April 30, 2007
What's to debate?
Colorado’s largest Episcopal parish voted to leave the denomination and join a missionary diocese. Associated Press writer Colleen Slevin states, “The Episcopal Church is the U.S. wing of the world wide Anglican Communion, a fellowship of churches that traces its roots to the Church of England. Anglicans have been debating for decades how they should interpret Scripture on salvation, truth and sexuality.” The Word is perfectly clear – and that’s the problem. Debate has become a tool of justification for those trying to save themselves, make their own truth, and condone homosexuality. Halleluiah and Amen to people who bravely stand against those who bend the Word in order to conform to a lifestyle.
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Gail;
----Paul said two things that are interesting to consider in the context of your blog. John added a third. First, when specifically dealing with the topic of controversy, Paul told the Romans, “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” (Rom 14:5) I admit this Scripture does not address those doctrines clearly and specifically presented in the Word, it addresses debatable issues. The application in it that I do find is that we are not called to follow leaders in the making of our spiritual lives, nor to lead by our own convictions. We are called to a life of direct responsibility to the Lord for our convictions with only support from the leaders. We are to each be convinced in our own minds. In that way, second, Paul says, “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” (Rom 14:4) It is not the church or the church leader that can make another man stand, it is only the Lord. The relationship belongs to the man and the Lord, and to no one else. Therefore, what heave should I give to what the church of england, the episcopal church, or any other church thinks upon an issue other than extending to them respect from brotherly love? My relationship is supported by the Lord and enjoyed with them. It is not supported by them and enjoyed with the Lord. Finally, John adds, “As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things, and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit - just as it has taught you, remain in Him.” (I John 2:27). God is responsible for our learning in Him, and although He uses our brothers and sisters for resources, His Word is still the measure and His Spirit the reading eyes.
-----Yet, for nearly two thousand years the church has called out the markings upon the measure, and all who heard relinquished to it the position of the Spirit. During this time the measure for being “in the Lord” or not was your relationship with the church, not with the Lord. And although relationship with the church is important, it is only so as an outgrowth of the real life in you: your relationship with the Lord. Paul says you are responsible for the shape of that relationship, not your brother. And John says the Lord will teach the willing. Therefore, let the church of england go where it will go and be sure those you love understand where it directly opposes the Word. Just watch your step carefully and look to the Spirit to read the fine markings of the measure for you, knowing that He is doing the same for the others who are likewise willing.
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