In the continued study of the Inspiration of Martin Luther in God given Wisdom, the Lame Cherry in exclusive matter anti matter focuses upon the subject of who are the "best Christians".
This is a most interesting definition, as all the pew sitters and stage performers will naturally by grabbing for attention will in angst deem it is them, and then in anger condemn the reality that they are nothing of Christ at all, as their intent is self service in being looked upon to validate hidden lack of self esteem, for that is why the rich sit in pews as they think they can hide from God there and the preacher takes to the stage so they can gain the attention they so lust for.
The bigger the purse and the brighter the lights, the reality is the least of them is seated and standing there.
Dr. Luther as he always does, simply explains the reality in his quote:
"Which are the best Preachers and the best Hearers.
I, said Luther, esteem those to be the best Preachers which teach the common people and youth most plainly and simply, without subtlety, screwed words, or enlargements. Christ taught the people by plain and simple parables.
In like manner, those are the best Hearers that willingly do hear and believe God’s Word simply and plainly, and although they be weak in faith, yet so long as they doubt not of the doctrine they are to be holpen forward; for God can and will bear with weakness if it be but acknowledged, and that we creep again to the Cross and pray to God."
Martin Luther
Yes it is not the theologian nor the minute inhabitor of doctrines who seizes upon intellectual points to gain their own hiding in doubt and their own stage as proof "they are a Christian".
When one brings intellect to Christianity, one only exposes the reality that there is not Faith involved, but a lack of trust in God in needing proof to believe.
Proof occurs only 5 times in the Bible, all in the New Testament, and it is directed to proving the ministry or affection of those claiming to be Christians and not at the Gospel. Faith occurs 231 times in the Bible, 229 times in the New Testament, for in reality the New Covenant is a matter of Faith in Spirit and not an Old Covenant of slaughtered lambs and Temples.
Thomas doubted not from Faith, but from his mind.
St. Paul constantly noted as Christ his Master, that the teaching which was simplest was the one which converted the sinner.
Nicodemus, an elder of the law, met with Jesus in secret, and could not comprehend the Born Again Doctrine at first, for he was of the Law and not of the Faith.
The Pharisees were constantly assailing Jesus as was Saul of Tarsus before he became St. Paul, in his murderous war against Christians, and their focus was on the order of the Law, a Law of proofs which never justified one person, for the Law has only one purpose and that is to convict the sinner and the penalty is always death.
In Hebrews we read of "by Faith" were each of the people God chose justified before Him. They were commanded what to do and then by actions proved to God they were in right standing with Him for believing God.
It is not the human which commands God to act in Faith, but God commanding actions of humans to prove their Faith in Him.
If one requires evidence, then that reveals one is ignorant of the inner workings of God in their heart, for none exist, as there is no Faith.
Evidence is for courts where ignorant judges and jurors examine that which they know nothing of. Faith is the only proof God will accept and the only evidence is the Christian following the commands of God.
Jesus never had a synagogue or a stage. The disciples became bored with the proofs of miracles and ignored them. It became Jesus the Rabbi or Teacher in the form of requiring Faith which moved the disciples and it was in their hearts where that Faith abided, to the reality of humiliation in Thomas demanding to touch the wounds of Christ, that when that proof was provided, Thomas withered in shame.
The Gospel is hidden from the rich, the intelligent and the powerful, for those who require ostentatious displays are selfishly interested like Cain in not coming by Faith, but adding to their glory for lack of self esteem. It is why people horde money, degrees and power as they are hiding in fear from the world instead of abiding in Faith.
I have always in silent contemplative joy, considered the reward I would like to have in God's Kingdom, and that would be able to visit George Washington, followed by Ronald Reagan and John Wayne. I would make my way with respect to Adam and Eve, and having already met Joan of Arc in Spirit, I contemplate now in desiring to visit with Martin Luther, and the vast cloud of witnesses he created in Lutherans, Calvinists and Hugeunots as they were all Lutherans by his Protest.
I conclude from reading Martin Luther, that he was the second greatest teacher, behind the Lord Christ, and as both were Inspired by the same Holy Spirit, God was their Witness.
Dr. Luther is unique in he speaks with the fire of St. James and the love of St. John. It fascinates me that thee two greatest Israelite Christians in Europe were born during the same period in Joan of Arc and Martin Luther.
Joan would save the practical physical government of Europe and Martin would save the Spiritual body of the people, and both would be unaided by the Vatican.
Both such world changing figures in domination, and yet both so absolutely humble in the fires of the Spirit.
The best Christians in example of Joan of Arc and Martin Luther, not by deed, but by Faith.
"Our Lord God electeth from hearts, to whom He revealeth His Word, and therewithal He giveth them mouths to speak it; preserveth and maintaineth it, not by sword, but through His Divine Power."
agtG
