A Framework for Faith/Spiritual Disciplines

The Son of God should be invoked in all lectio and in all celebrations.

  - Ailbe, Rule for Monks (Irish, 7th century)

"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it they that bear witness about me. "

  - John 5.39

Abbot Ailbe succinctly summarizes two important principles concerning religious devotion: (1) All reading and study of Scripture should invoke the help in order to discover the truth about Jesus, and (2) all worship should invoke the help in order rightly to extol the virtues and victory of Jesus.

Christianity is about Jesus - Who He is, what He accomplished, what He calls us to be and do, how we may know, serve, and honor Him. Christianity begins to become something else as soon as we lose sight of Jesus.

Say, in order to focus on ourselves, or some pet teaching, or some personal goal or aspiration.

Christianity is not about you and me. It's all Jesus. Period. The Scriptures show us the face of Jesus, wherein glory resides to transform us into His image (2 Cor. 4.6; 3.12-18). In worship we confess our utter dependence on Jesus to cleanse us by His Word, enable us by His Spirit, direct us into the Father's presence, intercede for us and our worship, and to grant us a glimpse of divine glory, that we may empty ourselves in praise and adoration.

If our worship is just about what we want, or the music we like, or how clever the preacher is, or anything other than Jesus, then it's not worship at all.

It's not worship at all if it's not about and through Jesus.

It is easy enough to profess faith in Jesus. To live for Jesus - that's something altogether different. You have to die to yourself. You have to take up a cross and bear it daily. You have to wash the feet of those who despise you. You have to be the mouth and hands of Jesus to the people around you.

If all you have is a confession of Jesus, and no life, then you should re-examine the reality and sincerity of your confession.

Christianity is all about Jesus.

Are you?

Today at The Fellowship of Ailbe

ReVision - The data spinners are gathering and reading your data, even as we speak.

In the Gates - How does the Law of God address the relationships in which we are involved?

Voices Together, Volume 2 - John has finally finished his second volume of prayers based on the psalms, completing the set. If you really want to learn to pray the psalms, here's as good a place to learn as I know.

Mentoring - Pastors, we're accepting applications for mentoring in four areas. Check the website and contact me for more information.

T. M. Moore, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.