Richard Baxter

@ferrismattic Innit though

One sometimes hears that Protestants don't understand RC theology. Peter Kreeft, a Roman Catholic professor at Boston College, notes a massive problem the Church itself has: Many within it don't know the gospel. ht:@NotThatRBaxter

@btbsoco How would Catholic and Orthodox believers know what to prune? How would Reformed believers know what to graft in?

Catholic and Orthodox lay practices and understanding can and do go beyond the bounds of even their own official teachings. They should use the Reformation, to reflect upon and correct - accretions - that have built up over time, particularly in and around veneration of saints and artifacts, whether icons, relics or something else. Reformed Christians need to re- absorb much that is Catholic, it is historically untenable to deny 1500 years of Christianity - as simply wrong!

When I became a Christian in my late teens it was not that I was gripped and excited by Christian morality. No! I was gripped and excited by Christ. - Vaughan Roberts

And in our society: The dignity of humanity we claim to hold, The equality of men and women we strive for, The obvious rightness of caring for the least. Where does this come from? Not from the survival of the fittest but the willing sacrifice of the strongest. 2/2

'Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.' - Mark 5 Even if you, or your society, begs Jesus to go away, there will still be evidence of his presence. A man delivered from demons. Christians around you in your workplace, street, and family. 1/2

'For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.' (Colossians 1)

As we move into more hours of light than of darkness, may we look to the One who takes us out of spiritual darkness and into the true Light.

A way that doesn't change with seasons or with regimes. 'For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.' (Colossians 1) 2/2

To all wonderful Iranians celebrating Nowruz in the midst of dark times, As you recognise the triumph of light over darkness in the coming of spring, may you be able to look to God the Father. In his Son Jesus he has triumphed over darkness in a fuller, more lasting way. 1/2

@DavePiperDJ Certainly some have suggested it's more of an openness to general spirituality, rather than specifically the doctrines of Christianity. For the second reason, there are certainly those who recognise which particular religious faith has historically most influenced their society.

@NotThatRBaxter These would all presumably also be reasons for them to be open to exploring all other faiths? What if there's a "Quiet Revival" (so-called) going on across several religions? Has anyone checked, do we know?

Three reasons why larger numbers of Gen Z might be showing an openness to Christian faith: - I don't know what I should about Christianity - My society isn't where it should be - I'm not what I should be

@2D0XPS Sure, and like today with Muslims, a failure to distinguish between Münsterites, Mennonites, and Baptists.

@NotThatRBaxter A bit like the fear now that Muslims are somehow secretly plotting to overthrow the government, there was a real fear that somehow non-conformists could be seditious (particularly RC non-conformists; the Pope did not help himself there), hence no private meetings.

✅ Grew up Roman Catholic ✅ Now Nonconformist ❎ Incessantly attacking the C of E ❎ Convinced I need to be grateful to the C of E for tolerating my worshipping according to conscience

@2D0XPS Super. I don't know about the unlocked doors part, but the first two issues were well represented here in 1644. Wonder why those non-tolerated Christians might have wanted to lock their church doors...

@NotThatRBaxter You're also not planning to kill the King, believe in the Holy Trinity and don't lock your church door during services. It worked. 😜

@2D0XPS Oh, I still thank the One who grants us those freedoms 👍

@NotThatRBaxter It would be odd if we still wanted you to say thank you for freedoms you've had for over 300 years.

*some will want the most historic liturgy, some will want the newest songs

It's important to recognise, not everyone drawn to Christianity and the Church will be drawn to the same aspects of the faith* It's essential to recognise that, whatever their preference for forms, every person needs Jesus Christ

Did a presentation yesterday on The Quiet Revival: What is it? How should we respond? Proudest moment: ensuring I said 'Gen Zed' each time, never 'Gen Zee'.

I was feeling somewhat discouraged today. But then I did some marking. I’d asked my ecclesiology class to write a Great Thanksgiving prayer for the Lord’s Supper. And after reading those, I can’t help but rejoice in the wonderful finished work of Jesus!