"Then Job answered, 'No doubt you are the [only wise] people [in the world], and wisdom will die with you!'" (Job 12:1, Amplified Bible)
Too many modern evangelical and charismatic churches, worship and prayer "movements" carry the air of Job's friends. "You are the people, and wisdom will die with you!" They deny the wisdom of previous generations which brought them to this hour. They think they have "discovered" something which no other generation ever found, and nothing before them is of any relevance or use. What arrogance. Most of these "relevance" people are just allowing the world to set the agenda for the Church. If it were not for the Historic Church, you and I would have nothing today. Father's purpose always has been, "to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery,...to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the Church...."
No modern preacher or teacher of the Gospel can exceed the great depths of the men and women of previous centuries. We can learn so much from them. Likewise, some modern songs, choruses may be "anointed," but none can improve on, "O Come, All Ye Faithful," or, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God All Mighty." Living in the Church of the past?--- no, just bringing that Church with me, and the realization that I am a part of that Church and that Church a part of me. This Christmas Season, I have an even greater appreciation for our Tradition; therefore, "For all the saints, who from their labors rest, who Thee by faith before the world confess, Thy Name, Oh Jesus, be forever blessed, Alleluia, Alleluia!"
A "Traditional" Advent Prayer: "We beseech Thee to listen to our prayers, Lord Jesus Christ, and by the grace of Thy coming enlighten darkened minds: Thou who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen."
************************************
Follow up note coming on Washington, DC, Mission for 2011
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
