Fletcher Presbyterian Church
A Congregation in Mission
| Fletcher Presbyterian Church • 1578 Cow Camp Road • PO Box 493 • Newland, NC 28657 • Rev. George Gunn Design By: Old Paths Web Design • All Rights Reserved |
By George!
"A Spirit-Led Church"
What seems to divide the PCUSA in
these first years of the 21st Century is
the question of faithfulness to the
Word of God. Some members and
leaders of our denomination interpret
scripture as if it is the written word
which governs our life and witness as
believers. Others understand the
"Word of God" as the living word, "the
Word made flesh and dwelling among
us, full of grace and truth;" as Jesus
the Christ, the risen Lord; then as the
promised Holy Spirit who will lead us
into all truth.
The written word, the scriptures of the
Old and New Testament, bear witness
to the living Word. This is the
testimony of those who take a vow at
their ordination as Elders or as
Ministers of the Word and Sacrament.
What has become increasingly evident
is that "the clear teaching of scripture"
means a literal interpretation of certain
passages to some, and to others, an
interpretation in which the fullness of
God's revelation under the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit is taken seriously and
received faithfully.
What seems to divide the PCUSA in
these first years of the 21st Century is
the question of faithfulness to the
Word of God. Some members and
leaders of our denomination interpret
scripture as if it is the written word
which governs our life and witness as
believers. Others understand the
"Word of God" as the living word, "the
Word made flesh and dwelling among
us, full of grace and truth;" as Jesus
the Christ, the risen Lord; then as the
promised Holy Spirit who will lead us
into all truth.
The written word, the scriptures of the
Old and New Testament, bear witness
to the living Word. This is the
testimony of those who take a vow at
their ordination as Elders or as
Ministers of the Word and Sacrament.
What has become increasingly evident
is that "the clear teaching of scripture"
means a literal interpretation of certain
passages to some, and to others, an
interpretation in which the fullness of
God's revelation under the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit is taken seriously and
received faithfully.
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| More By George! |
I am privileged to share in the life and leadership of a congregation in which the
diversity of views and perception of revealed truth is evident, but there is a commitment
to Jesus Christ and a trust of the Holy Spirit's leading which binds us together in hope
and in mission.
I have come to see our conflicting views on scripture and on the ordination question not
as a dilemma as much as an opportunity to find healing and wholeness for our church.
At the same time it is an opportunity for us to make a witness to the world that disciples
of Jesus Christ share a common calling "to love mercy, to do justice, and to walk
humbly." Let the world again say in awe, "Behold, how these Christians love one
another."
In our reformed tradition, we are growing in faith and knowledge, trusting that the One
"who has begun a good work in us will bring it to completion in the day of Jesus Christ."
If our risen Lord, the Holy Spirit, has mad us one body, let us claim again the unity
given, commit ourselves to mutual repentance for our sin against the Holy Spirit,
continue to recognize the gifts we have to share, and to demonstrate how to live under
the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church.
George
diversity of views and perception of revealed truth is evident, but there is a commitment
to Jesus Christ and a trust of the Holy Spirit's leading which binds us together in hope
and in mission.
I have come to see our conflicting views on scripture and on the ordination question not
as a dilemma as much as an opportunity to find healing and wholeness for our church.
At the same time it is an opportunity for us to make a witness to the world that disciples
of Jesus Christ share a common calling "to love mercy, to do justice, and to walk
humbly." Let the world again say in awe, "Behold, how these Christians love one
another."
In our reformed tradition, we are growing in faith and knowledge, trusting that the One
"who has begun a good work in us will bring it to completion in the day of Jesus Christ."
If our risen Lord, the Holy Spirit, has mad us one body, let us claim again the unity
given, commit ourselves to mutual repentance for our sin against the Holy Spirit,
continue to recognize the gifts we have to share, and to demonstrate how to live under
the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church.
George