Hi Everybody. Here are some more ramblings. Sonya, I am using our blog, my love. Sonya prayed the daily office with me this morning over the phone in my office. I love doing devotions with her. An easy to use prayer book is Venite by Robert Benson. I believe that there are some used copies on Amazon.com. There is a daily office in The book of Common Prayer as well. It's great way to pray the Psalms each month. Liberalism in the church is making me throw up. I am all for the social gospel, providing food and clothing to the needy and speaking out against aids and racism. But I am tired of churches putting political correctness above the Bible. Some churches have even made liberalism a 4th person of the Holy Trinity. Liberal agendas like using inclusive language for God and people is not needed and is disownering to him. Trying to say that Paul was not aware of what we know now regarding sexuality is offensive. Sermons in Liberal churches has gotten worse. Not mentioning scripture in sermons, being concerned about people's felt needs and not God's glory is happening in church. Some will not affirm the Apostles Creed because they deny the virgin Birth. I still will only preach and use the (ESV) English standard Version of the Bible. Read your Bibles. I believe that the Bible is our guide in the matters of faith and I believe that the Bible is free from Error. I confess the 3 Ecunemical creeds, The Apostles and Nicene Creed and the creed of St. Athanasius. Don't let liberal Christians take over the church. I write this as a former baptist who is pastoring 2 small United Methodist churches. I am an Augustianian-St. Augustine has been my chief partner when interpreting scripture-reminding me of things on predestionation and God's grace. The Puritan Jonathan Edwards has also been a good with with my scriptural interpretation-teaching me things on God's glory. Even though I disagree with John Wesley on some things- he taught me some good things on personal holiness. I am not always right but we need to keep The Bible at the center of our lives. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."(ESV) I love the church universal and pray for it. May God work out his purpose for the church. There is a new movement in the church that I am excited about. Check out the website, www.newattitude.org. You will learn more about humble orthodoxy at this webpage. Take care and God bless you all.
In Christ,
Pastor Josh Parrish, M.Div
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4 comments:
whoa.
although i agree with you in principal josh you need to remember that the whole point of Christianity is to love your God and others above yourself.
As important as Biblical study is (NOT denying this), one needs to remember that Jesus was the guy out there with the people who needed him (the liberals?) AND inviting and making them feel welcome in his "church".
When we think that our own wants/desires/ideas of holiness are above the needs of others we are treading on very slippery ground. Those liberals are the very people God has called us to go out and invite in to love.
(i know you don't know me, i'm a friend of sonya's. Could be considered liberal in your eyes-sonya would know) haha
As a growing pastor I feel it's important to keep you on your toes :)
I am serious though, be careful with the emphasis on Biblical Learning (those who hold the law over grace) over ministering to the poor & widowed. Always referring to Jesus as our model :)
respectfully,
t
hi Tara,
This was just a rant of his... he did mention that he is for the "social gospel" and that is where the love comes in. Josh has a lot of compassion... just gets tired with people that claim to be Christians choosing to dishonour Christ.
Dear T, I hope I did not offend you too much or others that read my rant. Yes we need to love God and others. That is important as my work as a pastor. As Christans we need to love others but stand up for Biblical truth. On the homeosexual issue I believe we can welcome them in church but we should not affirm thier behavior because it is contrary to Holy Scripture. I have a friend who is gay. In America Liberal churches are dieing and not growing. It is more conservative churches that are growing. I should be a little more careful with what I say because my denomination is liberal. The good things about liberalism is the social gospel movement and they tend to be more open to liturgy. The bad thing is that they often are not strong in Biblical doctrine, teach things outside of the Bible, don't believe that the Bible is innerant, or that Jesus was God's Son. Many liberal churches are feel good churches where anything goes. I lament the fact that people on the fringe don't come to church and I still pray for them. T, you said you are friends with Sonya. She has taught me in Christian love to be more compassionate. A Godly woman will do that. Merry Christmas, T.
In Christ,
Pastor Josh Parrish, M.Div
you guys are cuteness :)
no offence at ALL taken, I just like to stir the pot ;)
totally agree about the allowance of crap in our churches because we're afraid to offend be it whatever. We're supposed to keep each other accountable. I guess people who need accountability sometimes don't want it (haha Sonya and I have had this discussion before i think.... LOL)
so happy for you guys, hope you have a great holiday!
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