Refreshing may not the first thought that typically comes to mind when the word sanctification is broached, but that’s exactly what the panel presentation on sanctification by Dr. Bryan Chapell and Dr. Mike Ross at the PCA General Assembly was!

Though we decry what we see as a lack of wisdom in Vanderbilt’s policy, our consciences are clear that we have not shirked our responsibilities by remaining on campus at Vanderbilt. Why? Because to date it has not enforced this policy in such a way that binds our consciences, impelling us to leave.

After the Thursday evening worship service, the Assembly reconvened with the plan to complete all their business and then adjourn, meaning they would not have to meet again on Friday morning.

On a vote with a majority of about 60%, the General Assembly on Thursday approved an overture from Potomac Presbytery that asked that no 'in thesi' statement be made concerning evolution and Adam.

As the General Assembly resumed business on Thursday after the morning seminars, the first item of business taken up was the Review of Presbytery Records. It is the work of this committee to review records from the previous calendar year of all Presbyteries in the denomination. This is a long, arduous process and that committee now meets a month prior to the assembly to complete their work.

He explained that his intention was not to change Young Earth Creationists into Old Earth Creationists. His desire was to have those who hold to a young earth at least understand that those who hold to an old earth do so for plausible reasons. He repeated his desire to remove a stumbling block to the faith that requires a belief in a young earth.

Dr. Ross is an author with a particular interest in church revitalization. He has authored two books Preaching for Revitalization and The Light of the Psalms: Deepening Your Faith with Every Psalm. And since 2002 when it began, Ross has authored the Bible studies for the PCA’s 50 Days of Prayer booklet.

In finishing its work on Tuesday (June 19) the Overtures Committee passed the following recommendations to be presented to the General Assembly:

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the wood* of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the wood* are for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:1-2

"The Stated Clerk of the PCA is presently serving as the Chairman of the NAE Board of Directors and Executive Committee and an ex officio member of the Board of World Relief…the PCA has contacts with other evangelical Christian denominations, organizations, individuals, and ministries, shares in the mercy ministries of the World Relief Commission, participates in world evangelization, and has a greater voice and influence in civic engagement through the NAE…" (Extract from Permanent Committee)