How do You Respond to Correction?

Acts 8:9-24

9 Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; 10 and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, " This man is what is called the Great Power of God." 11 And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike. 13 Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed.

14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 "You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 "Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 "For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity." 24 But Simon answered and said, " Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."
NASU

Acts 8:9-24 Exposition

9 Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great;

Simon had made a name for himself through the practice of magic or sorcery. That His art was not to the glory of God can be seen in that he used it to His own ends; to gain a name for himself, and “claiming to be someone great” promoted himself. The use of power and particularly either real or the illusion of spiritual power to ones own service is what God's people are warned against repeatedly in the Old testament as well as the new. In addition any power we may have is to be used for God's glory alone and not for our own promotion.

10 and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, " This man is what is called the Great Power of God."

Nothing is said of Simon turning aside this praise so we are to infer this was acceptable to him and indeed allowed him to enjoy a great reputation.

11 And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts.

His celebrity was gained through the use of the sorcery itself and seemingly not for any perceived good he did with it. It may be argued that he did no harm, following what is today among those practicing witchcraft called the “witches reede”, “and it harms none do what thou wilt”. One may view this then as so-called white-magic even though its end is no better than magic done to create evil as he serves himself and not God. If indeed His power was from God then certainly it should have been employed to a higher purpose than self promotion and celebrity. Likewise, what talents we possess are gift from God and should be employed to the glory and purpose of God and not for any lesser thing.

12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike.

Without judging the people of Samaria as to the eternal effect of their conversion, it does seem that they are people easily attracted to a new thing. We shall say then that while we must certainly hear and respond to the gospel, and be baptized, we must also persevere in faith. One may respond to the Good news for various reasons,but perseverance in faith demonstrated that our response was more than an excited reply to an attractive offer.

13 Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed.

Simon himself believed and was baptized, following and observing the miracles done through Philip.

14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John,

Showing the importance of connection among the members of the church the Apostles come to Samaria to see the results of this successful evangelistic work by Phillip. Our work in the church if it is of God will be approved by those who by right faith and practice are a part of the true Church. While disagreements may occur, and while the world especially will hate our work, in the end God's people will recognize and approve what God is doing. Time and examination by the church with faithful submission to the authority and guidance of scripture can separate the gold from the dross and the wheat from the chaff.

15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

The response of the church is to pray for these new converts that their conversion may indeed be complete. Too often when someone whom we may distrust is converted we smugly sit back and say “we'll see”. Yet the apostles take a different approach. They come and see these Samaritans and pray for them asking God to indeed give them the Holy Spirit. When you see a person make a decision to trust in Christ, do not doubt but rather pray, since God is the one who works in all true conversions.

16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

For reasons we can only speculate, the Holy Spirit was not received by these people at the moment of belief or at their baptism.

17 Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.

Yet as the Apostles prayed and laid hands on them they did indeed receive the Spirit. Whatever we think might be the natural result of preaching, teaching, sharing our faith, or any other godly efforts we make we can be assured that God answers prayer and bestows his Spirit as He wills and when He wills. The Apostles were appointed to go and through laying on hands pass along the Holy Spirit. Be assured the Spirit would not have been given had God not willed it. It was not the people's reaction to Phillip's preaching or the act of their baptism, or even the physical act of laying on hands that bestowed the Spirit, for we cannot make God do anything he does not will. Yet the Apostles prayed and then in faith laid hands on those who would receive and they did receive the Holy Spirit.

18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."

Simon saw only the act and did not understand the power or purpose behind it. He was used to dealing in magic where the right words or actions achieved the desired effect and so thought he could purchase this ability. It is only speculation whether he in his heart desired this ability to grow the church or merely his own reputation. Even so we can learn from Simon that whether for good intentions or selfish ones we should not attempt by our own means to gain gifts not given to us. This does not mean we should not be educated or learn new skills but simply that we should not envy or covet those gifts we admire in others.

20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!

Peter's rebuke is quick and harsh to our ears. Yet how much more effective might the church be if we were more ready to briefly and directly correct wrong and error than to try to fix it by politics or persuasion. This is not to encourage rudeness, but when error is plain to the church it should be corrected.

21 "You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.

Regardless of what Simon planned to do with the ability his heart was not right at the least because he was not content with what he had already received in Christ: Salvation, the Holy Spirit, and baptism into Christ's body the church. Rather than following a calling he sought to grasp a high position for himself thinking it was something he might gain by purchase. Our role in the church is one of grateful followers of Christs calling. There is no higher or lower state. A Pastor is not elevated above a Deacon. Elder, or Lay Person. These are simply different callings and ministries. Therefore one pursues each state only as he or she is called not as a rung in a ladder to be climbed.

22 "Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.

With the rebuke is included the way out. Peter offers Simon the offer give to each of us when we are in error. Repent! Turn away from sin and error and loathe it and seek what is right, and then ask forgiveness and a right heart. It is wrong of us to rebuke a person without also offering the way of correction and the assurance of forgiveness which is offered in Christ.

23 "For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity."

Prophetically (as this is recorded in the Word of God and therefore true) the Apostle speaks to Simon concerning the condition of his heart. We should beware of what sins may come from bitterness, envy, and what bondage we can fall into when sin is tolerated in ourselves or in our members. Set aside all bitterness and seek in Christ freedom from all sin. Do not tolerate any sin in yourself, repent quickly and seek forgiveness where it may be found, namely from and in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. In the church Call sin what God's Word calls sin. Be careful of making laws of your own but clearly oppose those things which Scripture calls sin. Warn gently yet firmly, and out of nothing else than love, those who continue in sin and pray for their return.

24 But Simon answered and said, " Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."

I am unsure of Simon's response. Does his response mean he truly repents and desires their prayers. Or does he remain in bitterness and therefore return their words bitterly refusing to pray for himself, and seeking only freedom from consequences.

Rather than answer I instead will offer you this: When you are rebuked, whether by Scripture alone, preaching, an Elder, or a friend or church member, do not respond with bitterness. Examine your heart. If your conduct is right you will be affirmed by the church. Yet if you find any fault in youself, do not ask others to pray until you yourself have prayed and asked, not for freedom from consequences, but for forgiveness, a right heart, and correct action.

In Christ and On the Shepherd's Path,

Mark

Sundays Text 9-7-08

This Sunday we return to our Fall Schedule of 11 AM Services. I am excited to be returning to the Study of Acts as well as beginning a Sunday School Class Studying the book of Phillippians.

Hope to see you all there. Here is Sunday's text.

Acts 8:9-24

9 Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; 10 and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, " This man is what is called the Great Power of God." 11 And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike. 13 Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed.

14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 "You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 "Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 "For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity." 24 But Simon answered and said, " Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."

NASU

The Gospel First and Foremost

Acts 8:1-8

Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death.

And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. 3 But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.

4 Philip in Samaria

Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. 6 The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. 7 For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 So there was much rejoicing in that city.

NASU

Acts 8:1-8 Exposition

Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death.

We return to Acts after some time spent preaching other texts and are reminded that the Deacon Stephen was stoned to death for proclaiming the gospel. Saul was found among those holding the coats of those who did the stoning, and unless we should think him naively unsure of what to do we are told that he was fully approving of what was done. Remember that this passage is both inspired by God but also well sourced as the human author, Luke was a companion of Paul (who was once this Saul) on his journeys and would certainly have had opportunity to hear firsthand the accounts of Paul's conversion.

This one sentence serves a purpose beyond the text we are examining here which is to establish the character of Saul and demonstrate the radical nature of his conversion later.

And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Persecution, like that of Saul and others served to disperse the believers and while the Apostles apparently remained in Jerusalem, many other believers were spread throughout the countryside.

2 Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him.

It would appear by his burial by “devout men”that this burial was not by the believers but by some among the Jews who would bury even the bodies of the executed. However is Adam Clarke's Commentary is to be believed it also indicates that by their “loud lamentation” that he was not fully condemned by the Sanhedrin but instead killed by and unruly mob with the silent approval of those leaders who stood by and by their silence permitted this attack. If we are to learn anything from this it is that we should not stand by while evil occurs and then carry out services and mourning for its results. When there is opportunity to make a difference do what you can and then mourn if you fail, but do not stand by and do nothing and mourn the results

3 But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.

Saul by contrast is more active in his opposition to the Christ followers. He is described as “ravaging” the church, dragging off both men and women, obviously not discerning between leaders and those who associated with Christ but persecuting all alike, and imprisoning them. His zeal is recorded in his own account as he repudiates his former life and confidence in his own pedigree and works to claim his confidence in Christ alone. This is in Phil 3:2-11

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

NASU

All this to remind us that it is neither devotion or zeal which attains for us the reward given through Christ. All that we do is done out of gratitude. Our confidence is in Christ and in Him alone. Our devotion is to Him in Love and thankfulness and our zeal to worship and please Him.

4Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.

