'Tis a Mystery in this Fair Land; Will Somebody Please Help Me Understand?

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today responded to the United Methodist Church’s decision to reaffirm homophobic language which says homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching and its failure to reverse a decision by the church’s Judicial Council to allow pastors to reject lesbian and gay people who seek membership in the church. The vote, which passed by a margin of only 84 votes out of more than 900 cast, reaffirmed discriminatory language in the Discipline of the United Methodist Church and failed to counteract an earlier decision by the denominations judicial body. The vote was taken on Wednesday, April 30, at the United Methodist General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Separately, the church voted against anti-transgender legislation and voted to oppose "all forms of violence or discrimination based on gender, gender identity, sexual practice or sexual orientation." --- Part of press release by Human Rights Campaign, May 5, 2008

It's a mystery that has been around now for a few decades. Here are some of the elements ----

How is it that those who practice sodomy and lesbianism (and heterosexuals who support their agenda) speak in glowing terms regarding those who agree with them? But those who object to the practices of sodomy and lesbianism on moral grounds are automatically tagged as persons who are hateful and afflicted with bigotry and homophobia?

How is it that those involved in promoting the sodomite/lesbian agenda can quote Bible verses and such referencing of Scripture is considered a tactic that is quite acceptable? But those who object to sodomy and lesbianism are not permitted to refer to the Scriptures. If they do, they are guilty of using "clobber" references and the unpardonable sin of using "proof texts!"

How is it that within the church there are voices which say that God is giving us "new revelation" on human sexuality and sodomy and lesbianism as practiced within committed monogamous relationships are just as legitimate as marriage between a male and a female? This seems to get quite a chorus of amens. But those who insist that God's revelation is complete with a volume of information made up of 66 books which conclude with the book of The Revelation are considered to be a bunch of narrow-minded Bible idolaters!

How is it that there are those who speak of ALL being welcome at the Table (where the symbolical elements of the Lord's Supper are being served) with little or no emphasis on repentance from sin? This is considered a great thing because we are ALL regarded as being children of God. But those who stress the need to repent from all sin, including sexual sin, before partaking of those symbolical elements representing the body and shed blood of our Lord Jesus are considered mean-spirited, judgmental and even un-Christian!

Can you answer this mystery for me along with one final question -- if I had to repent of my sexual sins (which I will not detail here), then why does a person practicing the sexual sin of sodomy or one practicing the sexual sin of lesbianism not have to repent?

The response from some will be that these are not sins under certain conditions -- OK, then where and when did Almighty God give His approval? Please limit your response to books, chapters and verses only!

Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. --- 1 John 3:4-10

Ooops! I Just Couldn't Resist This One!

Vice President Dick Cheney made a surprise visit to United States troops in Iraq today... --- news announcement made at noon, March 17, 2008

Quite a bit of hoopla over the fact that Vice President Dick Cheney dropped in on U.S. troops serving in Iraq -- it was a "surprise" thing, but then maybe there was a reason for that.

In a sound bite the Vice President said that Iraq was now safer than the last time that he visited there. That raises a question in the minds of some of us, or maybe more than one question --

Is Iraq safer because Cheney left his shotgun at home? Is it because everyone refused to do some hunting with him while he was in Iraq? Or is it because military commanders saw his shotgun, confiscated it and then told the VP that it would not be returned until he underwent an intensive combat training course lasting 16 weeks? And at the end of that time he would have his shotgun returned on the condition that he always be the point man on all patrols, with all the troops a few yards directly behind him so long as he remains in Iraq!

Yea, I already know -- as some of my church people have suggested, I've got too much time on my hands! But it's not that the Devil made me do it, but it's the nature of politics and politicians that's brings things such as this about!

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven... a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance... --- Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4

Another Response to Little Devil -- This Time It's About the Bible!

Little Devil (referred to in yesterday's posting) replied to me with an email containing a link which took me to a site comprised of a lot of writings which attempted to shred the Bible. As noted in my reply, this kind of stuff has been going on for centuries. Please note especially the quote from John 3 at the end of my response which clearly explains such shenanigans as these taking place!

