Subject: For Joe. |
Bible Note: Dear Joe! Peace, friend. Yes, I did read your post. I also saw your answer to Raymondo's question. ("For Joe") It is my opinion that your answer was more akin to a Louis L'Amour 'Sixgun Solution' than, "...but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love." Ephesians 4:15,16 NASB. Brother, I am well aware that some of the people that log in to this forum are woefully immature and misguided. We have an opportunity to bring balance to them. Your method of 'slapping them upside the head' with a 'perfect standard' may not be the most effective. Indeed, it could cause many to leave the best thing they've ever encountered (sad, but true in many cases). Is it just me, or do I detect an attitude of 'shape up, or ship out!' in your evangelical method? You say that I quoted a Scripture only focused on the Gentiles. I can tell you are a black-or-white kind of guy, and indeed, from the Lord's lofty viewpoint, this is the case, but many on earth (here) are caught between their Gentile nature and the calling of God. Sadly, some for a (seemingly inexcusable) long time. Is there a time limit before the entire weight of the Scriptural standard comes to bear? Who decides that time? I hope it is not you. :-) Finally, your arrogant stance of perfect interpretation (and implementation) of Paul and the Holy Spirit, with myself as the one with a 'beef' against God, is cheap and cocky. As you said before, you have your opinion, and I have mine :-) True, the Bible is the perfect standard, given by God to imperfect man. Our 'wielding' of it correctly demands balance and wisdom, not just knowledge. Joe!, is it possible that you are not always so rigid and legalistic in real life? That you are much more temperate when you are with family and church? I would like to believe so, and in fact, do believe so. Please know that I am not trying to be an enemy. My comments to you are also for the benefit (at least, this is my intention) of this whole forum. I remain your colleague in Christ Jesus, charis |