Front Page Sunday 30th July 2006
The following is quoted from Edgar H Andrews from his commentary on the book of Galatians. "Free in Christ"
He writes…..
"The Apostle Paul warns the Galatians that they court disaster if they turn from the gospel he had preached to ‘a different gospel’ (Gal, 1:1-6)
His words fall strangely on our modern ears, accustomed as we are to compromise and synthesis in the area of religious beliefs. All religions lead to God we are told. We all worship the same God, although in different ways. Each denomination and creed contributes its own genius to our rich religious heritage, and our task is to weave these separate strands into one grand tapestry of faith. Credal confrontation is ‘out’ Mutual respect is ‘in’. There are no absolutes, no certainties, in matters of faith, but only a hopeful seeking after truth. "
How true those words are for some who advocate the multi- faith path to God we see and read about within our community?
Andrews continues ……
"Well of course, we may take our choice. But choice there certainly must be! We cannot embrace both the uncompromising stand of Scripture and the bland platitudes of modern synthetic religion. If we follow Paul and Scripture, we shall no doubt be branded zealots, narrow minded fundamentalists and worse. But does that matter, as long as we are true to the gospel as it really is? (1996: 23)"
I am convinced that a line in the sand has been drawn; the question is ‘which side of the line are we going to stand on’? We may be ridiculed, we may be labelled as that quote suggests, but does that matter? Treasure Peter Costello in his recent stoush with the prime Minister said, quoting his parents, ‘you have no need to fear if you are telling the truth” (or words to that effect) How true is that in all things, particularly in regard to God’s Word
God bless
He writes…..
"The Apostle Paul warns the Galatians that they court disaster if they turn from the gospel he had preached to ‘a different gospel’ (Gal, 1:1-6)
His words fall strangely on our modern ears, accustomed as we are to compromise and synthesis in the area of religious beliefs. All religions lead to God we are told. We all worship the same God, although in different ways. Each denomination and creed contributes its own genius to our rich religious heritage, and our task is to weave these separate strands into one grand tapestry of faith. Credal confrontation is ‘out’ Mutual respect is ‘in’. There are no absolutes, no certainties, in matters of faith, but only a hopeful seeking after truth. "
How true those words are for some who advocate the multi- faith path to God we see and read about within our community?
Andrews continues ……
"Well of course, we may take our choice. But choice there certainly must be! We cannot embrace both the uncompromising stand of Scripture and the bland platitudes of modern synthetic religion. If we follow Paul and Scripture, we shall no doubt be branded zealots, narrow minded fundamentalists and worse. But does that matter, as long as we are true to the gospel as it really is? (1996: 23)"
I am convinced that a line in the sand has been drawn; the question is ‘which side of the line are we going to stand on’? We may be ridiculed, we may be labelled as that quote suggests, but does that matter? Treasure Peter Costello in his recent stoush with the prime Minister said, quoting his parents, ‘you have no need to fear if you are telling the truth” (or words to that effect) How true is that in all things, particularly in regard to God’s Word
God bless
posted by Pastor's Pen at 5:06 PM
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