Testimonial

Here's what BJ Woodworth, lead pastor of The Open Door, has to say about ACFI:

As I have begun to read the early church fathers through The Ancient Christian Faith Initiative I have discovered a deep well of inspiring theological discourse that has opened my eyes and my heart to the majesty and mystery of God. In reading and discussing these saints of the faith with others I have found myself driven to my knees in prayer and worship. I have found myself deeply aware of my humanity in the shadow of an unfathomable yet immanent God. I have seen my heart set aflame for the love of God for me and the world and most of all I have had my mind blown with the humble brilliance of these ancient but completely relevant writers of our faith. ACFI has equipped me in ministry to plumb the depths of God with great humility and awe and to lead the church out of a deep place of prayer and worship. In an age of searching mystical spirituality I encourage everyone to read these ancient yet surprisingly relevant sages of our Christian faith.

Augustine on Jesus' Miracles and the Miracle of Creation

As I was preparing a sermon on Jesus' turning water into wine, I came across this great reflection on miracles by Augustine:

The miracle indeed of our Lord Jesus Christ, whereby He made the water into wine, is not marvellous to those who know that it was God’s doing. For He who made wine on that day at the marriage feast, in those six water-pots, which He commanded to be filled with water, the self-same does this every year in vines. For even as that which the servants put into the water-pots was turned into wine by the doing of the Lord, so in like manner also is what the clouds pour forth changed into wine by the doing of the same Lord. But we do not wonder at the latter, because it happens every year: it has lost its marvellousness by its constant recurrence. And yet it suggests a greater consideration than that which was done in the water-pots. For who is there that considers the works of God, whereby this whole world is governed and regulated, who is not amazed and overwhelmed with miracles?

If he considers the vigorous power of a single grain of any seed whatever, it is a mighty thing, it inspires him with awe. But since men, intent on a different matter, have lost the consideration of the works of God, by which they should daily praise Him as the Creator, God has, as it were, reserved to Himself the doing of certain extraordinary actions, that, by striking them with wonder, He might rouse men as from sleep to worship Him. A dead man has risen again; men marvel: so many are born daily, and none marvels. If we reflect more considerately, it is a matter of greater wonder for one to be who was not before, than for one who was to come to life again. Yet the same God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, doeth by His word all these things; and it is He who created that governs also. The former miracles He did by His Word, God with Himself; the latter miracles He did by the same Word incarnate, and for us made man.

As we wonder at the things which were done by the man Jesus, so let us wonder at the things which where done by Jesus God. By Jesus God were made heaven, and earth, and the sea, all the garniture of heaven, the abounding riches of the earth, and the fruitfulness of the sea;—all these things which lie within the reach of our eyes were made by Jesus God. And we look at these things, and if His own spirit is in us they in such manner please us, that we praise Him that contrived them.

Indeed.