I Peter 3: 15 states:
...in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience...
What are the reasons for your trust and hope in God?
The 16th century was a time when the Universal Church was challenged to state the essentials of the faith. I am motivated by the Moravian core statement of faith: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, love."
The Reformation sought to unify Christians around five essentials, called the "Solas" (Alone). They are: Scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. Scripture alone is our guide. Faith, grace, and Christ alone are our hope of salvation. To God alone is our glory.
We have discussed our mutual essentials throughout history. The Reformed Church provided Confessions and Creeds to help people understand Christ in the controversies that have occurred throughout the centuries. The Church is a body of believers that covenants to discern together how Christ is still speaking in our culture and in our communities. We have the hope of continued divine presence.
This coming Sunday, we will explore the meaning of being a church that is "Reformed , always being reformed" to the Glory of God alone. Reformation Sunday is a time to recall our salvation history, for: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (George Santayana).
Joyfully sharing our family tree,
Tempe' Fussell
Jean, I have two prayers...
Here is a portion of a morning prayer from a theological founder of our tradition, John Calvin from Geneva, in the 16th century.
...Grant also, that while I labor for the maintenance of this life, and care for the things which pertain to food and raiment, I may raise my mind above them to the blessed and heavenly life which you have promised to your children.
Be pleased also, in manifesting yourself to me as the protector of my soul as well as my body, to strengthen and fortify me against all the assaults of the devil, and deliver me from all the dangers which continually beset us in this life.
But seeing it is a small thing to have begun, unless I also persevere, I therefore entreat of you, O Lord, not only to be my guide and director for this day, but to keep me under your protection to the very end of life, that thus my whole course may be performed under your superintendence... Let your good Spirit conduct me to the land of uprightness.