Thursday, September 3, 2015

Above Reproach

Matthew 23:1-12
Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses;  therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them.  "They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.  "But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.  "They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues,  and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men.  "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.  "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.  "Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ.  "But the greatest among you shall be your servant.  "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

I just heard the news of a PCA church hiring a new Director of Ministry Development.  The man they hired was deposed for adultery just three weeks ago. His name is Tullian Tchividjian. 
A pastor has a solemn responsibility to speak truth.  He represents the God who is truth by proclaiming the message of truth.  Tullian Tchividjian—who has now been approved by the elders of Willow Creek Church—recently stood in front of God’s people speaking for God even while he was in an adulterous relationship.  Do you see the depth of betrayal and dishonesty?  Imagine if he had been preparing his sermon when his conscience began to torment him.  In this conviction, he called the elders and confessed his sin, recognizing that he could not live out the sham of preaching while he was living such a duplicitous life, so he stepped down.  Such a situation would be commendable.  Instead, Tchividjian pretended to be qualified to speak for God until the elders discovered the affair and invited him to resign.  Even after his resignation and deposition, he continues to speak for God.  Until the elders confronted him, his conscience was not burdened.  He did not mind the duplicity.  The lie did not trouble him enough to bring him to action. It is this duplicity that is most troubling and is least addressed.  The hypocrisy that mirrors the Pharisees is what most disqualifies Tchividjian from office.  The hardness of heart required to carry on an affair while teaching and preaching the Word of God is unfathomable.  Surely, he should be given more time to demonstrate a real change before we ask God's people to trust him again..       
I am so sad.

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About Me

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I have been a PCA pastor since 1993, having been a pastor in Arizona, Florida, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and as the Team Leader for MTW’s work in Scotland. I am currently the Senior Pastor of Providence Presbyterian Church in York, PA. As a pastor, my desire is to help everyone I meet live out Psalm 73:25, “Whom have I in Heaven but You, and besides You I desire nothing on earth.” I love my Wife Robin, my two sons, Patrick and Michael and my daughter in law, Britney. I am firmly wrapped around the fingers of my granddaughters.

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