Thursday, July 28, 2011

The Absurdity of the Passion

From Tertullian:

"The Son of God was crucified. I am not ashamed because mankind must be ashamed of it. And the Son of God died. It is, by all means, to be believed because it is absurd. And He was buried and rose again. The fact is certain, because it is impossible. But how will all this be true if He wasn't true Himself, if He hadn't had within Himself that which might be crucified, might die, might be buried, and might rise again?

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Jesus vs. Pharisees

From Simon Ponsonby:

The Pharisees' holiness made much of rule -- Jesus' holiness made much of God.

The Pharisees' holiness made much of themselves -- Jesus' holiness made much of others.

The Pharisees' holiness kept company with the scrupulously clean -- Jesus' holiness kept company with the notoriously wicked.

The Pharisees' holiness viewed God primarily as a lawgiver -- Jesus' holiness depicted God primarily as a love giver.

The Pharisees' holiness led them to be murderers -- Jesus' holiness led him to martyrdom.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Pascal's fire

This is the revelation of God's Spirit to Pascal, that was discovered after his death, sewn into his doublet, next to his heart:
-----------------------------------------------------
Fire
God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob.

Not of the philosophers and scientists
Certitude, certitude. Feeling. Joy. Peace.
My God and your God.

You shall be my God.

Monday, July 04, 2011

Becoming Holy

From Simon Ponsonby:

"Sanctification is an internal work evidenced externally through personal Christlike character and good works to the benefit of others. It becomes a holy habit through the habitation of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is a journey, as we know in practice what we are called to be when we first believe. Entire sanctification, though only realized at the end of like or the end of history, must be the passionate aim and tenacious work of every believer."