Fr. Ben, outside is where we find the glory of God. Outside is where we are welcome into His fold. Outside is where you and I become the children of the most high, because there is where we are naked and He clothes us. We want to continue to be outside, but that is not his will for us all the time. Sometimes we are called to come into the cold. Blessings.
I'll get around to putting my thoughts about Ben's sermons on Substack if I ever get my strength back, but in the meantime, to all who preach: Ben's outlines are--though uniquely his-- master classes in expository preaching. No overtures. No anecdotes. No extra padding. Just bang, right there in the midst of the "strange new world of the Bible" (Barth). Just that world, totally focussed on who Jesus was, what he did, who he is, who he will be...and that world is the true and only lifegiving word that speaks and acts both here and now to demonstrate in human lives that the promises of God are secure in the living Being of the Word in the world he made, the world he keeps. In spite of everything.
That was such an insightful interpretation of that Scripture passage. Thank you!
Thank you, Cathy!
Fr. Ben, outside is where we find the glory of God. Outside is where we are welcome into His fold. Outside is where you and I become the children of the most high, because there is where we are naked and He clothes us. We want to continue to be outside, but that is not his will for us all the time. Sometimes we are called to come into the cold. Blessings.
Thank you, Linda! It was good seeing you at the Bishop Meet and Greet!
I'll get around to putting my thoughts about Ben's sermons on Substack if I ever get my strength back, but in the meantime, to all who preach: Ben's outlines are--though uniquely his-- master classes in expository preaching. No overtures. No anecdotes. No extra padding. Just bang, right there in the midst of the "strange new world of the Bible" (Barth). Just that world, totally focussed on who Jesus was, what he did, who he is, who he will be...and that world is the true and only lifegiving word that speaks and acts both here and now to demonstrate in human lives that the promises of God are secure in the living Being of the Word in the world he made, the world he keeps. In spite of everything.
Thank you, Fleming. So appreciated! I hope that Dick is well, and that you are strengthened for what you carry. Blessings!
Thank you, Father Ben. This essay is incredibly insightful. Thanks be to God! Have a blessed Lenten day. -Erich (Wm. Erich Krengel)
Thank you, Erich!