John 16:8, "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment;"
One of the things I have been truly blessed with in my life are Godly men that have been raised up to impart wisdom. God has seen fit at every stop in my ministry to surround me with mature Christians who have fought the battle, and made mistakes, who could impart Godly wisdom unto me. It is always good to seek Godly counsel, and if we can learn from another's mistakes, we can avoid a pitfall and advance the kingdom of God far better than when we make a mistake ourselves.
One of the lessons I am most thankful for seems apparent on the surface, but in reality, may be the one of the most difficult to learn. Whether in preaching, or witnessing, something we all must learn, is this: It is not our job to convict people of their sin, that is God's responsibility. And when we assume that responsibility, we stand in God's way.
Any person who has a passion for God will also have a passion to see lost or backslidden people repent and turn to God. It's very obvious to the Christian grounded in the word when someone is not living as the bible instructs, and thus, is living in sin. With the consequences of an unrepentant lifestyle resulting in an eternity in hell(1 Cor 6:9-11, Gal 5:19-21, Eph 5:1-7, Rev 21:8), it should burden us all when we see someone in this condition. We cannot however, through our efforts, make that person see the sin in their life and repent. That is a work solely of the Holy Spirit, and in spite of our passion and efforts, we can never convict someone of that sin. That is God's job.
In my own ministry I can look back and see times when I tried to do God's job for Him. It was not intentional, it was not because I lacked passion or zeal, but what I lacked was the wisdom of God. This is why I am so thankful for those people God raised up in my life. They imparted this wisdom, and thankfully, I received it.
In the first church I pastored I was confronted right off the bat with biblical issues that I knew needed to be addressed. My heart was pierced as I saw people serving in our church who were living in open, rebellious sin; sexual immorality. I did not pick and choose to preach scripture to these people, as I am an expositor. But when these issues were revealed I was preaching through books of the bible that dealt specifically with this sort of sin, in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 and Ephesians chapters 4 and 5. In hindsight, I know I was correct to stick to my guns and preach the texts, as I know that is what God would have me do. But I also realized after the fact, that in how I preached some of those messages, I took upon myself to try and convict these people of their sin, and got in God's way.
Now even in my failure here God did produce fruit, as after time one of the couples repented and got right with God. But the other bowed their necks and basically with excusing from many close to them and an unwillingness to hear what the word says, continue in this sin to this day. It still breaks my heart. But I know now that it's not up to me to convict these folks, that is God's job. I can honestly say their is a freedom in this knowledge that allows you to communicate God's word with more love and compassion than if you take upon yourself God's responsibilities.
In the church I currently serve I was once again faced with one of these challenging texts a few weeks ago in 1 Thessalonians 4. On this day it just so happened we had many in our church who also were engaged in sinful behavior the bible clearly identifies. This time however, I came to the text with more wisdom than before. I preached the same message, yet with more compassion and love, and the fruit of allowing God to do His job for Himself was immediate. 1 couple came to me the next week seeking to be married and repent of their sin. Others are still attending, and are opening their hearts to what God has to say. I know full well this has nothing to do with me, but rather, the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. But I rejoice that through me God can bring forth fruit quickly if I just stay out of His way.
This is a difficult thing sometimes. When we see someone we care for, especially a loved one; son, daughter, mother, father, sister, brother, who is in open rebellion against God, it should and does pierce our heart with the desire to see them repent. Friends, even when it's a complete stranger we should feel this burden for conviction of sin and repentance. However, we must let God do His job in their hearts. Whether it's preaching to the masses or engaging someone one-on-one, let us be open to the wisdom of God. He will convict the world of it's sin. When we try to do His job for Him, we hinder His work, we do not help it.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Balancing Holiness and Being Human
My wife caused quite a stir on Facebook last night. Now understand, my wife, loves the Lord. She is a witness to hundreds of lost friends on a forum such as Facebook through persistent spiritual postings and has seen much fruit when lost friends of hers seek Godly counsel in times of crisis. My wife is also a fun loving person, who relates to people on a level they can relate to, especially lost people. This is why so many feel comfortable speaking with her regarding spiritual matters. This fun loving side is what led to the stir she caused last night. You see, my wife; the preachers wife; told a fart joke on Facebook.
How this caused a stir is she was rebuked by a pastor we really do not know. He called her language "guttural." Know also, this pastor has also rebuked her in the past for using words like gosh, golly and gee wiz on Facebook. My wife, a fiery one, did not respond to his rebuke as well as she should have. She reacted emotionally, and although not by name, revealed the private rebuke of the pastor and expressed her opinion of it as only she can. But what I want to focus on is the overflow of this event. How exactly is the Christian to practice a holy life, yet remain relevant to lost people in the world? How can we balance being holy, and being human?
