Your sermon of the week is The Labor of Prayer by Kenneth Stewart of Dowanvale church in Scotland. Stewart deals not with the issue of prayer in and of itself as much as he deals with the labor of prayer. Definitely a convicting message that I wished to share with the readers of DefCon.
Pilgrim
thejunglemissionary
Bill
fourpointer
Manfred
abidingthroughgrace
Chris Hohnholz
Cool, I hope to check out this sermon.
What is with the priest look?
Indeed Matthew and not just the clerical/priestly garb, but also the title “Reverend” – something I absolutely loathe and cannot for the life of me understand why men claim it in light of the spiritual truth taught in Mt 23:9. There is one and only one who is reverend and it is the Lord.
“He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.” (Psa 111:9)
I will no more call a man reverend, right reverend, most reverend, etc. any more than I will call a Catholic priest father.
Hi all,
I worship in the Free Church of Scotland, which is the denomination Kenneth Stewart belongs to. Just to allay any concerns you or others may have in relation to the points raised:
Whatever the thought may be on the clerical collar, just to explain that traditionally in Scotland the collar has been very much associated with Presbyterian ministers and it is not something to suggest any link to Roman Catholicism.
The Free Church of Scotland adheres to the Westminster confession of faith as an accurate statement of the doctrines of scripture, see Chapter XXV ‘Of the Church’ point VI for the confessions stance on Roman Catholicism:
‘There is no other head of the church but the Lord Jesus Christ. Nor can the pope of Rome, in any sense, be head thereof; but is that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the church against Christ, and all that is called God’
Reference:
http://www.freechurch.org/index.php/scotland/resources-article/the_westminster_confession_of_faith/
Michael on the point you raised, I saw a short video with that very thought in mind. Please see the following link:
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=29092310166
Anyway with that said I hope we will be able to focus on the content of the message preached, which as Pilgrim said is definitely a convicting message and would be of benefit to all who listen to it.
Every blessing,
Scott
Hi Scott,
Your note is much appreciated. I did listen to the message on Sermon Audio and, in no way being contentious, do not agree with the conclusion. To me, the title of reverend and all its derivatives along with the clerical collar are based on the traditions of men and not the Scriptures. Traditions that are remnants of Romanism not fully purged. All to foster the clergy/laity distinction with men being set apart by titles, dress and the upper seat they take. All which seem to be exactly what Jesus was addressing in Matthew 23.
I will say that I am very thankful for the Free Church of Scotland and their stand for the gospel and remonstrance against Romanism and the papacy.
Blessings to you -
Michael
Thank you for your reply Scott.
An awesome thing to hear you are not in agreement with the RCC!