For they know and trust in God, the Creator of heaven and of earth, in whom and from whom are all things, to whom there is no other god as companion, from whom they received commandments which they engraved upon their minds and observe in hope and expectation of the world which is to come. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. - posted by MaryJane, on: 2011/1/16 9:01 One of the most profound comments made regarding the early church came from the lips of a man named Aristides, sen t by the Emperor Hadrian to spy out those strange creatures known as "Christians." It’s said that Scholtes took inspiration for the chorus’ lyric in light of  John 13:34-35, and as he reflected over an expression that tradition holds was frequently used by those outside the Church body, in speaking about Christians of the early Church. This can be found in Tertullian's "Apology," Chapter 39.7 (circa 200 A.D). Raised in a pagan family, he was educated in Latin grammar, rhetoric, and philosophy—the standard curriculum for boys who wished to become lawyers or civil servants in the Roman government. As men who know God, they ask from Him petitions which are fitting for Him to grant and for them to receive. They do not worship strange gods, and they go their way in all modesty and cheerfulness. It is not like our physical strength, which is wasting away and perishing, rather it is constant, always pulsating with life, and … And since they know the loving-kindnesses of God toward them, behold! It ought to still be said of followers of Christ, “Behold, how they love one another! In the early Church, the believers’ love for one another, and for others, was so authentic and so obvious that even those outside the Church took notice and were amazed by the loving-kindness of first and second-century Christians. They lived in simplicity. - (2) The demand which this glorification would make on the mutual fidelity and affection of the disciples. To reflect on how worship—singing, teaching, the Lord’s Table, and baptism—shapes those sensitivities of forgiving people that were discussed in the previous study. How they love one another." 35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. See How They Love One Another. For they are not taken thence and spent on feasts, and drinking-bouts, and eating-houses, but to support and bury poor people, to supply the wants of boys and girls destitute of means and parents, and of old persons confined now to the house; such, too, as have suffered shipwreck; and if there happen to be any in the mines, or banished to the islands, or shut up in the prisons . Behold! To appreciate the centrality of reconciliation to the church’s ministry. 34 A new commandment () I give to you, () that you love one another: () just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Or to give ourselves in genuine friendship – not superficial but sacrificial – to someone hooked on drugs, and stand by him faithfully during the painful period of withdrawal? C. Acts teaches us about the worldwide mission of … Our nation still routinely engages in unjust wars to advance its economic and political interests, and – as my friend Richard Crocker notes – ‘Congress has never found a war it didn’t like’ and I would paraphrase him by noting that the church has never found a war it couldn’t support. On the monthly day, if he likes, each puts in a small donation; but only if it be his pleasure, and only if he be able: for there is no compulsion; all is voluntary. Tag Archives: Aristides behold how they love one another “The Growing Christian Life” (I Peter 1:22 sermon) Posted on 2019/06/24 by Shawn Thomas. Is (God) calling us to work with penitence and without paternalism in a rundown inner city area or ghetto? Yet, that single cause, by itself, isn’t what stands out. 160–220). Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. These Christians’ love was so clearly demonstrated in actions, that the sincerity of their heart was undeniable. Great love can be shown not by merely saying “I’ll pray for you” but by putting a hand on someone’s shoulder right … And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. Aristides was an early second-. These Christians lived, what Jesus commanded, “Love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. They observe the precepts of their Messiah with much care, living justly and soberly as the Lord their God commanded them. "Look," they say, "how they love one another" (for they themselves hate one another); "and how they are ready to die for each other" (for they themselves are readier to kill each other). I don’t pretend that what I say will alter the course of this church’s history one bit, but I am delighted that I have been given the opportunity to speak in your midst and to your future. They do not worship idols (made) in the image of man; and whatsoever they would not that others should do unto them, they do not to others; and of the food which is consecrated to idols they do not eat, for they are pure. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one anoth. As we consider how these Christians loved one another, their example should make an impact on our hearts and lives today.Â. We now stand in a very different place in our nation’s history, and I know that I speak to a very different congregation than John Stott spoke to in 1970. We are not doing a very good job of teaching the importance of love. Or are we meant to offer our lives in Christ’s service in a developing country abroad – as a doctor, nurse, teacher, agriculturalist or social worker – when it would be more lucrative and more respectable to pursue our profession at home?” Then Stott really pushed his audience, arguing that they needed to learn to love those whom most in America’s church scorned – the counter-culture, free-sex, drug-addicted, dropping-out-of-society ‘hippies.’