They'll know we are Christians
Things I have come to believe:
1. Legislation is not the way to deal with sin.
2. We need to proclaim the love of Jesus first. If someone falls in love with Jesus, dealing with sin will be a natural byproduct of that relationship. We tarnish our representation for Jesus when we can't see past race, gender, or sexual orientation long enough to proclaim His love for ALL PEOPLE.
3. All people have differing ideas of what constitutes sin and things are not always as clear cut as they seem in the English translation of the Bible. Some disagree on whether instruments in worship is sin. For some it's women keeping their head covered. For some it is homosexuality.
4. Yes, it can be Biblically explained that homosexuality is not a sin. You don't have to buy it, but you do have to accept that some do, and just because you disagree does not make them less Christian. The only opinions that matter are theirs and GOD's. It is a matter of heart.
5. We can discuss the things we disagree about as long as we can do so respectfully. No sense ruining friendships when opinions aren't likely to change.
6. (and probably the most controversial of all) Homosexuality is not a choice and "reparative therapy" doesn't repair anything but appearances. It makes those who disagree with homosexuality feel more comfortable and the "repaired" individual stop feeling judged by those people. It allows those individuals to be comfortable being less than themselves. A non-authentic, unreal, shell of themselves. And most often, very unhappy. In fact, it reminds me of many cults I've heard about.
7. Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
I do not believe these statements appear beside each other as a matter of coincidence. Stop cherry picking for a moment and try to let the whole thing sink in.
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
They will know we are Christians if we believe that homosexuality is wrong? No. They will know we are Christians if we shout the loudest about how much we disapprove the Presidents statement this week?
Unfortunately, folks we are making this true for many people. Let's take a different approach and let them know we are Christians by our LOVE. When they fall in love with our Savior, then we can talk about issues such as this one, being careful not to bite and devour one another.
1. Legislation is not the way to deal with sin.
2. We need to proclaim the love of Jesus first. If someone falls in love with Jesus, dealing with sin will be a natural byproduct of that relationship. We tarnish our representation for Jesus when we can't see past race, gender, or sexual orientation long enough to proclaim His love for ALL PEOPLE.
3. All people have differing ideas of what constitutes sin and things are not always as clear cut as they seem in the English translation of the Bible. Some disagree on whether instruments in worship is sin. For some it's women keeping their head covered. For some it is homosexuality.
4. Yes, it can be Biblically explained that homosexuality is not a sin. You don't have to buy it, but you do have to accept that some do, and just because you disagree does not make them less Christian. The only opinions that matter are theirs and GOD's. It is a matter of heart.
5. We can discuss the things we disagree about as long as we can do so respectfully. No sense ruining friendships when opinions aren't likely to change.
6. (and probably the most controversial of all) Homosexuality is not a choice and "reparative therapy" doesn't repair anything but appearances. It makes those who disagree with homosexuality feel more comfortable and the "repaired" individual stop feeling judged by those people. It allows those individuals to be comfortable being less than themselves. A non-authentic, unreal, shell of themselves. And most often, very unhappy. In fact, it reminds me of many cults I've heard about.
7. