Instruction Regarding Homosexuality

For the sake of clarity...

The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin against God. For that reason, homosexuality is regarded as wickedness in the Bible.

• That does NOT mean that a person who is a homosexual is of lesser value than someone who is not homosexual.
• That does NOT mean that a person who is a homosexual has fewer rights or should be treated with less respect than anyone else.
• That does NOT mean that God does not love a homosexual person.
• That does NOT mean that Jesus did not die on the cross for the homosexual.

It does mean that homosexuality stands opposed to the holy character of God and the way He designed man and woman in creation. 

A few years ago the Supreme Court of the United States of America ruled in favor of same-sex marriages. The greatest legal minds of our nation stood opposed to the clear biblical instruction of the Creator in praise of the wicked.

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
But those who keep the law strive with them.
--Proverbs 28:4

According to the Bible Christians are those who are devoted to God’s divine instruction. Christians will stand opposed to the anti-biblical ruling of the Supreme Court Justices.

What exactly does that mean? What behaviors are expected? Are Christians supposed to mount opposition or use aggressive behavior?

The Apostle Paul answers:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
--Ephesians 6:12

So, there is no room for violence. There is no room for disrespect. There is no room for rejection or hate. The fight is not against those that the Bible refers to as sinners. (Remember, we all fit into that category.)

We need to see that the laws of our land do not force Christians to sin. The battle is a spiritual battle. (You or I may not like the laws, but there is no law that forces anyone to commit murder, to steal, to commit adultery, to practice homosexuality, etc.)

Christians must also understand that while the struggle is spiritual, it has become more physically aggressive in our society. Yet, we do not need to form demonstrations or lash out against anyone. Whatever changes may occur in our society regarding homosexuality, they do not justify ungodly judgmental behavior on the part of Christians. 

Do not be surprised if Christians are sometime persecuted for their faith in the Bible. Many people will misinterpret our understanding of the Bible as hatred. However, we must remain faithful to God by pursuing lives of holiness and purity. At the same time we must respond to societal changes with a patient and loving Christian attitude toward others.
After all...

The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. --James 1:20

Be wise...Be Aware...Be Ready!
Be strong and courageous!

Just Because...

"Just Because…"

You have heard the expression; you may have used it. 

A parent answers, “No,” and the child asks, “Why not?” 

The response: “Just because….”

Perhaps there is not enough time to explain. Perhaps the little one cannot understand. Often times, however, there is nothing to explain; that’s just the way it is!

-----------------

In recent months I have noticed many, many comments in social media that end with “God is good.” The final comment always seems to follow good news, an unexpected blessing, or an expression of joy.

   “I have a new job!”… God is good.

   “Our daughter had a baby; we’re grandparents!” … God is good.

   “Our son graduated.” … God is good.

   “Dad is back home from the hospital.” … God is good.

   “The tests for cancer came back ‘negative.’” … God is good.

   “The long awaited spring is finally emerging.” … God is good.

   “The beauty of God’s creation is inspiring.” … God is good.

I really am glad to read all these expressions, but I wonder if we have slipped into a “God is good…because of…” kind of thinking. Is our perception of God’s goodness based only on favorable outcomes in life?

   “Up on the wrong side of the bed; bad day…but God is still good.”

   “The rain destroyed my crops…but God is still good.”

   "I 'totaled' my car...but God is still good."

   “Recent changes in the stock market hurt my retirement…but God is still good.”

   “The earthquake leveled the town; killed many…but God is still good.”
   “Mom’s best friend died last night…but God is still good.”
   “The cancer is back…but God is still good.”

There was a time when King David's life was in danger because of his strained relationship with his son Absolom. Was God good? How do you think King David spent his nights knowing that his son had literally risen up against him in pursuit of the throne of Israel?

   (A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.) 

   O LORD, how my foes increase! 

      There are many who attack me. 

   Many say about me, 

      "There is no help for him in God." 
   Selah. 

   But You, LORD, are a shield around me, 

      my glory, and the One who lifts my head. 

   I cry aloud to the LORD, 

      And He answered me from His holy mountain. 
   Selah. 

   I lie down and sleep; 

      I wake again because the LORD sustains me. 

   I am not afraid of the thousands of people 

      who have taken their stand against me on every side. 

   Riseup, LORD! Save me, my God! 

      You strike all my enemies on the cheek; 

      You break the teeth of the wicked. 

   Salvation belongs to the LORD; 

      May Your blessing be on your people! 
   Selah.

                                                  --Psalm 3 (CSB, emphasis added)

David knew, 'God is good' in times of wealth and peace and safety…and also in times of need, in times of trial, in times of danger.

God IS good…at all times...
Just Because….

Who Is Anonymous?

