In the hard years of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther found himself on trial before the Roman Catholic Church for his beliefs.  At one point in the proceedings, Luther was asked to denounce many of his biblical convictions.  Famously, on April 18, 1521, Luther declared before the court:  “Since your majesty and your lordships desire a simple reply, I will answer without horns and without teeth. Unless I am convicted by scripture and plain reason–I do not accept the authority of popes and councils for they have contradicted each other–my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise, God help me. Amen. (Emphasis mine)”

I have always found this testimony challenging and compelling.  I have found it to be true, as our world was plunged in a pandemic and many Christians had a variety of opinions and ideas about what was happening, but not many consciences were “captive to the Word of God.”  I have found it true, as we have taught through the challenging issues of gender roles and leadership in the local church in 1 Timothy 2-3.  Because “my conscience is captive to the Word of God”, I cannot deviate from what God has said and written. 

This is perhaps why the passion and zeal came out on Sunday about the importance of the local church. I find it astounding that many so-called Christians call into question what God has said.  God’s word is our authority for life and doctrine/teaching.  It’s the objective standard by which all things are measured.  Yet, year after year, I read about Christian leaders and Christian people allowing cultural norms to be the standard by which all things are measured.  It’s very concerning.   

A Mirror, Not a Reflection:

I’ve often thought that the local church is to present the mirror of God’s Word to the world through demonstration (life) and declaration (lips), rather than a reflection of the world.  What I fear, at times, is that the church attempts to placate to the world on issues of gender, sexuality, marriage, parenting, purity, etc., and in doing so, ruins a gospel witness with the power of transformed lives. 

I’ve found this true in my own life.  When I’ve tried to speak like those around me or act like them in some ways, I’ve found that my gospel witness diminishes.  But when I’ve attempted to respectfully stand for truth, love my neighbor, serve people with joy, and talk to people about Jesus in the opportunities He opens, my gospel witness increases.  

I think dealing with the world is a lot like dealing with a spoiled child.  The more a parent gives in, the more the child wants.  And the more the parent gives, the more the child takes.  I think this is what’s happened in the church’s relationship with the world.  The world has demanded us to change our perspective on gender roles…so we have. They called us bigots for standing against sexual sins like homosexuality and adultery…so we gave in.  The church’s hope was to be relevant, influential, and have the ability to speak into peoples’ lives and when we gave in, the world demanded more and accused us of hypocrisy.  

This is why it is vitally important that a local church not deviate from the clearly written Word of God.  This is why we must make the local church important in our schedules, energies, and gifts.  It’s why we must celebrate gender roles in singleness and in marriage.  It’s why we must have servant-leaders and men of godly character teaching with authority.  As a brother at church said to me Sunday, “the Church cannot be digested by the world unless the Church changes to be like the world in order to be digested.”  The unbelieving world does not “get” the Church and they never will, without the transforming power of the gospel.  

So, let’s hold the mirror of God’s word up to the unbelieving world through our life and our lips.  And CLF, I thank God that through the years, you’ve done this faithfully.  

This Coming Sunday:

This week we have a special treat.  My friend, Jeffrey Jo, and his wife Jeannie will be at church with us.  Jeff is my Filipino pastor friend from Manila.  He will preach from John 17:1-5 this week in both services.  Now, I very rarely let you know when I’m not going to be in the pulpit because I know the tendency of most churches…the pastor is out, so people decide to be out.  But CLF, let’s not give in to that tendency.  You will be encouraged and built up by what Pastor Jeff is going to preach to us and you’ll be delighted in his love for Jesus and the gospel.  

Weird fact about Jeff…he was born on April 13, 1970, which is my exact birthdate!  Jeff and I are the exact same age.  So, we’re going to have a birthday celebration with him this Sunday.  I can’t wait!

From the Cheap Seats:

• Opening Day is this week!  Yes!  It should be a National Holiday.
• What did I say about a Tarheel victory in Coach K’s last game??  What a dream for a Tarheel fan.  Love it.  
• With that said, Coach K is an amazing coach.  There’s no denying it. And the way that he greets and shakes hands with opponents after each game (win or loss) is really cool to watch.  He has set the standard.  

Enjoy your week.  

In Christ, 

Dave York