"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above....Set your mind on things above....For you died, and the life of you has been hidden with Christ in God....Christ is all in all....Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly....And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3)
I have included a video below from a German tour site concerning the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Why was the Reformation so important? I reiterate a response to a "bishop's" complaint that the Reformation "replaced the altar with the pulpit"------- That "altar" needed replaced.
Regardless of the political, ethnic, rebellion-against-Rome baggage which followed the years after October 31, 1517, the Reformation was the "doing" of King Jesus. How patient He was with the debauched institution which ruled the Church for over 1200 years. The reality of the historic "mainstream church" is that most of "church life" began to emerge against, "Christ is all in all."
Our text from one of today's readings is from selected verses of Colossians 3. Sometimes it is good, even necessary to "diagram sentences," to highlight the centrality of Jesus Christ in the administration of the Godhead. Notice the great declaration of Our Living Triune God, which is foundational Church Dogma, "....You were raised with Christ...." This is the Easter, Resurrection-"Now on the first day of the week," message. And because of the Precious Blood of Jesus, the death of Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus, "....Your life is hidden with Christ in God." What comfort; what "cozy" relationship, fellowship in the Blessed Trinity.
And never forget, fellow traveler, the great, yea, "exceeding great and precious promise[]," of verse 4. Regardless of our "state," regardless of the battles, trials, suffering, never forget in the midst of all life hands you, "WHEN CHRIST OUR LIFE APPEARS, THEN YOU ALSO WILL APPEAR WITH HIM IN GLORY."
Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for Your constant reminder of Your constant Faithfulness, love, provision. Amen.
I have included a video below from a German tour site concerning the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Why was the Reformation so important? I reiterate a response to a "bishop's" complaint that the Reformation "replaced the altar with the pulpit"------- That "altar" needed replaced.
Regardless of the political, ethnic, rebellion-against-Rome baggage which followed the years after October 31, 1517, the Reformation was the "doing" of King Jesus. How patient He was with the debauched institution which ruled the Church for over 1200 years. The reality of the historic "mainstream church" is that most of "church life" began to emerge against, "Christ is all in all."
Our text from one of today's readings is from selected verses of Colossians 3. Sometimes it is good, even necessary to "diagram sentences," to highlight the centrality of Jesus Christ in the administration of the Godhead. Notice the great declaration of Our Living Triune God, which is foundational Church Dogma, "....You were raised with Christ...." This is the Easter, Resurrection-"Now on the first day of the week," message. And because of the Precious Blood of Jesus, the death of Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus, "....Your life is hidden with Christ in God." What comfort; what "cozy" relationship, fellowship in the Blessed Trinity.
And never forget, fellow traveler, the great, yea, "exceeding great and precious promise[]," of verse 4. Regardless of our "state," regardless of the battles, trials, suffering, never forget in the midst of all life hands you, "WHEN CHRIST OUR LIFE APPEARS, THEN YOU ALSO WILL APPEAR WITH HIM IN GLORY."
Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for Your constant reminder of Your constant Faithfulness, love, provision. Amen.
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