An offering of thought provoking insights from around the Net and Blogosphere:
1) "One wonders how the world would react if Spain moved forcefully to stop Basque terrorism or if the American Christian left would bleat quite so loudly if Mexican insurgents targeted San Diego with rocket and terrorist attacks. How would Britain react to similar attacks launched by the Irish Republican Army? Why should Israel be denied the right to respond to aggression? How many rockets does it take to warrant a strong and decisive response?"
Click Here
2) "...as an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God."
3) "People who voted that way on Nov. 4, 2008 actually voted, whether they know it or not, for pro-lifers like me to begin paying for abortions through my tax dollars. Their vote was not morally neutral; in fact, their vote will help generate a boom cycle for abortion clinics."
Click Here
And Here
Happy New Year? Perhaps we should pray.
But What?
Click Here.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Just For Fun
Grumpiness first:
The morons of leftist media (MSNBC, NBC, The New York Times, and CNN topping the list) never cease to amaze and disgust me. Objective journalism is all but dead in this nation. But when you're in the back pocket of the Democratic Party, why bother being objective? But then, the same could be said for other media outlets and the Republican party. Hmm...does my dissatisfaction with both make me a Libertarian?
See Here.
Now for cheerfulness:
The Real Saint Nick
An interesting article on the history of the factual Saint Nicholas of Turkey and what he means for our virtues today.
Christmas Giveaway
T-Wax is giving away all ten of his favorite books of the year plus an ESV Study Bible. Click for details.
Redeeming Social Life Online
Click Here to check out some provoking thoughts on a Christian's approach to Facebook.
I'm not sure how I feel about all it's nuances, but it certainly is something to ponder.
Redeeming Time
Speaking of which, here is an insight into ways to redeem that which we all have a tendency to waste: time.
Redeeming Words
For those, like me, who love to read, love to buy books (even though it will be years before I get around to reading some of them) and are overwhelmed with any given bookstore (particularly Christian bookstores) on what is worth reading or perusing, consider this blog.
The morons of leftist media (MSNBC, NBC, The New York Times, and CNN topping the list) never cease to amaze and disgust me. Objective journalism is all but dead in this nation. But when you're in the back pocket of the Democratic Party, why bother being objective? But then, the same could be said for other media outlets and the Republican party. Hmm...does my dissatisfaction with both make me a Libertarian?
See Here.
Now for cheerfulness:
The Real Saint Nick
An interesting article on the history of the factual Saint Nicholas of Turkey and what he means for our virtues today.
Christmas Giveaway
T-Wax is giving away all ten of his favorite books of the year plus an ESV Study Bible. Click for details.
Redeeming Social Life Online
Click Here to check out some provoking thoughts on a Christian's approach to Facebook.
I'm not sure how I feel about all it's nuances, but it certainly is something to ponder.
Redeeming Time
Speaking of which, here is an insight into ways to redeem that which we all have a tendency to waste: time.
Redeeming Words
For those, like me, who love to read, love to buy books (even though it will be years before I get around to reading some of them) and are overwhelmed with any given bookstore (particularly Christian bookstores) on what is worth reading or perusing, consider this blog.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
A Season of Thanksgiving
I said it would be coming--even if it is several days late!
There is a decent amount to be said, pro and con, for this civic holiday.
Ira Stoll in the Wall Street Journal looks back at the first Thanksgiving proclamation--not by Lincoln, but by Samuel Adams in 1777.
And David Gelernter in The Weekly Standard looks back at Lincoln's last Thanksgiving, April 11, 1865--two days after end of the Civil War and four days before the president was murdered.
Both articles explore the historical situation at those times.
Abraham Lincoln (who may or may not have been a believer)on October 3, 1863, after acknowledging the positive blessings in America despite the terrible pain of the Civil War:
But for the Christian, Thanksgiving is a spiritual "state" that is never out of season, not simply a holiday celebrated in late November because American culture deems it fitting. Indeed we are to approach the Throne of Grace in a spirit of thanksgiving--expressing gratitude at all times (even before we confess our sin!) for what God has done in our lives and most importantly through his Son, Christ Jesus.
