Where is Christ now? Christ rose bodily from the grave on the third day after his death and is seated at the right hand of the Father, ruling his kingdom and interceding for us, until he returns to judge and renew the whole world. (New City Catechism) And where if the body stands is theContinue reading “Catechism 49”
Category Archives: Theology
Catechism 48
What is the church? God chooses and preserves for himself a community elected for eternal life and united by faith, who love, follow, learn from, and worship God together. God sends out this community to proclaim the gospel and prefigure Christ’s kingdom by the quality of their life together and their love for one another. (NewContinue reading “Catechism 48”
Catechism 47
Does the Lord’s Supper add anything to Christ’s atoning work? No, Christ died once for all. The Lord’s Supper is a covenant meal celebrating Christ’s atoning work; as it is also a means of strengthening our faith as we look to him, and a foretaste of the future feast. But those who take part with unrepentantContinue reading “Catechism 47”
Catechism 46
What is the Lord’s Supper? Christ commanded all Christians to eat bread and to drink from the cup in thankful remembrance of him and his death. The Lord’s Supper is a celebration of the presence of God in our midst; bringing us into communion with God and with one another; feeding and nourishing our souls. ItContinue reading “Catechism 46”
Litany, Rossetti and Cardiphonia-style
In preparing to lead the service at my church this Sunday – looking at Revelation 10-11:14 – I’ve found myself reading some of Christina Rossetti’s devotional commentary on Revelation, Face of the Deep. If you’re looking for a systematic unpacking of a complex book, probably don’t go to Rossetti, but if you want to readContinue reading “Litany, Rossetti and Cardiphonia-style”
Krateo
While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s… (Acts 3:11) Why cling? Fear, perhaps. The crowd, after all, lunged and lurched about, amazed hands raised, indignant, astonished; how might this seem to eyes which had beheld, rejected, hands which had held andContinue reading “Krateo”
Eikon
No mirror to reflect, no voice, only dust, sculpted by hands, crafted by plan. No self-stirring spirit, no knowledge, no thrust, only dust, fingerprinted, moulded – with tears and with blood and with sweat – now we stand, heart and body, earthenware image, dust reflecting in praise.
Doxa
White though simple carries every colour. Glory – small word – is manifold. Break apart light and find prismatic wonder. None of this has words. What then? What sounds can be made to stir hearts? The Word – singular yet many pleats, Many rooms – beams and breathes from beginning. How can we reveal? WeContinue reading “Doxa”
Catechism 45
Is baptism with water the washing away of sin itself? No, only the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit can cleanse us from sin. (New City Catechism) God, no water is enough. Stains worsen when washed deeper in; this is the deepest, from Adam to now. Only blood can washContinue reading “Catechism 45”
Catechism 44
What is baptism? Baptism is the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; it signifies and seals our adoption into Christ, our cleansing from sin, and our commitment to belong to the Lord and to his church. (New City Catechism) Why water? First He hovered, spirit, aboveContinue reading “Catechism 44”
The Consolations of Writing 