First, let's define some words and concepts here. The bible commands us, "Be holy, for I am holy." So, just what does holy, and practicing holiness mean. Holiness is defined as living a life of purity and integrity in regards to moral character. Moral character is established by the lives we live, as compared to God's word. Are we obedient to the clear commands and expectations of the word of God? Are we living in sin, thus practicing an unholy lifestyle? Many Christians view this command as impossible to fulfil. In a way, it is, because none of us are perfect. But we are called to practice holiness, so what we judge ourselves on is: is the pattern of our lives one that reflects God and His expectations of us, or is it not. When the world looks at us; observes us, hears us, is it evident we are a Christian?
Spouting scripture does not make us a Christian, nor does attending church, or even professing Jesus Christ in word with no works to back it up. The Christian's life will stand in direct contrast to the lost person of the world. We will be seen as honest, truthful, gentle, kind, patient, loving. We will not cast judgment upon the world, as the bible tells us God will do that(1 Cor 5.) We do however judge each other by the standards of the bible so as to hold each other accountable for conducting ourselves in holiness. But if we are to engage the world, yet we are by definition distinctly different from the world. How can we do so without compromising our holiness.
The old adage is we are to be "in the world but not of the world." This means we are to live as everyday people among everyday people yet not be corrupted by the sin that is prevalent in our world. But where do we draw the line on where holiness ends and worldliness begins? May I submit, we allow people to be themselves so long as no clearly defined sin is being committed or overtaking them. You know, the bible is very clear on sin. It has lists of sins throughout, things God identifies as sin. He is the only one who can define what sin is and what it is not. Problem is, sometimes we as Christians, want to place our own ideals and opinions of what is sin where God has not spoken clearly. When this happens, it's called legalism, loosely defined as placing our own beliefs in place of or over God's clearly spelled out word.
Legalism was the problem in Jesus's day, as it is a huge problem today. As big, if not bigger, than the liberalism that compromises God's word. The Pharisees placed their traditions over God's word(Mk 7). and in doing so placed restrictions on people that God did not. We still do this today. Ever seen a church with a dress code, or one that would not allow a woman to wear makeup? Us as individual Christians do this even more so. If you smoke cigarettes, you sin. Where is that in the bible? If you drink a beer, you sin. Once again, where in the bible does this doctrine exist that directly prohibits this? If you are overweight you're a glutton. If you bought a lottery ticket? Allow your children to believe in Santa Claus? I'm not condoning these things, but neither do I have the biblical authority to say flat out, you can't do them. Believe me, we Christians can make up more rules that God never spoke clearly on than apparently any people group on the planet. And we do so under the mantra, "Be holy, for I am holy." Just like the Pharisees did.
Friends, we must realize, we do have liberty in Christ. That liberty is not a free ticket to sin. The bible says, "Is grace license to sin? God forbid!" But let's let God define what sin is, and keep our noses out of His business when it comes to our personal opinions. Romans 14 tells us that if it is sin to us, it is sin. If your spirit is convicting you regarding a vice, or something in your life that maybe the bible doesn't speak directly too, then it is sin to you. But this disputable matter may not be considered sin to another believerwho is not under the same conviction.
When we start expecting others to live to our standards, we've crossed a line. The standard we are to strive for is God's, not any human beings. When we somehow expect the world to relate to us without human foibles that we have liberty in Christ to practice, that make us who we are, we've become irrelevant and obvious hypocrites in the eyes of the world. With all do respect to the pastor who rebuked Ashley, your objection falls into that category. When we are rebuking another believer for a sophomoric joke, or using harmless, non offensive words such as gosh and gee wiz, we've ventured in to an absurdity that the world laughs at, and turns from quicker than we can comprehend.
The bible says we are not to be a stumbling block, defined as a sin or action that causes another to fall into sin and away from God. Using the instance of my wife as an example. Is a juvenile joke really going to cause someone to do this? Or a harmless slang word? Friends we do need to take great care that our actions do not lead others into sin and away from Christ. Actions that could do this are normally sin, which is defined by God. Can a tradition we have do so? Yes, just as Paul says eating meat or having a drink of wine may do so? But in these areas not clearly defined by God, we are responsible for our own actions, but not to be judged by another believer as we do have that liberty. It's a fine line, but one that is essential if we are to relate to the world without appearing to be self righteous, rigid, prudish zealots.
The Christian life is not easy, but it is rewarding. God's commands are not burdensome, but our expectations of each other when they are not grounded solidly in God's word are. We must live in holiness, as God commands it. But let's let Him set the standard for what holiness is.
