> And no, the “Christian” message was never explained up-thread,
Posts #41 and #95 both make the point that a life following after God’s ways is difficult — which is one way to read the double-entendre.
This is a lesson quite consistent with the teachings of Christ — particularly St Matthew 7:14
“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
I’ll reiterate that I do not approve of the billboard, nor do I approve of the pastor’s sense of humor or the way that this message is delivered. It falls short of the standard of Blasphemy, however, because of its literal truth.
That said, it is perhaps unwise for this church to play cute tricks with their teachings: God may well have a sense of humor, and Jesus does certainly. It is in questionable taste, and the turn-off factor of this particular “joke” is so high it is hardly a wise use of preaching effort.
As we’ve seen on this thread.
All right, I think I see your point, but these cute tricks are more than just unwise. Whether or not they are blasphemy, they border on unbiblical:
“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Ephesians 5:3-5
The International Standard Version gives verse four in modern language as, “Obscene, flippant, or vulgar talk is totally inappropriate. Instead, let there be thanksgiving.”
I really can’t improve on that, and since I believe we all in this discussion actually do agree on it, I’ll conclude by saying that I just wish the pastor had read it before spending parish funds contrary to it.