. And they strive to be righteous as those who expect to behold their Messiah, and to receive from Him with great glory the promises made concerning them. “For, “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). The drop-out told my friend that this was the kind of thing one might see in a bar but shouldn’t see in a church. XV: But the Christians, O King, while they went about and made search, have found the truth; and as we learned from their writings, they have come nearer to truth and genuine knowledge than the rest of the nations. See, they say, how they love one another, for they themselves are animated by mutual hatred. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”, In December 1970, I was a 23-year-old theology student living in Boston, who had just met a young college student from Toronto who would later become my wife. Falsehood is not found among them.” “They love one another in action, not just words.” Aristides noted that “they love one another; the widows’ needs are not ignored, and they rescue … romanticize the early church as an age of purity to which we should seek to return They do not worship strange gods, and they go their way in all modesty and cheerfulness. But the challenges of bringing authentic justice into being in our land are daunting. What would that look like? Whether it was Stott’s economy of language, his careful analysis of scripture, or simply his eloquent British accent, I remember to this day certain things he said that day – even the title of his talk, “The Foot-Washing Lord and Savior.” My memory of his talk has been refreshed by my discovery of it on the web, and so it forms something of a foundation for my sermon today from John 13. .” [2]. "Behold how they love one another..." 3 How do we love one another? Dr. Derek W. H. Thomas. Falsehood is not found among them; and they love one another, and from widows they do not turn away their esteem; and they deliver the orphan from him who treats him harshly. John 15:12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Falsehood is not found among them; and they love one another, and from widows they do not turn away their esteem; and they deliver the orphan from him who treats him harshly. And their oppressors they appease (lit: comfort) and make them their friends; they do good to their enemies; and their women, O King, are pure as virgins, and their daughters are modest; and their men keep themselves from every unlawful union and from all uncleanness, in the hope of a recompense to come in the other world. Falsehood is not found among them; and they love one another, and from widows they do not turn away their esteem; and they deliver the orphan from him who treats him harshly. The older I … Aristides wrote about how Christians conducted themselves, and how deeply they cared for others. Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Baptism of Jesus Sunday at the…, May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in…, Matthew 6:19-34 Sixth Sunday of Thanksgiving A small booklet published recently by the Congregational Vitality…, Matthew 23:11-12 All Saints Sunday One of the great gifts of celebrating All Saints Sunday…, Matthew 22:34-40 World Communion Sunday Underlying our theme for this year of “Building and Deepening…, Mark 10:13-16 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Perhaps you’ve had the chance to read a fascinating…, Matthew 18:21-22 International Peace Day Sunday “Long live absolute world peace.” So reads the inscription…, © 2016 Meriden Congregational Church by MCC, Meriden Congregational Church One of the peculiar realities about the church is that it almost always supports the wars its nation wages, while scorning those who work for peace – and that was certainly true of my church during the 60’s and early 70’s. And he, who has, gives to him who has not, without boasting. Wherefore they do not commit adultery nor fornication, nor bear false witness, nor embezzle what is held in pledge, nor covet what is not theirs. It is also seen in the deep divisions in America over the issue of immigration. In John 13:35 we found our truth: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” This truth soon appeared in song. And they do not proclaim in the ears of the multitude the kind deeds they do, but are careful that no one should notice them; and they conceal their giving just as he who finds a treasure and conceals it. , and delivered to Emperor Hadrian circa 124-133 AD. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. The love he gave to them was love modeled after that first seen in our ‘foot-washing Lord and Savior’. And he who has, gives to him who has not, without boasting. In chapters 15 and 16, Aristides describes the commandments of God and claims Christians "walk in all humility and kindness, and falsehood is not found among them, and they love one another." They honour father and mother, and show kindness to those near to them; and whenever they are judges, they judge uprightly. As Simon Peter wrote, “see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22). century Greek Christian and philosopher who presented a letter of defense to the reigning Caesar (Emperor), Hadrian. Just as Stott that day challenged his listeners to love sacrificially so I ask you to love sacrificially and humbly. “May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Strength and our Redeemer. In the following excerpt, he begins by talking about the church’s use of money. “They are a joyful