On July 4, 2011 the United Church of Christ (over 1 million members) declared their independence from “God the Father.” In an overwhelming majority they voted to render God gender-less. In their constitution and bylaws they want references to God as “heavenly Father” changed to “the triune God,” which doesn’t make much sense because triune means God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
While the UCC is one of the fastest-shrinking Protestant denominations, it joins a growing trend among modern churches and Bible translators to take the heavy off of the guy references in the Godhead. Who is behind this movement? Women. But why? I’m not sure, but I think it has something to do with the fear (or weariness) of male dominance.
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And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Mark 13:10
I often forget this important command of Jesus. I used to believe that preaching the gospel meant telling everyone I came into contact with (who wasn’t already a Christian) that Jesus came to die for their sins and that they must accept him as their Savior or risk an eternity in Hell.
Gospel means “good news,” and nothing about burning in Hell can be good. So what else could good news mean? What did it mean to the people that Jesus brought it to?
It would be good news to people who thought that their God had forgotten them, to find out that he loves them — always has and always will. It’s good news for them to know that their religious leaders are not necessarily God’s pristine examples of how one should behave who claims God. And it’s good news to know that, even though we fail (sin), God is not going to give up on us. He will use discipline, just as any loving parent would do to teach their children well.
Hey, that good news (gospel) still fits for me today!
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