How this caused a stir is she was rebuked by a pastor we really do not know. He called her language "guttural." Know also, this pastor has also rebuked her in the past for using words like gosh, golly and gee wiz on Facebook. My wife, a fiery one, did not respond to his rebuke as well as she should have. She reacted emotionally, and although not by name, revealed the private rebuke of the pastor and expressed her opinion of it as only she can. But what I want to focus on is the overflow of this event. How exactly is the Christian to practice a holy life, yet remain relevant to lost people in the world? How can we balance being holy, and being human?
First, let's define some words and concepts here. The bible commands us, "Be holy, for I am holy." So, just what does holy, and practicing holiness mean. Holiness is defined as living a life of purity and integrity in regards to moral character. Moral character is established by the lives we live, as compared to God's word. Are we obedient to the clear commands and expectations of the word of God? Are we living in sin, thus practicing an unholy lifestyle? Many Christians view this command as impossible to fulfil. In a way, it is, because none of us are perfect. But we are called to practice holiness, so what we judge ourselves on is: is the pattern of our lives one that reflects God and His expectations of us, or is it not. When the world looks at us; observes us, hears us, is it evident we are a Christian?
Spouting scripture does not make us a Christian, nor does attending church, or even professing Jesus Christ in word with no works to back it up. The Christian's life will stand in direct contrast to the lost person of the world. We will be seen as honest, truthful, gentle, kind, patient, loving. We will not cast judgment upon the world, as the bible tells us God will do that(1 Cor 5.) We do however judge each other by the standards of the bible so as to hold each other accountable for conducting ourselves in holiness. But if we are to engage the world, yet we are by definition distinctly different from the world. How can we do so without compromising our holiness.
The old adage is we are to be "in the world but not of the world." This means we are to live as everyday people among everyday people yet not be corrupted by the sin that is prevalent in our world. But where do we draw the line on where holiness ends and worldliness begins? May I submit, we allow people to be themselves so long as no clearly defined sin is being committed or overtaking them. You know, the bible is very clear on sin. It has lists of sins throughout, things God identifies as sin. He is the only one who can define what sin is and what it is not. Problem is, sometimes we as Christians, want to place our own ideals and opinions of what is sin where God has not spoken clearly. When this happens, it's called legalism, loosely defined as placing our own beliefs in place of or over God's clearly spelled out word.
Legalism was the problem in Jesus's day, as it is a huge problem today. As big, if not bigger, than the liberalism that compromises God's word. The Pharisees placed their traditions over God's word(Mk 7). and in doing so placed restrictions on people that God did not. We still do this today. Ever seen a church with a dress code, or one that would not allow a woman to wear makeup? Us as individual Christians do this even more so. If you smoke cigarettes, you sin. Where is that in the bible? If you drink a beer, you sin. Once again, where in the bible does this doctrine exist that directly prohibits this? If you are overweight you're a glutton. If you bought a lottery ticket? Allow your children to believe in Santa Claus? I'm not condoning these things, but neither do I have the biblical authority to say flat out, you can't do them. Believe me, we Christians can make up more rules that God never spoke clearly on than apparently any people group on the planet. And we do so under the mantra, "Be holy, for I am holy." Just like the Pharisees did.
Friends, we must realize, we do have liberty in Christ. That liberty is not a free ticket to sin. The bible says, "Is grace license to sin? God forbid!" But let's let God define what sin is, and keep our noses out of His business when it comes to our personal opinions. Romans 14 tells us that if it is sin to us, it is sin. If your spirit is convicting you regarding a vice, or something in your life that maybe the bible doesn't speak directly too, then it is sin to you. But this disputable matter may not be considered sin to another believerwho is not under the same conviction.
When we start expecting others to live to our standards, we've crossed a line. The standard we are to strive for is God's, not any human beings. When we somehow expect the world to relate to us without human foibles that we have liberty in Christ to practice, that make us who we are, we've become irrelevant and obvious hypocrites in the eyes of the world. With all do respect to the pastor who rebuked Ashley, your objection falls into that category. When we are rebuking another believer for a sophomoric joke, or using harmless, non offensive words such as gosh and gee wiz, we've ventured in to an absurdity that the world laughs at, and turns from quicker than we can comprehend.
The bible says we are not to be a stumbling block, defined as a sin or action that causes another to fall into sin and away from God. Using the instance of my wife as an example. Is a juvenile joke really going to cause someone to do this? Or a harmless slang word? Friends we do need to take great care that our actions do not lead others into sin and away from Christ. Actions that could do this are normally sin, which is defined by God. Can a tradition we have do so? Yes, just as Paul says eating meat or having a drink of wine may do so? But in these areas not clearly defined by God, we are responsible for our own actions, but not to be judged by another believer as we do have that liberty. It's a fine line, but one that is essential if we are to relate to the world without appearing to be self righteous, rigid, prudish zealots.
