Dear friends of BCUC,What do you think the parting words of a church’s founding minister might be to its eldership? Would they be words of encouragement to continue building upon the great foundations that had already been laid - or a chance to say what they really think about the church? That’s what we find in Acts 20:17–38, as Paul speaks to the elders of the new church in Ephesus.As I read it, I noticed the repetition of three key words beginning with ‘T’: testify, tears, and truth. Paul is always compelled - above everything else, including his own life - to testify, to bear witness to the Good News of the grace of God through Jesus, in both words and actions.How compelled are we?Paul and the elders shed many tears together. This highlights something about the unique nature of church: it’s personal, passionate, emotional, and relational - built on mutual love. That’s what can make today’s necessary emphasis on codes of ethics, insurance, compliance, and other business-like terms feel at odds with the idea of church as a close family. And yet, Paul and the elders wept together. Today, we are challenged to be both professional in our conduct and deeply relational - to the point of tears. I’m so glad we have the help of the Holy Spirit.How emotional and passionate are you about the work of the church?Finally: truth. Paul is concerned that the elders might stray from the truth and be swayed by false teachers after he leaves. This was a common concern in the early church.How concerned with ‘truth’ are we today?The idea of creeds - statements that crystallise the truth of the church’s teaching - has gone in and out of fashion in modern times. But what is the ‘truth’ that Paul was so concerned about? Is it the same as what we might call the ‘core truth’ today?I look forward to seeing you all this Sunday.Also, thank you to those who have spent time during July in prayer and fasting for BCUC. Please let me or any of the elders know if God has given you something worth sharing -even if you’re not sure. It’s amazing how the Spirit brings different parts together to bring clarity. We will be discussing these things at the elders’ meeting this Tuesday night.Yours in Christ,Benji
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