Calvin on Communion Frequency
“If we have careful regard to the end for which our Lord intended it, we should realize that the use of it ought to be more frequent that many make it…Therefore the custom ought to be well established, in all churches, of celebrating the Supper as frequently as the capacity of the people will allow…Though we have no express command defining the time and the day, it should be enough for us to know that the intention of our Lord is that we use it often; otherwise we shall not know well the benefits which it offers us.”
John Calvin as found in The Lord’s Supper
The Visionary Idol
The man who fashions a visionary ideal of community demands that it be realized by God, by others, and by himself. He enters the community of Christians with demands, sets up his own law, and judges the brethren and God himself accordingly.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer - Life Together
Dear Christian, Stop Being a Jerk
One very sad trend among many Christians is how quick they are to throw other Christians under the bus to prove they are better and more thoughtful about their faith. This often comes into clear focus when you read comments that Christians post around the web.
I don’t think most Christians realized that they only have two options when they are speaking about people:
1. The person is connected to Christ, and therefore we are connected to them, they are family.
2.The person is not connected to Christ and is what John Newton calls an”object of [our] compassion”
John Newton who is most well know for his hymn amazing Grace, was a pastor and wrote many letters. In one of these letters he spoke about how Christians disagreements should be characterized.
I wish more Christians would take Newton’s advice when he says “before you set pen to paper against him, and during the whole time you are preparing your answer, you may commend him by earnest prayer to the Lord’s teaching and blessing.”
Questions:
Are you really so short sighted as to assume that you are the only one who is a critical thinker?
How often do you pray for people that you publicly or privately disagree with?
You can read Newton’s entire letter here.
Tim Keller on God’s Pursuit
“Sometimes, God jumps on us dramatically, as he does with the younger son, and we have a sharp sense of love. Sometimes he quietly and patiently argues with us even though we continue to turn away…”
Tim Keller,
The Prodigal God
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