konia: dust, dirt dia: through Diakonia
Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus EECMY.org , m m m _______________________
M ARKED B Y A R EMARKABLE S TORY
Martin Luther (1483—1546) 1539, On the Councils and the Church Luther’s Works: 41 The seven marks (signs) by which the Christian church is recognized.
1.Word of God 2.Baptism 3.Holy Communion 4.Confession and Forgiveness 5.Ministry 6.Congregation 7.Cross and Suffering
1. Word of God Incarnate Inscripturated Visible
2. Baptism
3. Holy Communion
4. Confession and Forgiveness
5. Ministry
6. Congregation
7. Cross and Suffering
The Church… “must endure every misfortune and persecution, all kinds of trials and evil from the devil, the world and the flesh (as the Lord’s Prayer indicates) by inward sadness, timidity, fear, outward poverty, contempt, illness, and weakness, in order to become like their head, Christ.” Luther’s Works 41:164
Polycarp (69-155) Christianity was illegal Chose to DIE rather than DENY Jesus Christ “Eighty six years I have served him, and he has never done me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”
1. Reflect on the relationship between the Big Cross and all of life’s little crosses that we carry. 2. Reflect on the relationship between the baptismal cross that marks us and crosses out ultimately the consequences of all of life’s little crosses.