orthodoxy

I don't refer here to Eastern Orthodoxy. I refer to what has been taught by the Church for 2000+ years, of which is primarily communicated to us in the Holy Scriptures. We in the Church must be orthodox. We must continue to hold on to the apostles' teaching, and as it was written down for us in Scripture.

That includes teachings on sexual morality. To be a follower or disciple of Christ involves adhering to His commands: "If you love me, you will keep my commands." His command is simple: sex is to be between two opposite-sex persons in a covenant marriage.

When the Council of Nicea met in 325 to combat heresy, one of the things they addressed was the problem of heretical bishops (chief or head pastors). Their response to these so-called bishops was just that--to declare that they are no longer bishops and pastors in the Church, and that God's people were no longer under their authority or care. And that other faithful bishops were to come in and truly shepherd God's people who were formerly pastored by these rebels.

As I have said before, we have the same situation now, at this crucial point in the history of the Church. Heretical bishops have again arisen in the Church and teach what is contrary to Scripture. According to Paul and the other apostles, and reiterated in the Council of Nicea, we as God's people are not to listen to them, we are no longer under their authority, and we should seek another bishop to pastor us in their place. This is not, as some have claimed, "sheep-stealing," or encroaching on another's territory. Again, according to Scripture and Nicene,
these heretics have lost their place of ministry among us, and sadly, must be replaced by others who are faithful to Christ.

For many of us, this is a reality we have come to, or are now coming to. The question is, who will remain in communion with these rebels? They will then themselves become rebels, whether they are orthodox or not.

Institutions and branches of the Church can and do become corrupt. Yet God has always had His remnant. The Church is not institutions or denominations--it is God's people. And the authority is placed and will remain solely with those who are orthodox and faithful.

Choose ye this day. We must love and welcome all. Let us continue to do that, and learn how to do that better. And let us stand with Christ and His Word, and with those who do, in all the world.

May God alone receive glory. Amen.


br. francis