As Presbyterians we have a very careful understanding of the relationship between the church and the civil magistrate. If you’d like to probe this in any depth just read our public theology, the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 23. We recognize that both spheres are legitimate and are ordained by God (Romans 13:1-7). Christ is Lord over the State and over the Church. But they are separate spheres. We do not want the civil government interfering in church matters, nor do we want to see the church take her focus off the “ordinary means of grace” (Word, prayer, and sacraments) to focus on politics & policy. But, whenever the civil magistrate recognizes the Church’s God-commanded activities and even asks for our assistance, we should be happy to co-operate.
Our state’s Governor – Nikki Haley – sent a communication on Tuesday to all churches in the state of South Carolina, asking us to gather our congregations at Noon on Tuesday, November 22, for the purpose of prayer. The Elders of WRPC have considered this request and are happy to comply.
The Governor specifically stated that she is deeply concerned for two issues:
- Potential civil unrest in the state in light of the two high profile criminal trials underway in Charleston (the shooting of the Emmanuel AME Nine & the shooting of Walter Scott).
- The ongoing suffering & displacement of many of our fellow citizens by Hurricane Matthew.
So, next Tuesday, we will gather in the WRPC Choir Room to pray for these concerns. Please join us.
Carl is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a graduate of Crichton College and Covenant Theological Seminary. Pastor Robbins has served churches in South Carolina, Oklahoma and Nevada. In addition Carl has served on the board of crisis pregnancy centers, Christian schools and seminaries. He has spoken to college groups, medical school forums, state legislative groups, seminary chapels and church conferences. His special passion is training pastors in developing countries. Carl and wife Sandy have been married for 37 years(!) and are the parents of three believing, adult children: John and his wife DeAnna and their children (Bray, Emmie Ruth, and Maggie Grace), James and his wife Megen and their children (Jack and Lainey Janice), and Sarah and her husband Andrew Holmes. Carl and Sandy love OU football, big dogs, good Mexican food, and the beach—any beach, any time.
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Carl is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a graduate of Crichton College and Covenant Theological Seminary. Pastor Robbins has served churches in South Carolina, Oklahoma and Nevada. In addition Carl has served on the board of crisis pregnancy centers, Christian schools and seminaries. He has spoken to college groups, medical school forums, state legislative groups, seminary chapels and church conferences. His special passion is training pastors in developing countries. Carl and wife Sandy have been married for 37 years(!) and are the parents of three believing, adult children: John and his wife DeAnna and their children (Bray, Emmie Ruth, and Maggie Grace), James and his wife Megen and their children (Jack and Lainey Janice), and Sarah and her husband Andrew Holmes. Carl and Sandy love OU football, big dogs, good Mexican food, and the beach—any beach, any time.
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