December 28, 2007

Dear little devil:

I checked the link you sent me in regard to what certain reputed “scholars” have to say about the Bible.

As I moved about in those statements I was reminded of an observation made in the book of Ecclesiastes by King Solomon that there is nothing new under the sun!

Down through the centuries a two-pronged assault has been focused on the Person of Jesus Christ and the Scriptures which bear witness to Who He is, why He was born into this world, what He accomplished, and what He is scheduled to do in the future.

At times there is clearly a fiendish delight coming forth from that crowd which has totally rejected the claims and demands of Jesus as they indulge in their feeble efforts to shred the inspired Record that provides all the information necessary for a person to become personally acquainted with God.

The one thing they cannot explain is the miracle of transformed lives which have been touched by this Jesus of Whom the Bible speaks in the most explicit terms!

We can make reference to one such as Paul the apostle – a religious zealot who was determined to destroy Christianity and all who were identified as Christians in faith. But then after a personal encounter with Jesus this same Paul was just as zealous in declaring Jesus to be God in human form and the only way of salvation and hope.

Centuries later there was John Wesley, an Anglican clergyman, who testified to a “heart warming” experience in trusting Jesus alone for his salvation from sin and eternal hell. He and others began preaching Christ-centered messages that resulted in what came to be known as the “Great Awakening” which impacted England in the 18th Century. At least some historians agree that the revival may well have saved England from a bloody revolution similar to that which took place in France in those days when human blood ran by the gallons due to an apparatus called the guillotine!

And we need to consider a man by the name of John Newton. He was the vulgar captain of a slave ship and it was reported that when he got mad and the profanities spewed forth from his mouth that his sailors trembled, fearing that Almighty God would strike them all dead. But a mighty miracle took place as John Newton’s life was turned around 180 degrees when He repented of his wicked way of living and received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of his life. His testimony in part is revealed in a song which he wrote. The title is, “Amazing Grace,” and has been a great favorite among Christians for decades.

Time and space do not permit reference to so many others from all walks of life who have been miraculously transformed by Jesus Christ and who live with daily assurance of His presence with them as based on promises given through His Word.

I close with a quote from an unknown African pastor as he faced the year 2006:

December 31, 2005

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me - my banner will be clear!

Anonymous African pastor –- statement was nailed to his wall.

I rest my case!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." --- John 3:16-21

Response to "Little Devil" About Jesus on Christmas Day!

I received an email from one whose name in the address included "little devil." It was sent to me just a few minutes before midnight on December 24th. I quote the entire email message as given below:

You must have read "The Da Vinci Code"

History says that Jesus Christ was a mortal man and not the son of God.

Any comment?

My response, which was sent out on Christmas Day, 2007, is quoted below:

Dear little devil:

Thanks for getting in touch. Your message centers on the identity of Jesus and those who insist that He is merely a mortal human being and nothing more. You asked if I had any comment, and so I respond as follows……

First, I have not read “The Da Vinci Code” in its entirety. I have read bits and pieces, reviews, excerpts, comments by others on the book, etc. Having spent time in the past researching select theologians who were much more expert and sophisticated in expressing their unbelief than does the author of “The Da Vinci Code,” I have chosen not to waste my time by reading the whole book.

Second, when you mention about “history” declaring that Jesus is just a mortal man, you need to remember that there are numerous historical records which testify that He is indeed God revealed in human form – the mysterious blending of the divine and the human into one very unique individual.

The primary and authoritative record is the holy Scriptures (Bible) which contain predictions of His birth hundreds of years before it took place, the facts of His miraculous birth, His sinless life as lived for a few years on earth (the earth which He created), His sacrificial death for sinners such as you and I, His resurrection following crucifixion, and His promised return to earth as some future point in time to take control and rule it as King of kings and Lord of lords!

There are many other written sources down through history which speak of Jesus in the same manner as He is revealed in the Scriptures.

