Why does the thief rob banks? Because that's where the money is.
Why did Jesus dine with overt sinners? Because their cards were on the table. The honest sinners.
Why did Jesus not dine with the elite? Because their cards were not on the table. The dishonest sinners.
Why do we avoid modern day overt sinners but invite "nice sinners" to dinner and never challenge their conduct? Perhaps because we ourselves are cowards and not persons of integrity. From time to time we get the opportunity to show by our conduct if we believe what we claim to believe.
For me at least, the Pharisee-Christian is the most odious of creatures and the worst sin is self-righteousness/pride. It goes to the basic issue: Is God or Self at the top of the pile?
The subject sinner will signal if any kind of continuing friendship is possible. Believers reject those affirmative signals at their peril. If you believe that God guides your path, and you do cross paths, how can you Christianly reject someone out of hand?
Not totally, but to a large degree, you describe a "problem" of the affluent.
We withdraw in fear from that which reminds us of that which we hate most about ourselves. If we feel God cannot forgive us for our offenses , then we'll have a similar attitude towards those we find offensive. It's not the problem for those we see as sinners, but our own insecurities and lack of faith in the work of God in our own lives that is the problem.
Jesus could freely love because he was completely assured of His own position and relationship with the Father. When no one can threaten you with losing that, then you have no problem connecting with and loving them.
On the statement about "Boycott China because of its treatment of the Uyghurs? Probably not, because too much is at stake economically, ....."
What is the truth about treatment of Uyghurs which we could hardly find any clear fact on the matter? Is it not just geopolitics maneuvering that Prof Jeffrey Sachs has been sharing. Thus, it confuses many of us to make a stand other than wanting to go visit the place to get to know the situation personally to seek for the enlightened circumstances.
Thought provoking article. Grace and forgiveness are often spoken of in somewhat absolute terms, matters of simply black or white. I think the Bible is full of ambiguity and paradox. We who follow Jesus Christ and have a deep regard for the truth of the written Word, need to be careful lest we fall into a legalistic either-or trap. Perhaps we should consider treating any sinner and any given sin as a unique person or thing. General one-size-fits-all doctrines seldom help with the individuality of persons and their situations.
Hi Ann, I appreciate that your comment was specifically aimed at Mark. But it was made publicly. And so I would encourage you to be clearer. What position do you think Mark has on sin that he needs to rethink? I thought this article was very helpful. Are you implying that he does not see abuse as sin? Finally, please don’t simply tell me to watch the video, as well. Remember, this is a public space. Rather than insinuate, please come out and speak your mind. Grace and peace.
Why does the thief rob banks? Because that's where the money is.
Why did Jesus dine with overt sinners? Because their cards were on the table. The honest sinners.
Why did Jesus not dine with the elite? Because their cards were not on the table. The dishonest sinners.
Why do we avoid modern day overt sinners but invite "nice sinners" to dinner and never challenge their conduct? Perhaps because we ourselves are cowards and not persons of integrity. From time to time we get the opportunity to show by our conduct if we believe what we claim to believe.
For me at least, the Pharisee-Christian is the most odious of creatures and the worst sin is self-righteousness/pride. It goes to the basic issue: Is God or Self at the top of the pile?
The subject sinner will signal if any kind of continuing friendship is possible. Believers reject those affirmative signals at their peril. If you believe that God guides your path, and you do cross paths, how can you Christianly reject someone out of hand?
Not totally, but to a large degree, you describe a "problem" of the affluent.
We withdraw in fear from that which reminds us of that which we hate most about ourselves. If we feel God cannot forgive us for our offenses , then we'll have a similar attitude towards those we find offensive. It's not the problem for those we see as sinners, but our own insecurities and lack of faith in the work of God in our own lives that is the problem.
Jesus could freely love because he was completely assured of His own position and relationship with the Father. When no one can threaten you with losing that, then you have no problem connecting with and loving them.
On the statement about "Boycott China because of its treatment of the Uyghurs? Probably not, because too much is at stake economically, ....."
What is the truth about treatment of Uyghurs which we could hardly find any clear fact on the matter? Is it not just geopolitics maneuvering that Prof Jeffrey Sachs has been sharing. Thus, it confuses many of us to make a stand other than wanting to go visit the place to get to know the situation personally to seek for the enlightened circumstances.
Thought provoking article. Grace and forgiveness are often spoken of in somewhat absolute terms, matters of simply black or white. I think the Bible is full of ambiguity and paradox. We who follow Jesus Christ and have a deep regard for the truth of the written Word, need to be careful lest we fall into a legalistic either-or trap. Perhaps we should consider treating any sinner and any given sin as a unique person or thing. General one-size-fits-all doctrines seldom help with the individuality of persons and their situations.
Hi Ann, I appreciate that your comment was specifically aimed at Mark. But it was made publicly. And so I would encourage you to be clearer. What position do you think Mark has on sin that he needs to rethink? I thought this article was very helpful. Are you implying that he does not see abuse as sin? Finally, please don’t simply tell me to watch the video, as well. Remember, this is a public space. Rather than insinuate, please come out and speak your mind. Grace and peace.
I would recommend watching the video featuring Rachel Denhollander at the Value Conference March 2019. Netgrace.org
Rachael Denhollander:
“The Lion & The Lamb: How the Gospel Informs Our Responses to Abuse”.
After listening to Ms. Denhollander’s speech I hope you rethink your position on sin.