CCC Gainesville | Blog
Bruce Metzger, one of the last century’s leading scholars of the New Testament canon, observed, “neither individuals nor councils created the canon; instead they came to recognize and acknowledge the self-authenticating quality of these writings, which imposed themselves as canonical upon the church”
William Barclay put it more succinctly: “It is the simple truth to say that the New Testament books became canonical because no one could stop them doing so.” And this, in the end, is because Jesus’ sheep do hear His voice.
One of the joys of being called to serve God and advance His mission in Gainesville is the privilege of having members like Vinnie Athey. And he could use your help.
VINNIE NEEDS A SWEET DEAL ON A NEWER CAR. Something under 7k.
Know anything?
Contact Vinnie at
Vinnie.athey AT ruf DOT org
He’s the guy in maroon Virginia Tech sweater below–with his table posse @ GraceCon2013
Q: How can we glorify God?
A: We glorify God by enjoying him, loving him, trusting him, and obeying his will, commands, and law.
What does it mean to glorify something or someone? Merriam-Webster defines glorify as bestowing honor, praise or admiration on someone or something. In this week’s New City Catechism video, Joshua Harris suggests that we all know how to glorify. We do it everyday. We tell everyone about how the iPhone 5 has this cool panoramic feature, or we tell them about how the latest blockbuster is worth the $10. We praise sermons, books and television. We show off our new clothes, cars and gadgets. We praise our husbands and wives. We brag about our children’s accomplishments.
Why do we glorify God? Because he created us, the shining star of his creation, to glorify him. He built the intriguing world around us, making all things for his glory. And when we were still sinners, God sent his only Son to die for us. There is no one and no thing that is more worthy of our praise. So how can we display that glory? Take time this week to consider how you give glory to things you care about. Harris suggests that one of the most powerful ways we can give glory to God is by obeying him. When we obey joyfully, it shows God (and others) that we love him and trust his plan for our life. We do it because we know he loves us despite our actions and intentions, and this truth causes our love for him to grow. We will mediate on this week’s catechism together on Sunday!
This is week 6 of 52 catechism readings from New City Catechism. Christ Community is reciting an entry from the catechism each Sunday in 2013.
While stewardship certainly includes much more than money, it does not exclude it. In the Old Testament, believers were required to give a tenth of their income to support the Temple and the needs of the poor. While the New Testament does not teach at length on the subject of tithing, Jesus encourages people to continue this Old Testament practice (Matt. 23:23). The Church is told that they should give as they are “able and even beyond (their) ability” (2 Corinthians 8:3). Jesus himself teaches that his disciples’ relationship to wealth should be far more radical and generous than that of the Old Testament. He reminded his followers that God was “pleased to give them the kingdom” which, Jesus says, should liberate us to “sell your possessions and give to the poor…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:33-34). Therefore, a tithe (10%) is seen as a minimum guideline of giving for those of us who have been “given the kingdom.” Of course, there are seasons to economic life that sometimes strain a Christian’s ability to give. In many cases, good planning over time will be necessary to move our giving into Biblical proportions without reneging on legal and personal financial obligations.
(2 of 5 from City Church, Philadelphia PA)
Sunday we’ll continue our Foundations series by looking at God’s kindness in moving towards us to establish a covenant relationship.
The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” GENESIS 12:1-3
Covenants in Scripture are solemn agreements, negotiated or unilaterally imposed, that bind the parties to each other in permanent defined relationships, with specific promises, claims, and obligations on both sides (e.g., the marriage covenant, Mal. 2:14).
Covenanting with God in response to his covenanting with us should be a regular devotional exercise for all believers, both in private and at the Lord’s Table. An understanding of the covenant of grace guides us through, and helps us to appreciate all the wonders of God’s redeeming love. –JI Packer