My view of Jesus is not limited to what the Bible says about Him, but also through what I have personally experienced in my life. You see, many years ago I received Him into my life as Savior and Lord. I had been living a very self-centered life and indulging in a sinful way of life which I will not detail here.

Jesus changed my life and did a lot of amazing things then and continues to do them now – and the best is yet to be!

This is a faith experience by choice with His love going out to every human being. Each of us must choose what we will do with Jesus Christ. He’ll never twist anyone’s arm to force that person to accept Him and the plan He has for that person’s life. In the strictest sense, He is indeed a gentleman Who respects our power to choose for ourselves what we want or do not want.

The world and the majority of its population wallows in unbelief at the present time – atheism, agnosticism, and other various “isms” are very popular and widely accepted. The common thread that all share is the denial of Who Jesus Christ really is, what He has done, and what He plans to do in the future!

But once you make your personal acquaintance with Him, you will know He is God “dressed up” in human clothes! So I say to you that Jesus loves you as He loves me and all others – He died for your sins just as He did for mine – and you can be forgiven and live forever in His Kingdom just as He has forgiven me and assured me of a future place in His eternal Kingdom. Check out “God Dressed Up in Bones, Flesh and Blood!”

In a sense He has served the ball into your side of the court – you have to make the choice as to what you will do with it! It puts one in an awkward position similar to a man 2,000 years ago who said, “What then shall I do with Jesus Who is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:22). The overwhelming response to that question was, “Let Him be crucified!” And so it goes pretty much the same way in today's world, does it not?

Thanks again for writing. I am responding on Christmas Day and it is my prayer that Christmas will have the same meaning to you as it has had to me for 50 years – and it gets better as each year passes because of the best Friend I ever had – His name is Jesus Christ!

Still contending at www.crrange.com, blogging at http://cdharriger.blogspot.com and warning at www.crrange.com/USACoffin.html

Clayton

Lying Does Pay Off!

They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, beguiling unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. --- 2 Peter 2:13a,14

Lying thrives in a culture such as ours. It is a practice involving persons of all ages -- from the very young who are just getting started in school to those in the sunset years who already have one foot in the grave and the other one is getting to be very shaky!

Lying happens due to a variety of motives:

• to avoid acceptance of the truth and the accountability that goes along with acceptance of the truth
  
• to avoid taking responsibility for bad decisions made and actions following those decisions
  
• to assassinate a person's character
  
• to seek revenge against a person for some alleged "wrong" done by that person
  
• to increase one's financial holdings
  
• to gain a prominent and powerful position for oneself
  

Lying always does immeasurable damage wherever it takes place.

It is strictly prohibited by God as listed in the code of the 10 commandments. The statement is simple, requiring no further explanation: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." (Exodus 20:16)

One area where the greatest devastation takes place is within that group of persons professing to be Christian in faith and followers of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

We are not as free to be "liberal" in our interpretations of the Scriptures as we would like to think! For instance:

• God has revealed that there was an Adam and there was an Eve -- our first "parents" and through whom the human race had its origin. But there are those (pastors, professors, church leaders, theologians, and laity) who say there never were such persons in existence -- God says He made them. But certain humans lie and say that Adam and Eve never really existed! That's more than a tad of a slap in God's face, wouldn't you say?
  
  
• God says the world got so wicked at one point that He destroyed all living things, human and animal, except for those on board an ark. The "spot & blemish" bunch (identified previously) scattered among professing Christians lie and say the event reported as a universal flood judgment never really happened!
  
  
• God has revealed that He brought the Israelites out of Egypt and at one point opened up that vast body of water known as the Red Sea, making the crossing possible for them. And then God permitted the waters to return to their natural condition, drowning the Egyptian military in the process as it zealously pursued the Israelites. The "spot & blemish" crowd lies and says it never happened!
  
  
• God has explicitly revealed the boundaries of how we humans are to experience our sexuality. That experience is limited to a male and female who have entered into the covenant of marriage. All other types of sexual activity which are mentioned in God's revelation are forbidden and labeled as sin or in some cases, worse than that, as being abominations! But the "spot & blemish" crowd lies and says that some forms of sexual behavior are good, and even preferable -- and worse, they claim that God gives His approval to such so that even in the church which professes to be Christian, just about any kind of sexual shenanigans are acceptable! God has yet to make His response to this updated standard of morality!
  
