mnw,
Actually, all of the questions you raise it up to the local church. If that is what your church wills as lead by the Spirit, then do it that way. That has nothing to do with how any other church conducts its membership qualifications. In most churches, the pastor's authority in these matters is only part of the picture, the congregation has the final say.
Christian Values "Discrimination"
Discussion in '2006 Archive' started by mnw, Dec 14, 2006.
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I enjoyed your post Ann.
And Saturne, I agree. The authority lies with the congregation and each local church must make its own decisions. -
Incidentally, I'm sure it's well-known why you never responded to my request to explain about the man in I Corinthians 5 with regard to your claims about accepting or withholding fellowship. -
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3-page warning: This thread will be closed no sooner than 4:00 a.m. ET by one of the moderators.
Lady Eagle -
Joseph Botwinick -
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Why are you trying to have a Biblical discussion with Galatian? It is as futile as trying to convince Crossan, Spong, and Borg that the miracles of Jesus actually happened. Pray for God to show him mercy and grace and open his eyes to the truth and move on. It really is the best thing you could do for him.
Joseph Botwinick -
If I may respond to Galatian: In the story about the Pharisees bringing an adulteress before Jesus, after He sent them on their way, He didn't let the adulteress "off the hook"; He told her, "Go, and sin no more."
The woman at the well? Jesus told her plainly, "You have several husbands," identifying her sin problem.
So Galatian, you're correct: All sins are sin.
So if homosexuality is a sin (which I believe it is), then why would you ask an unrepentent, practicing sinner to be a Sunday School teacher? Or a deacon?
Would you allow an unrepentent, practicing adulterer to head a Bible study group? Would you allow an unrepentent, practicing adulterer to participate in or even lead activities representing your church?
"Membership," for most here, denotes identifying one's self with a local, called-out assembly. I can visit any church I want to, but in accordance with my understanding and belief that a "church" is a local, called-out assembly, I have my membership with one particular called-out local group.
I'm assuming Galatian is using a different "dictionary" on some of the definitions here, and that's what's causing some of the "discussion." -
Thanks for the posts Alcott, Joseph and Don. I was beginning to question my sanity. :)
I know I disagree with you, Joseph, on a few things, but at least I can understand your reasoning and know how you reach your conclusions.
But this latest discussion I just found myself thinking :BangHead: . :smilewinkgrin:
I think Don got it right. We were using the same terms but with different definitions and that is why this post rolled on and on and on and on... -
And on that note, this thread is closed per the previous 3-page warning.
LE
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