Recently, Leonardo Blair of The Christian Post wrote an article on Pastor Greg Locke of Mount Juliet, TN. Unlike so many online tabloids, Blair did actual research and gave equal treatment to both sides of the debate. This is journalistic integrity. Certainly, The Christian Post is no tabloid.
Following are three reasons to reject the position of Locke's naysayers.
I. The opposition's testimony is suspect.
One of the tabloids referenced in the article, says that it's purpose is "Theology, polemics, and discernment." This is problematic - on all three terms.
1. One of their primary contributors has described himself as "autistic" - and this would prevent discernment on any level. From this link:
Another common difficulty is the inability to understand body language, tone of voice and expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally. For example, even an adult with autism might interpret a sarcastic “Oh, that's just great!” as meaning it really is great.
2. Polemics - this word is not found in the Bible. It's definition is not the actions of a Christian, to be sure:
noun
1.
a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something.
"his polemic against the cultural relativism of the sixties"
synonyms:diatribe, invective, rant, tirade, broadside, attack, harangue, condemnation, criticism, stricture, admonition, rebuke
3. Theology is problematic, as well. One of the primary contributors has engaged in behavior far worse than divorce.
II. Nobody is qualified to be a pastor.
Perry Noble wrote an excellent article on why he isn't qualified, either.
Truth is, every pastor is a sinner. Unless he is a pastor for just a half-second, every pastor also sins while in the office of pastor. Knowing that, you realize 1 Timothy 3 is a guideline for pastors to strive toward. Certainly, Pastor Locke's naysayers have also sinned. Thankfully, God is big enough to call the unqualified and use them to fulfill His purposes.
III. Marriage as defined by the US legal system is not the same as is defined by the Bible.
1. The financial contract.
It was hilarious, when the tabloid author called the Rifleman personally to discuss this post. Among the arguments he used was that certificates of divorce were issued in the Old and New Testaments; therefore US marriage and Biblical marriage are the same. The Rifleman challenges anyone to demonstrate Biblical verses dealing with divorce and specifically mentioning child support, alimony, and division of assets. Marriage in the US is a financial contract, no more.
2. Nobody was "put away."
She ran away, plain and simple. She filed for the divorce, plain and simple. Her attempt to withdraw the filing was an attempt to drag Locke through more agony, from the Rifleman's perspective. Much like the quote in this article:
Under the contract of marriage, all the duties lie upon the man and all the privileges appertain to the woman.
Let him [the husband] undertake the slightest rebellion, over and beyond mere rhetorical protest, and the whole force of the state comes down upon him .… She is under no legal necessity whatsoever to carry out her part of the compact at the altar of God, whereas he faces instant disgrace and punishment for the slightest failure to observe its last letter.
3. Among the most harsh allegations were those of abuse.
The Rifleman challenges anyone to demonstrate public record evidence of Locke being found guilty of any of these allegations. Here's a hint - they don't exist. Thus goes back to point (I.) - the testimony of the accusers is suspect. They haven't proof of any of their claims. They are #FakeNews
Now, here are three reasons, based on fact, to support Locke's side. Furthermore, they are reasons to attend Global Vision Bible Church - in person or online.
I. Biblical Preaching.
Locke preaches straight from the (KJV) Bible. Verse by verse.
II. Radical Compassion.
So many members of this church are "broken," and are 100% welcome. Truly, Locke knows where they come from - it takes one to know one. "Where broken people people find new meaning to life," isn't just a catchy phrase... it is the truest statement about the church.
III. Extravagant Generosity.
You would not believe the amount this church gives. Both in terms of amount of money, and amount of time.
Following are three reasons to reject the position of Locke's naysayers.
I. The opposition's testimony is suspect.
One of the tabloids referenced in the article, says that it's purpose is "Theology, polemics, and discernment." This is problematic - on all three terms.
1. One of their primary contributors has described himself as "autistic" - and this would prevent discernment on any level. From this link:
Another common difficulty is the inability to understand body language, tone of voice and expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally. For example, even an adult with autism might interpret a sarcastic “Oh, that's just great!” as meaning it really is great.
2. Polemics - this word is not found in the Bible. It's definition is not the actions of a Christian, to be sure:
noun
1.
a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something.
"his polemic against the cultural relativism of the sixties"
synonyms:diatribe, invective, rant, tirade, broadside, attack, harangue, condemnation, criticism, stricture, admonition, rebuke
3. Theology is problematic, as well. One of the primary contributors has engaged in behavior far worse than divorce.
II. Nobody is qualified to be a pastor.
Perry Noble wrote an excellent article on why he isn't qualified, either.
Truth is, every pastor is a sinner. Unless he is a pastor for just a half-second, every pastor also sins while in the office of pastor. Knowing that, you realize 1 Timothy 3 is a guideline for pastors to strive toward. Certainly, Pastor Locke's naysayers have also sinned. Thankfully, God is big enough to call the unqualified and use them to fulfill His purposes.
III. Marriage as defined by the US legal system is not the same as is defined by the Bible.
1. The financial contract.
It was hilarious, when the tabloid author called the Rifleman personally to discuss this post. Among the arguments he used was that certificates of divorce were issued in the Old and New Testaments; therefore US marriage and Biblical marriage are the same. The Rifleman challenges anyone to demonstrate Biblical verses dealing with divorce and specifically mentioning child support, alimony, and division of assets. Marriage in the US is a financial contract, no more.
2. Nobody was "put away."
She ran away, plain and simple. She filed for the divorce, plain and simple. Her attempt to withdraw the filing was an attempt to drag Locke through more agony, from the Rifleman's perspective. Much like the quote in this article:
Under the contract of marriage, all the duties lie upon the man and all the privileges appertain to the woman.
Let him [the husband] undertake the slightest rebellion, over and beyond mere rhetorical protest, and the whole force of the state comes down upon him .… She is under no legal necessity whatsoever to carry out her part of the compact at the altar of God, whereas he faces instant disgrace and punishment for the slightest failure to observe its last letter.
3. Among the most harsh allegations were those of abuse.
The Rifleman challenges anyone to demonstrate public record evidence of Locke being found guilty of any of these allegations. Here's a hint - they don't exist. Thus goes back to point (I.) - the testimony of the accusers is suspect. They haven't proof of any of their claims. They are #FakeNews
Now, here are three reasons, based on fact, to support Locke's side. Furthermore, they are reasons to attend Global Vision Bible Church - in person or online.
I. Biblical Preaching.
Locke preaches straight from the (KJV) Bible. Verse by verse.
II. Radical Compassion.
So many members of this church are "broken," and are 100% welcome. Truly, Locke knows where they come from - it takes one to know one. "Where broken people people find new meaning to life," isn't just a catchy phrase... it is the truest statement about the church.
III. Extravagant Generosity.
You would not believe the amount this church gives. Both in terms of amount of money, and amount of time.
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