tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14457001.post112674729561797314..comments2024-01-31T09:33:05.146-08:00Comments on Two World Collision: Lighten Up Thou Hypocrite!Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03948061964482528393noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14457001.post-1129157750604513422005-10-12T15:55:00.000-07:002005-10-12T15:55:00.000-07:00It is written, "let he who is without sin cast the...It is written, "let he who is without sin cast the first stone." We as the followers of Christ are not called to condemn but to show the light of the Master we follow. We are called to be like Christ. He didnt stone the adulteress and we are not to either. We are called to deliver his message in love and mercy. The Corinthian's were very worldly but Paul said they were on the right path to salvation and were brothers in Christ. I think we as church need to stop judging and leave that to the master. He is the only one qualified for the job. Follow the Golden Rules, "against these their are no commandments." I think when we judge and condemn in our hearts we fullfill the role of the Great Accusser. We are called to protect ourselves from impurity, but God is the only one qualified to decide what is impurity for all. It is written, "not all my vessels are gem encrusted."<BR/>JustSidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14457001.post-1126897615872931162005-09-16T12:06:00.000-07:002005-09-16T12:06:00.000-07:00Refer to the blog post following this one for my r...Refer to the blog post following this one for my response to these comments.Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03948061964482528393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14457001.post-1126891279812549732005-09-16T10:21:00.000-07:002005-09-16T10:21:00.000-07:00Eric,I have really enjoyed learning along with you...Eric,<BR/><BR/>I have really enjoyed learning along with you on your journey. God is using you to stretch me and force me lean more heavily on Him than on my worldview. <BR/><BR/>That said, I agree with Angel that you are inaccurate in calling yourself a hypocrite. What’s more I wonder if we are neglecting some teachings of the Bible when we say “we cannot decide for someone else what is right or wrong on this issue”.<BR/><BR/>In 1 Corinthians 5-7 Paul writes to brothers and sisters in Christ extensively on sexual immorality and it’s proper place in marriage. First in chapter 5, he implores them to be on guard against “sexual immorality among you”. He mentions the specific type of sexual immorality that was going on…“a man has his father’s wife.” He goes on to tell the church there that they should be filled with grief and put the person out of the fellowship. “I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.” Paul says, and “hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.” “Don’t even associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral…” “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you NOT to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked person from among you.”<BR/><BR/>He goes on to talk more about fleeing from sexual immorality. He says that because he knows the kind of power the sexual drive of a person can be, even for “religious” believers. He goes on to talk about sex in marriage, THE God-honoring context for sexual intercourse.<BR/><BR/>That said, I feel we are moving to an inaccurate understanding of God if we say we cannot tell brothers and sisters that they are living in sin or being disobedient to God. The human sin nature is too powerful for us to be silent with one another. Trusting each individual to determine the scope of God’s rule on his/her life leads to polytheism, we each worship our own god made in our own image. <BR/><BR/>Please don’t read this as a call to rally the “Bedroom Brigade” and begin policing people’s lives. It is a call though to deeper accountability with regards to sexual behavior among fellow believers. We must give due respect and regard to the power of sexuality by intentionally asking one another about God’s reign in this area of our lives. If we do not we risk facing the wrath of a Holy God for our lack of corporate discipleship.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14457001.post-1126846807721312952005-09-15T22:00:00.000-07:002005-09-15T22:00:00.000-07:00I think you're a little too hard on yourself somet...I think you're a little too hard on yourself sometimes ;) But I understand what you're saying.<BR/><BR/>Sex is a difficult issue, no matter your orientation or religious affiliation. <BR/><BR/>I don't see you as being a hypocrite. Rather, it's a situation you haven't found yourself in. There's nothing wrong with having a conviction about how you would want to respond in a committed relationship.<BR/><BR/>Being a hypocrite would be judging others for something you have already done (at least IMO).<BR/><BR/>As always, I feel like reading your blog expands my brain a bit--thanks ;)The Rainbow Zebrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10556423049067122472noreply@blogger.com