Msg #2232 Cretian Slow Bellies

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

The Bible does NOT say, “The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith”, even though that is a quote (Tit.1:12b-13). This scripture has been taken out of context by so many preachers that it is important to examine the passage carefully.

We stereotype people; it is part of our sinful nature. When we crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts (Gal.5:24) our stereotypes should be nailed to that cross. Blacks are always … , Italians are always … , Cretians are always … ! Do not be sullied by such thinking. “Always” and “Never” should only carefully come into our conversations; they are “always” dangerous and “never” to be used lightly. Do not let others sully you with their making glib stereotypes about people, nations, cultures, genders, … or blonds. All the “not convenient jesting” (Eph.5:4) with such stereotypes is also sin. Such sin is often rationalized, but it is exposed in Prov.26:19. “So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?” No, you are camouflaging your sin of making, believing, and expressing stereotypes!

So what about Cretian slow bellies? The witness that is true is that one of the unruly vain deceivers, even a prophet of their own, had enough unmitigated gall to say, “Cretians are always slow bellies!” Those unruly vain deceivers are the ones to be rebuked sharply, not the Cretians. Cretians are just sinners that need the Saviour! As are blacks, whites, Hispanics, Asians, queers, transgenders, et. al. Do not stereotype people, nations, cultures, genders, … or blonds. It is sin. Man does not have a soul, man IS a soul; a soul in need of Christ. See “them” that way.

An Essay for week #32 - Aug 7, 2022

Msgs in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio

Paste this Penny Pulpit on page 73 of Dr. Grady's otherwise excellent latest book.

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