I feel like this is a double standard. What say ye

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Margies3

The problem is that they were using that same facility BEFORE this new pastor came.

I agree that being gay is sin in the eyes of the Lord. But if, as I've always been taught, there is only one way to be baptized, but the other church chooses to ignore that and baptize infants instead, isn't that also sin? So if sin is sin, then for them to worship in a building where they baptized differently would be just as wrong as it is for them to worship in a place where (during THEIR services!) the pastor is gay.

I could give you example after example where the Lutherans allow and do things that the Apostolics consider to be sin - not just the gay issue. But they worshiped there before this one issue came up.

It's not my church and I don't really care enough to make a big issue about it. I just wondered if I was the only one who saw the inconsistency in this? Thanks for your input, everyone. You've all given me much to think about

Margie, I personally enjoy worshiping at the local Lutheran church (a very conservative one in this case) as I get the opportunity... in spite of some differences. But rest assured, I would NOT be attending if they had a gay Pastor.

Now I am sure I am more moderate than many Pentecostals, but I can see how for them it may have been the straw that broke the camel's back, so-to-speak.

(BTW - I understand this is not the same as "renting")

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by PastorTLArt

I am highly offended by your comment! I am in no way at all Ignorant or Crazy!
I happen to be very well educated!

That's a little crazy and besides, you never read an account of the Apostles doing something like that. Shaking one off in the fire that came up unexpectedly, but not seeking it out, putting it in a box to play with later.

[PastorTLArt]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

That's a little crazy and besides, you never read an account of the Apostles doing something like that. Shaking one off in the fire that came up unexpectedly, but not seeking it out, putting it in a box to play with later.

I may not have read an account of the Apostles doing it the way its done today, but I find many many things that the "Apostolic" church does that the apostles didnt do!!! Can ya say electric guitars and drums? What about Church buildings and pews??? How about "revivals" and Sunday School?? Got a PA system in your church? How about campmeeting? Corporate offices? Tracts??

I could go on all night!

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Margies3

The problem is that they were using that same facility BEFORE this new pastor came.

I agree that being gay is sin in the eyes of the Lord. But if, as I've always been taught, there is only one way to be baptized, but the other church chooses to ignore that and baptize infants instead, isn't that also sin? So if sin is sin, then for them to worship in a building where they baptized differently would be just as wrong as it is for them to worship in a place where (during THEIR services!) the pastor is gay.

I could give you example after example where the Lutherans allow and do things that the Apostolics consider to be sin - not just the gay issue. But they worshiped there before this one issue came up.

It's not my church and I don't really care enough to make a big issue about it. I just wondered if I was the only one who saw the inconsistency in this? Thanks for your input, everyone. You've all given me much to think about

I wasn't ever taught that someone who had a misguided view of baptism to be in sin, per se. I can see the debate with Matt 28:19 and Jesus name for some groups. That isn't a fundamental theological difference that is going to destroy family structure and society at large.

There is definitely sin involved for those that "fall away". We are told we will be presented as holy, unblameable and unreproveable in His sight, "IF we CONTINUE in the faith." So, if a person knew truth and walked away or preached another Gospel, the Bible says he will be cursed.

The Bible is very plain on Homosexuality being an abomination. Romans 1 is very plain. That isn't a theological difference that can be had.

So, no, I don't see a double standard on a misguided group of snake handlers as opposed to something God calls an abomination.

My ONLY concern would be how the renting pastor approached the Lutherans, presenting his dilemma. I would want him to use the scriptures in a very loving and polite way. Show them what he believes and then find another place to represent God.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by PastorTLArt

I may not have read an account of the Apostles doing it the way its done today, but I find many many things that the "Apostolic" church does that the apostles didnt do!!! Can ya say electric guitars and drums? What about Church buildings and pews??? How about "revivals" and Sunday School?? Got a PA system in your church? How about campmeeting? Corporate offices? Tracts??

I could go on all night!

Musical instruments that evolve over time, a bench to sit, literature to read, a building to meet (the apostles preach in synagogues and homes), groups gathering (like on a hillside to hear Jesus preach), etc., etc.

Handling a snake for whatever that purpose is for, is a far cry from the things you listed. So, if you are going to go on all night, keep your snakes to yourself.

Seriously, could you logically tell me the purpose for that?

[PastorTLArt]

Yes I can, Mark 16:17-18

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by Ron

There are unclean spirits associated with a person being gay. They can be delivered if they confess & forsake that sin.
No double standard.

This is true.

But...all unclean spirits flee when the light of Jesus Christ comes and the Holy Spirit from our Savior causes all unclean spirits to flee.

I do not think that the Apostolics should run in fear of a gay.

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

(I John 4:4)

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by PastorTLArt

Yes I can, Mark 16:17-18

I knew that was the scripture you were referring to. But, the error is taking that as literally as you would, "If your right eye offends you, pluck it out."

Mark 16 is simply showing that God is with us in everything - spiritual warfare, healing involving natural elements, things we take into our body that can cause bodily harm, our ability to speak through His Spirit and operate under the unction of His Spirit performing miracles in his name.

The passage is all about healing and deliverance. That is why He came and it is the pattern He set for us when He was walking and ministering to the crowds - greater things than these will you do. It is about ministry to people.

[houston]

So speaking in tongues is literal, but handling serpents is a metaphor?

[houston]

I understand that homogeneous relations gross people out. That being said, it'd be interesting to know if the Apostolics wrote Ichabod over the door of that place and left immediately, or were they more rational and found another place to rent before the Exodus.

Margie???