All words are gifted to us in a way that we can use them to describe what it is we are talking about. Remember, this article was written for those who may have never even opened a Bible, so I could have used that definition, but then I would have had to use the limited number of words I was given to explain what law was being violated for sin to be lawlessness. Is it American law? Modern Jewish law? No, but ancient Judaic law as prescribed in the Scriptures. Now speaking to you and many who already have a background for the law we speak of, my space could have been limited, but I wasn't speaking to you per say. So the best description (quantified by the audience which I wrote for) I have ever heard for sin would be, “anything that falls short of the perfection of a perfect God”!
I disagree. It is possible to please God, through faith manifest outwardly as works - both good charitable works as well as sanctification.
We have no disagreement here, again I stated for my targeted audience that we all have sinned, and thus fall short of the glory of God. We can be cleansed by the blood of Christ and be forgiven, but to God we are still filthy. We may be robed in the righteousness of Christ, but until we have left this world and been given a new body, we cannot physically stand in the presence of a perfect undefiled God. It is to that point that I came from as to why, outside of Christ being our propitiation before God to answer for our transgressions, we cannot please God. Even our good works are but dung, because we are not saved by our works, our works are just the evidence that we are saved. God says that all our righteous works are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), Jesus tells us in that no one but God is good, No One. Does God smile when we do that which we are called to do, I agree He does, but only because of the price His Son paid for our transgressions, because even in our desire to please Him we still fall drastically short of doing it right.
I want to know how you can teach that the first 4 commandments are not binding and that they can be interpreted out of the Christian's life but how homosexuality still is a sin.
Where in my article did I even mention that 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th commandments were obsolete? I did post a comment with an article about the subject of the Sabbath that was brought up, but not in connection with my article, I'll mention more on that in my conclusion of this comment. However, you seemed to have a problem with my bringing up point that false teachers have twisted the Scriptures to justify the immoral behavior of homosexuality. Do you really have a problem with me trying to help those who are caught up in the gay lifestyle by telling them the truth of where the Scriptures stand? Especially since they are the ones who constantly bring it up. When are we supposed address the problem? After our children have been forced by an ever intrusive government to accept it as normal? It is my duty as a Christian to tell the truth, and the truth is, those who say the Bible condones that behavior so we can now allow same-sex marriages are wrong.
I have written extensively on many subjects, and have given sermons on many of the books of the Bible. How do you know what I have or not have covered? As for the topic of my article being on a subject you may think many Christians dwell upon too much, I think most Christians do not think about it enough. If they did, the current debate about same-sex marriage would not be as advanced in our society as it is. If there were those in our society that wanted to justify public nudity, and states were passing legislation for it, and judges ruled it normal by fiat, then I would probably write about that.
and then I'll answer all the questions you have about the response to worshiping on the wrong day of the week that you cut and pasted into this thread, OK?
Ok, now my reason for commenting on the question of the Sabbath. As for my “cut and paste” article, I gave due credit to the author of the article I presented for your consideration. I could have reinvented the wheel, but why should I? There are millions of well written theologians who have answered every one of your questions. I have no problem with the way they took on your idea of the Sabbath, but in the future if I decide to write an article about the Sabbath I will then use my own words to do it. However, I again point out that the aim of my article was to debunk the false teachers who claim that the Scriptures and Jesus condone the gay lifestyle, not the reasons many evangelicals do not honor the Sabbath.
You say your opinions are all over FR for anyone to read, OK. However, I have yet to read an article you wrote that can be displayed for all to debate and discuss. If there was one, then I missed it and maybe you can give me the FR link to the thread. Articles are much better to ascertain ones belief than many comments spread throughout various threads. I really do think that you and XeniaST should get together and put forth your reasoning in one concise article. It really could be a great thread because of all the differing opinions held by the many Freepers who discuss religion. I for one would look forward to it and relish the debate that would ensue, we could all benefit, and that can only be good for all. Do you not agree?
Finally.......It doesn't look like I'm the one gunning for a fight here, dude.
Maybe fight was too strong of a word, but either way I do enjoy debating with others, the points I make in my articles. In the future I look forward to lively discussions with you over them. If however, you want off my ping list then please let me know and I will honor your desire. If not, then some time in the near future I will write about my opinions on the subjects you brought to my attention, I have too now.
I hope I did not come off as being argent or angry, that is not my desire, I honestly desire to have open dialogs about the differences we have.
God Bless you and yours,
OV