Keeping the Peace -- A Reason to Stay in the PCUSA -- A Note from Lake Murray Presbyterian Church

WHY SHOULD WE STAY IN THE PCUSA?

"We" is the key word. "We" have felt called to LMPC and "we" as a church are part of the PCUSA whether we agree with the denomination or not (who has a church in which they agree with everything or is perfect?). 

If we are trying to be scriptural, then the standard for scripture is that we do all we can to keep the peace (Eph. 4:3). Jesus desire is that we stay united (John 17). Paul points out that our goal is to agree and work together (1 Cor. 1:10-17). 

 When the Church had deteriorated into unbelief in the Old Testament (like Elijah's time when only 10,000 hadn't worshipped Baal; or Jeremiah's time of idolatry) they never were told to form another country. In the New Testament Christians did not purposefully start a new church- but were kicked out of the Temple and synagogues. 

In Revelation's letter to the seven churches two of them were said to have deteriorated. Thyatira had a few who hadn't "soiled their clothes" with the teaching of sexual immorality (Rev. 2:20) of which they refused to repent. Jesus' command to these few was not to leave and start their own church but to "hold onto what you have until I come" (repeated with Philadelphia's church 3:11). 

Sin and false beliefs happen in every era. But the sin of schism does not make the other sins go away. 

Luther and Calvin wanted to reform the catholic church, not form another denomination- but they were kicked out (excommunicated- and even hunted as heretics). 

God has brought us together as a particular church in His providence and love. We should try to be witnesses to Him where we are. Whenever our church has had a split (this has happened twice- 1984 and 2001) we have lost members not only to other churches, but just as many who go nowhere at all- and this is a kind of anti-evangelism. 

WHY WE SHOULD STAY AT LAKE MURRAY PRESBYTERIAN?

Everyone who is a member here has been called here by God (we believe).  This call and placing of God and covenanting with the church should be taken with great seriousness. 

The world may tell you that if you don't like something go onto the next thing.

But this does not apply to covenanted relationship (like marriage).  We have pledged to serve and worship God together, and this pledge and covenant is to be taken seriously.  Joining a church is a voluntary obligation, but it is an obligation.  

There are many things yet to be debated and decided.  To leave in the midst of deciding means your voice will not be heard on the issue, and our church moves farther away from your position. 

In some ways our church is on the cutting edge of a grand debate in our culture and world and church.  What we decide will not just affect us but others around and after us.  

Members here have made a promise to "further the peace, unity, and purity of the church." 

"When we asunder part- it causes inward pain."  (From "Blest Be the Tie That Binds").