Let’s have an endless conversation about this.

Archbishops of York and Canterbury

The Church of England have been embroiled in controversy over sex and marriage for decades. No-one knows how long it will continue, but it will continue. Denominational officials, leaders of contemporary progressive evangelical and charismatic churches, have told me this is a “complex” issue that will take years to resolve. What they don’t grasp is that some issues are not up for discussion.

When Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem news came to Israel’s enemies and they sent him this message: “Come, let us meet together... So Nehemiah sent messengers to them with this reply: ‘I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?’” ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭6‬:1-‭3‬

Nehemiah knew that some matters are not up for discussion. God had given him a job to do and he would not to neglect it.

Movements are renewed by making a fresh return to their identity in Christ. Jesus was obedient to his Father’s Word, dependent on the Holy Spirit and faithful to the core missionary task. The book of Acts shows us what that looks like for the people of God. The Word goes out in the power of the Spirit and wherever it goes the fruit is disciples and churches to the glory of God  – in every place and among every people group.

That’s true north. God’s people are renewed by returning to their identity in Christ and living out the mission he has given us. As Nehemiah did in his day.

Historically institutions and denominations rise and fall the degree to which they align themselves with the life and ministry of Jesus. The Word will triumph, it will go out to every people and every place. That is as sure as Jesus’ promise. There is no guarantee that any expression of the church will survive and if it does, not guarantee it will remain faithful to the gospel.

There’s a time to talk, and a time to go back to work.