Fight Night

In Michael Haykin's Rediscovering The Church Fathers, he includes a quote by Gregory Nazianzus commenting on the unique relationship he shared with Basil of Caesarea. Blessed to know what this feels like.

"In studies, in lodgings, in discussions I had him as companion... We had all things in common.... But above all it was God, of course, and a mutual desire for higher things, that drew us to each other. As a result we reached such a pitch of confidence that we revealed the depths of our hearts, becoming ever more united in our yearning."

I want more relationships like this. Fascinating that the Spirit continues to draw fellow sojourners in Christ together like this through the centuries. Same root. Same joy.

A Marker of Healthy Theology

All too often those in the reformed circles get the reputation of the stuffy, stodgy, cantankerous curmudgeon who is chomping at the bit for any opportunity to beat people over the head with a doctrinal bat. Unfortunately, that reputation exists for a reason. I see that in myself as well as others. While robust doctrine is absolutely necessary to live lives pleasing to God, it derails when we use it to drive unnecessary wedges in the body of Christ.

In George Marsden's biography of Jonathan Edwards, he explains how Edwards (usually the Superman of the reformed circles) held tightly to particular and confessional convictions while simultaneously yearning for unity in thought and deed in the church.

This, I'm convinced, is a marker of healthy theology.

"Edwards' call for peace was so strong that he sounded almost like one of Boston's Calvinist moderates.

 'The gospel spirit is a catholic spirit, a noble and unconfined benevolence, like unto that of our Creator, not confined to any particular part of mankind exclusive of others...To make the wickedness of men the cause of contention and strife in us, is to make one sin the cause of another. We cannot please the devil better than by hating men's personals under pretense of duty.'

Even doctrinal differences are no excuse for hatred. People can not help what they believe.

'Tis as unreasonable to strive with others because they can't be in everything of our minds, as to quarrel with another because he differs in the color of his hair or the features of his face...However pernicious his tenets, yet we ought, as much as in us lies, to endeavor to live peaceably with him.'"

Gospel Community

In moving my books back from school to home, I began flipping through some of them, remembering which ones were gifts from friends. It brought me so much joy to read the personal notes jotted on the inside covers. Here are a few I came across...

"Always remember that the gospel is the beautiful news that 'It is finished!' It is not primarily about doing (morality); Rather, it is about what has been done by Jesus for a helpless sinner like you and me. We love you brother."

"I hope you enjoy this book and it blesses your life like it has mine. How sweet it is to be received and kept by Jesus. Can't wait to see how God continues to display his wondrous grace. Keep walking pilgrim."

"Remember that NOTHING can stop God's furious love and delight of you because of Christ's work on your behalf. In Him you have all things you could want and need."

Who cares what the actual books are about!