"O go your way into His gates with thanksgiving and unto His courts with Praise!" (Psalm 100)
Finally, Consider Psalm 111. Therein is something to be thankful for!
"Praise the LORD!I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!"
There is a decent amount to be said, pro and con, for this civic holiday.
Ira Stoll in the Wall Street Journal looks back at the first Thanksgiving proclamation--not by Lincoln, but by Samuel Adams in 1777.
And David Gelernter in The Weekly Standard looks back at Lincoln's last Thanksgiving, April 11, 1865--two days after end of the Civil War and four days before the president was murdered.
Both articles explore the historical situation at those times.
Abraham Lincoln (who may or may not have been a believer)on October 3, 1863, after acknowledging the positive blessings in America despite the terrible pain of the Civil War:
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.Read the whole thing.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the imposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the divine purpose, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity, and union.
But for the Christian, Thanksgiving is a spiritual "state" that is never out of season, not simply a holiday celebrated in late November because American culture deems it fitting. Indeed we are to approach the Throne of Grace in a spirit of thanksgiving--expressing gratitude at all times (even before we confess our sin!) for what God has done in our lives and most importantly through his Son, Christ Jesus.
"O go your way into His gates with thanksgiving and unto His courts with Praise!" (Psalm 100)
Finally, Consider Psalm 111. Therein is something to be thankful for!
"Praise the LORD!I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!"
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
For Your Consideration
I offer up some timely blogs, articles, etc. that I've come across these past several days:
First, a two-part article on the economy, and the frightening parallel it draws to the days before Rome fell:
Part I-http://www.visandvals.org/The_Threat_Within.php
Part II-http://www.visandvals.org/The_End_Game.php
Second, for those who are simply intrigued by the notion of faith and politics, food-for-thought on our President-elect and his standing with American Catholicism:
http://www.visandvals.org/Barack_and_the_Bishops.php
And for fellow academicians,
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/11/how_the_academic_left_elected.html
Be on the lookout in the near future for thoughts and musings on Thanksgiving (as I write this several hours before the holiday), and the Christian virtue of thankfulness, and being in a spiritual season of thanksgiving before God, regardless if American civil religion delcares it that time of the year or not :)
May the people of this nation be moved by the Holy Spirit to seek out the will of the Almighty God if there is ever to be hope in finding solution to our myriad of challenges. May the people of God not stand idly by.
Sola Christus,
Sean
First, a two-part article on the economy, and the frightening parallel it draws to the days before Rome fell:
Part I-http://www.visandvals.org/The_Threat_Within.php
Part II-http://www.visandvals.org/The_End_Game.php
Second, for those who are simply intrigued by the notion of faith and politics, food-for-thought on our President-elect and his standing with American Catholicism:
http://www.visandvals.org/Barack_and_the_Bishops.php
And for fellow academicians,
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/11/how_the_academic_left_elected.html
Be on the lookout in the near future for thoughts and musings on Thanksgiving (as I write this several hours before the holiday), and the Christian virtue of thankfulness, and being in a spiritual season of thanksgiving before God, regardless if American civil religion delcares it that time of the year or not :)
May the people of this nation be moved by the Holy Spirit to seek out the will of the Almighty God if there is ever to be hope in finding solution to our myriad of challenges. May the people of God not stand idly by.
Sola Christus,
Sean
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Some Initial Thoughts on Praying for President-Elect Obama
(Originally Posted by Ligon Duncan-www.reformation21.org)
Well, my country and much of the rest of the world are electric with the election of Barack Obama as the new President of the United States of America. To say that it is historic, is a gross understatement.
Justin Taylor and Al Mohler, have both inspired some reflection on the question of how we as Christians --Bible-believing, Reformed, Christians-- ought to pray for him, and I have freely borrowed many of their words and thoughts on this. But here are some ideas for leading our people to pray for our President-Elect. Barack Obama.
We ought to commit ourselves to pray for our new President, for his wife and family, for his administration, and for the nation. We will do this, not only because of the biblical command to pray for our rulers, but because of the second greatest commandment "Love your neighbor" and what better way to love your neighbor, than to pray for his well-being. Those with the greatest moral and political differences with the President-Elect ought to ask God to engender in them, by His Spirit, genuine neighbor-love for Mr. Obama.
