Bob Coy's Sin-More Than A Moral Failure.

As most of you probably already know, last Sunday, Bob Coy the head pastor of one the largest churches in the US, resigned his position amidst scandal. According to news sources, he had cheated on his wife Diane.

No details regarding the affair have been released. Church leaders at Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale are wisely remaining silent. A statement taken from the church’s website surprisingly down plays the spiritual seriousness of his adulterous affair by calling it a moral failing.

Adultery is not something you simply fall into. For someone in Bob Coy’s position, it is a cataclysmic undertaking requiring forethought and purpose. It does not happen by accident, nor does it force you into submission. The man who cheats on his wife doesn’t accidentally find himself in the arms of another woman. Adultery is warmed up to and then purposefully embraced. Sexual affairs require deception at the highest levels. Forgive me for being obstinate, but this was a bit more then a moral failing. It was a deliberate act of rebellion against the Spirit of God and His Word.

Over the last several days I have heard my local church leaders at Calvary Chapel rightly caution against harshly judging Bob. I am touched by their compassion and their mercy. There is no doubt that he has done a great deal for the kingdom of God. He was a strong leader and a voice of reason. Bob Coy is not a kook like so many other pastors who have gained national attention for their “moral failings”. I agree with his doctrines and I found his teachings sound and inspiring. He was not given to extremes and he did not appear to be after people’s money. Those who know him speak well of him. Yet despite his many virtues, He broke his sacred covenant with his wife and sinned against God in way that should have been beneath someone of his maturity and position.

I understand the need to show mercy and forgiveness. But let us not diminish the seriousness of his sin. Indeed Bob is only human; indeed we should look to Christ and not him. OK, but in reality, people do see him as an example and rightly so, he was a very influential teacher, a man of God. It must be said that Bob Coy’s sin reflects poorly on all Christianity. It dishonors God’s reputation and calls into question every verse in the bible that speaks of our power over sin via the Grace of God.

I can't look at Bob without pausing to look inward. Considering the times in my life that I to have sinned. Bob Coy's sin is a wake up call to all of us who serve God openly and publicly. Whom much is given, much is expected. Beware pastor and teacher of God’s Word. Fear God and be doers of His Word and not hearers only. Bob did not Fear God and as a result, his sin was made known.

I am glad to hear that Bob has submitted himself to the church’s leadership for discipline, accountability, and counseling. He has fallen into the arms of folks that love him. I pray that he is able to reconcile with his wife and family. I hope he sees his sin as more then a moral failing, and that he will begin to walk in the fear of God.

Your Brother in Christ

ABR