Dear brethren,
I hope this “letter” of sorts comes across with all its intent and hope for blessing and the glorification of God.

Plainly, I posted an article on the web that should not have been posted. The “Reformation Repudiation” article was completely out of line in a number of areas, and it was not helpful to the Kingdom of God in the manner in which it was given. I know that some on the Puritanboard were very critical, and others were supportive. I hope to appease both sides here in just a few words. The manner, attitude and tone of the article was sinful, and I ask your forgiveness in a number of areas.

First, I’ve receive counsel from a number of people, and I appreciated the words of my closest theological mentor. As a result of this, and lots of thought over the last two days, I am retracting that article as something that is to myself, my fellow RPCGA ministers, to Christ and His church, and to God - an embarrassment. It is an embarrassment in attitude and tone, and not glorifying to God for either my denomination or Whitefield Seminary which causes me great sadness, and of which I did not think ahead as to its ultimate outcome as a representative of others. I am not, as I have said so strongly in the past theologically, an island to myself. I am a man under authority, and a representative of others in my denomination.

Secondly, it is apparent that I have offended OPC, PCA, ARPC and other ministers and members, including some RPCGA ministers and members, with what are careless statements in both my posts and the article. I have retracted those statements, and publically apologize to them, asking their forgiveness. The statements I made about other South Florida churches are unacceptable and inexcusable for a minister of the Gospel.

Thirdly, and importantly, my views in anything you read in that article, or in the postings on the Puritanboard, (all of which have been deleted and removed from the internet, including the audio podcast of that article), do not represent the views of either the RPCGA or Whitefield Seminary. Please do not take my own embarrassment to be theirs.

Fourthly, I will be writing a letter of apology to the Westminster and John Knox Presbyteries, asking their forgiveness for the manner and tone I’ve exhibited over the last few days in relation to those statements and posts I made. I did not represent my denomination faithfully.

Friends, I hope you do not hold this sin against me, and pray with me that God will use this time as a time of healing for everyone that was involved in our church plant, seeing clearly God’s Supreme Sovereignty in these matters. We are, as David says, “frames made of dust” and as Paul, “jars of clay.”

One brother said to me in a letter, “it seems to me that you are deficient in the gifts of compassion and mercy (WCF 26:1) both as a minister and a Christian towards your brethren in the Lord, and I would also say that you must learn greater discretion with regard to public speech and writing.” As a result of analyzing this situation in my own life and walk, I would have to agree with that sentiment. That is something I am still working on in my Christian walk overall, and my weakest point overall in ministry. On that, I would ask all of you to pray for me, since a remedy on that will not be overnight. 2 Corinthians 4:16 rings true, - “our inner nature is being renewed day by day.” How we all wish it could be renewed now in an instant to avoid such circumstances as this one I’ve created.

I also pray that anyone who read it would not be deterred from the Reformed Faith, or from the Gospel as a result. That would cause me great shame and heartache, for as you know, I wave that banner very strongly.

I pray, with deepest apologies, that everyone who was affected by this article would forgive me for posting it.

According to Christ’s Good pleasure, and for His glory – CMM.

__________________
C. Matthew McMahon, Ph.D. (Pot hole Digger)
John 5:39, "...search the Scriptures..."

Dr. C. Matthew McMahon.com, www.apuritansmind.com and www.puritanpublications.com
Member - Christ Presbyterian Church

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That was profoundly edifying to me.

Thank you for posting that. I have deep respect for Christian men who are willing to repent openly when they sin openly.

May God's grace continue to abound to you.

__________________
Rich
PCA, Northern VA
Student, New Geneva Theological Seminary

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God bless you and yours, Brother Matt. We should all be so thankful for God's kindness that leads us to repentance. Thanks for the post.

__________________
Josh Hicks, Chloë's Dad
Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church, RPCGA
Facebook - The Calvinist Vent
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It is God that multiplies our sorrows.... God, as a righteous Judge, does it, which ought to silence us under all our sorrows; as many as they are, we have deserved them all, and more: nay, God, as a tender Father, does it for our necessary correction, that we may be humbled for sin, and weaned from the world by all our sorrows; and the good we get by them, with the comfort we have under them, will abundantly balance our sorrows, how greatly soever they are multiplied. - Matthew Henry

God bless you brother! I read most of the exchange but refrained from commenting due to a lack of knowledge of the situation and parties involved. It is very heartening to see your openness to the admonitions of your brothers in Christ and your sincere and humble expression of repentance. May God continue to bless your ministry and cause you to grow in grace, even as He promises to all of His beloved children.

__________________
Douglas W. Comin
Ordained Minister/Ruling Elder
Manchester Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCNA)
Upper Burrell, PA
My Blog - "Comin Sense"
Worship From Genesis to Revelation
http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=1047246

Matt - I appreciate your repentance. May the Lord be your portion during this time. I pray we model your response if we encounter a similar situation.

__________________
Bill Brown
Elder
Reformed Baptist
Maryland

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Visit my BLOG Theology for the Rest of Us

Amen, and praying for you Matthew. Your example in this is edifying; may the Lord be praised for his mercy and grace.

__________________
Chris Coldwell, Lakewood Presbyterian Church (PCA), Dallas, Texas.
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Grace and Peace to you brother.

__________________
Donald Jacobs
Roanoke VA.
Covenant Reformed Episcopal Church.

Cum vero infirmor tunc potens sum.

Matt - I've been praying for you. This had to be a terribly disappointing experience. It's easy to be tempted to sinful emotions, I often give in to this temptation and I have considerably less to be distressed about.

May God use this experience for everyone's growth in grace. Maybe after time has passed you will write another article about the experience that is gracious as well as incisive.

May we all be as quick to accept reproof and repent as you have been!

God bless you, brother!

__________________
The man who is disposed to think of his sin as a great calamity, rather than as a heinous crime, is not likely either to reverence God or to respect His law. - John Kennedy, 1873
Meg
Blog
Member, Intown Presbyterian Church,PCA, Portland, OR

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__________________
Jeremy Gage
First Baptist Church
Durham, NC

"No heart can conceive that treasury of mercies which lies in this one privilege, in having liberty and ability to approach unto God at all times, according to his mind and will." - John Owen

Couldn't have said it better myself - blessings to you, brother.

__________________
-JD

Praise God! The Lord is merciful and full of compassion!


Blessings to you Matt!

__________________
John
Member
Christ Presbyterian Church (OPC)
Salt Lake City, Utah
www.christpres.net

God bless you.

__________________
Traci
Lynnwood OPC
"I have taken all my good deeds, and all my bad deeds, and cast them through each other in a heap before the Lord, and fled from both, and betaken myself to the Lord Jesus Christ, and in him I have sweet peace."--David Dickson

Well said Matt. This is an example we should all do well to follow.

For our King

__________________
For the Glory of our King,
Joe Johnson
Slave of Christ, husband, father, Preacherboy at Cornerstone Community Church, Escanaba, MI. and TMS graduate. Personal website - SoundLife.org

I do not know, and I do not say, that a person cannot believe in Revelation and in evolution, too, for a man may believe that which is infinitely wise and also that which is only asinine. ~ CHS

Incidentally, maybe Lovasik will admit his mistake of being a Roman Catholic anyday now.

__________________
Ryan
1689 London Baptist Confession

Dr. Matt,

I have been in prayer for you my Brother! I am thankful that you have sought godly counsel and correction and have come to the conclusion to retract your article. I am humbled by your request for forgiveness, and offer my forgiveness to you with a joy that only God can bring.
We constantly need to be reminded that we are all fallen; that the seeds of great sin lie within each and every one of our hearts. It is only by God's Grace that we do not follow after our own hearts on a continual basis.
It's God's grace that brings one to true repentance, and God has, I believe, given you that grace regarding this matter. I can say without reservation, "What a great God we serve!"
I ask for your forgiveness for sinful attitudes I have had toward you during the past year. We must constantly be reminded that the Lord forgives us on a minute to minute basis and we are to offer the same forgiveness towards our repentant Brethren, of which I consider you to be one.