We will also pray for our new President because he (and we) face challenges that are not only daunting but potentially disastrous. We will pray that God will grant him wisdom. He and his family will face new challenges and the pressures of this office. May God protect them, give them joy in their family life, and hold them close together.
We will pray that God will protect this nation even as our new President settles into his role as Commander in Chief, and that God will grant peace as he leads the nation through times of trial and international conflict and tension.
We will pray that God would change President-Elect Obama's mind and heart on issues of crucial moral concern. May God change his heart and open his eyes to see abortion as the murder of the innocent unborn, to see marriage as an institution to be defended, and to see a host of issues in a new light. We must pray this from this day until the day he leaves office. God is sovereign, after all.
For those Christians who are more dismayed than overjoyed about the prospects of an Obama presidency, there should be a remembrance that as our President, Barack Obama will have God-given authority to govern us, and that we should view him as a servant of God (Rom. 13:1, 4) to whom we should be subject (Rom. 13:1, 5; 1 Pet. 2:13-14). Thus, again, we are to pray for Barack Obama (1 Tim. 2:1-2). We are to thank God for Barack Obama (1 Tim. 2:1-2). We are to respect Barack Obama (Rom. 13:7). We are to honor Barack Obama (Rom. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:17).
For those Christians who are more overjoyed than concerned about the prospects of an Obama presidency, there should be a remembrance of our ultimate allegiance: Jesus is Lord (and thus, He, not we, decides what is right and wrong), we serve God not man, and the Lord himself has promised to establish "the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him" (Malachi 3:18). Thus, where our new president opposes or undermines biblical moral standards in our society, fails to uphold justice for the unborn, undermines religious liberties or condones an ethos that is hostile to the Gospel, we will pray for God's purposes to triumph over our President's plans and policies.
Without doubt and whatever our particular views may be, we face hard days ahead. Realistically, we must all expect to be frustrated and disappointed. Some now may feel defeated and discouraged. While others may all-too-soon find their audacious hopes unfounded and unrealized. We must all keep ever in mind that it is God who raises up leaders and nations, and it is God who pulls them down, and who judges both nations and rulers. We must not act or think like unbelievers, or as those who do not trust God.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Musings for Fall '08: Thus Far
So much to say, and a pen (metaphorically) that cannot do justice to the depth and breadth of all that should be said. And as much as I desire to write in a style of eloquence, as much befits my personal tastes and strife toward excellence in all things and distinction, and as such writings harkens to far more gifted Christians writers, as John Calvin or C.S. Lewis, whose imitation I seek, I simply cannot for wont of time and efficiency.
Intellectually, my mind has been stretched beyond what it has been in the past.
Let's give a run-down of the highlights and defining moments of this progressive autumn. I'd love to delve into each matter with deliberate and lengthy exposition, but quizzes, research papers, and incessant readings, rehearsals, and runnings will simply not allow.
Touring Choir--beautiful. Collegiate professionalism. Younger group this year. Personally, a renewed/deepened appreciation for the choir and its members.
Theatre--Fall Play. Dr. James Dixon. Shakespeare's As You Like It. I play Adam: an 80 year old manservant to Orlando, the protagonist. This has been challenging. I've never done "old". Only young, and all of last year was middle aged British man. I'm out of sorts, out of practice, and out of habit of lengthy memorization. Yet, I've never done Shakespeare. Overall, glad I was coerced into auditioning.
Politics--I think Barack Obama is going to win. I don't think John McCain was the best choice for the spot, and I don't think he represents all of my interests all that well, but it certainly beats the horrific idealogies and proposals from the Obama camp. The first year of Obama's term is going to be rough because of inexperience, particualry in the area of foreign relations.
