Hmmm. Perhaps I did paint with too broad of a brush. It was not the intent. The post was aimed at people who put human leaders before the God of Glory as revealed in His Word—to hopefully send people to Scripture to decide for themselves if what Gene said was true. And if the words or tone of the post offended faithful pastors, and especially my friend, then I hope they accept the apology I offer. For sure, my friend’s teachings overall are not leading his flock to hell, even though he understands Scripture to mean that one can divorce and remarry if their spouse stumbles in faithfulness. So be it. He and I will have to disagree on that point. But in his case, I am convinced that he teaches what he believes God lays on his heart and does not run ahead of those living in sin in order to have a flock to lead. Who knows, he very well be right on his matter though personally I don’t think so. My understanding on the subject is 99.999% solidified. There is way too much Scripture supporting my (unpopular) position—explicit teaching by both our Lord as well as Paul. But that is where my friend and I wholesomely differ as brothers in our Lord Jesus Christ. He sees it different. And even if my friend it wrong on his interpretation, I don’t think that by itself is a heaven or hell matter for his flock. They may deeply offend God, but many things we Christians do offend God. Praise His Holy Name that once we realize our waywardness, become truly broken over our sin and repent, our God forgives us. That sin then has been paid for by the work of our Lord Jesus at
So I say again, perhaps I painted too broad in that post. If so, then I apologize to all faithful pastors who took exception as well as to my friend.
Gene Pool
Gene,
ReplyDeleteYou are blinded by your own idea that you are toting the line for righteousness on this teaching. Then you dress up your position like you are a martyr...to believe differently means that you are just being persicuted for telling the truth...
I have read the book you got this from and the support for the position is weak. You have come up with what you believe in your conscience and found someone who believes your way, and that is your support. The incest argument does not make sense and any serious look at the Greek word reveals that. “88.271 πορνεύω; ἐκπορνεύω; πορνεία, ας f: to engage in sexual immorality of any kind, often with the implication of prostitution—‘to engage in illicit sex, to commit fornication, sexual immorality, fornication, prostitution.’ ”( Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Vol. 1: Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: Based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition.) (770). New York: United Bible Societies). You appeal to the platitude, "too much Scripture out there to support my position". If that were true why don't more people believe it? Brother, your position lacks love and grace, and is hurtful to many who read it. This is compounded by your assertion that to believe otherwise are twisting Scripture. Many learned men, in pure, idealistic marital stations differ from you...like MacArthur to name one. Let me be clear...you presentation is hurtful not helpful. You can say all of this in a much graceful way, yet you chose to be divisive and ogre-ish. Then, you say that you are 99.99% sure, so you can’t be wrong? You are sure you have the truth? Brother...I hope you hear the heart behind these words...I pray that God help you display a little more grace and that you be a little more open minded to that possibility that you are in err.
In Him,
Ergatees
"...you chose to be...ogre-ish."
ReplyDeleteogre 1. a monster in fairy tales and popular legend, usually represented as a hideous giant who feeds on human flesh. 2. a monstrously ugly, cruel, or barbarous person.
Thank you brother. Without a doubt it is not a popular position--one better have a thick skin to take it. I have to remember that our Lord and Paul did not receive favorable responses on the subject either. As a rule of thumb, we best keep in mind that blindness is not limited to only one side. All I ask is for people to go to God's Word and follow God and not men...including Gene Pool. Scripture speaks for itself.
Blessings,
Gene