The Christian life is not easy, but it is rewarding. God's commands are not burdensome, but our expectations of each other when they are not grounded solidly in God's word are. We must live in holiness, as God commands it. But let's let Him set the standard for what holiness is.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Where is Our Hope?
As I checked the latest on the stock market this morning and found it nosediving once again, the thought came to my mind: Where is our hope? Chances are if your were to ask the average American where the stock market closes and how it affected their 401K later today, or to recite John 3:16, the knowledge of the stock market would far outweigh the knowledge of the bible. This sad state of our spirituality in America today is a testament to our misplaced focus of where our hope is?
Jesus said we should not lay up treasures for ourselves here on earth, but rather we should focus upon the spiritual and lay up treasures in heaven(Matt 6:19-20). This attitude however does not define us as a people. We are placing our hope in our own competence and our own ability to provide for ourselves when God has already promised to provide for all of our needs(Phil 4:19). Our hope does not lie in financial security.
As we concern ourselves with economic meltdown, ongoing wars, riots in Europe, the constant threat of terrorism, instability in the middle east we are asking our politicians to solve the problems and bring about peace. The bible tells us that true peace only comes through Christ. Their will be no "world" peace until He rules and reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We can never know spiritual peace until we first now Him and He knows us as it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit(Gal 5:22-24). Our hope cannot lie in men or politicians.
When we look at what is called God's church and see churches claiming that; church should be fun, entertaining, pleasing to the worshipper and look to so-called spiritual leaders with hope, have we lost sight of what God truly desires from His people. Worship is not about us, it is about God. It is to be reverent, holy, in spirit centered around the truth of God's word. It is not a show! It is not something that pleases us instead of God! If our hope is in a preacher or church, we have misplaced our hope.
Their is only one place our hope can be, and that is with Jesus! Titus 2:13 tells us that we should be "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." Is this where we are looking? It seems as though we are looking to everyone and everything but Jesus. Friends, do not place your hope in corruptible things....Look To Christ! He is yours, mine and this worlds only hope!
Jesus said we should not lay up treasures for ourselves here on earth, but rather we should focus upon the spiritual and lay up treasures in heaven(Matt 6:19-20). This attitude however does not define us as a people. We are placing our hope in our own competence and our own ability to provide for ourselves when God has already promised to provide for all of our needs(Phil 4:19). Our hope does not lie in financial security.
As we concern ourselves with economic meltdown, ongoing wars, riots in Europe, the constant threat of terrorism, instability in the middle east we are asking our politicians to solve the problems and bring about peace. The bible tells us that true peace only comes through Christ. Their will be no "world" peace until He rules and reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We can never know spiritual peace until we first now Him and He knows us as it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit(Gal 5:22-24). Our hope cannot lie in men or politicians.
When we look at what is called God's church and see churches claiming that; church should be fun, entertaining, pleasing to the worshipper and look to so-called spiritual leaders with hope, have we lost sight of what God truly desires from His people. Worship is not about us, it is about God. It is to be reverent, holy, in spirit centered around the truth of God's word. It is not a show! It is not something that pleases us instead of God! If our hope is in a preacher or church, we have misplaced our hope.
Their is only one place our hope can be, and that is with Jesus! Titus 2:13 tells us that we should be "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." Is this where we are looking? It seems as though we are looking to everyone and everything but Jesus. Friends, do not place your hope in corruptible things....Look To Christ! He is yours, mine and this worlds only hope!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Do We Approve of God? Polling Shows....
I ran across one of the more comical things I have seen in a while this week. In late July Public Policy Polling, a democratic polling agency, asked 928 respondents what they thought of the job God was doing. 52% of respondents said they thought God was doing a good job. 9% disapproved of the job God was doing. I'm assuming that means 39% have no opinion of how God is doing His job. The poll rejoiced in the fact that God's approval rating was higher than President Obama's and far higher than congress. That's a mighty high standard to hold God to, isn't it?
The polling was even more detailed: 71% approved of God's creation of the universe, while 5% disapproved(they obviously could have done better). 56% approved of God's governance of the animal kingdom, while 11% disapproved(I'm thinking they have a fire ant problem). 26% of those under the age of 65 disapproved of God's handling of natural disasters(I'm assuming they think their should not be any).
A spokesman for Public Policy Polling, PPP, had this to say about the Almighty. "Though not the most popular figure PPP has polled, if God exists, voters are prepared to give it good marks." The margin of error in this poll was 3.2%.
Where to start with this nonsense. The arrogance of this poll is astounding, and you can tell the PPPeople conducting this poll have no concept of who, not what, God really is. God says through His word, that "pride comes before a fall." Who are we to think we can judge God? As God told Job, "where were you when I hung the stars..."
Secondly, I had to at least think the question; What would God's approval rating be of mankind? As I survey the landscape of the world we live in, I cannot see God approving of most of what goes on. I believe God's opinion of the world is best expressed in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying it's power. Have nothing to do with them." I wonder what the poll would have shown if the question were; Do you approve of what the bible says?
The thing is, and I pray with all of my heart that the people at PPP, and those who actually thought it was a good idea to judge the Creator of the universe, can somehow comprehend this truth. God does not approve of mankind at this point. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." "There is none good, no, not one." "All we like sheep have gone astray..." But because He cannot approve of the fact we are all lowly sinners, He sent His Son to die for our sins that through Him, they can be forgiven. The message of God to all mankind is: I love you! I've made the ultimate sacrifice for you in sending My Son Jesus to you. All of you can know Me for eternity if you confess and repent of your sins, and come to Me through Jesus. If you have faith that I am capable of doing what I say I have done; raising Jesus from the dead, and that through My grace I will save you, you will be with Me forever.
I wonder what the polling data would be on that. The arrogance of "it," thinking "it" knows more than us and can tell us what to do.
The polling was even more detailed: 71% approved of God's creation of the universe, while 5% disapproved(they obviously could have done better). 56% approved of God's governance of the animal kingdom, while 11% disapproved(I'm thinking they have a fire ant problem). 26% of those under the age of 65 disapproved of God's handling of natural disasters(I'm assuming they think their should not be any).
A spokesman for Public Policy Polling, PPP, had this to say about the Almighty. "Though not the most popular figure PPP has polled, if God exists, voters are prepared to give it good marks." The margin of error in this poll was 3.2%.
Where to start with this nonsense. The arrogance of this poll is astounding, and you can tell the PPPeople conducting this poll have no concept of who, not what, God really is. God says through His word, that "pride comes before a fall." Who are we to think we can judge God? As God told Job, "where were you when I hung the stars..."
Secondly, I had to at least think the question; What would God's approval rating be of mankind? As I survey the landscape of the world we live in, I cannot see God approving of most of what goes on. I believe God's opinion of the world is best expressed in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying it's power. Have nothing to do with them." I wonder what the poll would have shown if the question were; Do you approve of what the bible says?
The thing is, and I pray with all of my heart that the people at PPP, and those who actually thought it was a good idea to judge the Creator of the universe, can somehow comprehend this truth. God does not approve of mankind at this point. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." "There is none good, no, not one." "All we like sheep have gone astray..." But because He cannot approve of the fact we are all lowly sinners, He sent His Son to die for our sins that through Him, they can be forgiven. The message of God to all mankind is: I love you! I've made the ultimate sacrifice for you in sending My Son Jesus to you. All of you can know Me for eternity if you confess and repent of your sins, and come to Me through Jesus. If you have faith that I am capable of doing what I say I have done; raising Jesus from the dead, and that through My grace I will save you, you will be with Me forever.
I wonder what the polling data would be on that. The arrogance of "it," thinking "it" knows more than us and can tell us what to do.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The State Newspaper and Same Sex Marriage
For the first time this past Sunday The State newspaper of Columbia published the marriage of a same sex couple in their wedding announcements section. The 2 men were married out of state, as clearly South Carolina state laws neither allow nor recognize marriage between same sex couples, but nonetheless The State is now choosing to "honor" in spirit the marriage of 2 men or 2 women. What does this mean for us as a culture and state?
Being a Southern Baptist pastor my understanding of same sex marriage is based upon the principles of the bible. Never in recorded history dating back to the days of Adam and Eve has marriage between same sex couples been recognized, that is, until the last 10 years. Anyone who reads the bible with intellectual honesty understands that God calls this lifestyle sin. Their are many arguments in our society that people are born with a natural inclination to be attracted to someone of the same sex, of this I cannot be sure. What I do know is that like heterosexual carnal relationships, any sexual relationship between 2 consenting adults, is a choice. And God says, just like He does of any hetero encounter outside of marriage, or of stealing, lying, and any number of things, that homosexuality is a sin. It is a choice to enter into this type of relationship. We do have the power to say no.
So what does it say that the largest newspaper in our state is now choosing to honor same sex marriages our state does not legally recognize, and that God calls immoral and sin? Sadly, it is simply another step in the moral decline of our nation. We live in a culture and society that is clearly and undeniably becoming numb and indifferent to the word and ways of God. Things that a generation ago were a scandal and primarily kept private, are now flaunted and paraded before all of us under the banner of equal rights. Whether it be divorce, adultery, fornication, or homosexuality, all of which God calls sin, they are now commonplace.