See://This Blog
I don't understand why people think taking people's right and inclination to self-defense makes sense; criminals will have guns even if we don't--thanks for rendering me helpless; nor why they want the clearly faulty government of the United States in charge of their doctor/patient relations (socialism, anyone?); nor why we would want to imitate the terrible state-run healthcare systems of France or Canada, to name a few ideas which Obama supports. I don't get why people think so un-critically and support and candidate who wants to do those things. Nevertheless, they are supporting him, and if and when he is elected, I, personally, shall pray that the Lord God gives him direction and guidance and the decisions made are the one's the Lord desires, and that God might provide our nation with peace, security, prosperity, and the propensity to combat evils of all sorts (social, humanitarian, economic, etc.) under Obama's administration.
Journalism--I picked up, by way of conversation regarding my political science minor, the slot of political beat writer for our campus' newspaper, The Collegian.
I've enjoyed the satisfaction of having my work read as I've covered presidential debates, campaign rallies, political happenings on campus, lectures, campus policies, etc. It gives one a sense of pride to see one's name in print, satisfaction at having one's work discussed and complimented, and hey--my very first article was the front page feature of that week's edition.
Classes--Old Testament, Luther and Calvin, Civilization and the Speculative Mind, Golf and Badmitton, Life and Works of Paul, Poltical Parties and Pressure Groups. These courses cover a variety of my interests and pursuits. Enjoyable, for the most part, informative, mind expanding, life enriching, faith challenging (particulary in Spec. Mind.: the case laid out in the writings of Samuel Harris and Richard Dawkins are too easily dismissed by Christians. They challenged me greatly, if not with doubt--though it may have been--then certainly to re-evaulate the philosophical foundations and assurances of my faith--why I believe and do what I believe and do, and what evidence and reasoning is there to back that up?)
Little time to complete things in a timely manner. In fact, Fall Break=paper writing that couldn't take place in regular time--there is no time! All the regularly scheduled readings permit no time in between to write papers! Gahh! I detect many B's this semester...
Golf--I've never really played a game of real golf in my life. Always wanted to, never did. The PE department of the College offered a one-credit course in Golf and Badmitton this semester which I am taking and enjoying. I'm not particularly good at the sport quite yet, but it fills me a sense of prestige, enjoyment, if not a bit of elitism, and I hope to further develop those skills--athletic, not egotistic.
Church Life--Continuing my regular attendance at nearby East Main Presbyterian Church, I feel more welcome and at home there this year (having been able to attend more regularly) and it certainly suits as a church home. Getting to know the church family there and make it my own has been rewarding, as well as a center for theological discussion among its many educated members and myself. Having not gone to Sunday School last year, left me longing and motivated to partake in the College Sunday School class this year. I have and I have no regrets. Continual spiritual growth and sincere and beautiful worship of the Soverign Lord, the Triune God, take place, enriching and helping to direct my life in Christ.
Seminary Search--I've begun to seriously consider where I want my training as a shepherd of the flock of God's people, the church, to take place. It must be faithful. It must be orthodox. It must be conservative. This eliminates many, if not all, of the mainline seminaries, and certainly those of my own denomination, (PC)USA. I thought about Fuller (it seems many (PC)USA evangelical pastors were hailing from thereabouts) but it has since come to my attention that they don't teach inerrancy of Scriptures. Gordon-Conwell no longer has the Reformed presence it once did, and has become a bit of a haven for PCUSA liberals. Influence happens.
Wesminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and Reformed Theological Seminary (particularly the campus in Charlotte) stand out. Both fit my criteria (as far as I can tell) and both have extensive Grove City connections-by way of professors, GCC alumni in attendance, etc.
Will my liberal home presbytery ordain me if schooled in a non-PCUSA seminary? I don't know that I'd be willing to compromise. Will an ultimatium constiute the "kicking out" that Calvin described, in which I take my leave to another Presbyterian denomination?
The search continues with investigation, prayer, and heavy weight on the advice of in-the-know professors and pastors close to me.
Anglicanism--I've recently started attending a second church in the evening-Grace Anglican Church in nearby Slippery Rock. I've enjoyed it. The theology in preaching is solid, the congregation seems warm, and the liturgical tradition is beautiful. If you would have told this uber-contemporary worship nutjob 2 years ago that he would be willingly sitting through a formal liturgical worship service, enjoying it and worshiping sincerly, he/I would have disregarded you and immediately proceeded to sing "Shine, Jesus, Shine".
