JULY EDITION... (2017)
I. Month of Freedom... July
July is the month of "summer vitality" as the poets call it. Crops are growing in the field, families are vacationing, and people are generally enjoying the summer with no school for the children. But as a nation, it is time for us to celebrate the 4th of July. It has been noted in many ways, but it is celebrated with the date, July 4, 1776, when the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the thirteen colonies broke their colonial relationship with Great Britain. Later, after the American Revolution, it would note the inauguration of George Washington as our first President, which some have said we acknowledge as America our "Our American Birthright."
II. THE CHURCH'S JOURNEY ... THE REFORMED TRADITION...
We have have been talking about the journey of the Church in a rather limited but informational framework. Since we are in the west, we tend to see it from our own perspective of "denominations," and this is the path we have taken. We have reflected on the Roman Catholic tradition, the Lutheran Church as documenting the Protestant Reformation, and now we will see the ripples of Luther's writings and commentary, produce yet another version of the Reformation.
Church historians look to Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin as the founders and leaders of the Reformed Movement within the Protestant Reformation. Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) was born in Switzerland. He graduated from the University of Vienna and the University of Basel. He was interested in classic languages, music, and theology. In 1506 he graduated with a Masters degree and entered the priesthood the same year. Eventually he will become a Chaplin in the Swiss Guard who were assigned to the Pope and the Papal Court. The politics of this religio-military unit proved too much for Ulrich, since they were at this point, rented out to other monarchs of Europe. Being disillusioned by such actions, Ulrich denounced the Pope and became ever increasingly critical of the church.
By 1519 he was reassigned as the parish priest in Zurich, Switzerland. Technically, the government of Switzerland at this time was called, "The League of Upper Germany." There were by this period, thirteen Cantons or states in this confederation.
While Ulrich was in Zurich, he observed the selling of indulgences and denounced the practice. Interestingly, with his influence, he encouraged the government to stop the sale. At some time in this period, he hears and reads the works and writings of Luther. Consequently, he became more outspoken in such areas as fasting, private confession, monasticism, and boldly rejects celibacy. He became obsessed with influences on the laity by the church. He therefore, denounces the use of images, and pictures and is opposed to the use of instruments in worship. He continued to broaden and extend his influence and the government supported his various moves. Through the government he furthermore was able to take action by the removal of all pictures, statutes, candles and organs. Altars were removed in the churches with their ornamental structures and replaced by a simple table, to be used as the Lord's Table. He ordered the bones of the "saints" to be buried and changed the use of communion by permitting the congregants to partake in "both kinds"; meaning the bread and the cup. Scripture was translated into the language of the common people. These ideas, being spread governmentally, were seen as a more official activity of the church as it combined its interest with the state. Therefore, they were spread into other Cantons in Switzerland and southern Germany.
By 1530, Charles V, monarch of the Holy Roman Empire, orders these reformers to present a document presenting their "beliefs." Zwingli and a board of scholars responded with what was called the "Confessio Tetrapolitana" or a defense in three parts.
As the Protestant Reformation progressed, its leaders among Luther and Zwingli brought about a strident number of differences. Here are listing of a few of these differences:
1. Zwingli would use government to enact reforms, while Luther, seeing the state as a legitimate force, felt the propagation of ideas would bring reform through reason.
2. Zwingli felt the church should be active in political affairs as he will illustrate by eventually dying while leading an army against catholic forces. Luther on the other hand, was not active in politics or government.
3. Their major difference was in the area of a "Sacramental Controversy." Zwingli saw the Lord's Supper as simply "symbolic" in its significance, while Luther and his followers produced the now noted "Consubstantiation," that stated the Lord was present in, under, and with the elements of communion or the Lord's Supper.
John Calvin: (Jean Cauvin)- (1509-1564)- The other noted figure of the reformed movement of the Protestant Reformation was John Calvin. He was born in Paris and his father was a secretary to one of the Bishops of the Roman Church. At age twelve John received a "benefice" or a grant to further his education, eventually being obligated to enter the priesthood. The chronology of his life seems to move quickly at this point. In 1523 he enter the University of Paris to enter the priesthood. In 1528 he changes his major to study law with a decided propensity to argue positions and the validity of these positions. In 1533 a new Rector by the name of Nicholas Cop came to the university. As was customary at this time, gifted students helped the Rector in his inauguration speech. Calvin fills this speech at a Catholic University, with "reformation ideas" especially the concept of "grace." This would not do for the standing of the university. Due to this controversy Calvin leaves in 1534. By 1535 he is drawn to Basel, Switzerland a hotbed of reformation communities. Here he is influenced by Luther's ideas and writings. In 1536 he writes his first version of the now famous, Institutes of the Christian Religion. It will later be revised in 1556 and 1559.
Without too much detail, this work was defined in four areas: God the Father, God the Redeemer, God the Holy Spirit, the Church. Generally speaking, Calvin will view the gospels as a set of laws and actively proclaim a lack of distinction between the Old and New Covenants. Man is "totally depraved" said Calvin, and he can do nothing to respond to God's grace. Faith must be put "in him" and that response by faith is known as "election" according to John Calvin.
