Hot Button... WARNING!
Step back for a moment and listen to yourself. You have already decided that something is a sinful act even though you have no scriptural backing for your opinion.
This is a classic case of "Religion" There are a lot of things you are taught in any denomination that are well intentioned or good practice but are not really backed by scripture. It is a dangerous but common practice to decide your doctrine then look up the scripture. It will open your eyes dramatically to begin to reverse this procedure.
This is why it is so Important to welcome the service of eveyone reguardess
of gender to the admiunistration of
Royal Ranger leadership, in every age group. Rangers around
the world have made the step... we can too!
FCF is no "secret society" and NTC could improve by doing what it is
billed as: National Training of leaders.
*Make the focus effective hands-on leadership skills...
I grew up in the OLD Program... that was frankly administered by the
MEN OF THE CHURCH to the
*boys of the church... Over time that "model has shifted" to
welcome boys from every circumstance to
our Ministry/Program... Isn't it time to shift to a healty "family
friendly" approch to Royal Rangers?
*Mom's are willing to serve and train... Rangers needs dedicated leaders... What is fair?
At the National Camp-out there was a healthy mix of Rangers and Adult
leaders from all around the world!
*If we are to discriminate because of Gender only... where do we stand
with the Lord and our fellowship?
I think it's time to open the door to our *sisters...
I was raised in an AG church and graduated from an AG college then married a wonderful Christian woman who was raised in a non-Christian home. Every I would spout off a bit of doctrine that seemed instinctive to me she said "Where is that in the Bible?" If I couldn't find it I changed my doctrine. I challenge you all to challenge each other. Don't accept things just because you heard it somewhere or because you've always believed it. Before you decide see what God has said on the subject.
*A-men!
When we view the Bible.. and even *OFFICIAL Assembly of God policy statements
reguarding the role of
Women in ministry.. we find NATIONAL POLICY falling short. *see www.ag.org
"policy papers"
The truth is that Women serve as Missionaries and serve as Youth workers-Children's
workers and in the
flull time ministry they serve in every position ... How is it that
we find them "un-suited" to being a "Commander"?
It's an American Taboo...It should change.
Very well said.
*Thanks...<G>
Cdr.Duane Wheeler
NW Op354 "Challengers"
FCF Wilderness member
NTC '96
Michael Paul Johnsonaka Soaring Golden EaglePO Box 1151, Longmont CO 80502-1151, USARocky Mountain outpost 207, New Creation ChurchJesus Christ is Lord!
DRT----- Original Message -----
From: rarice
To: Soaring Golden Eagle
Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2000 3:47 PM
Subject: Re: [RR] TattoosI am not saying that I am not tolerant to people who have tattoos or piercings but for a boy who has been raised in the church and claims to be saved, I feel that they shouldnt be considering this. What kind of testimony is this for other boys.
Yeah for an ex-biker who has been saved and has lead boys to christ it can be of some use . I have a freind who fits this catagory and is a ranger commander. He is not proud of his past but uses it as an example to tell the boys what to stay away from.Russ Rice
Anchor of Hope Ministries
Lebanon Ohio
----- Original Message -----
From: Soaring Golden Eagle
To: rarice
Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2000 2:26 PM
Subject: Re: [RR] TattoosAt 10:51 AM 1/15/00 -0500, you wrote:
I am at a loss right know. I have been trying to find scriptural references about body tattoos and piercing. I have a trailblazer who is intrigued by this mutilation of the body and he was challenging me on the topic . I need prayer and scriptural backing for this.
A wise minister of the Gospel once said:"Do you know the difference between heavily tattooed bikers and 'normal' church-going people? The people with tattoos don't care that the other people don't have tattoos."
This is an area that requires balance. Tattoos stain the skin for life, often with ugly or even evil artwork. Sin doesn't stain forever, because the blood of Jesus washes it away. We once had a commander in our outpost who was concerned that we might not let him serve as a commander because he had tattoos on his arms. Thank God for His forgiveness and for this Trailblazer commander's service.
Is it a good idea to tattoo yourself or cut yourself all over? No.
Leviticus 19:28 says: "You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD."
This law sets God's people apart from the heathen, who had such practices. There is a whole false religion called "Tattoo" that still exists. Avoid it.
As for pierced ears and noses, those have been done for ages by many people. Some primitive people hang some amazing things from their noses, mouths, and ears. In ancient Israel, ear piercing was a sign that you were a slave for life.
"But if the slave plainly says, 'I love my master, my wife and my children; I will not go out as a free man,' then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently." -- Exodus 21:5-6 (NASB)
Hmmm.... God commanded ear piercing in this case. :-)
I have no tattoos nor have I pierced my body anywhere. I don't recommend doing so, but I do recommend being tolerant of those who do.
___
Michael Paul Johnson aka Soaring Golden Eagle <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
http://eBible.org/mpj Rocky Mountain Outpost 207 New Creation Church
Jesus Christ is Lord! If Jesus came back today, would you be READY?