Now, since Anglicanism, certainly the conservative branch of it, such as this church, has its roots in the Reformation and even Calvin, what separates it from, say, the Presbyterians? Besides the obvious historical ties to the Church of England, is there anything different from Anglicanism and high-church Presbyterianism? That remains to be found out by this aspiring theologian-in-training.
So it goes. God is good. Let's see what else He has in store for this year.
Let's give a run-down of the highlights and defining moments of this progressive autumn. I'd love to delve into each matter with deliberate and lengthy exposition, but quizzes, research papers, and incessant readings, rehearsals, and runnings will simply not allow.
Touring Choir--beautiful. Collegiate professionalism. Younger group this year. Personally, a renewed/deepened appreciation for the choir and its members.
Theatre--Fall Play. Dr. James Dixon. Shakespeare's As You Like It. I play Adam: an 80 year old manservant to Orlando, the protagonist. This has been challenging. I've never done "old". Only young, and all of last year was middle aged British man. I'm out of sorts, out of practice, and out of habit of lengthy memorization. Yet, I've never done Shakespeare. Overall, glad I was coerced into auditioning.
Politics--I think Barack Obama is going to win. I don't think John McCain was the best choice for the spot, and I don't think he represents all of my interests all that well, but it certainly beats the horrific idealogies and proposals from the Obama camp. The first year of Obama's term is going to be rough because of inexperience, particualry in the area of foreign relations.
See://This Blog
I don't understand why people think taking people's right and inclination to self-defense makes sense; criminals will have guns even if we don't--thanks for rendering me helpless; nor why they want the clearly faulty government of the United States in charge of their doctor/patient relations (socialism, anyone?); nor why we would want to imitate the terrible state-run healthcare systems of France or Canada, to name a few ideas which Obama supports. I don't get why people think so un-critically and support and candidate who wants to do those things. Nevertheless, they are supporting him, and if and when he is elected, I, personally, shall pray that the Lord God gives him direction and guidance and the decisions made are the one's the Lord desires, and that God might provide our nation with peace, security, prosperity, and the propensity to combat evils of all sorts (social, humanitarian, economic, etc.) under Obama's administration.
Journalism--I picked up, by way of conversation regarding my political science minor, the slot of political beat writer for our campus' newspaper, The Collegian.
I've enjoyed the satisfaction of having my work read as I've covered presidential debates, campaign rallies, political happenings on campus, lectures, campus policies, etc. It gives one a sense of pride to see one's name in print, satisfaction at having one's work discussed and complimented, and hey--my very first article was the front page feature of that week's edition.
Classes--Old Testament, Luther and Calvin, Civilization and the Speculative Mind, Golf and Badmitton, Life and Works of Paul, Poltical Parties and Pressure Groups. These courses cover a variety of my interests and pursuits. Enjoyable, for the most part, informative, mind expanding, life enriching, faith challenging (particulary in Spec. Mind.: the case laid out in the writings of Samuel Harris and Richard Dawkins are too easily dismissed by Christians. They challenged me greatly, if not with doubt--though it may have been--then certainly to re-evaulate the philosophical foundations and assurances of my faith--why I believe and do what I believe and do, and what evidence and reasoning is there to back that up?)
Little time to complete things in a timely manner. In fact, Fall Break=paper writing that couldn't take place in regular time--there is no time! All the regularly scheduled readings permit no time in between to write papers! Gahh! I detect many B's this semester...
Golf--I've never really played a game of real golf in my life. Always wanted to, never did. The PE department of the College offered a one-credit course in Golf and Badmitton this semester which I am taking and enjoying. I'm not particularly good at the sport quite yet, but it fills me a sense of prestige, enjoyment, if not a bit of elitism, and I hope to further develop those skills--athletic, not egotistic.
