There were not a lot of "organizations" in Bible times. Does not Ahab and his group of wicked counselors (such as Jezebel) count as an organization? Pastor Theline is an "individual". He is one individual speaking against another individual who is doing wrong. It is possible to be praying for someone while at the same time to be speaking against the evil that they are doing. I agree that McCain is almost as corrupt. However, McCain does not support the sins of abortion or homosexuality.
Nathan, the church is made up of Christians. It is the christian's job to speak up against sin. "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:38 It doesn't matter that it is a political leader who happens to be part of the evil. What about Elijah speaking against Ahab? Or John the Baptist who was beheaded because he spoke against Herod? There are hundreds of examples in the Bible of prophets and others who gave the truth without political correctness. Jesus did not "exercise far more restraint". He used the words "generation of vipers" and "evil and adulterous generation" in his preaching and he was hated for it. "Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division" Luke 12:51 How is a bumper sticker with the slogan fine, but not a church sign? How is there a difference? I wholeheartedly agree with you on the coffee issue. I don't understand why you brought that up, but I agree.
I attend that church and I do not believe that Pastor Theline stepped out of bounds at all. There is freedom of speech in America. So what if it's not politically correct. Jesus was never politically correct. He spoke the truth and so should we. If the sign were to say something for Obama, no one would even care to give it a second glance.
11/6/08 5:56 PM
