5 Reasons Churches Need Shorter Sermons
1) Beyond 25-30 minutes, what content needs to be said which cannot be said more briefly?
2) Shorter sermons make church more digestable and enjoyable for children.
3) Men do not particularly enjoy being lectured to at length and prefer to be more active participants in the service.
4) Shorter sermons are the historical norm for the church. Yes the Puritans went long, and yes the Papists went short, but overall, a half hour is quite standard historically.
5) Many pastors write their sermons in the same way freshman "heap up empty words" to meet arbitrary word counts and find it more difficult to summarize ideas more concisely.
1) Beyond 25-30 minutes, what content needs to be said which cannot be said more briefly?
2) Shorter sermons make church more digestable and enjoyable for children.
3) Men do not particularly enjoy being lectured to at length and prefer to be more active participants in the service.
4) Shorter sermons are the historical norm for the church. Yes the Puritans went long, and yes the Papists went short, but overall, a half hour is quite standard historically.
5) Many pastors write their sermons in the same way freshman "heap up empty words" to meet arbitrary word counts and find it more difficult to summarize ideas more concisely.
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Lutherans will maintain that the Reformed are arrogant for trying to explain or understand how Christ is present in the Eucharist.
Yet in the same breath, they will dogmatically assert that Christ's presence must be local or physical (and is the only valid viewpoint).
My Lutheran friends, it's difficult to take your critique seriously given this jarring irony.
Yet in the same breath, they will dogmatically assert that Christ's presence must be local or physical (and is the only valid viewpoint).
My Lutheran friends, it's difficult to take your critique seriously given this jarring irony.
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What is your view on the 2nd Commandment?
Anonymous Poll
8%
It's really part of the 1st (I'm RC or EO)
27%
All images are permissible, just not worship
18%
Images of Christ as man are permissible, but not of the Father or Spirit
17%
Silhouettes or symbols only are permissible (e.g., a dove, outlined manger scene, "hand of God")
23%
All images, symbolic or otherwise, pertaining to God are always wrong
8%
All images of God *and* creatures are wrong
Futurism inevitably degenerates into boomertard newspaper exegesis.
Historicism inevitably degenerates into speculative history book exegesis.
Idealism attempts to sidestep the whole question, forgetting there was never an Old Testament prophecy which no matter the metaphorical language nevertheless had a very real and concrete fulfillment.
Preterism rightly accounts for the prophetic dimension while also eliminating the weird obsessions people develop in eschatology and simultaneously explaining a myriad of other New Testament interpretive difficulties.
Historicism inevitably degenerates into speculative history book exegesis.
Idealism attempts to sidestep the whole question, forgetting there was never an Old Testament prophecy which no matter the metaphorical language nevertheless had a very real and concrete fulfillment.
Preterism rightly accounts for the prophetic dimension while also eliminating the weird obsessions people develop in eschatology and simultaneously explaining a myriad of other New Testament interpretive difficulties.
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Irish Articles of Religion: Article 36
When we say that we are justified by faith only, we do not mean that the said justifying faith is alone in man, without true Repentance, Hope, Charity, and the fear of God (for such a faith is dead, and cannot justify), neither do we mean that this our act to believe in Christ, nor this our faith in Christ, which is within us, doth of itself justifie us, nor deserve our justification unto us (for that were to account ourselves to be justified by the virtue or dignity of some thing that is within ourselves).
When we say that we are justified by faith only, we do not mean that the said justifying faith is alone in man, without true Repentance, Hope, Charity, and the fear of God (for such a faith is dead, and cannot justify), neither do we mean that this our act to believe in Christ, nor this our faith in Christ, which is within us, doth of itself justifie us, nor deserve our justification unto us (for that were to account ourselves to be justified by the virtue or dignity of some thing that is within ourselves).
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Irish Articles of Religion: Article 52
All worship devised by man’s fantasy, besides or contrary to the Scripture (as wandering on Pilgrimages, setting up of Candles, Stations, and Jubilees, Pharisaical sects and feigned religions, praying upon Beads, and such like superstition) hath not only no promise of reward in Scripture, but contrariwise threatenings and maledictions.