Examine the history of Israel and you will find that persecution drove the Jews from their homeland and led to the dispersion of both Jewish religion and thought throughout the world. As a result there were Jews spread throughout the Roman Empire as well as other parts of the world. Again persecution would drive the church from being a local group to a Empire-wide faith and then as history would continue a global faith. Those who would suffer did not abandon their faith but instead spread it, proclaiming the gospel to be true for all, not just this one race in one place. In fact the earlier dispersion of the Jews would give them an audience in other places. They would find people of like ideas (worshiping the God of Abraham) as well as like nationality and language in the places to which they were driven. There are times when the means God uses to accomplish His plan is adversity. The thing that drives you straight into the place where He wants you to be could be through the loss of something you treasured. The persecution of the believers was not a punishment for any sin of theirs but the fulfillment of what Jesus had predicted when he promised that the world would hate those who belong to Him. But the result would be the expansion of His church.

5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them.

Philip was among the dispersed and began preaching in Samaria, a place where Jerusalem Jews would have not likely gone given the choice. Yet the gospel is now expanding to those outside of the initial human boundaries. A person may take this opportunity to preach on the acceptance of those different from us, and indeed this lesson can be inferred, as long as one is clear that it was not a mere “I'm OK, You're OK” acceptance but instead a clear presentation of the Gospel that united these otherwise diverse people. The gospel of Jesus Christ and our common faith in Him is that which unites, not the worldly counterfeit of “tolerance.”

6 The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing.

Obviously God is not bound by geography, race, or any human division. The miracles and signs which followed the Apostles and Deacons in Jerusalem continued in other areas confirming the truth of the message and the power in Jesus name. These signs gained an audience for the gospel and commended the message.

7 For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.

As before, evil Spirits, the condemned fallen angels which follow Satan, do not stand in the face of Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit. If people are to be truly free of the deceptions and afflictions of the enemy of God and of our own souls it will be only through Christ. No other means can heal us of the disease of sin, the temptation to do evil, or the seeming need to serve only ourselves. Likewise we must ask for healing of both bodies and Spirits because a healed body without a saved soul and renewed (in the Holy Spirit)spirit is in the end no better off. Should we eliminate poverty, disease, war, or any other malady of people or society, and not bring them eternal life we only make comfortable those who will be lost. So we must do good, and with our doing good show the reason for our work, telling the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The proclamation of the gospel is the means by which the “saved” are known to be the “saved”.

8 So there was much rejoicing in that city.

The dual work of Phillip gained a reputation through the help given to the sick and afflicted and the effective preaching of the gospel. We will see as we continue to study that there is success in Phillip's preaching as well as the miracles.

Do I Really Hate to Travel?

My wife said something to me the other day that I find appalling. She said that I hate to travel. Now if I wanted to believe this were true I'd not be so disturbed. But I believe myself to be an adventurous sort of person. I like the outdoors. Enjoy seeing as much of the world as I can afford (which I'll admit isn't that much) and enjoy imagining the great places I may get to go in the future.

But to a certain extent I do agree that in her assessment I probably do hate to travel. Because while I see the excitement with which I imagine the trip months ahead. I see the pictures in my mind of the great things we'll see, the fun things we'll do, the exotic things (or at least different from home) things we'll eat, and the sublime moments of quiet time enjoying beautiful scenes of God's creation; She sees the reality, the long drives in the car as I sit frustrated with the kids for the fourth potty stop in half as many hours. She sees the fear and loathing with which I pay just a little bit more for the hotel and mentally count the cost. She sees me cramming our stuff into the minivan declaring on oath that this will be the last time we leave home again. And ultimately she knows that the drive home will include the inevitable disappointed grousing about how those sublime moments enjoying God's glory never materialized.

So while I like the idea of travel, I may have to admit I may...perhaps.. actually...hate to travel.
The key difference is the degree of separation between imagination and reality. The trip I imagine looks nothing like the one I am actually on.

Does life ever look like this for you? Did that great job you imagined turn into just a job. That fairy tale marriage you pictured turn into something that is more about enduring than endearing. Does the adult life you pictured in your twenties still look not enough different than the life you had in your twenties except now you're too tired and busy to enjoy it. Does church seem less like the imagined picture of a comforting smiling family and more like...well, a real family.

The solution is found in Scripture and is built on dropping the idea that life is all about us. Much of what passes for religion today is about being fulfilled here and now. We are told that with sufficient faith and a positive attitude we can enjoy the finest things here and then even more in heaven. Yet Scripture gives us a different picture. One where fulfillment is found not in things from God, but in God himself.

