Archbishop Drexel Gomez says he believes that the church is being called to be a credible agent of transformation in contemporary society, and that a church convinced of its security in God’s grace can be liberated from the social pressures to conform to the culture, and can take a public stand where there are matters of justice and human well-being at stake.
At a special service on Sunday, Jan. 11 at Christ Church Cathedral, he said such a church can represent the gospel by its public declarations about social issues and the “hands-on” involvement with the problems in communities, and it is then that the church would be doing the “work” that it is called to do.
“Because of what God has already done in Jesus and what God will do as he brings His new creation into fulfillment, because this good and gracious God has made provision for believers to be incorporated into His plan, believers have certain responsibilities [and] the heart of the apostle’s challenge is to be steadfast.”
promiscuity and loose living are too easily tolerated
What is the appropriate response to the presence of promiscuity in family or culture? Should one simply voice disapproval? Shun?
In this country, the failure of the church to address economic sin (in how people spend/waste their money) by individuals is equally problematic – and less noted.
My first question above was intended seriously, by the way. I’m trying to decide how to react to a sibling with a live-in significant other. If anybody has suggestions, please reply.
Sidney, In this circumstance you can remember two things; you can remember that your sibling is living a sinful life, or that the person living a sinful life is your sibling. Don’t turn your back on your sibling, by your love and acceptance of the person you may be able to help him/her move toward a more God pleasing life. Graciousness toward the partner is not sin on your part, there is a life to be won, a lifestyle to be changed. I’ve been through this with children & grandchildren; graciousness is helpful to everyone concerned… including yourself! With God’s help, you can do this. FS Scott
p.s. Graciousness is not toleration; it can be a form of gentle confrontation. FS Scott