All worship devised by man’s fantasy, besides or contrary to the Scripture (as wandering on Pilgrimages, setting up of Candles, Stations, and Jubilees, Pharisaical sects and feigned religions, praying upon Beads, and such like superstition) hath not only no promise of reward in Scripture, but contrariwise threatenings and maledictions.
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Irish Articles of Religion: Article 68
There is but one Catholic Church (out of which there is no salvation) containing the universal company of all the Saints that ever were, are, or shall be gathered together in one body, under one head Christ Jesus: part whereof is already in heaven triumphant, part as yet militant here upon earth.
And because this Church consisteth of all those, and those alone, which are elected by God unto salvation, & regenerated by the power of his Spirit, the number of whom is known only unto God himself; therefore it is called Catholic or universal, and the Invisible Church.
There is but one Catholic Church (out of which there is no salvation) containing the universal company of all the Saints that ever were, are, or shall be gathered together in one body, under one head Christ Jesus: part whereof is already in heaven triumphant, part as yet militant here upon earth.
And because this Church consisteth of all those, and those alone, which are elected by God unto salvation, & regenerated by the power of his Spirit, the number of whom is known only unto God himself; therefore it is called Catholic or universal, and the Invisible Church.
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Do Baptist Parents Speak to Their Babies?
The question, "Should we baptize babies?" is of a piece with the question, "Should we talk to babies?" Paedobaptism is neither more or less odd and miraculous than talking to a newborn. In fact, that is just what paedobaptism is. God is speaking in water to a newborn child. If the child cannot understand what a parent is saying, is it rational for the parent to speak to him or her?
Baptist parents as well as others speak to their infants and do not expect the child to understand or to verbally respond for many months. They see nothing irrational in this. They speak to their children - that is, they employ symbols - not because they think the infant understands all that is being said or because they expect immediate response.
They speak to their child so the child will learn to understand them and talk back. So too, we baptize infants and consistently remind them of their baptism and its implications so they will come to understanding and mature faith.
We name them so they will grow up to respond to that name. We speak to them so they will begin to speak back. We name them in baptism so they will begin to live in and out of baptism.
-- Peter J. Leithart, The Baptized Body
The question, "Should we baptize babies?" is of a piece with the question, "Should we talk to babies?" Paedobaptism is neither more or less odd and miraculous than talking to a newborn. In fact, that is just what paedobaptism is. God is speaking in water to a newborn child. If the child cannot understand what a parent is saying, is it rational for the parent to speak to him or her?
Baptist parents as well as others speak to their infants and do not expect the child to understand or to verbally respond for many months. They see nothing irrational in this. They speak to their children - that is, they employ symbols - not because they think the infant understands all that is being said or because they expect immediate response.
They speak to their child so the child will learn to understand them and talk back. So too, we baptize infants and consistently remind them of their baptism and its implications so they will come to understanding and mature faith.
We name them so they will grow up to respond to that name. We speak to them so they will begin to speak back. We name them in baptism so they will begin to live in and out of baptism.
-- Peter J. Leithart, The Baptized Body
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Why Did God Reject Cain's Sacrifice?
Precisely becuase it was no sacrifice. God showed Adam and Eve what had to happen in order for sins to be covered-- blood must be spilled. Abel clearly knew this, as did Cain.
But Cain believed God should meet him on his terms, and engaged in will worship. Upon God's rejection of his non-sacrifice, Cain acts as if Abel is at fault or somehow stealing his birthright.
Eve arguably believed him to be the promised seed as she names him "Begotten" and attributes his birth first to the help of the Lord and not to Adam.
Precisely becuase it was no sacrifice. God showed Adam and Eve what had to happen in order for sins to be covered-- blood must be spilled. Abel clearly knew this, as did Cain.
But Cain believed God should meet him on his terms, and engaged in will worship. Upon God's rejection of his non-sacrifice, Cain acts as if Abel is at fault or somehow stealing his birthright.
Eve arguably believed him to be the promised seed as she names him "Begotten" and attributes his birth first to the help of the Lord and not to Adam.
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Irish Articles of Religion: Article 70
Although in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometimes the evil have chief authority in the ministration of the word & Sacraments: yet, for as much as they do not the same in their own name but in Christ’s, and minister by his commission and authority, we may use their ministry both in hearing the word and in receiving the Sacraments.
