Let us not then be disturbed, neither dismayed, when trials befall us. For if the gold refiner sees how long he ought to leave the piece of gold in the furnace, and when he ought to draw it out, and does not allow it to remain in the fire until it is destroyed and burnt up: much more does God understand this, and when He sees that we have become more pure, He releases us from our trials so that we may not be overthrown and cast down by the multiplication of our evils. Let us then not be repining, or faint-hearted, when some unexpected thing befalls us; but let us suffer Him who knows these things accurately, to prove our hearts by fire as long as He pleases: for He does this for a useful purpose and with a view to the profit of those who are tried.
— from "Homily on the Paralytic Let Down Through the Roof," by Chrysostom (c.347–407)
Read this classic at the CCEL
Read more by this author at the CCEL
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Classic Hymns: Of the Father's Love Begotten
"Of The Father's Love Begotten" by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius
This hymn, with very ancient roots, is a confession of faith about the Christ, the eternal Son of God, whose birth and saving ministry were the fulfillment of ancient prophecies (st. 1-3). The final stanzas are a doxology inspired by John's visions recorded in Revelation 4-7 (st. 4-5). The text is based on "Corde natus ex parentis," a Latin poem by Marcus Aurelius C. Prudentius (c.348-413).
Prudentius was the greatest Christian poet of his time. ... [A]t the age of fifty-seven Prudentius bade farewell to [h]is successful, prosperous life and vowed to spend the rest of his days in poverty. He served the church by meditating and writing, presumably at an unnamed monastery. All of his writings are in poetic form, including learned discussions in theology and apologetics. Most of the English hymns derived from his works, including "Of the Father's Love Begotten," were taken from his Liber Cathemerinon (c. 405), which consists of twelve extended poems meant for personal devotions, six for use throughout the hours of the day and six for special feasts.
A personal note: The MG choir has used this hymn in a medley by Tom Fettke at Christmas because it is such a great text on the incarnation of Christ. The tune is very chant-like, challenging yet fun to sing and direct. It is found in our hymnal, No. 118.
The first stanza begins, "Of the Father's love begotten, Ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the Source, the Ending He..."
Read more about this hymn at the Hymnary
Read more about the Hymnary
This hymn, with very ancient roots, is a confession of faith about the Christ, the eternal Son of God, whose birth and saving ministry were the fulfillment of ancient prophecies (st. 1-3). The final stanzas are a doxology inspired by John's visions recorded in Revelation 4-7 (st. 4-5). The text is based on "Corde natus ex parentis," a Latin poem by Marcus Aurelius C. Prudentius (c.348-413).
Prudentius was the greatest Christian poet of his time. ... [A]t the age of fifty-seven Prudentius bade farewell to [h]is successful, prosperous life and vowed to spend the rest of his days in poverty. He served the church by meditating and writing, presumably at an unnamed monastery. All of his writings are in poetic form, including learned discussions in theology and apologetics. Most of the English hymns derived from his works, including "Of the Father's Love Begotten," were taken from his Liber Cathemerinon (c. 405), which consists of twelve extended poems meant for personal devotions, six for use throughout the hours of the day and six for special feasts.
A personal note: The MG choir has used this hymn in a medley by Tom Fettke at Christmas because it is such a great text on the incarnation of Christ. The tune is very chant-like, challenging yet fun to sing and direct. It is found in our hymnal, No. 118.
The first stanza begins, "Of the Father's love begotten, Ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the Source, the Ending He..."
Read more about this hymn at the Hymnary
Read more about the Hymnary
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Building Blocks of Biblical Worship
Calvin Institute of Christian Worship - Worship 101: The Building Blocks of a Biblical Approach to Worship: "Worship 101: The Building Blocks of a Biblical Approach to Worship
John D. Witvliet
Calvin Symposium on Worship 2008
This session explored some of the Bible's most fundamental teaching about worship, with an aim to equipping participants to teach this material in their own worshiping communities. This session is especially ideal for first-time Symposium attendees, as well as veterans who want to energize their own teaching ministries."
John D. Witvliet
Calvin Symposium on Worship 2008
This session explored some of the Bible's most fundamental teaching about worship, with an aim to equipping participants to teach this material in their own worshiping communities. This session is especially ideal for first-time Symposium attendees, as well as veterans who want to energize their own teaching ministries."
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
10 Core Convictions about Worship
I appreciate the work of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship at Calvin Seminary in Michigan. They are part of what some call the liturgical renewal movement and have been in existence for ten years now. Below is a summary of their convictions about worship after ten years.
Ten Core Convictions About Christian Worship
1. a vivid awareness of the beauty, majesty, mystery, and holiness of the triune God
Worship cultivates our knowledge and imagination about who God is and what God has done. Worship gives us a profound awareness of the glory, beauty, and holiness of God. Each element of worship can be understood through a Trinitarian framework. Worship renewal is best sustained by attention to the triune God we worship.
2. the full, conscious, active participation of all worshipers, in the context of a fully intergenerational community
Worship is not just what ministers, musicians, and other leaders do; it is what all worshipers “do”—through the work of the Spirit in worship. In vital worship, all worshipers are involved in the actions, words, and meaning of worship. God’s covenant promises endure “from generation to generation.” Worship that arises out of an intentionally intergenerational community, in which people of all ages are welcomed as full participants, and whose participation enriches each other, reflects that worship breaks down barriers of age.
For more, click here: http://www.calvin.edu/worship/about/ten/
Related Link
• Ten core convictions with related scripture, questions, and resources
Ten Core Convictions About Christian Worship
1. a vivid awareness of the beauty, majesty, mystery, and holiness of the triune God
Worship cultivates our knowledge and imagination about who God is and what God has done. Worship gives us a profound awareness of the glory, beauty, and holiness of God. Each element of worship can be understood through a Trinitarian framework. Worship renewal is best sustained by attention to the triune God we worship.
2. the full, conscious, active participation of all worshipers, in the context of a fully intergenerational community
Worship is not just what ministers, musicians, and other leaders do; it is what all worshipers “do”—through the work of the Spirit in worship. In vital worship, all worshipers are involved in the actions, words, and meaning of worship. God’s covenant promises endure “from generation to generation.” Worship that arises out of an intentionally intergenerational community, in which people of all ages are welcomed as full participants, and whose participation enriches each other, reflects that worship breaks down barriers of age.
For more, click here: http://www.calvin.edu/worship/about/ten/
Related Link
• Ten core convictions with related scripture, questions, and resources
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