The similar phrase 'Worldly Christianity' is one used by Bonhoeffer. It's J Gresham Machen that I want to line up most closely with. See his Christianity and culture here. Having done commentaries on Proverbs (Heavenly Wisdom) and Song of Songs (Heavenly Love), a matching title for Ecclesiastes would be Heavenly Worldliness. For my stance on worldliness, see 3 posts here.

GBA 2011 07

Tonight Stuart Olyott spoke (again at length and with some audible interaction at several points). He spoke appropriately on The greatest place on earth.
We had (from 1 Timothy 3)

1 To make us conscious that we have a privilege and a responsibility
2 To raise the question: Is there anything stopping you having a full blooded commitment to the local church?
3 As no church is perfect to urge work to be done.

Step 1 There is such a thing as truth in the world
Step 2 We've got to have this truth in the world
Step 3 The truth has enemies
Step 4 God has set up a pillar and ground for the truth - the local church
Then (Acts 2) the fact that the church is to be
1 A body of Baptised believers
2 It is a place where the truth is taught
3 It is a place of loving fellowship
4 Where the Lord's Supper is celebrated
5 Where people pray that God will act
6 And who go out with the gospel

No comments: