The inspiration came from a book one of the members loaned me called; The Kingdom of God is a PARTY, by Tony Campolo. As you may imagine, I am not going to teach with authority concerning doctrine. The folks would listen and even participate in the discussion, but the doctrines wouldn't remain with them because they would just filter them out automatically through the traditions they have always known. It is my hope however that they will come away with less fear of the future in their minds.
Hi Bob,
I did a quick search on the book you mentioned, I could not get past the first paragraph where Tony Campolo states;
"The Kingdom is a Party"
In Chapter 14 of Deuteronomy, beginning at the 22nd verse, we read about tithing. According to Jewish law, every year all Jewish families came to Jerusalem. They brought with them one-tenth of all the money they earned that past year. (Tony's version)
Now for the actual Scripture;
Deu 14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
Deu 14:23 And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
Does anyone see money mentioned, I am sorry but I can not see this mixing of truth with lies as a good thing, if someone wants to belong to a social club maybe it would be better to join one that does not misrepresent God's Word or His plan and purpose.
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
P.S. That was just the first 2 sentences of the very first paragraph!
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12:30 9/14/07
Dear Friend Joe,
I repent of not being more clear and detailed in my short letter to encourage JavaJoe and Gregor to be patient while separating themselves from error and yet maintaining good relations with the community in which they live. I know that you agree with what I had in mind, but didn't explain clearly, because I have read your thoughtful, gracious advice to others on a similar topic that doesn't come readily to mind.
I will begin my humble defense with the statement that I am in no way recommending the mentioned book or its author. My reason for mentioning it is that the member who lent me the book will hopefully be considering an additional aspect of God's love that the author didn't mention and they will be pleased to know that I did read the book out of love and respect for their thoughtfulness.
Keep in mind please, that this is a house church bible study that is maintained with about ten retired persons who have no where else to go and I am just visiting the infirm, the lonely, the uncalled to try to bring a little cheer and to exercise my own compassion for others. They do not believe in the trinity, they don't teach tithing as compulsory only as from the heart and they are all above 65 years of age. In fact Ferris Zechiel will be 100 next birthday.
Next please allow me to mention that verses 25 -26 do instruct the traveling celebrant to turn the produce into money and to share it graciously with all who are in need and in attendance at the 'party'. It is not intended as an offering to God or the temple, it is to be spent lavishly on oneself, ones friends and the needy. This celebration is a fore taste of the joy we will find in the Kingdom and was an inspiration to the Jews of Jesus time.
Lastly, I agree completely and wholeheartedly that we should not mix truth with lies. I am working on becoming more Christlike as are all of us in BT and the forum, but I am just learning how to handle this responsibility and I can see no responsible and loving way to just walk away from people who have shown me only love and respect.
I can reassure you that I will not lie to them or as much as it is in my control, let them believe a lie because of my conduct or speaking. But Joe, I have to live in this community and with these folks on a daily basis and I can find no Bible example in which Jesus commanded us to abandon our family in need regardless of their error or blatant sin.
Friend Joe, what would you have me do?
Inquiring minds and hearts want to know.
I love you and I appreciate the good intention of your response.
Please keep up the good work. Bob Breyfogle
Dear Bob,
Thank you for the kind and thoughtful response, please do not think my intent was to denigrate or condemn your noble desire to share good news with these folks who need and will appreciate your fellowship. My post was meant to throw caution signs to other members and guests that much of what Mr. Campolo teaches is not Scripturally sound doctrine.
The quote I addressed was indeed part truth but a bigger untruth was slipped in as Israel did not bring one tenth of the money they made the past year. You are right some currency was accumulated through the selling of commodities that they were to tithe, I am sure you can see the difference.
I think that making the point about what was to be tithed and how some of these things were sold to raise money would not take away from the joyful message you are hoping to bring, in fact if some of them were to believe they were required to give away 10% of their wealth (or Social Security or pension checks) to Mr. Campolo or another preacher or church it could in fact have quite the opposite effect. "Oh my, I have not given my 10% where shall that put me? Will I be invited to the party or invited to fire and brimstone for eternity?"
What I have found to be the most incredible thing about church teachings is how they miss the progression that is to be the life of a believer:
1. Blissful ignorance
2. The love and joy of the beginning of knowledge in and of the Lord
3. Falling away, complacency
4. Coming back to our first love
5. Trials, tribulations, suffering (but having joy for being counted worthy, being chosen, for His sake)
6. Enduring to the end, finishing the race
7. Resurrection to the true life as a Son or Daughter of God (that is when the real party begins!)
Instead they teach that the worldly things that our carnal nature desires are actually to be prayed for rather than to die to, seeking the prosperity of this world will keep us tethered to our carnal beast instead of slaying and cutting the ties to the beast and his world.
Bob, I think you can use the outline of the message of this book while still not compromising the truth, it will be a party, it will be better than any of us can imagine, all will be saved never again to be separated! But not in this earthly life but in the next spiritual life.
Lastly, I totally agree that providing comfort and peace to all men and women in need regardless of what their beliefs are is the Christ like thing to do, I will be praying for you and your Brothers and Sisters at this home church and the presentation you will be giving.
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe