Thursday, April 15, 2004

Crosswalk - TGIF Marketplace Meditation: Four Attributes of a Life God Blesses FYI - Great Article On The Steps We Will/Should Go Through In Relation To God's Using Us - Certainly Something I Am Encouraged By Knowing - As I Really Like To Understand - As Much As Possible - How Things "Progress". T O D A Y    G O D    I S    F I R S T - Marketplace Meditations - by Os Hillman Thursday, April 15, 2004 Four Attributes of a Life God Blesses So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed." Isaiah 28:16 Whenever God calls us into a consecrated life, it is made up of four distinct stages. Christ often compared this process to building a house. First, we must prepare to build by laying a foundation. That foundation is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. Any foundation other than Christ will not stand. Second, as we enter a walk of faith with God, He allows each of us to experience trials, testings, miracles, and challenges in life that are designed to provide "faith experiences" that demonstrate tangible evidences of His work in our life: Moses' burning-bush experience, Peter's walk on the water, Joshua's parting of the Jordan River. These experiences built the faith of these people. The depth and width of our calling is directly proportional to the faith experiences He allows in each of our lives. If God plans an international ministry with you, chances are you will experience a higher degree of faith experiences compared to another. The reason being, you will need to look on these to ensure your calling and provide testimony to His work in your life. The third stage deals with motives. "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord" (Prov. 16:2). What is the motive behind my actions? Is it only financial accumulation? Is it to gain control? Is it to create independence? The primary motive must be God's leading you to take such an action - it must be obedience. These other factors must be by-products of the decision. Finally, we are prepared to take action. Here we must ask, "Do we have the skill, quality, and ability to enter into this activity?" So often we have not trained ourselves adequately to be successful in our endeavor. You would never want someone working on your teeth who had not been trained and certified as a dentist. Before you begin your next project, ask yourself these four questions. What is the foundation this project is based on? What experiences has God demonstrated in my life that indicate His involvement? What is my motive for entering this activity? Do I have the skill, quality, and ability to accomplish the task? Answering these questions will tell you whether God will bless your activity. Additional devotionals are available from Crosswalk.com: http://link.crosswalk.com/UM/T.asp?A1.12.21000.1.1160504 For Copyright Terms visit http://link.crosswalk.com/UM/T.asp?A1.12.21000.2.1160504 Published and distributed by Crosswalk.com, this daily devotional is written by Os Hillman (os@marketplaceleaders.org).  Os is president of Marketplace Leaders, an Atlanta based ministry teaching Biblical principles for career and business success.  He offers a FREE newsletter and other resources at: http://www.marketplaceleaders.org 10:43:28 AM    comment []

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Considerations On Homosexuality In trying to understand the biblical view of the appropriateness of homosexuality within the Church and within the leadership of the Church - provided below are some considerations gathered after studying both the bible and selected readings on this question:   Summary:   God did not design men and women to be in sexual and marital relationships with the same sex.   As homosexual acts are considered sins, and as same sex marriage relationships not do not appear to be condoned in scripture, it stands to reason that those in active homosexual relationships regardless of the legal status of that relationship, would be disqualified from serving as a Church Leader/Elder/Overseer/Deacon/Deaconess.   However, if one has truly repented of one's homosexual activities and reconciled with God, God is faithful and just to forgive all sins, and cleanse that person from all unrighteousness.   If this repentance has taken place, and if all other conditions for Church Leadership are met, one who has previously been involved in homosexuality may in fact be qualified to serve as a Church Leader/Elder/Overseer/Deacon/Deaconess.   Again, as mentioned in the considerations on Divorce and Remarriage, I submit that regardless of ones station in life and how they arrived at that station - God can forgive and use any individual to spread his word and serve his purpose - if they are in a right relationship with him (Romans 8:1 -- Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus).   He has the ability to turn any situation into one that can bring him glory (Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose).     Background Information:     What is homosexuality?     The currently accepted societal definition of homosexuality is: Sexual orientation to persons of the same sex. Sexual activity with another of the same sex.   The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.   Is the act of homosexuality considered a sin?  Yes   Based on the following five scriptures, it appears that sexual activity of same sex partners, regardless of their relationship, is considered a sin: Genesis 19:1-7 -- The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. “My lords,” he said, “please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom--both young and old--surrounded the house. They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.” Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing.” HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Leviticus 18:22 -- Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Leviticus 20:13a -- If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Romans 1:26-27 -- Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 -- Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. “HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Can one be a practicing homosexual and be in a "whole" relationship with God?  