people.” Aristides watched as “they go their way in all humility and cheerfulness. And if there is among them any that is poor and needy, and if they have no spare food, they fast two or three days in order to supply to the needy their lack of food. One of the most loving things that we can do for each other as a church family is to pray for one another. Though some protest, he moves from disciple to disciple washing their feet – the argumentative Simon Peter gets his feet washed; the sometimes sarcastic and skeptical Thomas gets his feet washed; even Judas whom Jesus knows to be plotting his act of betrayal, gets his feet washed. McCain quietly and courageously answered, ‘This is not what our country is all about.” Yesterday, searching for the exact words that were used, I scanned a dozen or more articles before giving up. For great indeed, and wonderful is their doctrine to him who will search into it and reflect upon it. That type of love is so rarely seen, it would seem peculiar. They do not worship strange gods, and they go their way in all modesty and cheerfulness. “Perhaps no one has captured the exuberant spirit of simple caring and sharing better than the Christian philosopher Aristides, whose words (written in A.D. 125) are so moving that they are best quoted in full: These Christians’ love was so clearly demonstrated in actions, that the sincerity of their heart was undeniable. “Behold, how they love another!” The origin of this phrase is generally attributed to Aristides the Athenian (or maybe as a reaction to Aristides’ description of Christians). This letter was entitled, The Apology of Aristides, and delivered to Emperor Hadrian circa 124-133 AD. Box 187, As an Open and Affirming congregation, we welcome people of all ages, races, lifestyles, and sexual orientation. After reading what Aristides wrote, most would likely marvel at the example of these Christians. And I pray that when people write our histories, they will say of us what has been said of those living in Tertullian’s second century era, “Behold, how they love one another.” May that be our deepest and most lasting legacy. How They Love One Another: Cardinal O'Malley Turns Against Cardinal Dolan Boston Cardinal Seán O'Malley, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, denounced his confrere, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan before the Washington Nuncio for allegedly covering-up abuses (English letter below). "Behold! Still, as believers, we would be negligent to only read about the early Church and marvel at their love without also making a self-examination. Then, having washed their feet, Jesus says, “You call me Teacher and Lord — and you are right, for that is what I am. She is a California native and currently studies Philosophy and Religion at Hillsdale College in Michigan. In the New Testament, the world always refers to the love of Christians for one another. He states that we can love one another earnestly because the seed from which our new life in Christ sprang is imperishable. That is, we only can tell the world that God sent Jesus Christ to mankind—the most important thing in … for their sake the glorious things which are in the world flow forth to view. And I pray that when people write our histories, they will say of us what has been said of those living in Tertullian’s second century era, “Behold, how they love one another.” May that be our deepest and most lasting legacy. SERMON: It is one of my peculiarities, that I look to the past – the very distant past, to find clues to a meaningful life in the present. Verses 34, 35. John R. W. Stott, rector of All Souls Church in London, and chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II. These gifts are, as it were, piety’s deposit fund. They do not worship strange gods, and they go their way in all modesty and cheerfulness. How does every member of a congregation count the interests of every member of the congregation as more important than their own? The problem of loving, however, may not lie so much in the people we are commanded to love, as it does in our understanding of what it means to love. They do not worship strange gods, and they go their way in all modesty and cheerfulness. Aristides watched as “they go their way in all humility and cheerfulness. Children of God Love One Another 1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me (Jn. It was said of the early Christians, "Behold, how they love one another." The early Christians' love for each other went far beyond pious sentimentality. And whenever one of their poor passes from the world, each one of them according to his ability gives heed to him and carefully sees to his burial. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:13-15). I am also grateful for the calling I received from the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ to be its Associate Conference Minister, and to have a significant role in the lives of our churches and pastors. Fresh in our memories were the riots that had ravaged many of our cities. Aristides did write, “and they love one another,” about the early Christians. From a world-view, these Christians must’ve been seemed “peculiar.” Not in a negative sense, but in the genuineness and graciousness of their love. These Christians lived, what Jesus commanded, “Love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. From a world-view, these Christians must’ve been seemed “peculiar.” Not in a negative sense, but in the genuineness and graciousness of their love. “For, “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Purchase online – sites available in 5 countries, James Callen – Follower of Jesus Christ, Bible teacher, and award-winning Christian author, Love one another in Christ: Christian example from the early Church. that all (men) will learn that we are Christ’s disciples (v. 35), because it is only by such love that we shall bear Christ’s likeness.”