Down but not out

Blogging has been very sparse lately. Life has been very hectic with travel and even some vacation time here and there.

I hope to get back to discussing some Church of God issues soon, but here are a couple of noteworthy items I have recently discovered that are worth sharing:

Jeffrey Frymire, in his "The Sabbatical" blog, has some interesting reflections on the Church of God.

Chris Joyner at Fairfax Community Church in Fairfax, Virginia recently preached a sermon, "The Social Challenge of the Gospel of the Kingdom", that is worth listening to. Encouraging to hear this perspective from one of our churches.

The Lover's Quarrel

Unfortunately it has limited distribution, but the July/August issue of Communion (published by the Kingdom Ministry Team of Church of God Ministries) is worth reading. In particular, take note of the reprinted article from 1992 by the late R. Eugene Sterner, "The Church of God: A Lover's Quarrel with the Church".

Sterner provides valuable insight into our movement's practice in relation to our high ideal of the church. Prescriptions to address our weaknesses are also given. The article is slightly dated, and the recommendations are not as bold as what I would suggest, but this still is an important voice in a much needed discussion. Reformation movements must constantly allow themselves to be reformed. This does not mean a fixation on navel gazing or negativity, but open and honest dialogue is always necessary.

Sterner himself was very optimistic for the future of the Church of God:

"Our basic heritage of openness to the whole truth and of fellowship with all Christians, our relative flexibility as a body, our gifted and intelligent leadership, and our growing proportion of informed, concerned laymen hold promise for moving into the future with relevance and significant witness."