This sermon just in from an Episcopal Church in NC addressing Mark 7.24-30.  Does one weep, puke or scream? The Syrophoenician woman snaps right back though, using his feeding-the-dog metaphor and says she’d be happy to have the dog’s scraps, thank you very much, Sir.  Clearly her mixture of audacity and humilty makes Jesus stop [...]

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Question 72. Does this outward washing with water itself wash away sins? Answer: Not at all (a): only the blood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sin (b).

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One of my favorite collection of prayers is Valley of Vision.  This one, A Colloquy On Rejoicing, has captivated my spirit.  Although not a prayer, rather a Christian’s internal conversation, it shapes my prayers tonight: Remember, O My Soul, It is thy duty and privilege to rejoice in God: He requires it of thee for [...]

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that the National Church is sending out fundraising letters for litigation?  No kidding. Greg Griffith at Stand Firm posted this: This letter (posted with permission) was sent from TEC‘s national headquarters to an attorney in Mississippi last week, soliciting donations to fund lawsuits against departing dioceses and parishes. That’s right… St. Ives, the Patron Saint of [...]

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Question 71. Where has Christ promised us that He will as certainly wash us by His blood and Spirit, as we are washed with the water of baptism? Answer: In the institution of baptism where He says: “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the [...]

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Greg Griffith over at Stand Firm hosted – and posted – this rountable discussion on the church property issues in Fort Worth and South Carolina. Stand Firm Roundtable 9-21-09 from Greg Griffith on Vimeo.

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Question 70. What does it mean to be washed with the blood and Spirit of Christ? Answer: To be washed with Christ’s blood means that God, by grace, has forgiven my sins because of Christ’s blood poured out for me in His sacrifice on the cross (a).  To be washed with Christ’s Spirit means that [...]

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After the huge walk-in crowd last week at the Alpha Course kickoff we had 23 new walk-ins tonight!  The Lord does all things well, doesn’t He?

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Happened to walk into Common Grounds today and found one of our High School girls sitting at a table, clearly having been crying.  With very little prodding she spilled the story – her first love (human, not divine) had dumped her.  A coffee, a conversation and a prayer later and she was on her way. [...]

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Question 69. How does baptism remind you and assure you that Christ’s one sacrifice on the cross is for your personally? Answer: In this way: That Christ appointed this external washing with water (a), and added the promise (b), that I am washed by his blood and Spirit from all the pollution of my soul, [...]

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