  
• God has revealed that with a love which defies human understanding He gave His Son, Jesus, to be a substitutionary sacrifice for all the sins committed by all the members of the human race. Further, that Jesus is the only way of salvation and entrance into God's Heaven. Christianity, unfortunately, is plagued by the "spot & blemish" crowd which says that there are other ways to get to Heaven through the many other faiths which presently exist in today's world, and we who are Christian should not be so dogmatic upon insisting that Jesus is exclusively the way to salvation and ultimately to Heaven!
  
  
• God has said there is a Hell and a lot of people are going to end up in that place. The "spot & blemish" crowd lies and says that there is no Hell! With unregenerate and warped minds they try to reason that God could never be a "God of love" if even one human ended up in Hell!
  
  
• God says there is a Devil on the loose along with a host of demons in league with him. The "spot & blemish" crowd lies and says there is no Devil and there are no demons!
  
  
• God says there will be a series of devastating judgments visited upon this earth in the future. The "spot & blemish" crowd lies and says there will be no such events because -- now by this time you can guess it -- yes, that's what they say -- "God is a God of love and compassion -- why He would never bring those terrible things associated with judgement upon anyone!"
  

So what we have at times is a major conflict -- with God saying one thing and the "spot & blemish" crowd within the ranks of Christianity saying the opposite -- God says He did it and they say He didn't, etc!

It comes down to this -- who is to be believed? Always keep in mind that lying does pay off, and if you go along with the lie/s, the future will not be pleasant. God has the last word on that matter, not the "spot & blemish" crowd -----

And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." --- Revelation 21:6-8

Labels and Pigeon Holes!

So there was a division among the people because of Him. -- John 7:43

What kind of label do you wear? In a culture such as ours it is possible to wear about anything, whether it is something you have selected or what others prefer to hang on you.

Along with that is the "pigeon hole" thing with labels over each one. This is what I think of in the United Methodist Church where I am an ordained elder with membership in the W. PA Annual Conference. Over the years ministry in the UMC has undergone quite an evolution -- there were some "pigeon holes" for ministers when I began, but now it's like a plague running unchecked. We've got more labels for our pastors and the slots into which they are placed than that proverbial fellow who had a bunch of liver pills! They always make sure that the ordained elder is at the top of the heap and after that you have associate members, lay pastors, part time lay pastors, student pastors, deacons, etc. And I haven't named all the slots on this either!

Then to add to this quagmire, you have labels which are supposed to identify where you are on the theological totem pole! One is liberal, conservative, evangelical, middle-of-the-road, fundamentalist, orthodox, Bible-believer, etc. In politics it gets about as crazy as it is within church circles.

So what kind of label do you attach to yourself? And what do others put on you? This latter one can get pretty far out, depending on the first one you claim to wear. Ever hear the term "homophobic" applied to someone -- usually it connects to the choice of a special label a person has chosen to wear which has stirred up intense feelings from some who wear a label of a much different kind!

Speaking for myself -- I try to avoid any of those aforementioned labels having to do with a theological position, although some may have branded me as bouncing in between evangelical and fundamentalist! But really I chose not to wear either of those -- I prefer "maverick" -- it always evokes a response of some kind -- from raw hatred to a more positive "Amen!" type of thing! I am aware that there are those out there somewhere who want to identify with that term somehow. It's still a matter of choice.

The best Friend I ever had stirred things up in the culture He visited a long time ago -- the people just could not agree in their assessment of Him. Some said that He was a good person -- others said He was of the Devil and in league with him. May it be so with us who claim to identify with the Christian faith -- our exposure to others will result in a similar response, rather than people shrugging their shoulders and saying, "I have no response to make!" about ___________. (You don't want your name in that blank space, do you?)

And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." -- Matthew 24:4-14