No   Based on the fact that the act of homosexuality is defined as a sin (Genesis 19:1-7, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13a, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10), the penalty caused by sin - death -  (Romans 6:23 - Death equals eternal separation from God) applies in the case of one practices and continues to practice homosexual acts.   Thus, those continuing to practice homosexuality could not be in a "whole" relationship with God.   However, if one truly repents (turn from their sin), God is faithful and just to forgive them of their sins and cleanse them from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  Once this repentance and cleansing has taken place, one can then be in a "whole" relationship with God.   Was it God's intention for the act of marriage to be provided to individuals of the same sex? No   When God created Adam's helper - he created Eve - a women - as Adam's wife - and it is stated in Genesis (Genesis 2:20-24 - See Below) that they (as man and wife) become one flesh.   Throughout the Bible when referencing sexual sin (adultery/fornication) between men and women - the sin (adultery/fornication) is based on the violation of a proper covenant of marriage - or the fact that their is not a proper covenant of marriage.  This demonstrates the "relationship violation" of the sin vs. the physical act (man and women's sexual relations) being a sin.   Nothing is said about the actual act (physical act) of sex between a man and women being something that God views as detestable or as an unnatural act.  However, in several passages the Bible specifically states the act of sex between those of the same sex is detestable or is an unnatural act (Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13a, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10), thus one can deduce that God's intention was for the marriage to be between male and female. Genesis 2:20-24 -- So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman, ‘ for she was taken out of man. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION Can one be in a practicing homosexual relationship and serve in a position of leadership within the Church (Church Leader/Elder/Overseer/Deacon/Deaconess)?  No   If one cannot be in a "whole" relationship with God while being a practicing homosexual, and one cannot be married to individuals of the same sex, one would violate the requirement being in a biblically approved covenant relationship while having sex with a person (applies to sex with either males or females).  If this violation occurs - and is one of a continuing nature - one would not meet the requirements for Overseers and Deacons stated in 1 Timothy 3: 1-10 (See Below) - as one would not be beyond reproach - and would not be exercising sexual self control. 1 Timothy 3:1-10 -- Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.      Can one have been in a practicing homosexual relationship, have truly repented and been reconciled to God, and serve in a position of leadership within the Church (Church Leader/Elder/Overseer/Deacon/Deaconess)?  Yes - In Certain Circumstances   If one meets all the requirements necessary to be a leader within the Church (1 Timothy 3:1-10), and truly repents of their sin of homosexuality, God is faithful and just to forgive them of all sin, and cleanse them from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  If this occurs - one could be biblically qualified to serve in a position of leadership - again if the other conditions (i.e. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders  (1 Tim 3:7))      Hope these considerations are useful and I would be interested in the results of your research/study/prayer.      10:17:19 AM    comment []

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Considerations On Divorce And Remarriage After spending several days reading about the questions concerning divorce, remarriage, and church leadership requirements relating to divorce,  provided below are some consideration of what the bible appears to say on this subject :   Summary:   God did not design men and women with divorce in mind - and he does not desire that anyone be divorced.  However, a legal dissolution of marriage (Divorce) is allowable (permitted, not required) if one of the marriage covenant partners commits adultery.   After the legal dissolution of a marriage, both partners can either maintain (non-offending party) or gain (offending party - through true repentance) a right relationship with God.   Once this right relationship with God is established/reestablished, one can feel confident that they are not "committing adultery" by getting/being remarried if: Offending Party (Guilty Of Adultery - Or Guilty Of Divorcing For Non-Biblical Reasons) - After seeking reconciliation with divorced party and reconciliation not possible or not accepted. Non-Offending Party - Released from marriage contract if divorcing for biblical reasons and free to remarry. Additionally, there are circumstances that would allow a divorced individual to serve as a church leader/elder/overseer/deacon/deaconess - and there are also circumstances that would allow a divorced and remarried individual to serve as a church leader/elder/overseer/deacon/deaconess.  Both of these circumstances center around the reasons for divorce.  If the divorced individual in consideration for a leadership position (church leader/elder/overseer/deacon/deaconess) is guilty of being the offending party in a divorce (the only biblical allowable for divorce is adultery), then they are disqualified from these leadership positions - regardless of if the are remarried or not.     Regardless of ones station in life and how they arrived at that station - God can forgive and use any individual to spread his word and serve his purpose - if they are in a right relationship with him.         Background Information:   What is divorce?  "a legal dissolution of the marriage relation".  