The Vestibule (returning soon)

Are we on tonight for discussing the two gospels in the Bible, the Gospel preached by Peter and the Gospel preached by Paul?
I found some interesting discussion on the website, For What Saith The Scriptures.

I think it will be helpful to jot down some pertinent scriptures as we explore this topic... This seems like a good place to start:

1 Corinthians 2:13-14 (nkjv)
13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned

Thanks for those kind words Mike. Mike, Dave and I had a really good time talking about the Lord and getting into to some topics that got us all thinking. Jesus is the center piece to everything we discuss. One of my favorite sayings now is that Jesus was, and is, a successful Savior. He came to this world, not to condemn it but to save it. I believe He accomplished that task. I truly hope that whoever reads these posts will join us for some thought provoking discussions. You may not agree with everything I believe, but you will be doing what we are called to do... learn about Jesus.

I (like many of you) received the following email from Greg Davis as a reminder to attend what has been jokingly called his "heretic studies" Bible study group:

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Hi all. I know this is really late notice for most of you but I am starting up my "Not Mainstream Doctrine" bible study again tonight at 6:30pm. Everyone is welcome to come and unless it's decided otherwise, we will meet every Monday night, but that is subject to change based on everyone's schedule.

Some of the things we will be digging into are:

• The gospel that Jesus taught to Peter and the 11, is it the same gospel that Jesus taught Paul?
• Who are the saved?
• What is death?
• What happens after death?
• What is Hell?
• Free will, do we have it?
• Much more, including any questions you may have.

These and other subjects will be looked into while we try to figure out what the bible really says.

God bless you all,
Greg

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Being back at Mt. Zion, after spending several years as a "Free-Range Christian," I find myself now looking for those benefits available through fellowship in a Bible study group. After some casual discussions with Greg, I was convinced that his would certainly be a lively (if not downright controversial) table to have a seat at.

After the first evening with this group - which just so happened to run a bit long (which is a good thing, yes?) - I am already convinced that this is the Bible study group for me. Greg seems well versed and ready to share his chosen topics, is eager for debate and open to the free exchange of ideas.

The salvation afforded us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is central to this exploration of God's Word so there is little doubt that this honest attempt to determine what the Bible "Really Says" will only lead to a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father. I do hope more adventurous souls will join us in this Bible study.

We have mutually agreed that we will be meeting at 6:00 pm each Monday at the Church and invite YOU to attend. 

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I thought was on topic  1 Corinthians 2:9

 I always looked at "anointing w/oil" as kind of a metaphor on the healing power of the Holy Spirit.
@PastorMike Thank you for your answer because I wondered about that.

In Mark 14:3 the Bible tells of the woman...

And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head.

and continues in Mark 14:9 where Jesus says,

Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.

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I have always found that passage to be a bit peculiar (if not cryptic...) For Jesus to specifically command that that this event be included in the scripture as a memorial to "HER" has always suggested that either this oil was far more interesting than we could hope to realize or that anointing with oil was far more valuable than anyone in that room could ever imagine. Then again... Since this story is intended to memorialize her, I have to wonder if the oil is actually insignificant? Might the message  be that sometimes it is better to focus our attention on a single individual in certain peril then  a multitude in unfortunate circumstances? I have always wondered about that...

Thank you Pastor Mike for the input. I hope that as this conversation continues that others will also jump in to the discussion.

Hey everyone! Sorry it took me a while to weigh in on this. Looks like there is already a really great conversation regarding this topic going on!

The thing is, there are a few topics being discussed at the same time. I think if we break down those topics it will give us some clarity on the issue.

1. Is homosexuality a sin?

This one is pretty easy to answer. The Bible says unequivocally 'yes'. As Dave points out, a quick Google search will make that much evident to us. In fact, homosexuality is one of the few sins given the label "abomination". That word is defined "a thing that causes disgust or hatred". That is how God feels about this. Despite all of the conversation in the church today about this topic, it is really difficult to explain that one away. This also answers the question of same sex marriage a no-brainer for me. There just isn't any way that God would bless such a union.

2. Are some sins worse than others?

This is really the second point of discussion. It is true: In God's eyes all sin is equally bad. "10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10) Human beings are pretty good at grading on the curve. We set the bar at whatever our current behavior is and anyone who falls beneath us is somehow inferior. This is also true of the church - perhaps more so in these days we live than ever before. I think we need to be reminded that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and "9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone." (Hebrews 2:9)

That said, I also think its true that we, as human beings, must address sin here in differing manners. Dave mentioned the guy stealing a paper clip. Stealing is stealing. Stealing is wrong. Therefore, in stealing that paper clip that guy sinned against God. God sees all sin as unacceptable. So, He sent Jesus to die for that man the same as he did for the murderer. However, it would be silly for us to equally punish, here on earth, those men equally. One guy is a threat to other people, the other guy (based purely on the paper clip incident) is not. That brings me to perhaps the most wrongly interpreted verse of all time:

Matthew: 7 ?Judge  not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother?s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ?Let me remove the speck from your eye?; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother?s eye.

Those living a sinful lifestyle love to quote this verse. It isn't saying we shouldn't judge human behavior - it is simply saying we should not be hypocritical in doing so. As I said earlier, we have a knack for overlooking our own sin while quickly pointing out all of the flaws we see in another. How can this mean we shouldn't judge at all when it ends "First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." A big part of Christianity is holding one another accountable - but we must do so in love. That is, having their best interest in mind.

3. Can homosexuals serve in church leadership?

I think this must be differentiated from general serving. Could someone who was homosexual attend our church? Absolutely! We are called to love sinners and hate sin. Everyone sitting in the sanctuary on Sunday morning has messed up. Could someone who was homosexual serve in some capacity at our church? Sure. Sometimes the way that people grow closer to Jesus is through serving. We focus on changing behavior a lot in the church. I think we should focus, rather, on the soul. Once a person has a genuine encounter with Jesus, my experience says that He - and He alone - can affect lasting change on them. I've seen it time and time again.

But, leadership? That's different. In leaders the bar must be set higher. While leaders are not and will never be perfect, they must be giving it their best to live in a way that is pleasing to God. I do not think that someone living the homosexual lifestyle fits that bill. But, that is not the only lifestyle that would keep someone from serving as a leader at Mt. Zion. Anyone living in open opposition to what the Bible says would be disqualified.

For me, the only grey in this entire conversation is whether or not church membership should be extended. This is the area in between attendance/entry level service and leadership at our church. While I would certainly give it more prayer and seek wise council from people who know more than me before making this decision in real time, it is quite likely I would not recommend someone living an open lifestyle of homosexuality for membership. And - again - I would feel similarly about anyone living an openly sinful lifestyle. To join the church in an official capacity requires an agreement to do our best to live a lifestyle that is pleasing to God.

That's my take on all of this. If I didn't address something specifically Dave, please feel free to ask away.