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I bring a warning to the community of the Christian Churches; in particular, those who deal with using the Ten Commandments as a public focus on their religious faith. Historical documentation has shown that in regards to keeping the Sabbath Day as Holy, they have possibly fallen victim to a deceit by The Adversary which does seriously undermine their credibility.
The days of the week as we know them are measured the same as was in biblical times and the Sabbath, the Seventh Day, is still Saturday. This is the day Divinity declared as celebration of this creation.
The tradition of worshipping Sunday began in Rome and Alexandria within the first three hundred years after Christ; and due to increased anti-Jewish sentiments in the second century it became such that by A.D. 364, the Council of Laodicea first ordered Christians to work on Saturday and spurn the "Jewish" Sabbath. More proclamations followed. By the early 700’s many Popes, including Gregory I and II as well as the Emperor Charlemange transferred Sabbath observances to Sunday - "The Lord’s Day" originally celebrating Jesus’ resurrection.
Could this not have been The Adversary at work? It is not a sin to have been deceived, but as a community there is a need to study this situation and decide if they are following God’s decree or man’s; and whether they will adjust their lives to a closer following of the Commandments they show the world on our streets.
Rev. Douglas Mefford
Universal Life Church
There are several points that must be addressed in reference to the impending vote on "gay" marriages. Firstly, from the viewpoint of American freedoms, is the need to keep Church and State separate. If you do not, you end up with government like the Islamic states. Not all cultures or religions deem homosexuality "wrong" or "evil". You should not attempt to legislate morality as it IS a subjective concept. This SHOULD be self evident to ALL Americans.
Secondly; from the Christian moral view, Beware! The usual reference given to justify reviling "gays" is Leviticus 18:22, but these were instructions for the children of Israel. Mosaic law does not apply to gentiles. Seeking to live under Old Testament law is denying its fullfillment in the New Covenant made by the sacrifice of your Messiah!
Colossians 1:16 states that God created ALL things for his purpose. If homosexuality is wrong, remember, Hebrews 10:30 states the Lord reserves vengence for himself; it is NOT given to the churches. Jesus commanded his followers in Matthew 7:2, 11-12, to judge not least they be judged and that they should rather love their fellow humans (John 13:34-35).
There is little enough love in this world without denying it to anyone who has found it, and it does not seem fitting that so many churches should be caught up in this pogrom of bigotry and intolerance against another group of God's children.
Don't forget, Jesus loves them as well. Can you, in his name, do any less?
Rev. Douglas Mefford
Universal Life Church
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