Church Life--Continuing my regular attendance at nearby East Main Presbyterian Church, I feel more welcome and at home there this year (having been able to attend more regularly) and it certainly suits as a church home. Getting to know the church family there and make it my own has been rewarding, as well as a center for theological discussion among its many educated members and myself. Having not gone to Sunday School last year, left me longing and motivated to partake in the College Sunday School class this year. I have and I have no regrets. Continual spiritual growth and sincere and beautiful worship of the Soverign Lord, the Triune God, take place, enriching and helping to direct my life in Christ.
Seminary Search--I've begun to seriously consider where I want my training as a shepherd of the flock of God's people, the church, to take place. It must be faithful. It must be orthodox. It must be conservative. This eliminates many, if not all, of the mainline seminaries, and certainly those of my own denomination, (PC)USA. I thought about Fuller (it seems many (PC)USA evangelical pastors were hailing from thereabouts) but it has since come to my attention that they don't teach inerrancy of Scriptures. Gordon-Conwell no longer has the Reformed presence it once did, and has become a bit of a haven for PCUSA liberals. Influence happens.
Wesminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and Reformed Theological Seminary (particularly the campus in Charlotte) stand out. Both fit my criteria (as far as I can tell) and both have extensive Grove City connections-by way of professors, GCC alumni in attendance, etc.
Will my liberal home presbytery ordain me if schooled in a non-PCUSA seminary? I don't know that I'd be willing to compromise. Will an ultimatium constiute the "kicking out" that Calvin described, in which I take my leave to another Presbyterian denomination?
The search continues with investigation, prayer, and heavy weight on the advice of in-the-know professors and pastors close to me.
Anglicanism--I've recently started attending a second church in the evening-Grace Anglican Church in nearby Slippery Rock. I've enjoyed it. The theology in preaching is solid, the congregation seems warm, and the liturgical tradition is beautiful. If you would have told this uber-contemporary worship nutjob 2 years ago that he would be willingly sitting through a formal liturgical worship service, enjoying it and worshiping sincerly, he/I would have disregarded you and immediately proceeded to sing "Shine, Jesus, Shine".
Now, since Anglicanism, certainly the conservative branch of it, such as this church, has its roots in the Reformation and even Calvin, what separates it from, say, the Presbyterians? Besides the obvious historical ties to the Church of England, is there anything different from Anglicanism and high-church Presbyterianism? That remains to be found out by this aspiring theologian-in-training.
So it goes. God is good. Let's see what else He has in store for this year.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Seriously?
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) has recently adjourned from its 218th meeting.
Let's cut to the chase:
The liberality and heresy that this denomination has a history of committing has not gone away, and this year has hit unprecedented levels.
#1: Because GA was in California, where homosexual marriage is permissable, an ordained pastor performed such a "ceremony" between two men, while the GA covened, outside the main assembly hall. There was not a single announcement before-hand that this was going to take place?
Shady? Embarrased?
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed
-John 3:20
From http://www.layman.org/:
Specific actions taken by this assembly that violate the faith and life of Biblical Christianity include:
#2--Initiated a process to revise the Heidelberg Catechism (written in 1562, adopted by the General Assembly and ratified by the PCUSA in 1967) to delete the Bible's prohibition against homosexuality.
#3--Called for yet another vote by presbyteries to delete our constitutional standard that requires fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman and chastity in singleness.
#4--Nullified all previous proscriptions against sexual behavior outside the covenant of marriage by a new Authoritative Interpretation, which attempts to overrule the recent PJC decision in respect to the PUP report.
#5--Ignoring its declaration that "to be Presbyterian is to be ecumenical," alleged without any supporting documentation that the Evangelical Presbyterian Church encourages congregations to leave the PCUSA, and sought action against the EPC.
#6--Authorized the creation of a $2 million legal war chest to litigate against churches of good conscience which seek to transfer to other Reformed denominations with their property.
The Moderator and Co. continue to send damage control letters/pleas via blogs to congregations/members citing "the common hope we have together", "can't we just agree to disagree" and "the bright future of the PC (USA)", etc.
Rubbish.
