A Good Definition of Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is the human hunger for the divine dignity that God intended to be our emotional birthright as children created in his image. – Dr. Robert Schuller (Self-Esteem: The New Reformation)

The Ascension of Christ and the Heidelberg Catechism

Fred H. Klooster in his commentary of the Heidelberg Catechism (HC) makes a seemingly bold statement when discussing the questions and answers on the Ascension of Christ.  He says, “In fact, if there had been no theological controversy concerning the ascension of Christ after the completion of his earthly ministry, there might never have been a Heidelberg Catechism (v. 1, 592).”  Then he proceeds discuss the historical environment the HC was birthed from.  First, he makes the reader aware that the Catechism itself shows this in that there is only one Q & A over the the resurrection, an accepted doctrine by all, and four on the ascension.  Then he notes that the main theological issue was the ubiquity of Christ.  That is, Christ, in both his divinity and humanity, is omnipresent (or present everywhere).  This issue erupted in then Reformed leaning but German Heidelberg.  The Lutheran church in 1559 adopted the doctrine of Ubiquity, thus separating it from the wing of Lutheranism that was influenced by Philip Melanchthon and from the Reformed church following John Calvin.  Melanchthon and Calvin taught that Christ’s human nature is ascended and remains in heaven, and that Christ is present with us through the Holy Spirit, not physically but Spiritually.  

So, great debate exploded in Heidelberg, Germany but the elector could not subscribe to the doctrine of Ubiquity and thus needed a new catechism – prior to this they used a Lutheran catechism.  As a result, the Heidelberg Catechism was created and has been cherished by many around the world.  And sometimes we take such documents for granted, not realizing the struggle that they were created in.  Just think, a Christianity with the great Q & A 1 that so aptly points us to our true comfort in life and death.  It is especially interesting, that in light of this the ascension of Christ is often over looked by many Christians today.

Christianity and Torture

Here is an interesting and thought provoking article on Christians and Torture.  - click here

Reformed Theology and a Welcoming Community

Last week at Classis (the regional gathering of RCA elders and ministers) we discussed the topic of what it means to be both missional and Reformed.  The delegates were split into small groups to discuss different aspects of this topic.  One question for discussion was on how the delegates see a distinctly Reformed approach active in their churches.  The other delegates, who were all elders, mentioned how they love the welcoming atmosphere of the congregations.  Upon hearing this, I asked myself, “How does this have anything to do with being Reformed?”  ”Did these people totally miss the question?”  ”Do they even know what Reformed means?”  But then I began to think and reflect on what they were saying and a light went on.  Of course!  Reformed churches should be the most welcoming churches because at the very foundation of our understanding of God is that it is only by His grace that we are invited into His community.  God’s very nature is one of welcoming undeserving guests into participating in His Kingdom and subsequently His benefits.  Thus, to be Reformed is to be a welcoming community.  

(At this point I am close to delving into the hospitality of God at the Table and all sorts of other tangents so it is best to stop here)

Maybe Protestants believe in Transubstantiation after all…

Simon Chan makes the following provocative point:

“The Word proclaimed is truly the Word of God.  As the Second Helvetic Confession (1566) puts it, ‘The preaching of the word of God is the word of God.’ This is the closest that Protestants get to a doctrine of transubstantiation.  Human words do ‘become’ God’s Word in the event of preaching…If this is so, why is it so difficult to believe that created things like bread and wine could ‘become’ the body and blood of Christ in the event of the eucharistic celebration…?  Preaching and eucharistic celebration share the same logical function.  Could not the traditional doctrine of transubstantiation be understood in a similar way?”  

And as one of my seminary professors and well known radio personality ends his sermons and talks, “Now you think about that.”

Christians and War

Here is a link to a great speech given on a Christian approach to war.  click here

Prayer: It’s No Longer About Me

Simon Chan writes:

“To pray is to turn away from oneself and to be fully attentive to the Other… Initiation into the Christian community means that ‘I’ can longer be the center.  The world no longer revolves around me… Rather, my life revolves around a new Center, Christ, who holds me along with other believers in a relationship that is to be determined solely by him.  In short, ‘I’ must see myself as a member of the body of Christ, functioning as his hand, foot, eye or other part (cf. 1 Cor. 12).” (Liturgical Theology, 114-15)

Wisdom from Country Music…

From Billy Currington’s song People Are Crazy:

“God is great.  Beer is good.  People are crazy.”

Sounds like a good sermon title.

The Paradox of “Stimulus” packages

Thomas Woods writes, 

“‘Stimulus” packages that encourage both private nonproductive consumption and public nonproductive consumption (i.e., federal spending) will only intensify the present crisis and hollow out the economy’s productive capacity still further.  And on top of that, they seek to strengthen the economy by the obviously paradoxical means of building roads and bridges funded by more debt – like a homeowner who decides to solve his debt problem by borrowing more money to remodel his house.  It makes no sense, so it’s no surprise that our leaders favor it.” (Meltdown, 147)

Transfiguration and the Lenten Journey

I realize that this post is a couple of weeks late, but the more I work through our lenten journey at our church the more importance Transfiguration Day takes.  I have come to appreciate the placement of the story of the Transfiguration in the Gospels in a completely different way since becoming a pastor.  A few days prior Jesus instructed the disciples concerning his death and resurrection.  Also, he instructed them about the life that they are called to live – a life of cross-bearing.  Surely, there was confusion and discouragement among the disciples.  This was not what they signed up for.  They left their employment to follow the triumphant son of David who was going to rid Israel of the yoke of Rome.  They didn’t follow Jesus that he might be killed.  So in some respects the Transfiguration before James, John, and Peter was an event of encouragement.  Coming down the mount meant the way of to Jerusalem, the way of the cross.  Thus, they needed to see that the one who was going to die, and who was instructing them to carry their cross as well, was the glorious One, the Son of God.  Only with witnessing this would their feeble hearts be able to continue the way to Jerusalem with Jesus.  And it was only in seeing this that they could have some idea of or confidence in Jesus’ words of resurrection.

 We too are as feeble as the disciples, constantly needing encouragement as we follow the way of the cross this Lent and everyday.  And the primary place that we receive our encouragement is to join with the saints in liturgy on Sundays (Resurrection Day).  Here the veil is slightly removed as we join in the praises of heaven, hear God’s Word, pray together and dine at the Table.  Maybe this is one reason Sunday’s are not counted in the days of Lent.  Sunday’s almost become little Transfiguration Days along the pilgrim way to the cross.