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Jason, in embracing the Bethlehem Elder Affirmation of Faith and inviting

Tom Shriner and me to be a part of your installation, you have signaled your theological and

ministerial lineage.

The trademark of this lineage is an apostolic expression in 1stimuthi 1-11 where Paul says, I have been entrusted with the Gospel of the

glory of the blessed God. The phrase the Gospel of Glory, occurs, as you know, in one other place, and you chose that

text to be read.

2 Corinthians 4.

The Gospel of the Glory of Christ

who is the image of God.

So the Gospel of the Glory of the Blessed God

is the Gospel of the Glory of Christ,

who is the image of God, which I take to mean that the glory of God finds its most magnificent expression in the acts which create the gospel,

namely the death and resurrection of Jesus.

The final aim of all things,

Paul says in Ephesians one,

is the praise of the grace of God.

So the grace of God is the apex of the glory of God. That seems clear. And to the

astonishment of angels, the apex of the grace of God is the slaughter of the Lamb of God.

Worthy are you. God.

Worthy are you, glorious are you, beautiful are you, to open the seals for you, for you were slaughtered.

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