Holy and Profane…
This past week I was speaking in the young adult tent (The Wave) at the amazing Hope BC Campmeeting just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia. I spoke five times from Wednesday to Saturday night and the time was amazing! One young adult came running up to me Friday night after the meeting saying that she was convicted that she needed to be baptized. The following morning her decision became a reality as she publicly displayed Jesus’ love for her by surrendering her life to Him. It was a powerful experience!
Saturday night after going full out all day, I got up to speak about 8pm. I say that only to try to excuse some of the words that I said that evening. Granted I was tired, but this was not the first time that this has happened. It is as though I let my emotions get the best of me and say words that I don’t feel are appropriate in the pulpit. Had I been a listener in the audience that evening I may have been uncomfortable listening to a speaker say that “Jesus was pissed off” at the temple employees who were selling pigeons and charging a fee for the changing of currency. While He was obviously irate, I could have used a different word, such as the one I just did or livid to describe His anger, and not a phrase that certainly packs so much negative connotation.
Additionally, that night I used the word ”freakin‘ “. At least once or twice (maybe more). While in my heart of hearts I am not using this verbiage intentionally, it seems to come out when I get fired up about something. After prayerful consideration I am convicted that I can indeed get the same point across without the use of these words/phrases. Yesterday I received two messages back-to-back pointing out how disappointed they were when these were uttered in the presence of such an age diverse crowd. Unfortunately this is not the first time I’ve received such emails/comments. Once again I dropped to my knees and got on my face before the living God and begged Him to forgive me of any misrepresentation that may of occurred and to help me to better represent Him and His Word in the future.
So, to those of you who were at BC Campmeeting or if you happen to get the CD, I ask your forgiveness as well for the words that came out of my mouth that were unacceptable. It is my sincere prayer and hope to continue to improve on the public declaration of God’s Word!
There is more to come on this topic as I am reading more and more out of scripture that address the way that we talk.
Blessings to you all!
(From the airport in Philadelphia on my way to a Back to School Rally in Florida!)
mwg
Posted by matthew gamble on August 07, 2008 at 09:18 AM
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hey matthew. it’s pastor charles - the church planter dude that made an appeal during the sabbath service.
don’t feel bad. Jesus used the language of his day. Paul used the language of his day. James White used the language of his day.
why can’t you?
‘nyways, check my blog for my take.
Posted by Charles Ed Aguilar on August 08, 2008 at 08:34 PM | #http://antcreations.terraceadventist.org/?p=227
I think it’s alright. You’re not cursing anyone, your just using the word to describe how pissed Jesus was.
Posted by Joie on August 08, 2008 at 10:10 PM | #Hi Pastor Gamble, You probably don’t know me but I heard you speak at the SECC Bible Camp earlier this year and I loved it. I don’t know if I’ll ever hear you speak again so I was wondering if you ever heard of audioverse.com, a website where SDA pastors post recordings of their sermons so others can hear it. If you have any recordings of your sermons, I would love to hear them. Anyway, that’s just a suggestion, so God bless and I hope you’re having fun doing your job.
Posted by Erica P. on August 09, 2008 at 02:55 PM | #Hello Matthew,
I realize the language of the day is fine but where we can draw the line is where we might be a stumbling block for one of Gods children that may find it offensive. I know what you mean. I used to, (and occasionally might still) use the word “frickin” kind of the same way “freakin” might be used and my Wife, pointed out to me, and correctly I believe that frickin is awfully close to “f#ck)ng”
I hadn’t really thought of it that way but I think she is right in that it doesn’t reflect good on Jesus to use this as it is simply could be used as a slang for another word.
I appreciate your approach as I think younger folk feel you are approachable because you are real with them.
God Bless and hope your move has been good for you and family. Sincerely, Jon
Posted by Jon Syvertson on August 11, 2008 at 02:38 PM | #I can’t tell you how stoked I am to have y’all posting. It is encouraging to know that people are reading the blog. I hope to write more on this subject in the near future as I am wanting more clarity myself on what is considered idol speech, etc.
It is funny because I posted this primarily because of two emails/facebook messages I received where the people were “highly disappointed” by my sermons at Hope BC Big Camp. Whereas I have received far more than that from people who are praising God for the revival in their lives.
One of the things that I want to ask the critics (which I always welcome criticism) is what they got out of the messages. Beyond the mishaps on my end, did they receive a Word from on high that drew them closer to Christ? Or did the occasional slang word completely hinder them from hearing the voice of God?
mg
Posted by matthew gamble on August 11, 2008 at 05:10 PM | #Hi Matthew,
Posted by nl on August 15, 2008 at 04:48 PM | #I must say I TOTALLY LOVED your messages in HOPE....unfortunately I had my 12 year old son with me and did feel things got a little colourful for my liking and his. In his words he was “disappointed” and felt that it was not necessary. I do believe that the puplit should maintain a level of purity and as an example to our youth we should be able to communicate our message without the use of words that take away from the message...why go there if you do not have to....You know what “they” say...it is not WHAT you say but HOW you say it that people hear. You are extremely talented, raw and real...if you were able to maintain pure relations with your wife prior to getting married I am confident you will be able to conquer this “re-occuring issue”. I know that the use of language did take away from your message because it was a major discussion the next morning ...bottom line we ALL love U...and we are praying foy ya.
Looking forward to hearing your message at the Brisbane camp meetings in a few weeks........I hope you bring all that emotion with you; It sounds like you give it with bones,gristle & stringy bits....proper,the real thing - the way the bible is, not some nice, shiny
pre-packaged thing that tries to keep everyone happy.
Brilliant!
Posted by JONO on August 29, 2008 at 08:22 PM | #Hi Matthew, this is Jaime Mejia, from Colombia, I hope you still remember me from the Jacksonville meeting a few years ago. Well, my daughter Annie is going to be in Camp Kulaqua next October High School Bible Conference. She was like: Hey Dad! that’s your friend… C’mon, now you are becoming a celebrity
. About your words, it’s no big deal to me but surely would be to some, and Paul also taught to be cautious in sake of those who may see things from a diffrent perspective. So, your candid exposure of inner feelings and thoughts are refreshing to all of us who have slided into muddy wording before. If things go OK, I will gladly meet you again on October at Camp Kulaqua. Oy vey!
Posted by Jaime A. Mejia, M.D. on September 08, 2008 at 07:40 PM | #saying ‘freakn’ or ‘frickin’ is just like saying ‘sugar’ or ‘shoot’ don’t you think? ‘pissed off’? how is that offensive?
pissed - past tense of piss; word to describe someone whose drunk ‘off his face’; state of great anger.
piss - urine (God’s clever way of getting unwanted liquids out of our systems)
would have meant the same thing if you said ‘p’d off’ really. ohhh even ‘fudge’.
next time say “Jesus was ‘urinated’ at the ‘darn’ temple employees...”
Again we shall pray for the perfect Christians out there who think you are insincere bro. For only those who speak with pretty words are the ones that will make it into Heaven for shiz. Totally.
ps. What happened to Conneticut = Good etiquette? lol
Peace out Church
Posted by CHIAZ on September 29, 2008 at 01:54 AM | #Page 1 of 1 pages