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June 9,
2006
I told the prayer group, “I think I have a praise to share.”
“You’re not sure?” one of them asked?
“Well it could be a praise or a request. I’m not sure which
I feel more strongly about.”
The background is this. A week ago I listened to the most recent pastor
in town share observations about her new job. She was surprised at the
number of hurt, angry members in the congregation. She was particularly
distressed with one conversation where she’d been asked not to
rely so heavily on the Bible for sermon content.
“There are other spiritual perspectives that we want to hear from
in addition to the Bible,” she heard.
“But when I was ordained, I made a significant pledge to uphold
Scripture,” she responded.
Our prayer group has prayed for a pastor that would cherish God’s
word and who would provide spiritual leadership to a sister congregation
in town. In the first three weeks of her new position, she’d taken
a stand for Christianity. For some in this congregation, her stand will
be significant. I am thankful for this leadership – an answered
prayer.
My emotional dilemma arose with the concern I had for ‘Christians
in town who wanted to put Christ on par with the other world religions.
This, I believe is cause for legitimate concern. When I acknowledge
Jesus as Lord and Savior, I believe I’ve elevated Him above everything
else. My dilemma intensified when the pastor of a denomination I believe
has sold out on important Christian principles, stood up for the heart
of Christian Faith – the centrality of God’s word.
When I relate with other Christians I need to understand the difference
between corporate directions and personal convictions. I need to beware
of boxing people into my own conclusions about their value, purpose
or destiny. I can know and accept what is true about God’s will
and character. But I have no control over how the Spirit may choose
to work with those around me.
“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives
Him who sent Me.” Matthew 10:40
Be at peace,
Pastor Steve
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