Hebrews 11: 13 NIV says:
13All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

In this chapter 11 of Hebrews, the "Hall of fame of faith," those who exemplified faith were said to have never seen the promises they hoped for yet they died believing, knowing that their fulfillment came in a far country prepared by God for them. In the meantime the heroes of faith lived lives of faith, trusting and worshiping God, trying to be obedient, making mistakes, seeking and finding forgiveness, and ultimately enduring to the end.

Having just finished Preaching on Revelation's first four Chapters, I am glad for the reminders Scripture gives us both of God's promises and the necessity of endurance. The reason I hate to travel and love the idea of it is that each time I travel it is like imagining that I am going to a better country than my own. Yet when I get there I am reminded that no destination will compare to the place of eternal life with God that I am really looking for.

Also the other reason I really do hate to travel is that there is so much effort involved. The packing ("Will I need a bathing suit or a parka...I'll take them both, you never know..."), the planning ("Can we fit in a stop here to see the world's largest freeze dried squirrel?"), the paying, the driving (It's only 2AM, Lets go on, maybe the next town will have a Better Hotel), and the eating out(Less often exotic, and more often the comfort food of the Cracker Barrel).

Yet the journey to our heavenly country involves the dropping of all effort and trusting in Jesus Christ. There is no packing since there is no stuff that can help you get there. How great when compared to cramming that one last item "we just might need" into the car. Not even clothing to wash and pack since we will receive the robe and crown promised. There is no paying, "Jesus Paid it All" as the song says, Dying on the cross for our sins, doing all that was possible or necessary to provide the forgiveness we need) There is no driving. Our works we do, we do to thank God, and out of love for Him and His people, not to earn our place in heaven. Even the meals are in fact "comfort food" when we Eat the bread and drink the cup and remember the way Jesus provided all we need for life together with God.

With Christ we know we will see that Country someday. Until then, while life can be as frustrating as a road trip (and indeed often far worse) We do get to close our eyes in prayer, or open them and read Scripture, or raise our hands and voices in worship, and imagine the Destination promised to us through Jesus Christ.

In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark

Back to the Basics

Part of my own processing of the situation with the PCUSA and the recent GA decisions led me to explore something that has been seemingly all but abandoned yet remains close to my heart. That is, the Confessing Church movement and its core confessions of "Christ Alone", Scripture Alone" and Holy living. Specifically I looked up the cobwebbed website of the Confessing church movement and found Oakdale's Session resolution. This was important for me as their new pastor since I had transitioned from a confessing congregation in Kansas, knew Oakdale was also a Confessing congregation, but had never read Oakdale's specific statement. I believe it is important to those of us who remain in the PCUSA to revisit our core confessions.

"Session Resolution

The session joins faithful believers throughout the Church in confessing:

- That Jesus Christ alone is Lord of all and the way of salvation.

- That holy Scripture is the truine God's revealed Word, the Churches only infallible rule of faith and life

- That God's people are called to holiness in all aspects of life. This includes honoring sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, the only relationship within which sexual activity is appropriate.

We therefore announce our commitment to the Confessing Church Movement nd we implore all Presbyterians who share these historic Christian convictions to:

- Renew their individual commitments to the above confessions.

- Urge their session and presbytery to affirm these confessions and to declare that they will not ordain, install or employ in any ministry position any person who will not affirm them

- Urge the General Assembly to instruct the General Assembly Council to require that all program personnel uphold these confessions and ensure that these confessions are followed faithfully in all programs and policies of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)."



The purpose of these confessions was not to "target homosexuals" or to create division, but to define who we are as a congregation and to set appropriate boundaries within a family that exists with such deep divisions in belief and practice. We exist as a congregation that believes in the Authority and inspiration of Scripture and so we cannot assume that there is a wisdom greater than God's Holy Word for us to seek to govern either our beliefs or our life. Likewise we cannot compromise and name other views of God, no matter how similar, as compatible with our worship of the Triune God revealed in Jesus Christ and through Scripture.

