tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351318695448407431.post2031720478745669368..comments2024-02-21T09:54:48.503-08:00Comments on Reflections : Conscience and Same Sex Marriage From the Reclinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05243398832664634664noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351318695448407431.post-87251198027891341052015-09-21T20:07:21.007-07:002015-09-21T20:07:21.007-07:00Thank you Kay for your respectful, honest, and sin...Thank you Kay for your respectful, honest, and sincere question. I do believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible. As I understand the intent and purpose of God’s Word, the Bible, I believe it was given for the protection and guidance of everyone. God is both holy and loving. As such He judges sin and forgives the sinner who repents and trusts in him.<br />2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) <br />9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.<br /><br />Basically sin is rebellion against God’s will as revealed in His Word. God is not quick to judge people but gives them warning and time to come to the truth of His Word. He spells out very clearly what sin is and why it is so devastating to the human race. God hates sin but loves the sinner. His love cannot be measured but it can be seen. Consider the following verses:<br />Ephesians 3:18-19 (NLT)<br />18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully…..<br /> <br />Ephesians 2:7 (ESV) <br />7 …. that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.<br /> <br />1 John 4:10 (NLT) <br />10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.<br /> <br />At the cross we have the infinite love of God expressed in the physical and spiritual suffering of Christ bearing the penalty and punishment for our sin. I like to tell people if the only knew how much God loves them they would have no trouble trusting and obeying Him.<br /> <br />Stoning was one of the punishments used against those who blatantly and intentionally disobeyed God’s law and was exercised to keep the people from further rebellion which would ultimately lead to their destruction. It wasn’t carried out often. And in Jesus time when he was ask about a woman caught in the act of adultery:<br /> <br />John 8:4-11 (NLT)<br />4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” <br /> <br />This is an example of God’s purpose spoken of John 3:17(NLT) God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.<br /> <br />That is why I love the Bible and believe it because therein I read of a Holy God that will judge sin and a loving God who will forgive sin through the sacrifice of His Son.<br /> <br />Daniel 9:9 (NLT) <br />9 But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.<br /> <br />Sorry for the long answer but hope it helps. And thanks for such a thoughtful and sincere question. God bless you Kay.<br />From the Reclinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05243398832664634664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351318695448407431.post-29102243889416999472015-09-18T15:04:34.219-07:002015-09-18T15:04:34.219-07:00I have a question for you and I mean this respectf...I have a question for you and I mean this respectfully - do you take the Bible literally on all subjects? This has always confused me (not about you specifically) Doesn't the Bible also say you should stone your neighbor if they work on the Sabbath? That you can trade your daughter in marriage for livestock? I absolutely respect your beliefs, I just don't understand picking and choosing what parts of the Bible you adhere to. (again, not you personally) I would love to hear your thoughts. kaynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6351318695448407431.post-48146758864450970882015-09-09T19:49:25.530-07:002015-09-09T19:49:25.530-07:00I'm glad you are back blogging from time to ti...I'm glad you are back blogging from time to time when a subject really touches you and you respond. This couldn't have been said better. Love you.Wandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06941735389982354519noreply@blogger.com