"Ultimately, there is no principled basis for recognizing a legality of same-sex marriage without simultaneously providing a basis for the legality of consensual polygamy or certain adult incestuous relationships," reads one of the briefs, filed by the Christian legal group Liberty Counsel. "In fact, every argument for same-sex marriage is an argument for them as well."
Redefining marriage to include same-sex couples would jettison the rationale and logic behind prohibitions on polygamous marriages, according to several friend-of-the court briefs urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the traditional definition of marriage.
"Ultimately, there is no principled basis for recognizing a legality of same-sex marriage without simultaneously providing a basis for the legality of consensual polygamy or certain adult incestuous relationships," reads one of the briefs, filed by the Christian legal group Liberty Counsel. "In fact, every argument for same-sex marriage is an argument for them as well."
0 Comments
Holiness is beautiful, legalism is binding; holiness brings life, legalism brings death. They are as different as night and day, and yet at first glance they can seem similar, because they both stand against sinful behavior and call for holy living. How can we distinguish between the two? Legalism is rules without relationship, emphasizing standards more than the Savior, and laws more than love. It is a system based on fear and characterized by joyless judgmentalism, producing futility instead of freedom. To an unsaved person, the legalist preaches justification by works, saying, “You’re a wicked sinner and you need to get rid of all your filthy habits if you want the Lord to accept you.” There is no grace in this message; no exalting of the life-changing, sin-cleansing power of the blood of Jesus; no clear proclamation of mercy. Conditions for civilians in Syria have deteriorated so badly that Southern Baptist humanitarian leaders have decided they must expand relief efforts inside the country. At the same time, relief workers in neighboring countries have seen a "staggering escalation" of refugees streaming out of Syria -- and the international community is delivering only a fraction of the aid they promised when the crisis began nearly two years ago. "After nearly two years of violence, over 4 million people are in need of assistance," said Jeff Palmer, executive director of Baptist Global Response. "The number of refugees from Syria is approaching 1 million, with 80 percent of those being women and children. IDPs (internally displaced persons) in Syria are now approaching 3 million." Mideast Christian News (MCN), the first professional and independent News Agency specialized in covering Christian minorities in the Middle East, was launched officially on January 7, 2013. The local media hides and distorts reality, while international Media fails to report regularly, as they are focusing on the regional conflicts. Hence the severe need for professional coverage especially in the New Islamic Era that's starting in the region. MCN's aim is to fill this gap. “The most tremendous judgment of God in this world is the hardening of the hearts of men.” In 1669 Owen wrote a spirited remonstrance to the Congregationalists in New England who under the influence of Presbyterianism had shown themselves persecutors. At home too he was busy in the same cause. In 1670 Parker attacked the Nonconformists in his own style of clumsy intolerance. Owen answered trim; Parker repeated his attack; Marvell wrote The Rehearsal Transprosed; and Parker is remembered by this alone. What many are hailing as the possible scariest Rapture movie ever, 'Final' is set to release in theaters in August 2013.
"We wanted to show an extremely realistic version of the Rapture," says director Tim Chey. "What would the Rapture be like in Tokyo or Buenos Aires?" Based on the ground-breaking novel, 'Final' was shot in six countries and captures the lives of four characters whose lives spin out of control in the days immediately following the Rapture. Despite a century-long decline, religious affiliation has shown a marked resurgence globally since 1970. Both Christianity and Islam make up growing segments of the world's population. Africa and China have witnessed the most marked religious change.
These are among the findings discussed by religious demographer Dr Todd M Johnson in an overview of religious identity and trends in world Christianity since 1910, presented at the Ecumenical Centre, Geneva, on 13 March. Hosted by the World Council of Churches (WCC) programme on Ecumenical Theological Education, Johnson's lecture preceded his participation in a WCC sponsored conference about the pedagogical uses of work from research centers on global Christianity. It's rare when a musical ensemble has the opportunity to perform before the preacher to the Papal Household, but also gets invited as part of the lineup at Blue Flame, an Oklahoma-based Protestant ministry that explores the intersection of worship and the arts. Now, the Boston-based With One Heart, a contemporary Christian rock ensemble that can make such a claim, will release a long-anticipated 5-track EP Out of Darkness on iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby.com. "It's an exciting step we're taking," says Mike McDuffee, the band's acoustic guitarist, who is no stranger to enhancing worship with music in and around Boston. "The EP allowed us the opportunity to really explore our passion for creating vibrant, life-filled music that helps us praise God." The works of the flesh are characteristics of the sinful nature of man caused by lust [sinful desire]. They are opposites of the qualities which the Holy Spirit wants to develop in your life. There is a constant spiritual battle going on in the life of a believer. The works of the flesh are trying to destroy the fruit of the Holy Spirit. <more...> Work 14: ENVYINGS
Envy is jealousy excited by the success of others. It is resentment of the spiritual, financial, or material blessings of others. It is wrong longing and desire. |
Walter Blackwood
Associate Pastor with The Bridge Community of Faith in Kelowna BC Canada. Archives
May 2017
|