R. Scott Clark at the Heidelblog posted a helpful, easy to read analysis on May 29,2013 (click here), and I recommend it as a brief and handy resource to pass along to those who are new to the question of "Gay Christians". (Addendum: Part 2 was posted on May 30, 2013)
In Part 1, he takes people through the usual O.T. and N.T. passages with clarity and precision, but I suspect that his arguments may fall on deaf ears and closed hearts when brought before people who feel that many of the words of the Apostle Paul can be safely ignored, and that the novel teachings of those who speak of "inclusion", "justice", and "integrity" as they give their assent to the blessing of homosexual behavior in the Church are to be followed as though that was the new gospel message we all need to hear.
Perhaps it may require an initial assessment of your target audience's opinions on Paul and the authority from which he writes before you suggest they visit R. Scott Clark's Heidelblog site.
In reading Paul's letters, one can see that he may have had some to question his authority from time to time, and he is obliged to lay out his defense, as seen in today's lectionary reading:
In Part 1, he takes people through the usual O.T. and N.T. passages with clarity and precision, but I suspect that his arguments may fall on deaf ears and closed hearts when brought before people who feel that many of the words of the Apostle Paul can be safely ignored, and that the novel teachings of those who speak of "inclusion", "justice", and "integrity" as they give their assent to the blessing of homosexual behavior in the Church are to be followed as though that was the new gospel message we all need to hear.
Perhaps it may require an initial assessment of your target audience's opinions on Paul and the authority from which he writes before you suggest they visit R. Scott Clark's Heidelblog site.
In reading Paul's letters, one can see that he may have had some to question his authority from time to time, and he is obliged to lay out his defense, as seen in today's lectionary reading:
Paul an apostle—sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers who are with me,Oh those foolish Galatians (3:1). Are we all that different when we write Paul off?
To the churches of Galatia:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to set us free from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or a messenger from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed! As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed!
Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a slave of Christ.
For I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:1-12
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