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  • You are here: Blogs Directory / Devotionals / Mel's Weekly Study / Comment List Welcome Guest

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    Just one for practical application in times of reconciling with your brother or sister.

    Timid in Demeanor, Bold in Conviction,

    Mel
    2005-12-10 01:35:45 Posted by Mel ()

    And I did it again, without meaning to. Sorry, my first post for tonight is off the page again...

    Psalm 26:3-5 (if you would rather look it up yourself)

    ;'{P
    2005-12-10 01:38:39 Posted by Mel ()

    As an example:

    http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/reformed/archive97/nr97-035.txt

    From that page:

    "The 1.5-million member UCC is the only mainline denomination in the United States which officially endorsed the ordination of practicing homosexuals."

    My stand on this is that it is wrong to do this. 1.5 million Christians disagree by simply continuing to associate with churches in the UCC. If it is wrong, as I think it is, they have something against their brothers (or sisters) and should voice it strongly enough to be taken seriously. I think the key word here is practicing. I'll admit that I would be uneasy about a person who was a homosexual in the past, but was trying to deal with it while also being a minister, but I would be less likely to make a statement of discernment to say that it was wrong. I'd categorize it as unwise.

    This is a strong position to take, but one where I would disassociate myself if it came to pass in the Church I go to, and could not be corrected by addressing the issue. I would likely be seen as the one with the "hard heart" in a matter like this. I would also believe that they were the one's hardening their hearts to God's will.

    Am I wrong? I am thankfull that I do not have to deal with this. It would be painful, but I would want to make the right choice in God's eyes.

    Truly Thankfull,

    Mel
    2005-12-10 02:04:54 Posted by Mel ()

    Another more frightening movement:

    http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_umc3.htm

    Ugly. I clearly see this as an abomination in the eyes of God. In truth, I know my response is emotional, but I do examine it with as much dispassionate search for the truth as I can muster. I will not accept this as correct behavior. I can accept those who struggle with all kinds of evil, but if they choose to deny it being evil and continue to insist on doing what is wrong, I cannot see how they can ask for my forgiveness and acceptance until they do. Flat out, it is wrong.

    In Truth,

    Mel
    2005-12-10 02:11:49 Posted by Mel ()

    Further commentary along this line:

    http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/united.htm

    I am not beating on the United Methodist Church, BTW. My own Father is an Ordained Minister, who if the Gay and Lesbian Rights Movements get their abominable way and force UM Ministers to perform same sex marriages, will choose to step down, at the least, and leave for another church, if he thinks that by even staying he would be condoning the evil that they (the militant gay and lesbian community, and their aggendas) are doing.

    Surrendering to no evil,

    Mel
    2005-12-10 02:22:22 Posted by Mel ()

    Mel the ucc will not only ordain homosexuals but not long ago they announced they would marry them. This is not a christian organization it is out to destroy what christianity is. How can one read the Bible and believe this is what God wants? This is a perfect example of what happens when political liberalism invades the church. I don't know about you but I would approach that so called church with if not judicial clarity, at least skepticism
    Be blessed
    2005-12-10 04:53:14 Posted by Ross ()

    Condoning homosexual relationships...DEAD WRONG!!! Accepting someone who was once a homosexual and has become a minister... something to rejoice over! Perhaps there is no struggle for one coming out of the gay lifestyle... maybe they were delivered and that was the end of it. If they do have a struggle, all the more reason for compassion and love. We are to condemn the sin, not the sinner. Maybe, just maybe, it would be possible to love everyone?
    I am not trying to be passive or too easy but I care so much for the people that come out of the darkest places. In my church, and my prayer group, there are those who are struggling so hard with past issues. Mostly drugs and alchol but none the less, fighting hard to stay clean.
    Invite the gays into my church and make them leaders...NO! Invite them in and lead them to Christ... YES, definately YES.

    In His Service...and His Love,
    2005-12-10 08:36:40 Posted by Teri ()

    Terri is right. We can't adopt a policy that says that sin is ok but how can we judge sex acts as an unforgivable sin?
    2005-12-10 09:36:33 Posted by Jon ()

    Not unforgivable, Jon. Possibly with more dire consequences in this world than some other sins. Example: Tithing. Shold we put someone out for not giving as they should? I will not answer that. I as of yet can only see that as a matter of faith.

    Teri also touches on another key. The frame of mind. I agree with her on rejoicing over one who has given over a certain sin, such as this, to the Lord's control and trying to be obedient. They may have times when they are less than perfectly victorious, as I am with things I struggle with, but if they are willing to turn away as many times as they need to, (and I don't take "seven times seventy" as a literal limit) ask forgiveness, accept grace and move on with doing what they believe God would have them do, I have no problem with them.

    I think Paul, in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 is addressing dealing with someone with an unrepentant heart. They are unwilling, for whatever reason, to forsake that for the sake of their Lord. I think the seriousness of the sin may or may not have something to do with what Paul said. I think the HEART of the person caught in the sin is the key.

    In that context, I give you the following scripture:

    Matthew 18:15-17

    Christs own words.

    Mel
    2005-12-10 15:11:30 Posted by Mel ()

    Yes, and the heart of the people doing the catching. The One who said "Go and sin no more" first said "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
    2005-12-10 16:14:27 Posted by Jon ()

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