"Don't Settle for More"

Text - Colossians 2:16-23

Study Guide: The Letter to the Colossians

"Whenever authentic, joyful confidence in Christ diminishes, regulations are brought in to preserve what the power of Christ once created."
~ John Piper


Discussion Questions

1) What is one rule (any rule) you don’t like?

2) How should followers of Christ deal with legalism when we encounter it?

Legalism:
- adding requirements of conduct beyond Scripture and make them essential.
- taking the standards of conduct taught in the Bible and make them regulations to be kept by our own power in order to earn God’s favor.

3) Do any rules come to mind that you might need to let go of?

Additional Information: Homosexuality
While this weeks sermon isn't on the subject of homosexuality, some of your posts on our sermon text did head in that direction a few times. This section of links is shared in hopes of fostering humble conversation and an attitude of love and respect. It is of great value to listen to other viewpoints. While there are many beliefs about the issue of homosexuality, no matter what you believe, I think we can find common ground on the reality that there has been much hatred and violence from Christians against the gay and lesbian community. This is unacceptable because it is outside of the character of Christ.

Gay Forum (mp3)
Audio from the Generous Orthodoxy Conference in Washington D.C. October 7th & 8th, 2005.

Forum Description:
"Is homosexuality really the biggest evil of our time? Some have said as much. If not- then what is? How do we live together? What are Christian communities learning about this process? How did we become our culture’s moral policemen? Why are we so familiar with Paul’s thoughts on this topic yet so unfamiliar with Jesus’ on the poor?"
(more audio from the conference here)

Conversation from the Forum:
How do you feel about the phrase “love the sinner but hate the sin” when used against homosexuals?
Response from gay woman: “I don’t think Christians should hate.”

Said to a gay Christian: “You would be welcome at my church. We welcome adulterers, fornicators….”
Thoughts of gay person: “I don’t really want that kind of welcome. I don’t want you to hold your nose to welcome me to your church.”

Quote: "I just want to love people period. I don’t want to love them, but. And I think a lot of us have really big but’s. And when you have that sentence, the 'but' looks so big, they can’t see the love."

Question to those on the forum who are gay Christians: “Suppose someone comes to you and says, “I’ve read the Bible verses and I don’t think I can go to accept what you all have said about yourself. I can’t get past the idea that homosexuality is a sin, but at the same time I don’t want to be a bigot and treat people in a terrible way.’ What advice would you have for them?”
Response 1: Just be friends with people. The most powerful thing you can do is get to know somebody.
Response 2: Love the person. (Difference in opinion creates an opportunity to love, not an obstacle to love.)
Response 3: Consider what Jesus had to say about the subject and the types of people that He hung out with.

Link - Police Hunt for Supspect in Gay Bar Attack (Forbes, Feb 4, 2006)


Dr. Tony Campolo on Homosexuality (more from Radical Congruency blog)
Clip 1 (5.8Mb - 4:29)
Clip 2 (12.8Mb - 9:50)
Clip 3 (11.1Mb - 8:33)

Dr. Campolo's position on homosexuality is conservative: he believes that the Bible forbids all homosexual activity. However, he does not support attempts to "convert" gays into straights; rather, he advises gay people to pursue celibacy. His position is what some refer to as "Side B."

Peggy Campolo, Dr. Campolo's wife, takes a different view. She supports monogamous, same-sex relationships, and believes that marriages should be recognized in the church for both heterosexual and homosexual couples. Peggy's position is what some refer to as "Side A."

Two committed Christians with two different views - yet they are able to share the same bed each night and respect each other's faith. How do they do it?

Listen to Dr Campolo and his wife, Peggy, here (From Gay Christian Network)