Offence

New laws were rushed into place in my home country of Australia. The aim was to prevent offensive dialogue or action between those on either side of the vote to "redefine marriage". What doesn't seem to be clear is "what is offensive"

 Jesus was divisive and this caused some to be offended, the gospel we are told is divisive.
1 Cor 1:18 "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

 Many will find themselves railing at the teachings of Jesus.

 He claimed;

 To be God's only Son.
To be the promised Messiah.
To have the power to save and judge.
To be the ONLY way to the right relationship with God the Father.
To be God himself.
This list above separates Christianity from all other religions. I would be surprised if Jesus claims do not offend people.

 I often tell people the Jesus was "not a nice guy", as nice guys don't get crucified!

 Jesus was a threat and change agent, he showed the way, sometimes by fulfilling laws, (animal sacrifice), sometimes by re-clarifying a more tight position, "Do not get divorced bar adultery"

 I don't suggest Jesus went out of his way to be offensive, he just had a message to get across, and he knew most would reject it, it's the same today for those who declare ourselves as his followers.

 So what is the answer, well let us proclaim the message, and in so doing understand it will be divisive and so offend, but in the proclaiming let us also understand that's the only thing which should be.

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