have never really been touched by the sheep image. They are basically helpless prey animals, especially strays, -they huddle together for protection and out of fear-On the other hand, one of my deep spiritual memories is the picture of christ the good shepherd that hung in the hallway landing of my Aunt Faye’s home as long as I can remember. Religious artifacts are spiritual keepsakes.
Acts 2:42-47 Book Of Order quotes-worship characterizes, forms, the early Christians-worship is the function of the church. In the revised book of Order the work of session centers on worship.nobody says that is not enough-nobody else says what else are you doing-the church is foremost about going to church-I’ll tell you a little secret-Protestant pastors are delighted when Roman Catholics join a church because they actually go to church with regularity. We get not a peep about its emotional charge, its aesthetic coherence, the glories of the music. At presbytery we had a bit of discussion around tables on revising the Directory for Worship and no serious attention during the meeting toward it.Our religious leaders wish to jump from worship immediately to what they consider to b e more vital.The same people who talk about faith being the key to salvation move to a works posture immediately in practice.what is a Christian flock. Worship defines the church. Does the church have other goals? Of course. Worship gives vision and purpose to our life in and with Christ.If keep holy the Sabbath means anything for Christians, ti has to mean going to church.
Ps. 23. Pasture and secure space to live securely and well. In Hebrew that is a core sense of salvation.Worship is spiritual pasture.Calls us by name, not the flock. We recognize the voice.Worship provides a maternal matrix for mother church.
I Pet. 2:19-Defenbaugh anastrophe, translated as "conduct," is clearly important to Peter; it is used more times in this short epistle than in any other New Testament text (see 1:15, 18; 2:12; 3:1, 2, 16). It implies a "walk," a distinctive way of being in the world, especially for those who have thrown off their old habits, picked themselves up, and set out anew -, the adoption of a way of life distinctive to the Christian faith.It emerges from worship. It emerges from the basics of worship limned in Acts.Jensen Peter also mentions the wounds of Christ in v.24. In other words, worship does not guarantee an easy life but may well provide resources to face its underside of threat.In no way can this baptismal sermon possibly be read as denigrating worship but it does see it as providing both guidance and virtue for our daily lives.
John 10 life abundant-prosperity gospel seizes on this verse as part of its claim that blessing -wealth. I would hold that it may well include this, but it by no means is the only view of abundance. John as you know uses a physical image or point to spiritual reality.Life is defined as a rich full abundant life with God that is revealed by Jesus. Life in John is repeated constantly-it is the call of the voice perhaps-we recognize voice at reunions,. Rich and full life without spiritual/religious foundation and exercise? Yes, of course, but it is a lesser pasture.It misses a connection with the beyond, with God. People huddle in cramped spaces to worship. I delight that we have such a sanctuary to draw us to our God.
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