Tonight we are gathering to read through 2 Corinthians 10. Within this chapter, we find the confluence of many themes that occur in Paul’s other letters. In verses 3 and 4, Paul speaks of our battle not being of this world, echoing the great discourse in Ephesians 6:10-20 of putting on the full armor of God. In the following verses, Paul tells his audience that they are “captive to obey Christ.” This idea of being “slaves to the one whom you obey” is a linchpin in Paul’s letter to the Romans in his discussion of being a slave to righteousness, not the Law and sin. Rom. 6:15-23. (And similar to Martin Luther’s famous reply at the Diet of Worms.) In the remainder of the chapter, Paul speaks of being in Christ and boasting in the Lord alone reiterates his plea in 1 Corinthians 3 of overcoming the divisions within this congregation. If you have time before tonight, please take a look at these other passages and see how they relate to our reading for this evening.
If you have not heard Presiding Bishop-elect Michael Curry HERE is his sermon (18 min) at General Convention and HERE is his talk (8 min) on the meaning of the Eucharist.
Dinner is at 6. The menu is pasta e fagioli. Discussion about 6:45. Hope to see you here.
Unless I am convicted by scripture and plain reason–I do not accept the authority of popes and councils (and Articles, Confessions and Canons) for they have contradicted each other–my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise, God help me. Amen.
Martin Luther, Diet of Worms (1521).