Faith of the Gospel

How sad is it that the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ECLA) has voted to accept clergy living in a same-sex relationship?

Oh, wait a minute – just as the American Episcopalians, their vote limited that to those “committed relationships.” Except, of course, when they want to leave those committed relationships, as did Episcopal bishop V. Gene Robinson. Then they get voted to a higher office after changing committed partners.

Define, redefine. Take a look around the current culture and accept the current wave of thinking. Toss out, or reinterpret, what the Bible states – or simply rewrite the church, as the United Church of Canada has done. Gretta Vosper is, as one blogger put it, “She's a fantastic speaker (like, nice to listen to) and a really nice person.” “With or Without God: Why the Way We Live is More Important than What We Believe,” according to Vosper.

None of the above refers to a relationship with God. All of the above define responses to secular, humanistic relationships, not spiritual. None of the above relate to the two commands defined as the greatest by Jesus Christ, Son of God, who is (or at least should be) the center of Christianity.

Paul taught this: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21 KJV)

He continued:

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. (Philippians 1:27-28 KJV)

Stand fast in one spirit. One mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

Why then is the Anglican Communion divided? Why then are those calling themselves Christians leaving congregations where people are not of a like mind? Can this truly be the time written of:

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (2 Thessalonians 2:3 KJV)

Have we not learned the biblical lessons to achieve peace?

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9 KJV)

Where does this gospel begin? Christ gave us the answer: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

We must answer, confirm or deny: And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. (John 1:34 KJV)