 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
We are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves |
2009-09-30 |
|
|
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly (CWA) in Minneapolis at the end of August voted to change the ministry policies uphead by the ELCA. The former policy upheld Biblical and Lutheran Confessional teaching, that ordained Pastors are required to refrain from sexual relationships outside of marriage. The decision surrounding the CWA policy change now includes same sex partners in \"monogomous, long-term committed relationships\" to be ordained pastors who live with or are involved in sexual relationships with those of the same sex. Decisions were also made to accomodate same sex marriage within the ELCA.
As we have talked about in previous newsletters, especially in September 2009, these decisions are not only about homosexuality and its role in the church. The greater issue is the Authority of Scripture. Does what Scripture and what God asks of us impact our private, moral lives? Are the teachings of Scripture and 2000 years of Christian teaching and tradition now changed because of our culture? Are we so enlightened and wise that now, for the first time in the history of God\'s people, we suddenly perceive a completely contrary word from God about how to live?
God has done a new thing in Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to save us from sin. God has given us his Holy Scriptures to teach us about who God is and who we are, sinners in need of redemption. By reinterpreting Scripture to now say that which has always been sin -sex outside of marriage - is no longer sinful behavior, we put ourselves into grave spiritual peril. \"If we say we have no sin, we decieve ourselves and the truth is not in us\". We believe a lie and remove ourselves from the grace of God.
This issue is NOT about acceptance of human beings. It is about our sin in fallen creation and our need for repentance and forgiveness.
Some counter with the argument that modern science \"reveals\" that homosexuality is genetic - something you are born with. I do not totally dispute this claim. But we are children of a fallen humanity. Because of sin, we are born with many deep issues of brokenness. Nature or nurture, we are born into a broken world. No one is perfect when they are born. We are all born imperfect. God calls us in the midst of our brokenness to turn to him and live!
Homosexuals have participated in the life of the church both as members and leaders. But throughout history, the expectation for their participation has been one of celibacy. As homosexuals living under God\'s Word, they have always been called to a celibate life. This is true for single heterosexual persons as well.
Just because God\'s word calls us to live under his Law doesn\'t mean that we do not fail or fall short. Our futile attempts to change God\'s law to accomodate our desires is wrong.
If we think of this issue in terms of \"living together\" outside of marriage, it may take the charge out of the homosexual debate. Living together is commonplace and more the rule than the exception in our day. Sex outside of marriage is prevalent. But just because it is prevalent, doesn\'t make it right. Should we, because single pastors want the right to a sexual relationshiip, change Scripture and tradition to accomodate this prevalence? By no means! Does it mean we condemn and search out those living together and say that they are no longer welcome? No, but we confront sin and love the sinner by pointing the way to repentance and forgiveness in Christ.
The same can be said for divorce. Divorce is a tragic and widespread part of our life. It would be irresponsible on the church\'s part to now teach that divorce is OK because it is so common. Does this mean we are perfect? Does this mean their are no divorces? Prevelance is not permission from God. We are all sinners and the church must do a better job of counseling people preparing for marriage, helping those whose marriages are broken, and recognizing God\'s power to heal and restore relationships before and after divorce.
Our call as people of the Word is to be able to recognize sin, so that we all as sinners can repent of our sin, change our sinning ways and walk \"in newness of life\". Without this process of sin, repentence and forgiveness, we CAN NOT recieve the Gospel and its forgiveness of sins.
Many are saying that this vote is not an issue of salvation. I disagree. When we ignore sin, refuse to repent and are kept from receiving the forgiveness of sins, we are in grave spiritual danger.
We have been talking with you about these issues since Pastor Craig returned from the ELCA Assembly in August. The church council at our September meeting discussed these issues and approved the Pastors to attend gatherings that address these issues. I recently returned from the Lutheran CORE (Coalition for Reform) gathering in Fishers, IN. A temporary draft constitution to establish a free-standing synod outside of the ELCA was also voted on. Many congregations who reject the decisions of the ELCA are now studying what is best for the future. Stay within the ELCA or leave? If we leave, where do we go? Craig and I have been exploring these and many other complicated issues since August. With the gathering in Indiana, we now have concrete steps for us as a congregation to discuss, ponder and pray about. The Church Coucil continues to wrestle with these issues.
Please join us for an open forum on these issues on Sunday, October 11 between services in the fellowship hall. We have heard privately from many of you and invite those of you who would like to talk to call and make an appointment to stop by! We look forward to the conversation.
|
|
|
|
Summer: starting Memorial Day Weekend
9:00 am Worship Service KMSD Broadcast
10:00 am Coffee and Fellowship
WOW (Worship on Wednesday) 6:30 pm
Winter: starting after Labor Day
8:30 am Worship Service KMSD Broadcast
9:35 am Educational Hour
9:35 am Coffee and Fellowship
10:45 am Worship Service
WOW (Worship on Wednesday) 6:30 pm |
Click Here
401 South Flynn Drive
Milbank SD 57252
605.432.5566 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
