Dear brothers and sisters,
If you’re looking for a meaningful resolution for next year, here is a suggestion from St. Paul: For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Co. 2:2). Our brother and teacher would not be known as an expert of the Law, nor as an experienced traveller, nor as a wise man—all of which he could have impressed his listeners with. No: he would only know and preach Jesus Christ and him crucified, for to know him is to live. What a mystery! God would not be known by climbing mount Olympus but by descending with him to Golgotha. If Liberal pastors shift the focus towards subjective human experiences and reflections, may we know and be known for confessing Jesus Christ and him crucified. This year, let us resolve to know God, that we may ‘glorify him and enjoy him forever’ (Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q1).
We’re very thankful to God and all our supporters for having enabled us to celebrate our first ‘Reconquista conference’ in Wittenberg on Reformation day. It was an honour to gather together with nearly 150 Crossbearers from several countries (even from outside Europe) in the very place where the Reformation began. We began by marching and singing together ‘a mighty fortress is our God’. The talks from pastors Johannes Frey, Stefan Felber, and Josua Tomalin were both inspiring and challenging (see our ‘articles’ section). And new 95 theses were proclaimed in this emblematic city. We encourage you to watch this video review, recorded and edited by our brother Pomen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PhNh1PKaOI&t=2s
Here are some resolutions for next year that you could help us pray for—or even contribute with!
- To start our own podcast with the best sermons from our shepherds, past and present.
- To send representatives to our synods who will defend our theses there.
- To equip laypeople to lead bible studies and prayer groups and promote fundamental Christian values.
- To organise a second ‘Echoing Wittenberg’ conference in The Netherlands.
Happy new year!
Jorge,
from Crossbearer