perfect example of the sort of DIY Christology that Phil Johnson warns about: Leslie Wiggins reports that a speaker at a Women of Faith conference she attended taught that “Jesus wasn’t onmipotent or omniscient.” You’d think that would shock those who were listening, but instead “8,000 women erupted in applause and high-pitched woo-hoos.” 

I wonder if the women attending weren’t familiar enough with the orthodox teaching on the nature of Christ to recognize unorthodoxy when they heard it. Or did they just not care?

In Eternity
Andy Nasselli answers this question: Does the Son submit to the Father eternally? (mp3)

In Him
Kim Shay quotes Derek Thomas:

Even as mature Christians we need to remind ourselves continually of the basis of our acceptance - it is entirely because of what Christ has done for us. Thus, faith in Christ is not a one time event; we must live by faith each day.

(The Upward Call)

Monday
Aug292011

A Catechism for Girls and Boys

Part II: Questions about The Ten Commandments

45. Q. What does the second commandment teach us?
       A. To worship God in the right way, and to avoid idolatry.

(Click through to read scriptural proof.)

Click to read more ...

Sunday
Aug282011

Sunday's Hymn: Behold the Lamb

Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away, 
Slain for us - and we remember 
The promise made that all who come in faith
Find forgiveness at the cross. 
So we share in this bread of life, 
And we drink of His sacrifice 
As a sign of our bonds of peace 
Around the table of the King. 

The body of our Saviour Jesus Christ, 
Torn for you - eat and remember 
The wounds that heal, the death that brings us life 
Paid the price to make us one. 
So we share in this bread of life, 
And we drink of His sacrifice 
As a sign of our bonds of love 
Around the table of the King. 

The blood that cleanses every stain of sin, 
Shed for you - drink and remember 
He drained death’s cup that all may enter in 
To receive the life of God. 
So we share in this bread of life, 
And we drink of His sacrifice 
As a sign of our bonds of grace 
Around the table of the King. 

And so with thankfulness and faith we rise 
To respond, - and to remember 
Our call to follow in the steps of Christ 
As His body here on earth. 
As we share in His suffering 
We proclaim Christ will come again!
And we’ll join in the feast of heaven 
Around the table of the King 

—Words and Music by Keith and Kristyn Getty 
& Stuart Townend

Other hymns, worship songs, sermons etc. posted today:

Have you posted a hymn (or sermon, sermon notes, prayer, etc.) today and I missed it? Let me know by leaving a link in the comments or by contacting me using the contact form linked above, and I’ll add your post to the list.