2 Timothy 4:2&3
Introduction: What is the church to you? What is Faith Presbyterian Church to you? Is it a building? Is it a name? Is it the Presbyterian structure of Deacons, elders, session, and pastors, presbyteries, synods and GA? Is the church the worship style? Is the church the people of faith that surround you, who are seeking to follow the Scriptures, while encouraging each other with Love and friendship? What is the church? Why do you come here to this church? What are you looking for? Your answers to these questions will soon determine the fate of Faith Presbyterian Church. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 That time has come in the Presbyterian Church (USA). It has left the sound plain teaching of Scripture and is adopting a new faith guided by cultural norms and political correctness.
What is wrong?
On May 11th the national Presbyterian church passed an amendment that clears the way for people who live in domestic partnerships, in various sexual life styles, both heterosexual and Homosexual, to be Deacons, Elders, and Ministers. You will note;
The removal of obedience to Scripture and historic confessional standards
The removal of fidelity in marriage or chastity in singleness
The removal of the need to repent of known sin
This change will take effect on July 11th.
The stance on abortion; approving abortion in all stages, even partial birth abortions.
Anti-Semitic actions of the church, divesting of investments connected with Israel, and collaboration with anti Israel groups.
Now the change in our ordination standards.
All of which clearly points to a total disregard for Scripture or a smorgasbord approach to scripture, where you pick and choose the parts you like and leave the rest.
Why act now
These actions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) have moved from possible actions of the church to realities. This makes the Presbyterian Church (USA) apostate, having left its historical faith and interpretation of the Scriptures. The Presbyterian Church (USA) may not be Christian Church but a Religious/political organization. (Religious because it does have worship services, serves communion, and identifies it’s self as a church. Political because the PC(USA) lobbies congress and tries to influence many of the political issues. The Stated Clerk of the church writes position papers to the congress, President, and Governors on what they consider important issues.)
We have lost members and regular attendees because of our association to the Presbyterian Church. (USA).
We have had people who will not even try our church
In the future we will have even less people visit our church
If we stay associated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) we will have a split, losing a significant part of our membership. Possibly neither surviving, and then the loss of the church property.
What are our options?
Do nothing and watch the church split and die
Become and independent Church
Become part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church
What are our goals?
Keep the Scriptural base for our church
Keep our church family together
Keep our building
What would change?
Our name (Presbyterian would have to go)
What would stay the same?
All the same members, if we stay together.
Same church structure, deacons, Elders, Session,
Worship
Book of Order
Presbytery
Open Door Community Church
The Road Ahead
Congregational meeting
Meeting with presbytery and the session
Meeting with presbytery and congregation
A request for Dismissal if approved
Dialog and negotiations with Presbytery
Possibly approved by the Presbytery at the September Meeting
Questions
Conclusion: What is the church to you? What is Faith Presbyterian Church to you? Is it a building? Is it a name? Is it the Presbyterian structure of Deacons, elders, session, and pastors, presbyteries, synods and GA? Is the church the worship style? Is the church the people of faith that surround you, who are seeking to follow the Scriptures, while encouraging each other with Love and friendship? What is the church? Why do you come here to this church? What are you looking for? Your answers to these questions will soon determine the fate of Faith Presbyterian Church.
Scripture references for study
The Holy Bible, New International Version. 2Ti 4:1-4
The Holy Bible, New International Version. 1Ti 3:1- 12
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Tit 1:5-9
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Ge 12:1-3
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Ps 139:13-16
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Ro 1:18-32
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Ro 13:13-14
The Holy Bible, New International Version. 1Co 6:13-20
The Holy Bible, New International Version. 1Co 7:1-9
The Holy Bible, New International Version. 2Co 12:20-21
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Gal 5:19-26
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Eph 5:3-14
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Est 3:1-5
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Da 3:9-12
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Da 6:10
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Jos 24:15
Amendment that was Passed
“b. Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (W-4.9001), or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament. Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G-1.0000). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.14.0240; G-14.0450) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.”
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