When a church is in a state of apostasy, such as the PC(USA), what is there to agree on? The church as forsaken the true Gospel of the Living God, in favor of neo-pagan and relativistic doctrine, and the old mantra of "Stay and fight!" is beyond failure. The time has come for us to acknowledge that PC(USA) is no longer friendly to those who love the Lord, His unadultered Word, and hate sin. They have chosen to embrace a gospel that does not "make a new creature" (II Cor. 5:17), but rather sweep sin under the rug, or worse, embrace it.
The Apostle Paul urged the believers he sheperded to not be yoked in godly fellowship with non-believers. The PC(USA) has forsaken her first love, and become lukewarm in faith, not willing to committ to firm doctrine, wishy-washy in conviction, and abandoning truth for fear of "offending" others. Christ says in Revelation 3:16: So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
I, for one, would like to avoid the puke. "As for me and my house, we will will serve the Lord"
Ever yours in seeking Him,
Sean
For more info, go to http://layman.org/ and read the articles and news stories of what went on, letters to the editor, call to arms, cries of "Get out!" and page after page after page of evidence that the PC (USA) has forsaken her first love, Jesus Christ. And in an effort to accomadate differing opinions, rather than stand for the Gospel, and not step on toes or offend anyone in this politically correct time, has chosen to comitt apostasy, heresy, and ungodliness.
If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth
-1 John 1:6
Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
-Matthew 7: 22-23
Let's cut to the chase:
The liberality and heresy that this denomination has a history of committing has not gone away, and this year has hit unprecedented levels.
#1: Because GA was in California, where homosexual marriage is permissable, an ordained pastor performed such a "ceremony" between two men, while the GA covened, outside the main assembly hall. There was not a single announcement before-hand that this was going to take place?
Shady? Embarrased?
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed
-John 3:20
From http://www.layman.org/:
Specific actions taken by this assembly that violate the faith and life of Biblical Christianity include:
#2--Initiated a process to revise the Heidelberg Catechism (written in 1562, adopted by the General Assembly and ratified by the PCUSA in 1967) to delete the Bible's prohibition against homosexuality.
#3--Called for yet another vote by presbyteries to delete our constitutional standard that requires fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman and chastity in singleness.
#4--Nullified all previous proscriptions against sexual behavior outside the covenant of marriage by a new Authoritative Interpretation, which attempts to overrule the recent PJC decision in respect to the PUP report.
#5--Ignoring its declaration that "to be Presbyterian is to be ecumenical," alleged without any supporting documentation that the Evangelical Presbyterian Church encourages congregations to leave the PCUSA, and sought action against the EPC.
#6--Authorized the creation of a $2 million legal war chest to litigate against churches of good conscience which seek to transfer to other Reformed denominations with their property.
The Moderator and Co. continue to send damage control letters/pleas via blogs to congregations/members citing "the common hope we have together", "can't we just agree to disagree" and "the bright future of the PC (USA)", etc.
Rubbish.
When a church is in a state of apostasy, such as the PC(USA), what is there to agree on? The church as forsaken the true Gospel of the Living God, in favor of neo-pagan and relativistic doctrine, and the old mantra of "Stay and fight!" is beyond failure. The time has come for us to acknowledge that PC(USA) is no longer friendly to those who love the Lord, His unadultered Word, and hate sin. They have chosen to embrace a gospel that does not "make a new creature" (II Cor. 5:17), but rather sweep sin under the rug, or worse, embrace it.
The Apostle Paul urged the believers he sheperded to not be yoked in godly fellowship with non-believers. The PC(USA) has forsaken her first love, and become lukewarm in faith, not willing to committ to firm doctrine, wishy-washy in conviction, and abandoning truth for fear of "offending" others. Christ says in Revelation 3:16: So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
I, for one, would like to avoid the puke. "As for me and my house, we will will serve the Lord"
Ever yours in seeking Him,
Sean
For more info, go to http://layman.org/ and read the articles and news stories of what went on, letters to the editor, call to arms, cries of "Get out!" and page after page after page of evidence that the PC (USA) has forsaken her first love, Jesus Christ. And in an effort to accomadate differing opinions, rather than stand for the Gospel, and not step on toes or offend anyone in this politically correct time, has chosen to comitt apostasy, heresy, and ungodliness.
If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth
-1 John 1:6
Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
-Matthew 7: 22-23
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