Cheer out loud for biblical fidelity!

In reading the superb and commendable new book, WHY WERE NOT EMERGENT, BY TWO GUYS WHO OUGHT TO BE, I found a most excellent item in the endnotes (yes, I am one of those folks who always reads them).

As the Episcopal Church USA (a part of the world Anglican church) moves to embrace the homosexual agenda, and even ordains and exalts active homosexual clergymen, some African Anglicans (and others) rightly broke communion with these Americans.

You’ll cheer (out loud, I hope) after you read this [as told in the endnote]…

When the ECUSA wanted to send a delegation to Uganda in order to offer financial assistance to the people, the Archbishop explained why he could not accept such a delegation. “If we fall silent about what you have done — promoting unbiblical sexual immorality — and we overturn or ignore the decision to declare a severing of relationship with ECUSA, poor displaced persons will receive aid. Here is our response: The gospel of Jesus Christ is not for sale, even among the poorest of us who have no money. Eternal life, obedience to Jesus Christ, and conforming to his Word are more important. The Word of God is clear that you have chosen a course of separation that leads to spiritual destruction. Because we love you, we cannot let that go unanswered …. As a result, any delegates you send cannot be welcomed, received, or seated. Neither can we share fellowship nor even receive desperately needed resources. If, however, you repent and return to the Lord, it would be an occasion for joy.”

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A great Father’s Day

Sunday was one of the best Father’s Days I’ve had — with all seven kids (and a wonderful wife) treating me like a king, and showing old dad lots of love. There were some great gifts for me (including a homemade rap music dvd about me), and a menu to make your mouth water (featuring brats cooked on the grill, and key lime pie for dessert). There were times of sharing and saying “the meaningful stuff” behind the hugs and kisses (eg: “I love you and appreciate all you do”). I am really blessed!

Yet even more satisfying are the blessings of a day spent with my Heavenly Father. Our morning worship, time in the Word and fellowship with the saints were all sweet things for my soul! The Lord’s Day (Sundays) is a “Father’s Day” every week for those who are in a right relationship with their Creator God. It is our opportunity to praise and honor Him as our gracious Provider, great Protector, and loving Lord. The Lord’s Day is our time to say to our God: “we love You, and appreciate all You are and do.”

Let your minds think on this a little while. May we not be ungrateful or presumptive spiritual offspring, but spritiual sons and daughters filled with a deep sense of awe and unmerited honor if we know the one true and living God as our Father in heaven.

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