Smith's Bible Dictionary   What are the biblical acceptable reasons for a divorce? The dissolution of the marriage tie was regulated by the Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). The Jews, after the Captivity, were required to dismiss the foreign women they had married contrary to the law (Ezra 10:11-19). Christ limited the permission of divorce to the single case of adultery. It seems that it was not uncommon for the Jews at that time to dissolve the union on very slight pretences (Matthew 5:31,32; 19:1-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18). These precepts given by Christ regulate the law of divorce in the Christian Church.  Easton's Bible Dictionary The ground of divorce is appoint on which the Jewish doctors of the period of the New Testament differed widely; the school of Shammai seeming to limit it to a moral delinquency in the woman, whilst that the Hillel extended it to trifling causes, e.g., if the wife burnt the food she was cooking for her husband. The Pharisees wished perhaps to embroil our Savior with these rival schools by their question, (Matthew 19:3) by his answer to which, as well as by his previous maxim, (Matthew 5:31) he declares that he regarded all the lesser causes than "fornication" as standing on too weak ground, and declined the question of how to interpret the words of Moses. Smith's Bible Dictionary Can one be divorced and be in a "whole" relationship with God?    Yes, but that right relationship may be reached in two paths by those who are divorced: Divorced marriage partner who was not guilty of adultery:   If the proper reasons for divorce met, the divorce is not considered sin in God's eyes, thus this partner can continue in a right relationship with God even during/after divorce.  Divorced marriage partner who was guilty of adultery:   If the marriage partner guilty of adultery has confessed and truly repented of the sin of adultery, God is faithful and just to forgive that sin - and cleanse the individual from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  An example of this can be found in John 8:1-11 as Jesus speaks to the Pharisees who had brought in a women caught in the act of adultery - and later speaks directly to the women and tells her to "Go now and leave your life of sin."  Additionally, for those who have truly repented, God can chose to use them as instruments in sharing his message - as he did with the Samaritan Women in John 4:1-26. Can one be divorced according to the biblical acceptable reasons for divorce, remarry, and be in a whole relationship with God?  Yes   Divorced marriage partner who was not guilty of adultery:   If the proper reasons for divorce met, the divorce is not considered sin in God's eyes, thus this partner can continue in a right relationship with God, is absolved from the marriage contract, and is free to remarry.  Sproul, RC, "Now Thats A Good Question" (1996)   Can one be divorced not according to the biblical acceptable reasons for divorce, remarry, and be in a whole relationship with God?  Yes   Divorced marriage partner who was guilty of adultery or divorced for an unacceptable reason (reason other than adultery):   If the marriage partner guilty of adultery or guilty of divorcing for non biblical reasons, has confessed and truly repented of the sin of adultery or sin of unbiblical divorce, God is faithful and just to forgive that sin - and cleanse the individual from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  If the divorced partner seeks reconciliation with the offended partner and that reconciliation cannot occur, the offending partner can be allowed to remarry - if authentic repentance has occurred.  Sproul, RC, "Now That's A Good Question" (1996)   Can one be divorced, in a "whole" relationship with God, be remarried - and not be committing adultery (Reference To  Matthew 5:32)?  Yes - in certain circumstances.   Matthew 5:31-32 states "It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.".   This appears to be written to highlight the fact that if one is divorced for non-biblical reasons, the person seeking the divorce is not only guilty of divorce, but guilty of potentially contributing to the adultery of the person being divorced.   If a divorce has occurred for any reason (biblical or non-biblical reason) and true reconciliation has been attempted and not successful, then the marriage contract would be dissolved, and one would not be committing adultery by remarriage.   Additionally, after divorce and remarriage, we must consider Paul exhortation in 1 Corinthians 7:20 that " Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him".   If one was remarried at the time of true repentance and reconciliation is not possible (i.e. remarriage) it seems this exhortation provides guidance as to God's will in that situation.   Can one be divorced and serve in a position of leadership within the Church (Church Leader/Elder/Overseer/Deacon/Deaconess )? Yes - In certain circumstances.    From William Heth in his article Jesus on Divorce: How My Mind Has Changed :  "The most recent studies of "the husband of one wife" requirement argue that it is a typical way of saying "faithful to one's marriage".  Paul does not prohibit from church office those who, against their own wishes, have been abandoned or sexually betrayed, but those who are unfaithful to their marriage.  Thus divorcees should not be automatically excluded from leadership positions in the church, nor should those who have been remarried after the very limited cases in which the New Testament (Jesus) permits remarriage after divorce (i.e. divorce with just cause)."   Can one be divorced according to the biblical acceptable reasons for divorce, remarry, and be in a whole relationship with God and serve in a position of leadership within the Church (Church Leader/Elder/Overseer/Deacon/Deaconess)?   Again, From William Heth in his article Jesus on Divorce: How My Mind Has Changed :  Paul does not prohibit from church office those who, against their own wishes, have been abandoned or sexually betrayed, but those who are unfaithful to their marriage.  Thus divorcees should not be automatically excluded from leadership positions in the church, nor should those who have been remarried after the very limited cases in which the New Testament (Jesus) permits remarriage after divorce (I.e. divorce with just cause)."         9:59:25 AM    comment []

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