By 1536 Calvin leaves Basel and moves to Geneva in the Canton of Vaud. Between the years 1538 and 1541 Calvin will travel to Strasbourg, serve as a pastor to a congregation and returns to Geneva when the government becomes more lenient. With his now noted reformation writings and ideas he is asked to specifically lead in the reformation government in Geneva. As a leader, Calvin will compose a series of laws to regulate the church by 1541. These "Ecclesiastical Ordinances" as he called them, divided Geneva in twelve parts, one for each Elder which were to visit, as shepherds, each family in their area at least once a year. The twelve Elders plus the pastors made up the "Consistory" of the church.
By 1549 the western and eastern reformers merged in Switzerland with a concept of proper "propagation" of this Reformed version of the reformation. Calvin believed profoundly that the ministers of the reformed movement should have a "formal" education. To this end he will establish in Geneva the Genevan Academy. Here the curriculum consisted of Classical Languages, French, Logic, Theology, and Philosophy. Accordingly then, the reformation faith of Calvin, distinguished by the concept of "Predestination" went forth and spread. The Reformed Church then spread into southern Germany and became the German Reformed Church, to the east into Bohemia and Hungary they became known as the Hungarian Reformed Church, and into France as groups began to title themselves as Huguenots. In the Netherlands these Reformed Churches took the title of Dutch Reformed Churches.
John Knox a noted reform leader would leave Geneva and move to Scotland where he founded the Presbyterian Churches, with a reformed tradition. All of these churches of the Reformed tradition will establish nuances of the theology of Predestination and Election as noted by Calvin and later leaders in this denominational tradition.
By 1519 he was reassigned as the parish priest in Zurich, Switzerland. Technically, the government of Switzerland at this time was called, "The League of Upper Germany." There were by this period, thirteen Cantons or states in this confederation.
While Ulrich was in Zurich, he observed the selling of indulgences and denounced the practice. Interestingly, with his influence, he encouraged the government to stop the sale. At some time in this period, he hears and reads the works and writings of Luther. Consequently, he became more outspoken in such areas as fasting, private confession, monasticism, and boldly rejects celibacy. He became obsessed with influences on the laity by the church. He therefore, denounces the use of images, and pictures and is opposed to the use of instruments in worship. He continued to broaden and extend his influence and the government supported his various moves. Through the government he furthermore was able to take action by the removal of all pictures, statutes, candles and organs. Altars were removed in the churches with their ornamental structures and replaced by a simple table, to be used as the Lord's Table. He ordered the bones of the "saints" to be buried and changed the use of communion by permitting the congregants to partake in "both kinds"; meaning the bread and the cup. Scripture was translated into the language of the common people. These ideas, being spread governmentally, were seen as a more official activity of the church as it combined its interest with the state. Therefore, they were spread into other Cantons in Switzerland and southern Germany.
By 1530, Charles V, monarch of the Holy Roman Empire, orders these reformers to present a document presenting their "beliefs." Zwingli and a board of scholars responded with what was called the "Confessio Tetrapolitana" or a defense in three parts.
As the Protestant Reformation progressed, its leaders among Luther and Zwingli brought about a strident number of differences. Here are listing of a few of these differences:
1. Zwingli would use government to enact reforms, while Luther, seeing the state as a legitimate force, felt the propagation of ideas would bring reform through reason.
2. Zwingli felt the church should be active in political affairs as he will illustrate by eventually dying while leading an army against catholic forces. Luther on the other hand, was not active in politics or government.
3. Their major difference was in the area of a "Sacramental Controversy." Zwingli saw the Lord's Supper as simply "symbolic" in its significance, while Luther and his followers produced the now noted "Consubstantiation," that stated the Lord was present in, under, and with the elements of communion or the Lord's Supper.
John Calvin: (Jean Cauvin)- (1509-1564)- The other noted figure of the reformed movement of the Protestant Reformation was John Calvin. He was born in Paris and his father was a secretary to one of the Bishops of the Roman Church. At age twelve John received a "benefice" or a grant to further his education, eventually being obligated to enter the priesthood. The chronology of his life seems to move quickly at this point. In 1523 he enter the University of Paris to enter the priesthood. In 1528 he changes his major to study law with a decided propensity to argue positions and the validity of these positions. In 1533 a new Rector by the name of Nicholas Cop came to the university. As was customary at this time, gifted students helped the Rector in his inauguration speech. Calvin fills this speech at a Catholic University, with "reformation ideas" especially the concept of "grace." This would not do for the standing of the university. Due to this controversy Calvin leaves in 1534. By 1535 he is drawn to Basel, Switzerland a hotbed of reformation communities. Here he is influenced by Luther's ideas and writings. In 1536 he writes his first version of the now famous, Institutes of the Christian Religion. It will later be revised in 1556 and 1559.
