Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Sexual Ethics”
Our Bible verse for today: “Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear …” 1 Peter 3:15-16 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “We must speak boldly and confidently, but in gentleness, love and respect.”
Recently I attended a conference sponsored by the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. The theme was “The Gospel, Homosexuality, and the Future of Marriage.” There were more than two thousand church leaders there from forty-eight states and five countries.
As you might expect, the subject that dominated a large part of the conversation was the issue of what is commonly referred to as “The Gay and Lesbian Agenda”. There was much discussion about the changing cultural landscape with respect to sexual ethics, and the impact it is having on society and on religious liberty in our nation.
However that was not the only aspect of sexual ethics under consideration by conference attendees. There were also messages and workshops about the state of marriage, no-fault divorce, the explosion in the number of cohabitating heterosexual couples, polygamy, and much more. It was a well-rounded and thorough look at the entire scope of sexual ethics in America today.
But what impressed me most about the conference was the tone set by the leaders and attendees. There were no fire-breathing, pulpit pounding, hell-fire and brimstone preachers. There were no angry denunciations, no finger-pointing accusations, no hysterical chicken-little types running around crying about the sky falling. Instead the atmosphere was calm and even upbeat; the conversation was kind, respectful, reasoned, and intellectual; people on all sides of the issue were treated with respect and dignity.
This is what Peter was referring to in 1 Peter 3:15-16. We as the followers of Jesus must know what we believe and why we believe it. We must be willing – even eager – to speak-up for Biblical values, but we are to do so in a reasoned and respectful way. This is the way of Jesus. In the Gospel accounts the only time we see Him angry or speaking in a harsh manner was when He was dealing with religious hypocrites. With all others His speech and His manner was kind and compassionate – often bold and direct yes, but kind and compassionate.
This is the tone we must achieve as we deal with the divisive and emotional issue of sexual ethics in our nation today. Tomorrow we will explore the issue of attitude and tone a little further. Before we begin a discussion of particular issues within the broad category of sexual ethics, we have to be sure our heart is right.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 