Saved by Grace... nothing else.....

In the most recent issue of "The Lutheran" (which is the ELCA periodical) the editor - Daniel Lehmann - concludes his article with these words, which are a quote of another ELCA Pastor. These are words I think we all need to hear - whether we are Lutheran or Episcopalian.

"We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus. We are not saved by our sexuality, our opinion about abortion, gun ownership, economic policy or any of the other hot button topics. Secure on the foundation that is Jesus we can engage in civil, respectful, and honest debate with one another, free from personal attacks and without thinking we have to pick up our hymnals and go to another church where people agree with us. If the church follows the culture in dividing up along social and political issues it is no longer the church.

“Creating such a community of moral discourse is important for the church’s sake. In doing so, we ‘discern the body,’ as Paul admonishes us. The body consists of all those the Spirit of God has called to faith by the gospel.”

Amen....

Comments

  1. john iliff August 1, 2009 at 6:44 PM

    What rare common sense and perspective in these days when so many seem determined to play out their secular culture war convictions within Christ's church.

    These same "super-apostles" also seem eager to pronounce their brother or sister as apostates, heretics and non-Christians. That was a breath of fresh air!

    thanks,
    John

    PS Congratulations to you and Christine! May God grant you many years of happiness!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pastor S. Blake DuncanAugust 1, 2009 at 7:35 PM

    Thanks so much John...
    SBD+

    ReplyDelete

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