A November 6, 2017 update

While I will keep the original assumption of the source below, since it was a reasonable, it now appears that the source of the state’s visit is due to the leadership at Meadowview. Perhaps this is the PCA’s version of the Spanish Inquisition? What does Meadowview, or the PCA, fear from an attempt to follow the Scriptural mandate to reconcile? If I am a threat, is it because of John 12:43?

1 Corinthians 6

1When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?  2Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?  3Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!  4So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church?  5I say this to your shame.  Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, 6but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers?  7To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?  8But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers

It first needs to be pointed out that this site and my efforts are toward reconciliation. This is the focus of this site with some emphasis at /Reconcile.

It appears someone in North Carolina has again turned to the state rather than pursuing direct dialog or has found “no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers”. I’m sorry to hear that that seems to be the state of the institution in North Carolina.

I did receive a face-to-face visit from a gentlemen from the Cleveland Police Department who was acting in behalf of the Bradly County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina. The interaction was cordial and direct. It is documented by time here for your review.

It was a humorous note to me that our first face-to-face meeting occurred exactly 500 years from the day Martin Luther hammered his 95 Thesis to the door. Consider “95 Theses approximately”. Now someone claiming to represent Meadowview Presbyterian Church wants the state to silence me from proclaiming Christ to their institution? Solomon was right, “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecc 1:9).

This is my summary of what is happening from the evidence before me. If anyone would consider direct communications, I am willing, as always.

This is an act of intimidation

However, it has no legal weight. No change on my part will occur until evidence is provided otherwise.

I don’t think legal action is possible nor wise for my wife and kids.

My 5 times-a-week call attempt to my kids are within what is stipulated in Tennessee state law. Considering they have not been answered by my kids in over a year, it does seem like this is a greater violation of state law than my attempt to reconcile. Which is more loving, denying a dad from speaking to his kids for over a year, or a husband pursuing reconciliation with his wife?

Other issues like this include the stopping of my being informed about my kids and their education, and the refusal to allow a dad’s denial of medical consent to be applied to my kids. I don’t think this is wise to pursue, and again, I will not pursue it by my initiation. It would be a shameful thing to do so.

But there is something more important!

My guess is that this was initiated by Jim Cross, my father-in-law, with agreement from my wife. This is only a guess since again direct communication is not pursued by my family. As a claimed follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, why turn to the state? Why do so when, as described above, it is being done from a weak position? Why do so when direct communications is constantly requested by me, but ignored by my family? I suggest this was a foolish act and I hope will not be repeated. May I again point out the Lord’s commands, such as 1Co7:11, and Mat 5:24.

Pastor Bitterman, is this how the institutional church should be following the Lord’s commands? Are you aware how a representative from the state has portrayed you and your institution?

Mr. Cross, perhaps we should communicate as brothers. You have been asked by me more than once. It would still be my joy to reconcile with you as brothers. Are you willing?