Reading the first epistle of Clement I to the Corinthians.
Let us look steadfastly to the blood of Christ, and see how precious that blood is to God, which, having been shed for our salvation, has set the grace of repentance before the whole world. –Clement I
I read that a few times. I really like it.
It is right and holy therefore, men and brethren, rather to obey God than to follow those who, through pride and sedition, have become the leaders of a detestable emulation. For we shall incur no slight injury, but rather great danger, if we rashly yield ourselves to the inclinations of men who aim at exciting strife and tumults, so as to draw us away from what is good. –Clement I
That got me last night. As I looked again this morning, I considered this even more. What is to prevent each person from declaring themselves in great danger until they find a teacher who will help them follow their own desires.
Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction. For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. –2 Timothy 4:2-3
Is this what we have now? Hundreds or thousands of denominations allowing people to follow their own desires.
I feel a bit like this resolution.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don’t hinder. –Jonathan Edwards
Goodness…