__________________
Brian K. Karger
Faith Baptist Church
1689 LBC
www.founders.org

Profoundly edifying, Matt. I too refrained from any comment on the thread but was saddened. I am now gladdened! May God lead and guide you.

JH

__________________
Jonathan Hunt

Elder holding forth the word of life at:
Cheltenham Evangelical Free Church (Confessionally Based)
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

Logic is a systematic method of coming to the wrong conclusion with confidence.
-- Thomas Elsworth

Praise God for his mercy and grace. I, too, didn't comment. But, I have been praying for you. May our glorious God continue to lead, guide, and comfort you. I know how painful a 'blown' plant can be.

__________________
We shall not adjust our Bible to the age; but before we have done with it, by God's grace, we shall adjust the age to the Bible. - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Lawrence Underwood, Jr.
Pastor - Providence Family Fellowship / Mobile, Alabama
1644/46 LBC
My Blog - Imprimis

Praise God! He is certainly glorified by this.

To God be the glory! It's a beautiful thing when God grants repentance. This has been a great example for Christians especially those entering into the Pastoral ministry.

Grace and peace, brother.

__________________
Chris
Presbyterian Reformed Church of Charlotte (PRC)
Student, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
SC

...hope is nothing but the nourishment and strength of faith.
~ Calvin's Institutes III.ii.43

You are a preacher of the Gospel worthy to be followed brother.

__________________
Psa 55:16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
Psa 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
James Farley
Husband of Melissa and father of Ann.
Members of Redeemer Church ARP, Blacksburg Va.
http://www.redeemerblacksburg.org/

Well said.

God Bless.

__________________
Kevin Rogers
Sovereign Community Church, PCA
Moncton NB

Dearest Brother Matthew,

May God continue to grow you through this time.

I beleive what you said in both the orginal article and this apology is something we can all learn from, and that is:

"No matter what we say or do, we always represent someone"

As I mentioned to you previously in a PM, I can remember a time when a man's name and reputation was important, and if his wife, children or employee's tarnished that name in anyway, it reflected back on him.

Most people in society today (even many who call themselves Christians) do not care about protecting their reputations or the reputations of those they represent, they live by the worlds belief "any publicity is good publicity" and that is how they live their lives.

As we all here, call ourselves Christians we represent Christ, and as we all belong to a church body, we also represent that Church body in which we are affliated with. So we should all ask ourselves...do we represent them in a good way? or do we in anyway hurt their reputation?

It is interesting for me as God shows me these things, as our church is currently in the process of praying for and seeking out Godly men within our congregation for the offices of Elder and deacon; our pastor has been teaching on this topic. He printed out a list of questions all of which were about a man's reputation--not just his reputation before the church, but before his family and society as a whole.

So all of these things God is using in my own life to teach me how to pray for these men God is calling out to hold these positions.

On another note, my oldest daughter has recently started spending time with a young man, so they are the same qualities I want her to look for in any young man who desires to spend time with her, and it helps me to know questions in which to ask these young men when they come calling...for any of my daughters now and in the future.

And as I mentioned in the previous post, may God use this time to grow you closer to and more like Him as you walk with Him, and as I read this apology I see Christ represented faithfully.

__________________
Bobbi Clark
Covenant Member
Pinewood Pres. (PCA) Middleburg

When I kept Silent, My bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. Psalm 32:3

Praying for you, dear sir! And for all involved in the church plant that didn't take root even after much prayer and effort.

Reading your post here is like Proverbs 19:20 come alive:

"Listen to counsel and accept discipline,
That you may be wise the rest of your days."

Wisdom is good. ;^)

__________________
Anne Ivy
Christ Chapel Bible Church
Fort Worth, Texas

Widowed mother of six, grandmother of eight.

