When we attended church yesterday, one of the first items presented to the attendees was a statement from our elders concerning last week’s Supreme Court decision redefining marriage. This was an important and necessary statement. (I’ve captured an image of the statement below.)
After the statement was read by an elder, the audience stood up and applauded … loudly and long. As with our family, people who have chosen to attend this church want to be reassured that the church stands firmly on the Word of God – no matter what the uncertainties of the culture. The applause clearly reflected the congregation’s relief that there’d be no wavering from our commitment to Scripture.
Since we have three Sunday morning services, I don’t know the reaction in the earlier services. However, I did see four people walk out shortly after the statement was read, presumably because they didn’t agree with the church’s position. I know I wasn’t the only one grieved by their departure. I can’t speak as to their state of mind, but I can testify to the church’s “love for every man or woman” being “unconditional” and bountiful.
ASIDE: The title, Here We Stand, references another Christian who dared to oppose the emperor and church leaders of his time. In 1521 when the great reformer, Martin Luther was called before the Diet of Worms to recant his writings which were considered heretical, Luther refused to recant and is said to have told them, “Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me, amen!“
As the ERLC declaration states, this blog also believes “… marriage is the chief cornerstone of society, designed to unite men, women, and children. We promise to proclaim and live this truth at all costs, with convictions that are communicated with kindness and love.“
Echoing the words of Luther, may God help us all at this pivotal moment of church history!