Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Sexual Ethics”
Our Bible verse for today: “So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Christians must continue to advocate for traditional marriage.”
Jennifer Marshall is the Director of Domestic Policy Studies for the Heritage Foundation, which is a prominent conservative think tank. In an interview she was asked the question: “Is same-sex marriage inevitable?” By that the interviewer meant “Is nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage inevitable? Is this a lost cause for the church?” Jennifer’s response was insightful and helpful:
“After the Roe v Wade decision in 1973, many people thought the abortion question was settled. To the contrary, the pro-life movement has grown stronger each decade, and young people today are more pro-life than their parent’s generation. That’s the result of sound argument and winsome engagement on the subject. The marriage question demands no less of us today.”
Even though same-sex marriage has been legalized in many states, and even though the forecast is for it to become legal nationwide perhaps in 2015, the question is not settled and the outcome is not a foregone conclusion.
As the cultural juggernaut of the gay and lesbian agenda appears to be picking up speed and momentum, especially with respect to same-sex marriage, how should the Christian community respond? Here’s a simple three step approach:
1. Know what you believe and why you believe it. It is essential for Christians to first of all know what the Bible really says about this issue and second, to have done their homework so they have at least a basic understanding of what the cultural issues are and can speak intelligently about them. In Hosea 4:6 the prophet lamented that “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Let that not be true of us.
2. With boldness and courage, but also with kindness and love, advocate for Biblical principles. Speak-up! Don’t be intimidated and don’t allow the PC Police to silence you. Jesus commanded us to be salt and light in our world (Matthew 5:13). We will not be salt and light if we are timid and silent.
3. Don’t give-up. Galatians 6:9 tells us to stand for Biblical goodness and don’t give-up. Jesus is still on the throne and the church still has a responsibility to advocate for Biblical principles. Nothing is ever over until we give-up. Even if same-sex marriage does end-up being legalized nationwide (as abortion was) the battle is not over and the issue is not settled.
Tomorrow we will give a little more thought to Theo Hobson’s theory regarding initiating a moral revolution in a society. We will consider how the Christian community can use that same strategy to turn the cultural tide back in favor of the Biblical sexual ethic.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 