Denny,
I was not offended, however the characterizations you put together, “Joe, it seems that you are implying that Pilgrim is more than willing to behead and shoot sincere believers with a crossbow and Pilgrim thinks that you would resurrect Mohammed and make him Pope of the PCA,” were not edifying – at least for me. You went too far, IMO, because you do not understand Pilgrim and I …. You think you do, but let me explain.
Pilgrim and I were not having a “serious battle,” but when we disagree (which is a rarity) we understand that iron sharpens iron (Prov. 27:17) and thus we get our swords out and get into it. The Proverb says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” This explains that people must not shy away from interaction with their peers since it is an education in itself. The “sharpening” can occur in any area in which people are engaged, be it business, intellectual, or physical competition. For Pilgrim and me we at times learn by sword drills – but note the goal is to “sharpen the countenance of his friend.”
Because we are such good friends though one may wound the other, we know it is meant for each other’s good. We also know the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12), thus unlike a fleshy sword which stabs on the way in and dissects on the way out, our spiritual swords may go deep to remove cancers, but the sharpness of the other side is like a physician that is there to heal. See it is not really us fighting, but us trying to dig for the complete truth. We desire the truth in us – the full truth, not just part of it – all of it and thus we do our dance. In “some” ways it is like fencing. In this sport (not battle) there are two fencers and a director (referee, ours being our LORD). Normally as in fencing we salute each other (we truly admire one another’s resolve). Then the issue comes to light and as in fencing we say "En-garde,” "Ready," and then "Play" (or “Fence”), and the bout will start. In fencing there is blade work (we go to the Bible), footwork drills (we practice balance), shadow fencing (what if drills), and control drills (you get close, but not too close), etc. Basically, we learn from one another. (PS: these are Bible fencing drill definitions which may differ somewhat from normal fencing terms definitions).
I believe I was in accord with the Second Helvetic Confession in my posts. I do not see where I was not being “protective of the church community” especially when I re-emphasized this very point
here. Additionally, I do not see where we can say we are practicing charity when we do not begin be trusting the person we are speaking too (1 Cor. 13:7). So, though I do agree with SHC I still observe some unresolved issues.
I agree with you that it is important (but not more important) “to discipline wayward and heretical people who are already members.” The PCA takes entirely too long to make decisions on what is and is not heresy, etc. I like the swiftness of Philip when he disciplined Simon in Acts 8, but understand that some issues are not quit as easy to unravel. When it comes to “denominations” at times I desire to just say “Come, Lord Jesus, Come” as there is just so much corruption, mis-direction, false worship, and other sin, et. al. that one really just gets tried of dealing with it all. As Paul said, “But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better: yet to abide in the flesh is more needful for your sake“ (Phil. 1:23-24).