The Ivy Vine (my blog)

Dear Matt, what a wonderful example to us all! God bless you.

Your post was truly reformed--acknowledging our utter poverty and God's abundant grace! Hallelujah!

__________________
Marty
Ordained Presbyter; Currently Lecturer in Theology
Anglican Church of Australia
(Now finally back! in) Perth, Australia.
"There is nothing so necessary to draw us to repentance as good thoughts of God." (Thomas Manton)

Thanks all.

If any of you referred others to read the article that was posted, please refer them to read the retraction. I don't want them to linger out there with something like that.

Blessings.

Dear Matthew,

Thank you for your palpably contrite post. I believe you have evidenced "fruits meet for repentance". Of course, you have my forgiveness, dear brother, and I pray, along with you, that this good resolution might conduce to God's glory.

Praise God for His grace and mercy to sinners such as we are!

__________________
Rev. Todd Ruddell
Pastor, Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCGA)
Wylie, TX
www.christcovenantreformedpc.org

Our best marks can contribute nothing to our justification, ...that is proper to faith. Faith cannot lodge in the soul alone, and without other graces; yet faith alone justifies before God.--G. Gillespie

Matt,
God gives grace to the humble. Thank you for your example.
Jim

__________________
Jim
An Elder, Harvest Reformed Church (RCUS),Minot, ND
http://www.harvestreformedchurch.org/
http://tbftgoggi.wordpress.com/

Upon a life I did not live; upon a death I did not die, Another's death, Another's life, I'd rest my soul eternally
Omnia dicta fortiora,si dicta Latina
Si vis pacem, para bellum

This is in the Prayer forum, IOW members only. Would it be a good idea to move it to the general forum so that others who were referred to could read?

__________________
Chris Rhoades -33
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church (PCA) Nashville, TN-Under Care

Vera theologia non theoretica, sed practica est; Finis siquidem eius agere est hoc est vitam vivere deiformem. - Martin Bucer
""True theology is not theoretical, but practical. The end of it is living, that is to live a godly life."

Moved to the APM Update thread.

Matt, I'm praying for you. I'm thankful God has granted you repentance. May he guide you into the best place possible to use your gifts for His church.

__________________
Patrick
MDiv, RTS Jackson
Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church (OPC), Lisbon, NY

"He does well, that discourses of Christ; but he does infinitely better, that by experimental knowledge, feeds and lives on Christ." Thomas Brooks.
"Let us not please ourselves that we have deep understandings, but let us shew our understandings by our practice." Richard Sibbes

We are grateful for the tools and fellowship of the board. Thanks for giving us a place to fellowship and be theological Matt. We deeply appreciate it.

We also love you in Christ.

Randy

__________________

Norseman Moderator

R. Martin Snyder
1689er
http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/puritancovenanter/

"Our object should not be to have scripture on our side but to be on the side of scripture; and however dear any sentiment may have become by being long entertained, so soon as it is seen to be contrary to the Bible, we must be prepared to abandon it without hesitation."
William Symington

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There is none so pliable and useful to our Lord as he who submits in humility before his peers and His God asking for forgiveness!
God truly gives grace to the humble!
May He bless you greatly and use you mightily!

__________________
Nancy L./ www.foundersbaptist.org
Spring, TX

Your will, Lord Jesus Christ! Nothing more... nothing less... nothing else.

Dear Rev. McMahon,

May God continue to bless you and your family, my brother. I am writing this with tears in my eyes. God is so gracious to us dear brother.

Blessings in Christ,
Terry W. West

__________________
Terry W. West
My family and I are members of [URL="http://www.covenantchurch-hebersprings.com/"]Covenant Church[/URL] in Heber Springs, AR. A member congregation of the [URL="http://mvparp.org/"]Mississippi Valley Presbytery[/URL] of the [URL="http://arpsynod.org/"]Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church[/URL].
My Blog:
[url]http://reformedchristianmuse.reformedblogs.com/[/url]

Thank you everyone for your prayers.