M O D E R N R E F O R M AT I O N
7
Letters
Re: “In The Church: Finding Common Ground across Denominations” September/October 2021
THE PUBLICATION OF Modern Reformation magazine serves to connect the universal church in a fragmented world. I am grateful for this magazine as it has both challenged and encouraged me in my faith. Recently, a well-known member of a Reformed ministry stepped down in light of new convictions concerning baptism. Ann Hart’s article [in the September/October 2021 issue] on unity across denominations couldn’t have been more timely republished. Much to her point, although he remains in the Reformed camp, the temptation to ridicule and criticize him was ever present. I was encouraged to repent, celebrate my brother, and pray for him and his family! I exhort others to do the same. Thank you. As a wife, homemaker, and homeschooling mother of five children seven years old and under, I am often weary—of sin in my own life and that of my family. Allen Guelzo’s kind and gentle expositional walkthrough of the book of Jude challenged me to recommit to the daily work of patiently and seriously building and rebuilding my Christian architecture by (1) frequently
pleading before God on our behalf, (2) beholding God in his word, communion with other believers (local and universal), and meditating upon his “otherness,” and (3) actively and passively waiting for and receiving the mercy of our Lord, knowing that he is able to keep me from falling and will present me without blemish before his glory! Amen. I also enjoyed Part 2 of Tipton’s translation of Witsius, a most providential and beneficial read as my husband just started seminary! We did not inherit Reformed theology, but rather, by God’s grace, came to it by conviction. We are still slowly learning and growing in our understanding. To the chagrin of some, we are learning from theologians of various traditions. My husband is a wonderful example of Posidonius’s statement: “He preferred to abandon the group over abandoning the truth.” I shared the article with him, and he was blessed by it! May the Lord grant him humility, wisdom, meekness, and faithful reverence as he defends the truth. Lord, make him a modest theologian by your grace and for your glory! Finally, Michael Horton’s brief yet poignant reminder of the power of the word preached, even the very power of God, ignited a fire in my heart to listen carefully tomorrow when our local body gathers, as “Christ addresses me personally through the lips of a fellow sinner.” In Christ, Sabiana Derenoncourt Jacksonville, Florida
We’d like to hear your thoughts about what you’re reading in the magazine, so please write to us at letters@ modernreformation.org. Due to limited space, keep your letter under 400 words (letters may be edited for length and clarity). We look forward to hearing from you!