Now let me go on record, and many may disagree with me on this, but its is my opinion. I do believe some sort of legal transaction should be enacted to give homosexual "partners" rights regarding property, Social Security benefits, health insurance, etc. I do not say this because I condone the lifestyle, but because I do believe equal legal rights are guaranteed under our constitution. But the legal issues are far outweighed by the moral ones when it comes to God and His word.
Whether we wish to acknowledge the truth or not, sin is defined by God, not by us. Because the world says something is permissible, and our culture accepts and often embraces something, does not make it acceptable in God's eyes. God loves the sinner, but hates all sin. And when we practice lifestyles of sin, according to His word(1 Cor. 6:9-11, Gal 5:19-21, Eph. 5:1-7, Rev 21:8) we show ourselves as someone who has not been truly born again; is not a "new creation in Christ;" not someone regenerated and converted; someone who will "not inherit the kingdom of God."
So as we see here in conservative, buckle of the bible belt, South Carolina, one of the leading media outlets in our state now recognize same sex marriage. Let us understand the real battle we face. It's not equal rights, it's salvation and souls. Just like with other national sins like abortion, legal remedies are not the answer. Jesus, and the salvation and power to overcome sin that comes only from Him, is. This is a Spiritual war, not a legal or cultural one. Friends, just as Christ did with all of us, we must love the sinner. But we must be honest with people regarding sin, and the consequences of sin and a failure to repent. Romans 6:23 tells us, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Friends, we cannot claim Jesus as Savior, and not follow Him as Lord. Jesus, the Word, God; author of the bible through the Holy Spirit, consistently from beginning to end tells us homosexuality is sin. Pray for these 2 men, and any other people you may know, that they realize, in spite of what I'm sure are genuine emotions and feelings for each other this undeniable biblical fact. It is God who says, you cannot live this way. And forgiveness of our sins comes only on His terms, through Jesus.
Being a Southern Baptist pastor my understanding of same sex marriage is based upon the principles of the bible. Never in recorded history dating back to the days of Adam and Eve has marriage between same sex couples been recognized, that is, until the last 10 years. Anyone who reads the bible with intellectual honesty understands that God calls this lifestyle sin. Their are many arguments in our society that people are born with a natural inclination to be attracted to someone of the same sex, of this I cannot be sure. What I do know is that like heterosexual carnal relationships, any sexual relationship between 2 consenting adults, is a choice. And God says, just like He does of any hetero encounter outside of marriage, or of stealing, lying, and any number of things, that homosexuality is a sin. It is a choice to enter into this type of relationship. We do have the power to say no.
So what does it say that the largest newspaper in our state is now choosing to honor same sex marriages our state does not legally recognize, and that God calls immoral and sin? Sadly, it is simply another step in the moral decline of our nation. We live in a culture and society that is clearly and undeniably becoming numb and indifferent to the word and ways of God. Things that a generation ago were a scandal and primarily kept private, are now flaunted and paraded before all of us under the banner of equal rights. Whether it be divorce, adultery, fornication, or homosexuality, all of which God calls sin, they are now commonplace.
Now let me go on record, and many may disagree with me on this, but its is my opinion. I do believe some sort of legal transaction should be enacted to give homosexual "partners" rights regarding property, Social Security benefits, health insurance, etc. I do not say this because I condone the lifestyle, but because I do believe equal legal rights are guaranteed under our constitution. But the legal issues are far outweighed by the moral ones when it comes to God and His word.
Whether we wish to acknowledge the truth or not, sin is defined by God, not by us. Because the world says something is permissible, and our culture accepts and often embraces something, does not make it acceptable in God's eyes. God loves the sinner, but hates all sin. And when we practice lifestyles of sin, according to His word(1 Cor. 6:9-11, Gal 5:19-21, Eph. 5:1-7, Rev 21:8) we show ourselves as someone who has not been truly born again; is not a "new creation in Christ;" not someone regenerated and converted; someone who will "not inherit the kingdom of God."
