By it (the Scriptures) all the thoughts of our minds, and the words of our mouths, should be tested – Calvyn
Christus as mens
In Johannes 1:14 lees ons: Die Woord het mens geword (1:14). Hoekom is dit belangrik? Die Hebreërboek skryf heelwat oor hierdie vraag. Hy noem ‘n aantal redes waarom God mens geword het.
The weakness of man sets the stage for the display of God’s strength. —Janice Wise
Die geloofsgemeenskap is belangrik
Jean Vanier (Community and Growth) was die stigter van die L’Arche gemeenskap. In hierdie gemeenskap het mense wat fisies en/of geestelik gestrem was saam met mense sonder gestremdhede gewoon. Henri Nouwen, bekende teoloog en akademikus, het by hierdie gemeenskap aangesluit.
How richly does he supply us with the means of contemplating his mercy when, as frequently happens, he continues to visit miserable sinners with unwearied kindness – Calvyn
Ons het na tweede beelde van die kerk gekyk: die kerk as huisgesin van God en die kerk as liggaam van God. Ons kom nou by die derde beeld.
Hierdie beeld van die Herder en sy kudde is aan ons goed bekend. Ons kry hierdie beeld in verskeie boeke van die Bybel. Waarskynlik die mooiste beskrywing kry ons in Johannes 10. Jesus is die Herder van die kerk.
A dog barks and stands at bay if he sees any one assault his master. I should be indeed remiss, if, seeing the truth of God thus attacked, I should remain dumb, without giving one note of warning… – Calvyn
Twyfel
After many years of seeking to live a spiritual life, I still ask myself, “Where am I as a Christian?” — “How far have I advanced?” — “Do I love God more now than earlier in my life?” — “Have I matured in faith since I started on the spiritual path?”