(Reading Time: 3:30) I have thought of many ways to address the topic of this blog this morning, but my heart is just too grieved to do it right. So I hope those who read what I have to say about the Supreme’s Courts decision to impose the immorality of a few upon the majority of good citizens and peace-loving Christians in this nation will take this in the right context. I am not qualified to address very much concerning these matters, but I must out of conviction and conscience address what I can.
I Am Not Surprised
First, I am not surprised by what the Supreme Court did. However, this is not not the way our government is supposed to work. Those who understand this need to begin taking steps to prevent this from happening again. We do not elect these judges to hand down law. We are tired of trying to protect ourselves from the outright corruption of power in Washington, when we have a constitution that works, if we will quit ignoring how it is supposed to work. Legislation is where we determine the rights and the laws of our land. Anytime a hot topic arises, we run to the courts hoping to set a precedent that will impose our desires over the will of every American. Local courts are for local issues. Our state has it’s own system of government also. Media and subversion have high-jacked our freedoms and rights throughout our land. Christians will receive the brunt of this governmental abuse, because it seems they are the only remaining ones who care about morality and decency, right and wrong.
I Am Not Reactionary
Secondly, I am not reactionary, but the recent course of events in our country have defined and confirmed my ministry for years to come. We need to be about raising up godly families that honor the Word of God in everything they do—including how they vote. I am reading a book by Mark Barnard and Kenneth Quick called The Eighth Letter. It’s the theme of our Indiana District this year—“What is Jesus saying to your church.” I believe he is saying the same thing Jesus said to the church in Sardis, “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.” (Revelation 3:2, NIV.) This church in Asia Minor had its setting in the lap of luxury. So much so that they all wore elegant red clothing. It had become a statement of having arrived in that city. The name Sardis means “the red ones.”
In this book the authors reveal that there were three major pressures upon the churches of Asia Minor, to whom the Apostle John writes. There was a Jewish component, who did not believe that Jesus was the Christ. To me they represent the factions within the church and all the different things we believe. There are some so-called believers who see nothing wrong with the homosexual lifestyle and say let them marry if they want. Next, there was the oppressive Roman government which began to suppress every other loyalty except to the Emperor. This led to a lot of persecution to anyone who had a sworn loyalty to anyone or anything else—family, God, religion, etc. Then there was the corruption within. Many in the church lived as enemies of the cross. Rather than having their lives purified by the Spirit, they brought their worldly ways into the church and tried to usurp true authority with manipulation, deception and control.
I Am Not Intimidated
Thirdly, I am not intimidated by these recent events. There will be many who continue in their sin and end up destroyed. However, there will also be those swept along with it until they cry out for deliverance. These are the ones we are looking for—those who need to be saved from the moral filth so prevalent in our society today. Among these, and of special interest to me, are the children who no longer have the protection of godly parents. We must step in and be the spiritual moms and dads for this broken generation.
Calvary stands at a unique place to step in and provide what so many families need right now—answers that work, a plan for their children, and protection from the encroaching evil all around them. As we work to be these things for our community, let us not forget to protect our own families from this new wave of evil throughout the land. The “gay” agenda is not over. This recent ruling is actually the starting gate for them. Their next step is to crush all vestiges of resistance throughout our country. This means the church is a central target in this new campaign. To quote Justice Alito, “Gay-marriage foes may whisper their thoughts in private, but they risk being labeled as bigots and treated as such if they do so publicly.”
I Am Not Ashamed
Finally, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) As our General Council Superintendent, George O. Wood stated in his statement released after the Supreme Court’s decision, “Politics reflects culture, and culture reflects religion. If you are concerned with the political drift of American culture, preach the gospel! As it sends out roots in the lives of believers, the seed of the gospel will change hearts and minds.” I too believe that the church has missed our calling and involved ourselves in the public arena with carnal weapons. We need to hoist our spiritual weapons and begin changing hearts and minds though the gospel once again.
“Godly sorrow brings repentance
that leads to salvation and leaves no regret,
but worldly sorrow brings death.”
2nd Corinthians 7:10, NIV.
Remember this one sad fact: Imposed morality engenders hate, the same way imposed immorality does. As the church, we do not impose anything upon anyone. We simply invite them into the freedom that only Jesus can give. As Americans though, we must act in the public arena to protect our freedom to share this message of hope. Let us also share the love of God with this nation as they now face the judgment hand of an almighty and righteous God. If we do, we will still be able to save some of them, and maybe even a whole generation of their children to come. God we are so sorry.
“Calvary exists to demonstrate the love of God to the families of our community!”
To receive a PDF version of this blog click here: Godly Sorrow Brings Repentance