From Westminter Abbey, London: I have been on vacation but am still grieving over the dizzying fall of American morality and religious mooring, which seemed to reach an emotional head with SCOTUS's ruling on Friday last. The rainbow colored display flashing across the Whitehouse in our nations Capitol has left me in grief and affected me so much that I have been talking with Trey about this as we've had our vacation time together. He and I have agreed - in the midst of this fall the church's future is not dimmer today - but, rather, holds great opportunity for those courageous enough to be led by the Spirit of God, and boldly creative in faithfully teaching biblical truth to a generation who sees the church as out of touch. If we are to be adamant only about our 'pet peeves' but not about all truth then they will see through us, and should. Indeed, we must teach and live Christ values, not in part but in their complete and powerful entirety. We cannot 'cherry pick' our pet dislike-able sins anymore. Not to this generation. Authentic faith must be revealed through the whole of life - today just as always.
Here in London young adults are as lost and empty as they are in Dallas, New York and LA. But... they will listen. Especially if our walk matches our talk.
Jesus wept over Jerusalem. His anger, at the Temple (a point for the church), drove the money-changers out. But... his love - for us all - is what led Him to the cross. In today's world He must remain both our message and our example. Otherwise we will be no more than a 'sounding gong' and 'clanging symbol'.
Indeed,
Pastor Sam
