Going Live Again

It has been a long time since I have posted anything. The first half of 2012 was a time of severe testing. Over time I will share more of the experience, but suffice it to say that God came through.

A very godly man shared a song with me yesterday that I would like to share with you titled, "Valleys Fill First" by, Caedmon's Call. If you are in a tough place, this song will minister to you

Election Reflection

This is a long post. I pray it works in others hearts as it has already worked in mine in the midst of this fervent political season... As we are casting our votes today, please, let us take a moment and thank God for the privilege of do so. Let us also remember that God works in ways we do not understand: Isaiah 55:8-9 (HCSB) 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.” ⌊This is⌋ the LORD’s declaration. 9 “For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. Knowing this truth, let us all feel the freedom to express our beliefs, but let us do so with a humble spirit. As much as any of us may think we know what is best, God does not always share everything He is doing, even with His people, and if He did, we would not always be capable of understanding. How often in the OT do we see a lone prophet of God speaking against the majority. This does not mean the one is always right, but let us be cautious as we strive to discern the will of God. I know Godly people who are voting for Mitt Romney, which as I have expressed before I do not feel lead to do, and I know Godly people who are voting for President Obama, which as I have expressed before I personally don't understand how they can. As I have expressed before, I would and now have voted for president according to the convictions of my heart, voting for a specific person who is a candidate, not a "write-in" like Mickey Mouse (though in this election, it may have been tempting if I hadn't done the research I have done). Having said this, I also know people who do not see any candidates they believe are who God would have lead our nation. Some of these people have exercised their right and obligation to express their political will by refusing to vote for anyone others are saying are the best choice out of a crop of unqualified and unfit candidates. Their conviction is that if no one is qualified, they will not participate in a political process that has forced us to choose between bad and bad. I understand their pain, even if I don't agree with the conclusions they have reached about all the candidates. I pray that this is the spirit we believers have... that we choose to express loving kindness to those whom we may disagree with. I know I have already failed in this through this election process, and pray that those whom I may have offended will either speak to me about any hurt I have caused, or allow our intense love for one another cover my sin in our relationship in accordance with 1 Peter 4:7-8, as I will choose to do with those who have offended me. 1 Peter 4:7-8 (HCSB) 7 Now the end of all things is near; therefore, be serious and disciplined for prayer. 8 Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins. Why should we do this? Because even though God uses us in America to facilitate His will is putting into power those whom He chooses, it is God who ultimate institutes the authorities over us, including president of the United States. While we absolutely have a responsibility to participate in the election process, however the Holy Spirit and Bible direct us, we too must humbly recognize God's ultimate authority and trust that He is using everyone to accomplish His greater design of HIStory. Romans 13:1 (HCSB) 1 Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. Let us never forget that part of our call is to have family affection and brotherly love with our brothers and sisters in Christ and live in peace with all men... Romans 12:9-21 (HCSB) 9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. 10 Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. 13 Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. 18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. 20 But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. 21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good. Closing thoughts... I know I fail in these often (way too often), as is likely true of most of us. Let us be quick to forgive when forgiveness is sought, slow to judge the words of others, and strive to demonstrate gracious love in all our relationships. This seems to be lacking in society and sadly too, in the church today.

Questions on Mars Hill Church Discipline

One of the men I have served with in ministry recently posted on facebook about a blog addressing a specific disciplinary action by Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church. I expressed that I am not sure that I disagree with the post and those that followed up, but I am also unsure if I agree. You may follow the link above to see the entire conversation. Following is my final questions for those who have posted in the facebook stream. Feel free to look at the original blog and provide feedback. I am learning, as I hope we all are, and I pray that we may all learn from these circumstances.

Josh and Dillon,

You both use the term "unbiblical" in your statement about the contract and letter, but are not specific. In the letter, scripture is provided. I am curious to hear specifically what you find unbiblical. They provide scriptural support for the actions they have taken. What is your scriptural argument against them? Church discipline is Biblical, and as a pastor I have struggled and studied seriously to resolve the very things with which you appear to be struggling. I too, from the presentation provided on the surface, struggle with how they handled the situation. I am, however, interested in how you would deal with the specific scriptures they provide.

I am not trying to be argumentative. I believe that the goal of real discipline is always reformative and restorative by nature. It appears to me that you do not see any restoration in the interaction between Andrew and MH. I wonder if we are not seeing the whole picture. Could Andrew be worse than is presented in "his" side of the story? Could we see between the lines in phrases like, “a pattern of unrepentant sexual sin” and “over the course of many months”, that perhaps Andrew has a greater problem than is revealed to us? Perhaps the required confession, meetings, and description of "wolf" behavior are simply the leadership attempting to shake him into the realization of the severity of his sexual sin (which is taken very seriously in scripture). I do not know. I was not there. If this is their goal, is that bad?

I would also ask that you consider the possibility of bias by the author himself. In the second addition of his post he makes the statement, “We discuss Mark Driscoll a lot at this blog. His sermons. His theology. His sexist rants. His rage against Avatar. His sincere love for hell. And all of those topics are valid for discussion, disagreeing, and sometimes poking fun at”. I wonder how much slant is contained in the writing and presentation by the blogger himself. If it is simply as presented, I find myself leaning toward your reaction, but I wonder if we are reacting to the appearance of evil rather than to what may truly be evil.

I personally do not know much about Mark Driscoll or Mars Hill. I typically do not follow the mega churches or leaders of the same. What I do know is that Jesus Himself established the church, and I am hesitant to make judgments about another body of believers or church leadership without knowing all the facts. Truths are often misunderstood, twisted and biased in print and other media.

So, if you do not mind, if you were to assume that Andrew had a serious problem and needed real church discipline, would you exegete the passages MH has quoted and demonstrate how they are abusing them? Additionally, would you provide any other scriptures that deal specifically with church discipline to demonstrate how what MH did with Andrew was unbiblical?

Please understand that I really have no desire to argue. This will be my final post unless you ask me a question or specifically to respond. I would be happy to provide any word studies or other resources in which you are interested. My intent is not to “debate” the issue. I am seeking to understand better your response to the blog, and the perspective from which you are responding.

Be blessed,
Scott