One might be tempted to think that messages targeted for the catechesis of new believers would be simple – reflecting the milk of babes. One would be wrong! In reading Gregory of Nyssa’s messages, it is evident that his messages are more than a child-like apologetic for the faith. Rather, he intends that his readers be intellectually challenged and transformed. Reading these messages requires one to be engaged in the meat of the word – the mysteries of Christian revelation. Gregory writes in a rhetorical fashion in which he anticipates the questions and objections of his readers.
Basil – On the Holy Spirit
Basil the Great lived and worked in a most contentious age – between the Council of Nicaea (325) and the Council of Constantinople (381). At issue was the Christian revelation of God. Basil’s opponents were the semi-Arians, Sabellians, and the Pneumatomachi (Spirit-fighters), all of whom denied the equal divine nature of the Holy Spirit with the Father and the Son, thereby denying the doctrine of Holy Trinity.
Monsters: A Halloween Message
Service for the Installation of a Pastor
I was recently asked for a service for the installation of pastor for Pentecostal churches. After some research, I discovered that there are ordination services, but I could not find a service for pastoral installation. So, I have prepared one. Please feel free to use at your discretion.