The Greatest Life Ever

Trouble on the Temple Mount

I couldn't believe it. Larry, his son and I weren't allowed on the Temple Mount with the rest of the group because our shorts didn't cover our knees.

Believe it or not something akin to Temple Police wouldn't let us go any further unless we bought a scarf or shawl like piece of clothing to wrap around our waists. "How much?" I asked. "Fifty shekels.". "What!". That's $15. I wasn't going to pay that. Larry and his son did. We walked back to the group and I told my guide That I wasn't going to pay that and I would meet them on the street on the other side.

Wissam my guide spoke to one "fashion police" and before I knew it I thought I was being frisked. He started tugging on the bottom of the legs on my shorts pulling them down over my knees. Praise the Lord that I had a long shirt on today.

I have never understood the "saggy" pants thing and have often spoken against it. And here I find myself on the most sacred ground in the world and I'm forced to "sag."

Go figure.

 

Did God Get It Wrong?

Two hundred people in support of gay, lesbian and transgendered causes claimed that The United Methodist Churches stance and policies regarding homosexuality to be "sinful".  During an act of disobedience at General Conference, Krumbach, declared that the "anti-gay policies of The United Methodist Church are wrong and sinful in the sight of God" and in the act of witnessing "we reject the lie that homosexuality is a sin and that by standing, we affirm that sexuality is a good gift of God."  (United Methodist News Service, Linda Green, May 1, 2008)

Give me a break!  The bible makes it clear.  The bible is in unity on this issue.  The bible reveals that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, this can not be denied.  I would also say that the bible also reveals that the homosexual person is a creature of sacred worth to God and therefore is to be treated with respect and love.  And that is the position the denomination holds.  And one I thoroughly support.  The churches stance is anything but sinful.  Bishop Lindsey Davis said, " I think the church is right. I think we are very much in sync with historic Christianity and very much in sync with 99.9 percent of Christians in the world," he said. "I make no apology for our position. It is biblical, and it is in keeping with 2,000 years of Christian tradition."

The comment made by the demonstrators during the 2008 General Conference held in Ft. Worth, Texas troubles me greatly.  Whether they meant to say it or not, it was implied that the bibles teaching on homosexuality is sinful.  And that means that God got it wrong.  And that conclusion seems so outrageous to me and borders on some form of heresy.  I know these may be strong words, but alas it is what I think. 

I know people have differing views on this issue.  They always have and always will.  But those who want to be disciples of Christ Jesus should remember that the primary authority in a disciples life is God and God's word, the Holy Scripture.  God's word is where we learn what is acceptable and pleasing in God's sight.

The issue revealed at General Conference reminds us that sin is active in our world.  And one of the effects of that sin are that men and women want to bend the Scripture to their ends instead of bending their will to God's end.  Something that I too am guilty of but that I also repent of and try to correct.

Lord God, have mercy on us all.