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What a remarkably transparent email!! All should
undertake to pray for this meeting today with his son. Blessings,
Lance
----- Original Message -----
Sent: March 13, 2004 09:59
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Comments on Luke
2.52
In a
message dated 3/12/2004 10:39:10 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Do you kind of get what I'm saying? I hope you do, because it
speaks to what I like about you. I'm not advocating error, but I want to go
to that abounding grace. I think that's where we find Christ. Don't
you?
Much appreciated. I more than get it.
I went to the School of Preaching in Dallas as a 24 year old
preacher (I had been preaching for 5 years to that date). The big
question on my mind was the "binding of apostolic approved examples" as being
equal to stated law. There was a book in print, then, titled We
Be Brethren (written by the professor of biblical studies at Abilene
Christian). One of the two CofC doctrines coming from that principle was
weekly First Day of the Week communion (established only in example
-- Acts 20:7 and the Lord's feast with the disciples
before His death). My problem was this: In the two examples
the day is NOT the same, but the place of meeting was (the upper room).
I needed a rule of interpretation that got rid of the upper room
but bound the day. Ain't going to happen! The real
problem about this issue was more than obvious to me: I was about to
enter the world of deep du du. As you know, there is no
discussion allowed on this matter within the church.
I was excited about going to the school
because I thought this question would be answered. One of the churches
in south Dallas offered full support while I attended. I
maintained a 4.0 grade average and was class President while there. The youth
group I pastored doubled in size -- I was everybody's favorite son. But
then I wrote a paper on the New Covenant. That paper, that
darned old paper, was my demise in the CofC for two reasons.
First: I discovered grace and the true difference between
the Old and New Covenants (grace verse law, even the "law"of God)
What was exciting to me with that new found understanding
was the logic used against me -- "if you believe that, well then, you could
commit all kinds of sin and still be saved" which was every similar to the
argument Paul had to deal with "shall
we sin more that grace may
abound?" I HAD NEVER DEFENDED MYSELF FROM SUCH AN ACCUSATION
before. That told me that I was probably on the same track as Paul
(and his teaching of grace) --- I mean we were both defending ourselves
from the same rebuttals. You see what I mean? Anyway,
that combined with my final decision to leave binding apostolic example out of
my teaching put me over the edge. I was not allowed to graduate
from the school ---- a big scandal and I was a very
frightened young man. My church gave me six weeks to get out of
town and off I went. My wife, dyed in the wool CofC never forgave (we divorced
after 23 years - part of the reason my exit from the church). I
remember the day I had to meet with the school administration.
Driving into Dallas, praying to God in tears, "God I do not want
to believe this. Give me something, open my eyes if they are
closed."
Anyway, I have to get out the door.
We will continue the discussion of the limitations of the all knowing
God -- and i do say that with reverence. Understand this
-- I like to think but I am grounded in my faith, not afraid to be
wrong, pleasantly demanding when I am right. You will learn of me
that I go down in flames. I defend a point until its defense is
exhausted. But if I am wrong, even if afraid, I do change.
I respect that in others. We are all truth seeker.
None of us are right about everything. .
By the way, I am going to see my oldest son today (leaving for the
State of Washington. He is the only one of my five children that is
somewhat of a space cadet (he is a layer, you know). He attends a
Unitarian Church. Me and him are going to have it out. Pray
that I will be given the right words. This a great group and I do
respect your view point --- even the Mormon dudes.
I see you all of you a commitment to what you must believe.
I amy have time before I go to handle a challenge or
two - today. I am leaving for Seattle this evening and driving
straight thru. Eeeeeeeee gads.
In Grace
John Smithson I am looking forward tyour continued and
increasing friendship, Bill Taylor. Peace out.
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