This is very refreshing. I read a very balanced and pastoral account of the suffering in the author's heartland and heart. Thank you, Christian, for being a thinking Christian who is able to rightly divide the truth, steering clear of political ideologies and sticking close to Christ.
James, your disdain for US policy belies a misunderstanding of current events and a failure to read the post itself. As Christian said, the fact that 8 million people left Venezuela indicates that the leadership is causing serious distress to the people. Furthermore, Maduro is charged with narco-terrorism and sending tons of cocaine to the US, which is a punishable offense. Both of these crimes make the US responsible for removing him, as an act of justice for both Americans and Venezuelans. If you're against violence, then think about the violence that is occurring. Many were harmed and killed in ousting Maduro. Yes. Yet, many more were actively being harmed, disposed, and killed with him in office. A reformed conception of the 6th commandment requires actions that will reduce harm, even if those actions are harmful themselves. You'd be a bad parent if you didn't forcibly, that is, violently resist a predator trying to harm your children. Your "violence" in that scenario is required if you are to be a good father. It is the same in this case. One must see the full picture to have an adequate estimation of the ethics involved here.
Another concrete example (which may be discussed in later posts) is the ordination of officebearers. Those who are called to preach and administer the sacraments are not "self-starters" who create the call for themselves. Rather, denominations collectively recognize God's call upon them; or, denominations discern that God has not called them, and spares the Church much pain. In an age when everyone has a megaphone and credibility is difficult to discern, God's ecclesiology blesses us with a standard (albeit imperfect due to our sin) that helps us verify trustworthy, biblical leadership. That flows out into the ability to exercise church discipline, without which a church cannot be a church! This is why it is imperative for denominations to have shared theological agreements, hence confessionalism.
A church building is a visible depiction of the Church of God. As such, it should reflect who He is, not who we are. The Church as a whole has no specific nationality as it is comprised of every nation. So, it would be a misrepresentation to adorn God's church with uniquely American symbols. Further, it would be a limiting of God's majesty to tie His rule to America since this country is a small piece of His Kingdom.
Relatedly, if a foreigner from another country were to walk in (which happens somewhat regularly) they might be given the impression that this is the American church and they therefore need to find an Indian, Chinese, Mexican church, etc.
If it helps, below are the questions that were submitted to our Council to persuade them to remove the flags:
Is the Church of Christ universal, or is it bound to a nation like Israel in the OT? If we highlight the fact that this is the “US Church,” are we setting ourselves apart from the “UK Church” or the “Chinese Church”? Since Christ “broke down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (Eph 2:14; cf. 3:6) between Jews and Gentiles, do you think they would have flown their respective flags in Church where they were supposed to be radically unified?
Though we should honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, is Church—the place where we honor Christ’s sacrifice—the place to do it? Whose death do we honor in church, God’s or man’s? If we honor both, what message does that send regarding the significance of Christ’s death? Why do we need to honor people in church? Is this man’s house or God’s? (1 Timothy 2:5) Should anything in the church point to what we do? Or should everything in the church point to what God does?
What does an outsider think when they see the US flag? Won’t the flag signal to a non-citizen that they need to look for the “Mexican” church or the “Indian” church?
We have more in common with non-American Christians (like Pakistanis) than the most patriotic atheist.
It is rather convoluted, isn't it? This was not written very well. In regards to the misuse of the Word, could you explain how the article does that explicitly?
Indeed, may the Lord give you peace and fresh vistas of His love, Bonny. I totally understand and don't expect you to feel the need to defend your pastorate here. This is just an opportunity for those interested to discuss this important question. May the Lord bless you and your family. I pray the Lord gives you His comfort in this extremely difficult time.
Posted in: A Pastoral Statement on Venezuela, Justice, and Truth
This is very refreshing. I read a very balanced and pastoral account of the suffering in the author's heartland and heart. Thank you, Christian, for being a thinking Christian who is able to rightly divide the truth, steering clear of political ideologies and sticking close to Christ.
Posted in: A Pastoral Statement on Venezuela, Justice, and Truth
James, your disdain for US policy belies a misunderstanding of current events and a failure to read the post itself. As Christian said, the fact that 8 million people left Venezuela indicates that the leadership is causing serious distress to the people. Furthermore, Maduro is charged with narco-terrorism and sending tons of cocaine to the US, which is a punishable offense. Both of these crimes make the US responsible for removing him, as an act of justice for both Americans and Venezuelans. If you're against violence, then think about the violence that is occurring. Many were harmed and killed in ousting Maduro. Yes. Yet, many more were actively being harmed, disposed, and killed with him in office. A reformed conception of the 6th commandment requires actions that will reduce harm, even if those actions are harmful themselves. You'd be a bad parent if you didn't forcibly, that is, violently resist a predator trying to harm your children. Your "violence" in that scenario is required if you are to be a good father. It is the same in this case. One must see the full picture to have an adequate estimation of the ethics involved here.
Posted in: How Many CRC Churches Still Teach Catechism?
1st CRC of Artesia, CA teaches it year-round, open to all. We have Adult Sunday School class then Catechism class every Sunday.
Posted in: Gaslight Village
Amen! What a cogent and timely message.
Posted in: Why a Denomination?
Another concrete example (which may be discussed in later posts) is the ordination of officebearers. Those who are called to preach and administer the sacraments are not "self-starters" who create the call for themselves. Rather, denominations collectively recognize God's call upon them; or, denominations discern that God has not called them, and spares the Church much pain. In an age when everyone has a megaphone and credibility is difficult to discern, God's ecclesiology blesses us with a standard (albeit imperfect due to our sin) that helps us verify trustworthy, biblical leadership. That flows out into the ability to exercise church discipline, without which a church cannot be a church! This is why it is imperative for denominations to have shared theological agreements, hence confessionalism.
Posted in: Bible Verses for Parenting
This is very helpful, thank you Sarah!
Posted in: What Are Your Policies Concerning Flags in Church and Worship Spaces?
We removed the US flag for two reasons:
If it helps, below are the questions that were submitted to our Council to persuade them to remove the flags:
Posted in: The Beauty of Limited Atonement
It is rather convoluted, isn't it? This was not written very well. In regards to the misuse of the Word, could you explain how the article does that explicitly?
Posted in: The Beauty of Limited Atonement
Thank you, Jonathan!
Posted in: The Beauty of Limited Atonement
Well said; thank you, Aaron.
Posted in: A Christian Discussion on Women in Office
Indeed, may the Lord give you peace and fresh vistas of His love, Bonny. I totally understand and don't expect you to feel the need to defend your pastorate here. This is just an opportunity for those interested to discuss this important question. May the Lord bless you and your family. I pray the Lord gives you His comfort in this extremely difficult time.
Posted in: A Christian Discussion on Women in Office
Thank you Bev for this and the other comments! What I've read so far is very interesting and thought-provoking. I hope to respond soon!