Jerry Andrews
Offering an unapologetically evangelical sermon during the Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly’s Friday morning worship service, Dr. Jerry Andrews, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of San Diego, called for reconciliation. But it wasn’t the typical efforts to reconcile factions within the fractious denomination that Andrews spoke to. It was our basic need to be reconciled to God.
“God reconciles, not the church. Not us. Not ever,” said Andrews, noting that reconciliation is the work of God alone and our job is the announcing of that reconciliation in Jesus. “The whole project is an act of God. An act we announce, not enact.”
While peace-making and seeking reconciliation between humans are part of our call, the emphasis of 2 Corinthians, Andrews noted, is on our relationship with God. That is primary. Human reconciliation follows. “The truth is an announcement before it is an agenda,” he said. “Faith tends toward faithfulness. Truth toward unity.”
The heart of the gospel: “Be reconciled to God. Now.”
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Amen.
Amen!
What Jerry preached seems so so basic to those who have walked with Jesus for years. For many in the PCUSA, he spoke a foreign language. Thanks Jerry for preaching the Word and speaking the truth.
Yes! Everything necessary for the church to do flows from that!
The genuine way toward unity.