The second half of the Homily on the Christian’s good works warns of the bad works of false religion. Thomas Cranmer, the author of this fiery sermon, warns the congregations to beware of the bad work of elevating human tradition and man-made rules above God’s word. The sermon must have caused quite a stir as… Continue reading A Christian’s Guide to Cult-Proof Faith
Author: Pastorfish
Faith That Works: Living What We Believe
The fifth sermon of the First Book of Homilies on “Faith and Good Works” is quite iconic. The sermon starts by demonstrating that without faith it is impossible to please God or do anything good in his sight. “Faith gives life to the soul. Those who lack faith are dead to God just as those… Continue reading Faith That Works: Living What We Believe
The Walking Dead: When Faith Has No Pulse
The fourth sermon in the First Book of Homilies focusses on what is referred to as a “lively” faith. Faith that is a living, growing, life-changing trust in Jesus in contrast to a dead, shrivelled, intellectual, mere assent that makes no impact in one’s life. This sermon is the natural follow on to the previous… Continue reading The Walking Dead: When Faith Has No Pulse
No Additions and No Subtractions: Salvation in and by Christ Alone
Have you experienced an unexpected, undeserved, overwhelming gift? There have been a few times that I have, including this past week. What kind of response did it generate in you? Most likely gratitude, thanksgiving, humility, and love. Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, who authored this third sermon in the Book of Homilies on the doctrine of Justification… Continue reading No Additions and No Subtractions: Salvation in and by Christ Alone
Spiritual Hijacking: When Paganism Borrows Jesus
Christianity has been hijacked. At least in some places. There are more and more so-called “Christian” churches, ministries, conferences and books being established, advertised and authored that are in fact not Christian at all. The authors, teachers and presenters are very deceptive in that they use various Bible words and Christian categories; but their… Continue reading Spiritual Hijacking: When Paganism Borrows Jesus