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Article 19.  The church is an assembly of faithful people where the Word of God is preached, and the Sacraments are received.   

 

Article 20.  The church may establish ceremonies and rites and decide on controversies of faith, yet it should not do or decree anything contrary to what is given in Scripture, nor preach a part of Scripture which is not upheld by the rest of Scripture.   

 

Articles 21.  & 22. At times, the church has erred, even to understanding of God – therefore, all should be shown how it is aligned with Holy Scripture before it is accepted.  For example, purgatory is not found in scripture.  

 

The church is people gathered together – people who believe in God, who hear the Word of God preached, and who receive the Sacraments, the infilling of the Holy Spirit, principally in the actions of Holy Communion and Baptism.  As the body of Christ, the church defines proper ceremonies to grow and encourage its people and also decides on controversies within itself as to what most closely follows Loving God and Loving Your neighbour.  It shouldn’t do anything contrary to its Foundational Document, the Bible – nor should it align with one part of the Bible which appears contrary to the rest of the Bible.  

 

The church makes mistakes!  A good litmus test to check against what the church is deciding is “how does this reflect against what is taught in the bible (meaning the bible overall, not just a specific sentence or paragraph)?”

 

What if we can’t agree what the bible is teaching?  Or if we don’t agree with what “the church” is proclaiming?

 

We depend on scripture, we depend on tradition, and we depend on reason.  We pray, pray, and pray.  Approach conversations around such disagreements with the Fruit of the Spirit and the presence of Shalom, as much as you can.  Uphold those you disagree with.  Listen to them intently.  Try to learn and try to share your understanding in a spirit of peace.  

 

The church has made many mistakes, and the church will make more mistakes, because the church is people.  This is why Jesus emphasized forgiveness and love.  As we explore life and being together, it is important to keep what is foundational as foundational – love God with all you are and love each other as you love yourself.  Always seek what is healthiest and you will find that is what pleases God the most as well.  How can you approach your fellow explorers in forgiveness and love?  Are there practices which would be healthier to do in a way that is different from how they are currently being done?

 

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Thank you;

 

+David