Yes, racism is a sin that should be preached about, acknowledged and confessed, but violence should also be condemned. There are police officers who have been assaulted and killed. There are both white and minority businesses that have been destroyed. This morning, I was listening to the radio where a minority woman had her business destroyed and she doesn't think she will ever reopen it again. The Bible speaks out about hate, but it also addresses killing, stealing and disrespecting the authorities that God has placed over us. Yes, governments have flaws and can become corrupt, but the worst form of "government" is anarchy. Anarchy hurts everyone.
May the Church give calm and healing to our grieving to this broken and hurting world.
How can we find common ground with those who refuse to obey what God says in His word? It seems as if a number of denominations are following the trends in our culture instead of standing by the reliability of God's word? We call ourselves "reformed" but many want to follow the leading of the world. What will be next, polygamy, prostitution, etc. ?
Good post. Yes, we are all broken people who need our Lord's redemption. We can not affirm the gay lifestyle or marriage. According to God's word, we can not allow gays and lesbians to serve in leadership positions within the Church, but we must love them, disciple them. They, like us, need to repent of our sins and experience our Lord's cleansing and forgiveness. For Paul wrote, "...for such were some of you." Thank God that by His word and Spirit we can change.
We just had a 4 part Advent series of messages that were based on the scripture passages and musical numbers in the Messiah. After each message the people could listen to the music. Every year I appreciate Handel's musical masterpiece that's totally based on the Word of God. I would challenge you pastors to base your next Advent series on the Messiah.
Yes, we should plant more churches! But our denomination is not the only one who should be planting new churches. Our classis should be planting churches. Churches should be planting churches. Even a group of laypeople, under the authority of their local church, can begin a church plant. I have seen it done. Church planting is a mind-set. We were called to reproduce and the lack of money should not stand in the way. Our God has all the resources both in heaven and on earth. Jesus said, "I will build my Church!"
Posted in: Statement About The Deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor
Yes, racism is a sin that should be preached about, acknowledged and confessed, but violence should also be condemned. There are police officers who have been assaulted and killed. There are both white and minority businesses that have been destroyed. This morning, I was listening to the radio where a minority woman had her business destroyed and she doesn't think she will ever reopen it again. The Bible speaks out about hate, but it also addresses killing, stealing and disrespecting the authorities that God has placed over us. Yes, governments have flaws and can become corrupt, but the worst form of "government" is anarchy. Anarchy hurts everyone.
May the Church give calm and healing to our grieving to this broken and hurting world.
Posted in: Statement About The Deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor
Hi Mark,
It was good to hear from you again. May the Lord continue to bless you in your work.
Posted in: Post-Synod: What If There is No Way Forward?
How can we find common ground with those who refuse to obey what God says in His word? It seems as if a number of denominations are following the trends in our culture instead of standing by the reliability of God's word? We call ourselves "reformed" but many want to follow the leading of the world. What will be next, polygamy, prostitution, etc. ?
Posted in: Post-Synod: What If There is No Way Forward?
Hi Trevor,
Just what are you trying to say?
Don J
Posted in: Post-Synod: What If There is No Way Forward?
I would say the first way.
Don J
Posted in: Announcing Mark Stephenson’s Retirement
Hi Mark,
Congratulations on your retirement. I hope you will receive a blessing in this new season of life.
I retired 6 yrs ago and now. after serving for 4 yrs at the Hammond CRC I retired for a second time. I am enjoying it!
Don Jabaay
Posted in: Homosexuality and Our Missional Calling
I understand,
Don Jabaay
Posted in: Homosexuality and Our Missional Calling
Good post. Yes, we are all broken people who need our Lord's redemption. We can not affirm the gay lifestyle or marriage. According to God's word, we can not allow gays and lesbians to serve in leadership positions within the Church, but we must love them, disciple them. They, like us, need to repent of our sins and experience our Lord's cleansing and forgiveness. For Paul wrote, "...for such were some of you." Thank God that by His word and Spirit we can change.
Posted in: Homosexuality and Our Missional Calling
What do you mean by, the "climate of opinion"? Does that mean by what is politically correct or by what is biblical?
Posted in: Handel’s Messiah and Navajo Shepherds
We just had a 4 part Advent series of messages that were based on the scripture passages and musical numbers in the Messiah. After each message the people could listen to the music. Every year I appreciate Handel's musical masterpiece that's totally based on the Word of God. I would challenge you pastors to base your next Advent series on the Messiah.
Posted in: Should we Plant More Churches?
Yes, we should plant more churches! But our denomination is not the only one who should be planting new churches. Our classis should be planting churches. Churches should be planting churches. Even a group of laypeople, under the authority of their local church, can begin a church plant. I have seen it done. Church planting is a mind-set. We were called to reproduce and the lack of money should not stand in the way. Our God has all the resources both in heaven and on earth. Jesus said, "I will build my Church!"
Posted in: Should we Plant More Churches?
Alexjandro does make a very good point. We must work on having healthy, discipling, evangelistic congregations, and plant new churches.