So as we see here in conservative, buckle of the bible belt, South Carolina, one of the leading media outlets in our state now recognize same sex marriage. Let us understand the real battle we face. It's not equal rights, it's salvation and souls. Just like with other national sins like abortion, legal remedies are not the answer. Jesus, and the salvation and power to overcome sin that comes only from Him, is. This is a Spiritual war, not a legal or cultural one. Friends, just as Christ did with all of us, we must love the sinner. But we must be honest with people regarding sin, and the consequences of sin and a failure to repent. Romans 6:23 tells us, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Friends, we cannot claim Jesus as Savior, and not follow Him as Lord. Jesus, the Word, God; author of the bible through the Holy Spirit, consistently from beginning to end tells us homosexuality is sin. Pray for these 2 men, and any other people you may know, that they realize, in spite of what I'm sure are genuine emotions and feelings for each other this undeniable biblical fact. It is God who says, you cannot live this way. And forgiveness of our sins comes only on His terms, through Jesus.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Click "Don't" Like
As I was scanning the dial for something to watch on the tube tonight I settled on 2 episodes of Carolina Stories on ETV at 8:00 PM. One was about the demise of The Pavilion at Myrtle Beach, and you know what? I don't like that! I don't like that a piece of history and fun for generations will never be again, and think Myrtle Beach is worse off without it. The other episode was about the demise of our shrimping industry here in the South Carolina. How our shrimpers can't compete with cheaper imports and high gas prices. I don't like that! Me and Ashley had some fresh caught S.C. shrimp last week, and they are better than anything you'll put in your mouth from Thailand or China, but you cannot find them much anymore. As I was pondering all of the things I don't like, that have changed about my home state, the list kept growing and growing:
I don't like that Darlington gets only one race in Nascar. 1 race at Darlington is worth 10 in Las Vegas or Kansas. Kansas?
I don't like that it costs a weeks paycheck for a family of 4 to attend a Clemson or South Carolina football game when you figure in tickets, parking, gas and food.
I don't like that I cannot eat more than one serving of fish per week per the state government if I caught it in one of our rivers or lakes because their is to much mercury and PCB's in our water.
I don't like chicken bog without sausage. That's not chicken bog, that's chicken and rice.
I don't like chain restaurants that sell shrimp and grits on the menu yet have no clue of how to prepare them. And they definitely use those nasty, imported shrimp.
I don't like that here in South Carolina, the heart of the bible belt, only 1 in 5, 20% of our population, will attend church somewhere this Sunday.
I don't like that curfews are now needed for our young people because they cannot help shooting at each other.
I don't like orange barrels on seemingly every major road signalling more construction ahead. They appear to now be our state symbol.
I don't like that developers have taken over our coastline and mountains.
I don't like that their is hardly any farmland left in the whole state.
I don't like the lottery, and waiting to pay for a diet Mountain Dew for 10 minutes while someone decides which 2 dollar ticket they want.
I don't like seeing roadside views destroyed by loggers clear cutting hundreds or thousands of acres.
I don't like, well, you get it. And that's just some random thoughts about South Carolina. If we were to go national or worldwide, well; I don't like politicians, 4 hour baseball games, millionaires on strike, gas prices, 100 degree days, the value of the dollar, unemployment rates at 10%, Oprah's TV network, Oprah, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, wimpy preachers seeking to please man, the Yankees or Steelers, people who dis our military, Canada, Georgia, soccer, telemarketers, health insurance costs, country music that ain't country, Rascal Flats, arghhhhhhh! Maybe I'm just growing old and cranky. Ya know, I don't like that either! To be continued...
I don't like that Darlington gets only one race in Nascar. 1 race at Darlington is worth 10 in Las Vegas or Kansas. Kansas?
I don't like that it costs a weeks paycheck for a family of 4 to attend a Clemson or South Carolina football game when you figure in tickets, parking, gas and food.
I don't like that I cannot eat more than one serving of fish per week per the state government if I caught it in one of our rivers or lakes because their is to much mercury and PCB's in our water.
I don't like chicken bog without sausage. That's not chicken bog, that's chicken and rice.
I don't like chain restaurants that sell shrimp and grits on the menu yet have no clue of how to prepare them. And they definitely use those nasty, imported shrimp.
I don't like that here in South Carolina, the heart of the bible belt, only 1 in 5, 20% of our population, will attend church somewhere this Sunday.
I don't like that curfews are now needed for our young people because they cannot help shooting at each other.
I don't like orange barrels on seemingly every major road signalling more construction ahead. They appear to now be our state symbol.
I don't like that developers have taken over our coastline and mountains.
I don't like that their is hardly any farmland left in the whole state.
I don't like the lottery, and waiting to pay for a diet Mountain Dew for 10 minutes while someone decides which 2 dollar ticket they want.
I don't like seeing roadside views destroyed by loggers clear cutting hundreds or thousands of acres.
I don't like, well, you get it. And that's just some random thoughts about South Carolina. If we were to go national or worldwide, well; I don't like politicians, 4 hour baseball games, millionaires on strike, gas prices, 100 degree days, the value of the dollar, unemployment rates at 10%, Oprah's TV network, Oprah, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, wimpy preachers seeking to please man, the Yankees or Steelers, people who dis our military, Canada, Georgia, soccer, telemarketers, health insurance costs, country music that ain't country, Rascal Flats, arghhhhhhh! Maybe I'm just growing old and cranky. Ya know, I don't like that either! To be continued...
