Letter from the Pastor
May 2012
One of the great blessings of the last while at Grace at Wellington is the numerical growth we have enjoyed. However this means that as we grow there is an increasing risk of loosing our sense of family closeness which in turn can be a breeding ground for misunderstandings and perhaps even personal conflicts emerging among us.
It would be naive of us to think that our fellowship would be immune from such difficulties for where sinners exist together in close proximity sin is never far away. To be forewarned then is to be forearmed to face any difficulties we may have in our relationships.
The Bible does adequately equip us in this area to be able to resolve any issues we have with one another. In Matthew 18:15-‐18 Jesus provides us with the pattern to resolve any issues that may arise. In this passage we should note:
1) That if we find fault in another then our first priority is to go and address them in private.
2) Secondly if he doesn't listen then take one or two more with you that your point may be confirmed.
3) Thirdly if he/she still doesn't listen then the Church should be told so that the appropriate disciplinary action can be taken by the elders if they consider it necessary.
There are a few things worth noting in this teaching that Jesus gives: Firstly that to carry out this process of addressing faults is costly in terms of energy and time both to initiate and see through what could end up being a very lengthy commitment to a brother or sister.I believe that the intention behind Jesus comments are, that by necessitating such energy and commitment He would have us only address those things in a brothers life that are truly sin related and that which are detrimental to a brothers eternal welfare. In other words differences or misunderstandings are for the most part to be overlooked (Prov 19:11) as well Paul instructs the Church at Ephesus in the context of unity to be tolerant with one another in love with all humility, gentleness and patience c/f Eph. 4:2. Forbearance and tolerance towards one another then is a fundamental platform on which a Church fellowship is built.
However if there is a sin issue of such great importance that needs to be addressed it should be dealt with in a biblical manner.This brings me to a matter of great practical importance which in some ways is a challenge unique to our current generation. It is the practice of flicking off emails and texts to communicate either difference of opinions on various issues or of sin in others lives. The trouble with this method of communication is that firstly, it is too easy to do without careful thought and prayerful consideration. Secondly it is very rarely a private means of communication and very often those who communicate in such a way will leverage and accentuate their point by forwarding their correspondence to others as well. This is a very powerful technique used in the corporate world of today to achieve desired results. It works very well and I must confess to using it myself when dealing recently with an insurance company. However, in the Church these things ought not to be.
I have been in ministry long enough now to realise that emails or text messages, neither do justice to the heart and intention of the sender nor communicate well a sense of love, patience and humility to the receiver.Therefore, if you should have an issue with any brother or sister take the time and effort to go and see and talk with them face to face, chances are you␣ll likely be of a more similar mind than you think. If you are not prepared to take the time and energy it is probably not important enough to worry about and the issue should either be overlooked or forborne. In our family when I want to discuss a matter with another member I do not communicate with them by social media unless of course I wish to encourage them, but rather we will sit down and engage with one another face to face. The Church is a family and wherever possible this should be the means of communication we use.
Blessings Ian P.S. Thanks everyone for your constant prayers and support as Glenys and I do battle with our own sinful hearts, the world and the devil.
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Newsletter Here May 2012
