The similar phrase 'Worldly Christianity' is one used by Bonhoeffer. It's J Gresham Machen that I want to line up most closely with. See his Christianity and culture here. Having done commentaries on Proverbs (Heavenly Wisdom) and Song of Songs (Heavenly Love), a matching title for Ecclesiastes would be Heavenly Worldliness. For my stance on worldliness, see 3 posts here.

Aber Conference '12 Evening 2 Art Azurdia

American Art Azurdia must have Italian blood judging by his phenomenal hand gestures, which some of us remember from a previous visit to Aber. There seems to be a little less of Art than last time, which is probably good for his health. The same unusual but interesting style was in evidence too. He spoke in the afternoon distinctively but helpfully to preachers in particular from John 21 on sanctifying the failures of the ministry.
Then in the evening he preached on persecution, a strange choice perhaps but well done. Looking at Matthew 5 he sought to answer the questions, what is this persecution and why should it compel us to rejoice. The answer to the latter question being the simultaneous revelation that we belong to God's world and God's people. Good stuff.

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