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Beginning of a New Adventure
As I write my first blog in quite a while, I am no longer a small town preacher. Call me a medium sized city preacher. God has called me and Ash to a new ministry in the capital city of South Carolina, Columbia. Being a huge Clemson fan I have been jokingly telling my Clemson and Carolina friends that God has moved us to the "gates of hell," being that the University of South Carolina is located here. In all seriousness though, we are very excited as we begin a new pastorate at Woodfield Park Baptist Church.
Our 3 1/2 years in Chesterfield, SC at Oakland Baptist Church were a true blessing. We made so many good friends and saw alot of spiritual growth in many of our people. Their were battles and mountain tops, hard times and good ones, but we would not trade the years there for anything. Oakland was the first church I was pastor at, and it was a learning experience I thank God for.
Our new church will be a challenge, but then again, what church out there is not a challenge anymore. Woodfield is typical of so many Southern Baptist churches across our state and nation today. It is filled with really good people, but the congregation is aging and a change of ways is needed to reach out to the community surrounding it.
Woodfield is smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood of 1700 homes and nearly 6000 people. It is near Ft. Jackson and the surrounding neighborhood at one point was filled with army families as many on the base lived here. Over the years Ft. Jackson has built housing on base and the neighborhood is now a diverse community of working class African-Americans, Whites, Hispanics and Asians. It is a true melting pot, and a ripe mission field. We are the only church in the neighborhood, and the neighborhood is being heavily targeted by Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons. Then again, maybe we have moved to the gates of hell.
As I met with the search committee and leadership here at Woodfield beginning in early April, I was impressed with the unity in desire to reach out to this community. Everyone I spoke with was of the same heart, "we must find a way to reach these people." I didn't say it at the time, but that was exactly what I needed to hear from them. If that can be our heart here, then God can do great things!
Leaving Oakland was difficult. This was my first time leaving a pastorate for another. It is a difficult process. But I can confidently say I am 100% certain that Woodfield is where God wants me and Ash. He has opened, better said, flung open every door is this transition, and He has blessed us beyond measure as we have made the move. All of our needs have been met and exceeded, including God granting us a beautiful home to live in.
So now the mission begins in earnest. I must say I'm excited. I see what God can do here, and it thrills my heart. In all that we do let Him be the power and to Him be the glory. May the name of Christ ring out and true disciples be made. In God's timing may this community look at this church and say, "only God could have done that!" You know what the bible says, "with God, ALL things are possible." Amen! Hallelujah!
Our 3 1/2 years in Chesterfield, SC at Oakland Baptist Church were a true blessing. We made so many good friends and saw alot of spiritual growth in many of our people. Their were battles and mountain tops, hard times and good ones, but we would not trade the years there for anything. Oakland was the first church I was pastor at, and it was a learning experience I thank God for.
Our new church will be a challenge, but then again, what church out there is not a challenge anymore. Woodfield is typical of so many Southern Baptist churches across our state and nation today. It is filled with really good people, but the congregation is aging and a change of ways is needed to reach out to the community surrounding it.
Woodfield is smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood of 1700 homes and nearly 6000 people. It is near Ft. Jackson and the surrounding neighborhood at one point was filled with army families as many on the base lived here. Over the years Ft. Jackson has built housing on base and the neighborhood is now a diverse community of working class African-Americans, Whites, Hispanics and Asians. It is a true melting pot, and a ripe mission field. We are the only church in the neighborhood, and the neighborhood is being heavily targeted by Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons. Then again, maybe we have moved to the gates of hell.
As I met with the search committee and leadership here at Woodfield beginning in early April, I was impressed with the unity in desire to reach out to this community. Everyone I spoke with was of the same heart, "we must find a way to reach these people." I didn't say it at the time, but that was exactly what I needed to hear from them. If that can be our heart here, then God can do great things!
Leaving Oakland was difficult. This was my first time leaving a pastorate for another. It is a difficult process. But I can confidently say I am 100% certain that Woodfield is where God wants me and Ash. He has opened, better said, flung open every door is this transition, and He has blessed us beyond measure as we have made the move. All of our needs have been met and exceeded, including God granting us a beautiful home to live in.
So now the mission begins in earnest. I must say I'm excited. I see what God can do here, and it thrills my heart. In all that we do let Him be the power and to Him be the glory. May the name of Christ ring out and true disciples be made. In God's timing may this community look at this church and say, "only God could have done that!" You know what the bible says, "with God, ALL things are possible." Amen! Hallelujah!
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