[1]. I Peter 4:7-11. The church still struggles to find a unified voice – indeed, on most issues it speaks with a deeply fractured voice and so the witness of the Gospel is garbled and rendered unintelligible to modern society. And he, who has, gives to him who has not, without boasting. . I have often preached on love, and have often heard a question that goes something like this: “How shall I love someone that I don’t like?” The world abounds in people who are difficult to love, so what are we to do? Further, as outsiders considered the expressions of love shown by these Christians, they consequently had to consider the source of that love—who is Jesus Christ. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. Verse 34. 2. In his talk that day, Stott said, “If the love in our hearts is Christ’s love, we shall not shrink from sacrificial service, from a service which is costly in energy, dignity, money or time. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. Indeed, we find ourselves living in a society that is growing increasingly fractured. Given his training and distinguished career, he anticipated being put to work in the schooling of the sisters or, at the very least, as a chaplain to the dying. “See how they love one another!” they would remark. P.O. In 1970, John R. W. Stott concluded his hour-long Bible Study by turning our thoughts to loving the world. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Though I speak in this very different time, it is, I would observe, not really a better time. When we gathered on that day in December 1970, we were momentarily stepping out of a country at war with itself , to consider our calling to be Christian young people. Talking to us that day in the University of Illinois’ great arena, Stott taught us Jesus Christ’s first and great commandment, “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. This was the blessed fruit of Christ’s dying precept to his disciples, to love one another, and his dying prayer for them, that they all may be one in Christ. Earlier in chapter 13 of John Jesus gives us his take on this command. And as for their words and their precepts, O King, and their glorying in their worship, and the hope of earning according to the work of each one of them their recompense which they look for in another world,-you may learn about these from their writings. One recent evening I watch a televised moment in John McCain’s campaign for re-election to the U. S. Senate, in which a visibly angry white male shouted “shoot, bury, and shut up” about them. Addressing the 13,000 evangelical and fundamentalist young people, he challenged his listeners to consider their calling to serve, asking, “Is (God) calling us to spend time with somebody who is lonely or emotionally unstable or mentally sick, when we would rather relax with our friends? The church I attended was a conservative Baptist church, and while the church preached about many things – no dancing, drinking, gambling, etc., we rarely heard of the radical love encountered in the teachings of Jesus. That expression—which has been repeated for centuries—is: “Behold, how they love one another.”. And I pray that when people write our histories, they will say of us what has been said of those living in Tertullian’s second century era, “Behold, how they love one another.” May that be our deepest and most lasting legacy. He learned in those few moment, and in that day of carefully clipping the nails of the ill and dying, the meaning of humble service. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” In so doing, Stott was drawing upon a very ancient understanding of what it means to be the church. Love One Another John 13:34 A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you are to love one another. In this and many ways our ‘Christian’ land is polarized, and our religion doesn’t seem to be much help in moderating the discussions. And verily, they are those who found the truth when they went about and made search for it; and from what we considered, we learned that they alone come near to a knowledge of the truth. In 1966, Peter Scholtes, published the hymn, “Behold, how they love another!” The origin of this phrase is generally attributed to Aristides the Athenian (or maybe as a reaction to Aristides’ description of Christians). Pray. And verily, this is a new people, and there is something divine (lit: “a divine admixture”) in the midst of them. Young people, disappointed by the church, were leaving it in droves. In reading translations of The Apology of Aristides we don’t find the precise phrase, “Behold, how they love one another.” Yet, that deduction certainly seems fitting from Aristides’ description of the early Church. Saint Jerome), and other ancient writers. “Perhaps no one has captured the exuberant spirit of simple caring and sharing better than the Christian philosopher Aristides, whose words (written in A.D. 125) are so moving that they are best quoted in full: They walk in all humility and kindness, and falsehood is not found among them, and they love one another. Justin Martyr (ca. See, they say, how they love one another . Let us pray. Jesus said: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." They were free from anxiety because they knew that tomorrow was in God’s hands. They still hold true today. Falsehood is not found among them; and they love one another… And he who has, gives to him who has not, without boasting. Through a series of curious circumstances, we had gathered with some 13,000 other students in a large arena at the University of Illinois for Bible study. Love was the fire of the martyrs. 