02 May
02May

“… And Know That I Am God” was the title of the meeting of the United Methodist Church General Conference held in Charlotte, North Carolina held April 23 through May 3, 2024. 

“During a historic May 1 morning plenary session, one of the sources of heated, often painful, dispute at General Conference for the past 40 years was removed without debate: The denomination’s ban on ordaining “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” has been lifted. 

Additional petitions were passed that overturned other longstanding rules prohibiting clergy from officiating same-sex weddings or churches from hosting them. Another vote ended the policy thousands of churches had used to leave the denomination, but created a pathway for churches wishing to return.” https://www.umnews.org/en/news/may-1-wrap-up-gay-clergy-ban-lifted-new-retirement-plan-approved 

“We’ve always been a big-tent church where all of God’s beloved were fully welcome,” said Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, the new president of the denomination’s Council of Bishops and the first Black woman to serve in that role. She called the vote “a celebration of God breaking down walls.”  https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/01/us/methodist-church-gay-ban-lgbtq.html 

Satan is a master of deception. “2 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” 2 Peter 2:1-3 English Standard Version 

Jesus said “17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17 English Standard Version  

God said “A woman shall not wear a man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 22:5 New American Standard Bible 

“He also said “13 If there is a man who sleeps with a male as those who sleep with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they must be put to death. They have brought their [a]own deaths upon themselves.” Leviticus 20:13 New American Standard Bible 

“The original Tent of Meeting was “the portable earthly dwelling used by the Israelites from the Exodus until the conquest of Canaan.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabernacle   The priests, Aaron, and his sons, offered sacrificial offerings to God.  The offerings were numerous. Numerous is two ways in frequency and in type.  They ministered to God on behalf of the people.  Goats, rams, bulls, grain, and incense were the offerings for sin, guilt, peace, and thanksgiving.  

 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His [a]only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 New American Standard Bible 1995 

Jesus willingly gave his life. “18 No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.” John 10:18 New American Standard Bible 1995 

When Jesus died on the cross, He became the ultimate offering, reconciling once and for all time man to God. His blood covers all sin.  

It is up to each individual to accept or decline the love of God and the blood offering for sin from Jesus. If we accept it we are expected to walk in newness of life. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 King James Version 

‘17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” Ephesians 4:17-25 King James Version 

“21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”  Matthew 7:21-23 English Standard Version 

13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy[a] that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” Matthew 7:13 English Standard Version


Picture by Nathan Anderson/Unsplash


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