Augustine in 400 AD

“But our very Life came down to earth and bore our death, and slew it with the very abundance of his own life. And, thundering, he called us to return to himinto that secret place from which he came forth to us–coming first into the virginalwomb, where the human creature, our mortal flesh, was joined to him that it mightnot be forever mortal–and came “as a bridegroom coming out his chamber, rejoicingas a strong man to run a race.”For he did not delay, but ran through the world,crying out by words, deeds, death, life, descent, ascension–crying aloud to us toreturn to him. And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heartsand find him there. For he left us, and behold, he is here. He could not be with uslong, yet he did not leave us. He went back to the place that he had never left, for“the world was made by him.” In this world he was, and into this world he came,to save sinners. To him my soul confesses, and he heals it, because it had sinned against him. O sons of men, how long will you be so slow of heart? Even now afterLife itself has come down to you, will you not ascend and live? But where will youclimb if you are already on a pinnacle and have set your mouth against theheavens? First come down that you may climb up, climb up to God. For you havefallen by trying to climb against him. Tell this to the souls you love that they mayweep in the valley of tears, and so bring them along with you to God, because it is byhis spirit that you speak thus to them, if, as you speak, you burn with the fire of love.” – Augustine’s Confessions

Wow! The message stays the same…Christians can relate with each other and their loving Savior, even millenia, apart from each other! Such a rich history there is in Christ!

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” – 1 Timothy 3:16