I received an email from an Internet book distributor that I have used in the past. Based on my previous purchases the email listed a number of book offers that their computer thought might be of interest to me. Each offer showed a picture of the book with its title and author. Among the book suggestions were a number of Bibles and in each case the author was listed as: Anonymous. I didn’t really expect to see “Holy Spirit” or “God” as author, but “Anonymous” suggested that the author of the Bible is unknown. I wonder if this reflects current attitudes of many in our society, even religious folks.

On a separate Internet site that often has encouraging essays on biblical themes I noticed a new book offer containing “Four Views” on a passage from the book of Hebrews. Think about the implications; four different writers express their interpretation of a passage of scripture. Can they all be correct? Whatever the case, with book in hand, you, the reader, have the option of believing any one of the views or none at all.

The “four views” book reminded me of how often I’ve heard people say that everybody has their own interpretation of Scripture. In an age where tolerance is sacred, we can all have our own interpretation and still get along. Of course, that ignores the reality that many interpretations are completely incompatible in practical day-to-day living. (At least we're not arguing any more.)

The search for understanding can be challenging, but is often complicated by voices of scholarship. I am referring to the word wrangling over the meanings of biblical expressions. Some modern religious writers have fallen into the trap of applying alternate meanings of Hebrew and Greek terms as fresh new insights. Let me illustrate with a simple English word.

When a husband tells his wife, “I love you,” she does not imagine that he thinks of her with the same affection that he has for the family pet. (He loves the family pet.) Nor does she interpret his love as if she were a chocolate bar. (He loves chocolate bars, too.)

No one would browse the dictionary with its various shades of meaning of the word love, arbitrarily pick a meaning from its listing (menu) and then apply it to the husband’s relationship with his wife. Yet, some are doing that with Greek and Hebrew terms in the Bible.

Do you see what is happening?

Our society no longer knows who wrote the Bible. As a result its authority is diminished and its message left up to individual interpretation. Words with real meaning are said to have new or different meanings that then yield new and different conclusions. This phenomenon has led one writer to conclude that Jesus had an affair with Mary Magdalene because the Bible says that he loved her. Another writer concluded that David and his close friend Jonathan were gay because the Bible tells us that David loved Jonathan. To describe these kinds of conclusions as disrespectful is an understatement. (At least we're not arguing any more.)

Jesus was not an adulterer; David was not gay. The writer of Hebrews did not present four views when he wrote. The Bible is not an anonymous writing composed of man's thoughts which are subject to a pick-and-choose kind of interpretation by its readers.

Communication is difficult, even when we are careful and patient; even for our non-anonymous God. Yet the problem lies with man, not with God.

No prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.     — 2 Peter 2:20-21

"Delightful!"

It is one of my daughters’ favorite places to eat. So, I’ve been there a few times. I recognized one of the waitresses (Carley) who is about the age of my oldest daughter. As a general rule I tip generously when eating out, thinking, “She is someone’s daughter. I should treat her like I would want folks to treat my daughter.” I often write a short note at the bottom of my receipt to acknowledge the good service I’ve received. (And I never lie; cranky waitresses get no note.)

On one occasion a while back I was at that favorite place for lunch and Carley waited on me. I enjoyed an especially good meal and good service. At the bottom of my receipt, I wrote one word, “Delightful.”

The other day I returned and sat in the same general area and Carley was working. To my surprise she greeted me from across the restaurant and as soon as she could she rushed over to my table and said, “I’ve got to show you something.”

(We all enjoy a little special attention when we go out to eat, but I’ll be honest, it was a little more attention than I expected and I was glancing around to make sure I had a clear path to an exit if necessary.)

Carley pushed through dozens of photos on her phone to show me a picture of my receipt from my previous visit: “Delightful.” Tearing up, she explained that she had been having a bad day and my little one-word note was a real encouragement. She took the picture and kept it hoping that she could share it with me.

Needless to say, THAT made my day!

We sometimes talk about our Christian example and the fact that we never know the lives that we may touch. A good example; a good deed; a kind word...literally…‘a’ kind word.

I’ve always known that my personal ‘tipping policy’ was good because it is ultimately rooted in the words of Jesus: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (I simply extended its application.)

My experience reminded me of how important it is to treat every person with sincere kindness. People are important. People are valuable. Even when I go out to eat and expect a good meal and expect good service for the money I spend, I encounter real people who are important and valuable in God’s eyes. How do I know this?
Answer: John 3:16.

I was also mindful of the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount about His disciples being salt and light. Go back and read what Jesus said about being salt (Matthew 5:13). Look it up and see if He was referring to the flavor-enhancing quality of salt. We who are in Christ are supposed to be salt in this world. That means that we are supposed to make life taste good to those around us.

I don’t know what may come of this seemingly chance encounter. But a door of opportunity has opened for me to say something to Carley about Jesus; all because of a simple kindness based on the Golden Rule.

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. —Galatians 6:10 (NASB95)

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. —Colossians 4:5 (NASB95)

We ARE salt. 
So, think about being delightfully salty and watch for opportunities that God may bring into your life.