A lot of us got a bit of a shock last Sunday. Actually it happens on the first Sunday of Advent every year. We show up ready to get ready for the Babe in the manger, and what do we get? Apocalypse. The Gospel readings for Advent 1 in the Revised Common Lectionary sort of […]
Advent Begins: Thinking About the Son of God (Heidelberg Catechism Q. 33)
Last Sunday was “Christ the King” for those churches guided by the liturgical year. This Sunday we begin a new year with the First Sunday of Advent. Advent is not Christmas — that is the celebration that Christ has come. Advent is about getting ready for his coming. Now, before Advent begins, is a great […]
So Give Thanks! (Heidelberg Catechism Q. 43)
In this week when my country celebrates a day of thanksgiving, my mind, of course, turns to the Heidelberg Catechism. (Okay, maybe yours doesn’t. But you probably haven’t been blogging about it all year.) There are lots of ways Christians can summarize the Christian life. This 450 year old introduction to biblical teaching tells me […]
Here’s the Secret of Where Faith Comes From; Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 65
You’ve probably heard it as often as I have. “You just need more faith!” “Just believe!” “Just let go, and let God!” The subject is faith, and the common theme is the modifier “just,” making it sound really, really simple. Like flip a switch, and suddenly I’ll have strong life-changing faith. But where is that […]
What Being a Christian Is For — and From: Heidelberg Q. 32
“But why are you a Christian?” It is a question shy evangelicals desperately wish somebody would ask. “Be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you,” but hope you don’t have to bring it up yourself. “Why are you called a Christian?” Take the question slightly differently and it sounds a […]
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