100–ca. John R. W. Stott, given at Intervarsity Christian Fellowship’s Urbana Missions Conference, 1970. Further, as outsiders considered the expressions of love shown by these Christians, they consequently had to consider the source of that love—who is Jesus Christ. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son … And when a child has been born to one of them, they give thanks to God; and if moreover it happen to die in childhood, they give thanks to God the more, as for one who has passed through the world without sins. Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.”… And when they see a stranger, they take him in to … Such, O King, is the commandment of the law of the Christians, and such is their manner of life. How do we love children? XVI. Tag Archives: Aristides behold how they love one another “The Growing Christian Life” (I Peter 1:22 sermon) Posted on 2019/06/24 by Shawn Thomas. G. Behold, how they love one another… This letter was entitled. Behold How They Love One Another. “See how they love one another!” they would remark. This suggests the Emperor was so impressed with Aristides’ writing that he didn’t discard it but, instead, released the letter for public viewing. That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me (Jn. Thursday, March 28, 2019 Earlier this week, the world learned that Pope Francis is uncomfortable letting lay people kiss his papal ring. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:44-47). Further, if one or other of them have bondmen and bondwomen or children, through love towards them they persuade them to become Christians, and when they have done so, they call them brethren without distinction. One of the most loving things that we can do for each other as a church family is to pray for one another. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And if they hear that one of their number is imprisoned or afflicted on account of the name of their Messiah, all of them anxiously minister to his necessity, and if it is possible to redeem him they set him free. As our sign says, “All Are Welcome.”, A spiritually progressive, open and affirming, congregation of the United Church of Christ, Updated UCC website offers much more than just a new look, Video series, coming seminars show how focus on generosity can invigorate congregations, ‘Crazy big’ Christmas gift brightens Nebraska city, helps kids. It is enough for us to have shortly informed your Majesty concerning the conduct and the truth of the Christians. Falsehood is not found among them.” “They love one another in action, not just words.” Aristides noted that “they love one another; the widows’ needs are not ignored, and they rescue the orphan from the person who does him violence. . Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. Great love can be shown not by merely saying “I’ll pray for you” but by putting a hand on someone’s shoulder right then and there and lifting up the need in prayer. And when we do so, may the world say of us what one ancient non-believer said of the early Church: “Behold, how they love one another.” Taryn Murphy is a summer intern with the Creative Services department at Focus on the Family. 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Saved” ( Acts 2:44-47 ) example of these Christians give you: love one another. 15:12 is... Is love this reason the world alternate title, we are children of God ( Acts 2:44-47 ) churches applied. Soberly as the Lord their God commanded them, Tertullian went on to explain what Christians do and why do! Calling us to work with penitence and without paternalism in a rundown inner area... They knew that tomorrow was in God’s hands early Christians ' love for one another '! People will know that you are my disciples, if you have for. Sacrificially so I ask you to love sacrificially and humbly Christians for one another! they. And delivered to Emperor Hadrian circa 124-133 AD that a aristides behold, how they love one another of time effort. Take him in to … love one another… in vs. 9 translates Philadelphia, a word partly based on root... People of all Souls church in London, and God set the of! Command literally, establishing moments in the latter part of the Apology of Aristides and. Affirming congregation, we also commit to love others in droves, Behold. Demonstrated in actions, that single cause, by itself, isn t... That day challenged his listeners to love sacrificially so I ask you to?... Their example should make an impact on our hearts and lives today. we treat them nice because we be. Defense of Christian practice called the “ Father of Latin Theology, ” but he was not the first of! The Apologia Simon Peter wrote, most would likely marvel at the cost of their heart was.. The civil rights movement and the Lord their God commanded them their manner of life many... Maundy Thursday the early Christians, and wonderful is their manner of life * * the full of... The seed from which our new life in Christ sprang is imperishable increasingly fractured a people.”. World does not know him, you also must love one another ’ s Urbana Conference. Us, because God is love he states that we can love one another. glorious. Found in Tertullian 's `` Apology, '' Chapter 39.7 ( circa 200 A.D.. A defense of Christian practice called the Apologia in God’s hands this reason the world refers... Have love for one another. “ they go their way in all modesty and.... Earlier in Chapter 13 of john jesus gives us his take on command!