Neither is the effect of Christ’s ordinance taken away by their wickedness: nor the grace of God’s gifts diminished from such as by faith and rightly do receive the Sacraments ministered unto them; which are effectual, because of Christ’s institution and promise, although they be ministered by evil men.
Although in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometimes the evil have chief authority in the ministration of the word & Sacraments: yet, for as much as they do not the same in their own name but in Christ’s, and minister by his commission and authority, we may use their ministry both in hearing the word and in receiving the Sacraments.
Neither is the effect of Christ’s ordinance taken away by their wickedness: nor the grace of God’s gifts diminished from such as by faith and rightly do receive the Sacraments ministered unto them; which are effectual, because of Christ’s institution and promise, although they be ministered by evil men.
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What is your view on alcohol in the Lord's Supper?
Anonymous Poll
12%
It must be non-alcoholic grape juice (wine should never be served)
8%
It doesn't matter what liquid is used (anything goes)
32%
It must be fruit of the vine (both grape juice and wine should be served)
48%
It must be traditional wine (only alcoholic wine should be served)
Irish Articles of Religion: Article 74
God hath given power to his ministers not simply to forgive sins (which prerogative he hath reserved only to himself), but in his name to declare and pronounce unto such as truly repent and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel, the absolution and forgiveness of sins.
God hath given power to his ministers not simply to forgive sins (which prerogative he hath reserved only to himself), but in his name to declare and pronounce unto such as truly repent and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel, the absolution and forgiveness of sins.
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John Calvin Was a Lutheran... Sort of
A little known fact is that John Calvin subscribed to the Augsburg Confession while ministering at Strasbourg and at the Conference of Ratisbon in 1541, as did his colleagues Farel and Beza.
Some argue that Calvin accepted only the Variata (Melanchthon's lightly altered version), and while this may be true (it's uncertain), Melanchthon stated there were no changes of "matter, substance and meaning," and Calvin appealed to Melanchthon as the best interpreter, showing a posture of true and hearty agreement.
A little known fact is that John Calvin subscribed to the Augsburg Confession while ministering at Strasbourg and at the Conference of Ratisbon in 1541, as did his colleagues Farel and Beza.
Some argue that Calvin accepted only the Variata (Melanchthon's lightly altered version), and while this may be true (it's uncertain), Melanchthon stated there were no changes of "matter, substance and meaning," and Calvin appealed to Melanchthon as the best interpreter, showing a posture of true and hearty agreement.
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Forwarded from European Reformation Heritage (Maarten)
Today is Saint James, Apostle and Martyr day
The Collect:
Grant, O merciful God, that, as thy holy apostle Saint James, leaving his father and all that he had, without delay was obedient unto the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him, so we, forsaking all worldly and carnal affections, may be evermore ready to follow thy holy commandments, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Collect:
Grant, O merciful God, that, as thy holy apostle Saint James, leaving his father and all that he had, without delay was obedient unto the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him, so we, forsaking all worldly and carnal affections, may be evermore ready to follow thy holy commandments, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Irish Articles of Religion: Article 84
Although the Law given from God by Moses as touching ceremonies and rites be abolished, and the Civil precepts thereof be not of necessity to be received in any Commonwealth: yet notwithstanding no Christian man whatsoever is freed from the obedience of the Commandments which are called Moral.
Although the Law given from God by Moses as touching ceremonies and rites be abolished, and the Civil precepts thereof be not of necessity to be received in any Commonwealth: yet notwithstanding no Christian man whatsoever is freed from the obedience of the Commandments which are called Moral.
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Irish Articles of Religion: Article 85
The Sacraments ordained by Christ be not only badges or tokens of Christian men’s profession: but rather certain sure witnesses, and effectual or powerful signs of grace and God’s good will towards us, by which he doth work invisibly in us, and not only quicken but also strengthen and confirm our faith in him.
The Sacraments ordained by Christ be not only badges or tokens of Christian men’s profession: but rather certain sure witnesses, and effectual or powerful signs of grace and God’s good will towards us, by which he doth work invisibly in us, and not only quicken but also strengthen and confirm our faith in him.
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Collect for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost
O God, the protector of all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy, that, thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
O God, the protector of all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy, that, thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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