A Choice IS Required

Was troubled over the developments in the Anglican scene of late. The irony is, at the very same time I have peace within me that this is exactly what the Bible has written about pertaining to the last days, when the hearts of many will wax cold and be given to sin, the bible weren't refering to the unbelievers but rather to the believers. The warnings to the seven churches are begining to look real and relevant now. I have not the time to think of a response to these issues but one piece written by Steve Troxel adds perspective:

A Choice Is Required

As I've watched the events in the leadership of the U.S. Episcopal Church and the approval given by many (but not all) of the leaders in the worldwide Anglican Church, I'm struck with a mixture of sadness and absolute shock. I'm finding it hard to understand how so many can be so completely deceived. This is clearly outside the scope of my normal message, but if I'm to call myself a minister of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ I must speak out; "His Word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I'm weary of holding it in, indeed, I cannot" (Jeremiah 20:9). I cannot remain silent.

In one sense, the 75 million members of the Anglican and Episcopal Churches are very fortunate today. God loves you enough to present you with a clear choice. We often struggle with properly following God's path, but in this case His path is extremely well lit.

Joshua 24:15
"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

I'm not going to address the particular sin, nor how we ought to deal with others who struggle with such sin - this requires love and grace and a gentle leading toward a restored relationship with our Heavenly Father. But when those in leadership fail to recognize sin, live a lifestyle of sin, and lead others to accept such sin, they have lost the right to lead. And any leader who fails to take a stand and continues to give approval (even approval through silence) has forfeited the right to lead a flock toward the truth.

This is a very serious issue which will affect many generations. Failure to recognize such clear sin and how it must sadden and even anger God is a failure to interpret God's Word and a failure to be led by His Spirit.

The Choice? Those in leadership must do everything in their power to separate themselves and their congregation from any alliance which continues to support these sinful actions. The choice must be made at the risk of loss of financial support, loss of fellowship, or loss of land. This is not a time to accept the statement that "what we hold in common is much greater than that which divides us" (The Archbishop of Canterbury). This issue must override all that is held in common! And any church member who fails to see movement away from such an alliance (with grace shown as to the speed of movement) must separate themselves from that congregation.

These are very difficult decisions and will require much prayer and strength from God. He has illuminated His path; but now, a choice is required.

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

You can find more of his writings here. I would encourage you to subscribe to his daily devotions. Friends, there's a war going on for your soul... Do you care?