How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.
(Luke 6:42 ESV)
Wow, what a week it has been! The United States Supreme Court has ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. In so doing, same-sex couples in the 12 states that recognize these unions, are entitled to the same rights and privileges as heterosexual couples. This will affect, among other things, retirement benefits such as medicare and social security.
Advocates of same-sex marriage see this as a civil rights victory. As a matter of law I agree with the ruling. The way I see it, if two people are legally married they should be entitled to the same privileges of any legally married couple. However, I don't see the ruling as an endorsement of same-sex marriage specifically.
Most of the reaction to the ruling that came across my Twitter account and newsfeed on Facebook was in support of the ruling. The reasons for agreement seemed to range from social justice to Christian inclusion and love for all people. Others are saying that it is the continuation of the decay of the United States' morality.
Last Sunday I sat and listened to a sermon by my pastor Dr. David Platt on The Cross and Christian Sexuality. It is amazing that nearly one year ago the elders of the church were lead to present this sermon series at this time and that it would be preached the Sunday before the Supreme Court would rule on DOMA. In the sermon David spoke to the point that sex is never celebrated biblical outside a covenantal relationship between a man and a woman. This includes premarital, extramarital, homosexual, prostitution and pornography. He stated that some would view these words as hateful and harmful.
Many Christians are being labeled as intolerant and outdated because they agree with this theology. As a Christ follower, I want to live a life that honors and glorifies God. The problem is I am a sinner. NEWS FLASH: We all are. ("...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,..." Romans 3:23 ESV) Many non-Christians and some Christians have, as Dr. Platt stated, "exchanged truth for tolerance." I agree with him. There can only be one truth. This becomes a "Catch 22" when tolerant people become intolerant because others won't accept their tolerance. Something like that! I will go further. Some Christians have exchanged grace for intolerance.
True Christians believe that God is the creator of all things; He is Holy. He gets to call the shots: HE is God; not us! Who would we have God make muchof than...God! If God elevated someone or something above Himself He would cease being God. Among the characteristics of God is his graciousness. It would serve all of us well to remember that.
Secondly, as mentioned earlier, man is sinful. We all may not have the same sins but we have enough of our own to not cast stones at anyone! We all have the desire to sin; to rebel against God. We are born with hearts of pride that choose our ways over that of God's.
Thirdly, we all need a savior. As a Christian, a Christ Follow, I believe that is Jesus Christ! Again according to David Platt, the ultimate question in life is this: "How can a holy God save rebellious sinners who are due His judgement? This questions leads to the underlying tension: "How can God express His holy justice without condemning us in our sin?" And: "How can God express His holy love without condoning us in our sin?" The answer is the sufficiency of Christ!
I have echoed in my past writings what Christians claim about our savior: Jesus lived the life we could not live, died the death we deserved to die and conquered both sin and death with his resurrection! THAT is how God saves us! That is the Gospel. Christ is sufficient!
Fourthly, there is the necessity of faith! Christians must have faith that God is God, that we are in need of a savior because we can't do it ourselves, and we must have faith that Christ is sufficient. Salvation cannot be earned and faith is not a crutch. It is not wishful thinking. ("For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?"-Romans 8:24 ESV) Even the non-believer has faith! They have to have faith that they are right in saying there is no God or that Jesus is not the Messiah!
Fifthly, Christ Followers are convinced of the urgency of eternity. This is not a game. According to Platt, "Hell is a dreadful reality for those who turn from Jesus, Heaven is a glorious reality for those who trust in Jesus." Let me add this: we should not seek God to get heaven, eternal life, treasures, streets of gold or angel wings! We should seek God to get God!
Now, tell me, does this should hateful? Harmful? If we as Christ Followers believe all these things wouldn't it be the height of hate to not share this with friends, neighbors, co-workers and loved ones? Stay with me here! If I have the key to eternal life and oneness with the God of the universe, who is great and deserving of all honor, glory and praise shouldn't I share that?!
But how do I share it without seeming judgemental, outdated, intolerant? Much of the perceived problems with Christianity is the actions and words of...well, professing Christians! The scriptures tell us that in the beginning was the Word. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Christ is the Word. And Christ is Love! I am afraid that many are "preaching" a gospel void of love.
True Christians/Christ Followers do not spew hate, hateful words and hate filled actions. True Christians do not show up and protest funerals of soldiers or innocent victims of violence/tragedy. True Christians do not bomb abortion clinics. Remember Jesus' words, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
(Matthew 7:21-23 ESV)
True Christians/Christ Followers LOVE. Why? Because He first loved us! But that does not mean that we turn a blind eye to sin; regardless of whatever that sin may be.The majority sin does not win here! Sin is sin and should be taken seriously. God takes it so seriously that he sent His Son to die for ours sins!( "You have been bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."- 1st Corinthians 6:20 ESV)
It is said "hate the sin but love the sinner". Not bad advise. But be careful that you don't have something in your eye when choosing which sins you hate.
SAVED BY GRACE. Praise God!
Thanks for reading!
Jeff
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