Some brief thoughts on "Wiki14"

Offered without comment…

Regarding the recent FiveTwo Wiki14 conference, an acquaintance on Facebook, Jeffrey K. Radt, writes:

I’m sorry, but as a “Newtheran” I can’t find any way to “put the best construction” on any of it—the conference itself, those who participated, those who support all of it, and those who have remained silent when we expect them to speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) in this case. St. Paul writes in Galatians 1:6-10 (ESV):

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Truth is, what FiveTwo/Wiki14 participants and proponents think is that we just want to accuse and admonish them. No, no, no! This is a call for repentance that leads to restoration with our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Jude 1:17-23 (ESV):

But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’ It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

I pray that verses 22-23 stay at the forefront of any rebuke and call for repentance though. Funny how God’s Word is so appropriate in instances like this, isn’t it? Not so funny how LCMS leadership and laity expects us to be in the same room with, pet, and adopt our very own ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing. If it’s up to us to chase the wolves out than so be it! “Here I stand…” Grace and peace, my friends!

+SDG+