read, reading, book, reader, education, library, girl, the books, literature, literacy, reader, education, literacy, literacy, literacy, literacy, literacy

More on the Loneliness of Life Without a Correctly Interpreted Bible

God provides “helpers,” “men able to judge” to aid Moses in the task to which he was called. Similarly, to provide an “appropriate helper” for Adam’s present ineffectiveness, God goes to the trouble of creating, not another human friend, but a whole new human female, a compliment to Adam, enabling Adam to do the specific job he was called to do, filling the earth with sons and daughters. Only Eve could allow Adam to fulfill the creation mandate to multiply. That demanded heterosexuality, not same-sex companionship.

Read MoreMore on the Loneliness of Life Without a Correctly Interpreted Bible
read, reading, book, reader, education, library, girl, the books, literature, literacy, reader, education, literacy, literacy, literacy, literacy, literacy

The Dreadful Loneliness of Life Without Scripture

One clear implication from Bell’s interpretation is that there is no place in inspired Scripture for singleness or celibacy, and that Jesus himself doubtless would have done better, speaking of “love,” “commitment” and sacrifice” with a companion to do the work he came to do. Moreover, Jesus was surely wrong in what he taught about the value of singleness (Matthew 19:11-12).

Read MoreThe Dreadful Loneliness of Life Without Scripture

Suffering for Jesus

Uncivil war has been declared on Christians who, in loving humility, have boldly addressed issues of sin in order to announce the cleansing power of the Gospel. As public vitriol heats up, “The Final Solution” for some could well be to treat Christians as insects that must be squashed. Certainly, believers must defend their civic and legal rights and seek the well-being of the public square. But we go forward in the strength of this divine promise, that in suffering for Jesus there is blessing, and beyond the cross there is unimaginable glory. In the meantime, we beg God’s mercy on his church and our culture and seek to love our neighbors and promote their ultimate good.

Read MoreSuffering for Jesus

WORLDly reVISIONing

God’s picture of his love for the church was knit into the male/female love relationship of the first man and woman. Separate and different, they were placed in an ordained and indissoluble marriage. From the start, God placed this physical, emotional and spiritual picture into the world as a constant reflection of his image, demonstrating to us both the differentiation of the persons of the Trinity (distinct persons with differing roles, yet one in nature) and the unbreakable love relationship between Christ and his church.

Read MoreWORLDly reVISIONing