Where sexuality is concerned we believe that Jesus Christ and Scripture together call us to practices which exemplify the life to which we are called by Scripture and not by the world. We cannot say there are a variety of ways to express our sexuality when scripture clearly calls people to avoid adultery, and to live faithfully in marriage, man to one woman, and woman to one man. Any other expression of sexual activity, other than chastity in singleness, is an example of our broken condition and points to our need to have our thoughts, desires, and behaviors reshaped by the Holy Spirit into ways that are obedient to God's Word. Our struggles with desires that are contrary to God's design are a part of God's gracious gift of conscience and conviction which are to drive us to repentance and to simultaneously trust the Holy Spirit's ability to transform us. We have not been called to creatively redefine sin so that we can say we are outside of its influence or effect. The difficulty of the task of trusting God in this only points to the truth that it is a "narrow way" and a "cross" we are called to bear in following Christ.

To remain faithful in the PCUSA, or out of it for that matter we must remain faithful to our core confessions.

In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark

Damage Control

That's the word from some about a letter from the General Assembly of the PCUSA, interpreting the various "hotbutton" actions of the 218th. You can read the letter at:
http://www.pcusa.org/gac/ga218letter.htm and I would love your comments.
I am afraid I find myself in the midst of a storm that I never asked for and wonder how I should proceed. To call this letter damage control is unfortunate but accurate, for damage has been done, damage to the hearts of those who love their church but find their faith betrayed by a new teaching which rises up to say that it is a matter of local preference and opinion; a matter of yes votes to no votes on a session, or a presbytery, regarding right and wrong. We are left to wait two years to see if our Presbyteries will once again say that they really really do want pastors and elders who are faithful husbands and wives or if unmarried remain in relationships that exemplify the sexual purity we strive so hard to teach to our children. We are left to "consider" if Jesus would rather have us with leaders who are called by word and deed to teach the Word of God, who in their own relationships demonstrate the behavior acceptable in the world rather than faithfulness to avoid what the Bible calls sin and to seek to live in obedience to the only trustworthy source of revelation of God's character and Will.
I feel betrayed because I believe in the Presbyterian system of church government. It is a democracy and democracy is in fact the worst system of Government... except for all the others. People tend to behave I believe, in agreement with the reformed belief in total depravity, in mostly self interested ways and as a result a system of majority rule under a constitutional rule of law, with checks and balances, tends to restrain evil as well as any human institution can.
The problem comes when the constitution is amendable and the rock solid foundation for that constitution has been forsaken for the shifting sands of a post modern ethic of amoral pragmatism. Most refer to postmodern ethics as moral relativism yet I would argue that the ethic in result is just as I said, amoral pragmatism. The rule is right or wrong are irrelevant ideas and the highest good is whatever happens to work the best. The problem with this ethic is we are all so short sighted and like even a good chess player our game is not deep enough to see the long term consequences of a choice which seems to do "good" at the moment.
Our solid foundation has for generations been the Word of God and while interpretations of nuances of minor details have always been allowed we have remained faithful to declare that what the Bible calls sin is in fact sin.
Now we have sent to our leaders, to vote, a proposal to replace recently clarified language concerning fidelity and chastity, with language that is in effect nonsense since we have already vowed to uphold these standards at our ordinations. It was to our shame that a few years ago we had to clarify what our sexual ethics were to be since we for generations in the church always understood what was expected of our leaders.
But our denomination tells us to stay in the boat and It'll be alright. If we are in fact in the boat with Jesus this is true. But one must ask, might we be riding in Jonah's boat. Are we embarked with prophets who have departed from their calling to preach repentance and instead are seeking a port of their own choice. Are we the Jonah's ourselves choosing a boat headed in the wrong direction looking for an easy way out and only in a storm because we would rather not choose the path of obedience. Will we have the courage of Jonah to at least choose the fish as the path of our own redemption. Jonah did not know that he would survive the sea, only that the boat would not survive the storm with him aboard.
At the same time I am concerned. I want to remain in the boat because I love the people in the boat. I love my church and so I will remain with my congregation and we will seek together, in faith, asking Jesus what we should do. We will not cry that he does not care that we are perishing, for we know from his word that he does and will when need arises still our storm. But we must seek him and do as he says. The way out of a God storm is through obedience not disobedience to God. Jesus says put faith in Him, follow Him, obey Him. May we do so.
Finally I do not wish to alarm my brothers and sisters who are faithful to Christ. This Blog and and any resulting sermons tomorrow are a result of my heart, in pain for my church, responding to the Scriptures and in light of recent events. It is good and necessary to say what I believe in light of these things and your conversations, should anyone actually read this will help.
In the end damage has been done, may it be healed. May we know which ship we are on and call on Jesus that we may know whether ship or sea is the path of faithfulness. May we not remain as we are and seek Jesus quickly and with faith so we may know His Will for us.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's path,
Mark