Deus Misereatur

  Last Sunday I mentioned a rule of thumb I picked up from Martin Luther: crux probat omnia – the cross is the test of all things. I hope you’ll think that little statement over and ponder its implications and applications on your own, and with your family. If you want a verse to go with it, try Galatians 2:20. Or you can dwell on Colossians 1:12-23 or Philippians 2:1-11.   And here’s an example of how that rule of thumb, crux probat omnia , might look. William Willimon was a bishop in a “mainline” denomination that has been speeding down the dead-end alley of theological, social, and moral compromise. While he was in that position, he wrote a book on preaching titled, “Peculiar Speech.” A delightful book, by the way. And in that little manual he made this observation regarding his compromised denomination: “ Unable to preach Christ and Him crucified, we preach humanity and it improved ” (pg. 9). Ouch!   Now, that project sounds very familiar. “Humanity and it im...

  Mighty God, strong to save, you have willingly accommodated yourself to us by not only speaking the Holy Scriptures, but in sending your Son to us and for us. We pray for your Church and the World. For this congregation (gathered and scattered) we pray. Set captives free, open blind eyes, release prisoners, turn sorrows to gladness, and make our homes places of light, love, harmony and health. We ask your watchful care to be bestowed on your Church throughout the world, including Broadway UMC, Cornerstone, First UMC, Korean First UMC; and especially your people who are being hounded and harmed by predators and persecutors. Forgive us for trying to earn your unearnable love; stir up in us a greater trust and confidence in your Son Jesus Christ and help us to toss away all false doctrine and false living which tarnishes your generous kindness and your glorious majesty. Further, build up the ministry, and supply all the money needed for James Post and the RUF at OU. For all those wh...