Without too much detail, this work was defined in four areas: God the Father, God the Redeemer, God the Holy Spirit, the Church. Generally speaking, Calvin will view the gospels as a set of laws and actively proclaim a lack of distinction between the Old and New Covenants. Man is "totally depraved" said Calvin, and he can do nothing to respond to God's grace. Faith must be put "in him" and that response by faith is known as "election" according to John Calvin.
By 1536 Calvin leaves Basel and moves to Geneva in the Canton of Vaud. Between the years 1538 and 1541 Calvin will travel to Strasbourg, serve as a pastor to a congregation and returns to Geneva when the government becomes more lenient. With his now noted reformation writings and ideas he is asked to specifically lead in the reformation government in Geneva. As a leader, Calvin will compose a series of laws to regulate the church by 1541. These "Ecclesiastical Ordinances" as he called them, divided Geneva in twelve parts, one for each Elder which were to visit, as shepherds, each family in their area at least once a year. The twelve Elders plus the pastors made up the "Consistory" of the church.
By 1549 the western and eastern reformers merged in Switzerland with a concept of proper "propagation" of this Reformed version of the reformation. Calvin believed profoundly that the ministers of the reformed movement should have a "formal" education. To this end he will establish in Geneva the Genevan Academy. Here the curriculum consisted of Classical Languages, French, Logic, Theology, and Philosophy. Accordingly then, the reformation faith of Calvin, distinguished by the concept of "Predestination" went forth and spread. The Reformed Church then spread into southern Germany and became the German Reformed Church, to the east into Bohemia and Hungary they became known as the Hungarian Reformed Church, and into France as groups began to title themselves as Huguenots. In the Netherlands these Reformed Churches took the title of Dutch Reformed Churches.
John Knox a noted reform leader would leave Geneva and move to Scotland where he founded the Presbyterian Churches, with a reformed tradition. All of these churches of the Reformed tradition will establish nuances of the theology of Predestination and Election as noted by Calvin and later leaders in this denominational tradition.
III. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT... A Liberation Sermon for the 4th...
Title: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom-
Text: II Corinthians 3: 17
Introduction: We tend as Americans to think of liberty and liberation as a series of political movements. That may be a narrow perspective, but the foundation of true liberation comes from the soul being set free from sin and its consequences. John will declare, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (Jn. 8:36) So let us consider this "Liberty" as King James puts it, or Freedom in other translations.
I. A Declaration of It's Source- Paul as an inspired Apostle was careful with his theology. He believed in the full Godship of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and their place in the life of the believer. Here he boldly proclaims, "Now the Lord is the Spirit..." In other words, the Holy Spirit as it works and does its important function of conviction, correction and sealing us in our salvation produces power is God. Theologians throughout history have attempted to give to the Godhead certain characteristics. These of course, fall short of explaining the work and natural presence of God in the world and in the universe. God just is...and the Holy Spirit as Lord is... beyond definition. We see its result and effect by looking through spiritual eyes. Thus our praise and thanksgiving.
II. A Durability of It's Quality- With the Holy Spirit coming into the world with power on the day of Pentecost and the birth of the Church, new horizons are and have been present for two thousand years. One of the most durable truths and realities of this eternal "liberation" of man from sin is through Christ's death, burial and resurrection which is the certified true "Freedom." Illust: My mother use to tell the story of the ecstasy of relief at the end of WWII. We see it in old black and white newsreels today, the famous kissing of the sailor and nurse in Time Square and so on. But my mother said this was such a relief for the whole country that words could not express it. The men and women would be returning, death on a wholesale level would end. Although this was temporary, our freedom and liberation from sin is eternal because of Christ. We see great dividends in the lives of people every day. This liberation or liberty of the soul is grand and glorious and has eternal consequences.
...We have been set free from A. The Penalty of Sin...
B. The Curse of Sin...
C. The Power of Sin...
... We have been Freed to... A. Serve the Lord in Freedom...
B. Share the Gospel in Love...
C. Free Ourselves from Ourselves... because He is Lord and we are His servants in Freedom.
WHY? "...where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
B. The Curse of Sin...
C. The Power of Sin...
... We have been Freed to... A. Serve the Lord in Freedom...
B. Share the Gospel in Love...
C. Free Ourselves from Ourselves... because He is Lord and we are His servants in Freedom.
WHY? "...where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
IV. QUOTE FOR FREEDOM... RELYING ON GOD...
A Prayer for the United States of America... (by Peter Marshall(1902-1949) Former Chaplin of the Congress of the United States.
God our Father, we pray that the people of America, who have made such progress in material things, may now seek to grow in spiritual understanding. For we have improved means, but have not improved ends. We have better ways of getting there, but we have no better places to go. We can save more time, but are not making any better use of the time we save.
We need Thy help to do something about the world's true problems--- the problem of lying, which is called propaganda; the problem of selfishness, which is called self-interest; the problem of greed, which is often called profit; the problem of license, disguising itself as liberty; the problem of lust, masquerading as love; the problem of materialism, the hook which is baited with security.
Hear our prayers, O Lord, for the spiritual understanding which is better than political wisdom, that we may see our problems for what they are. This we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
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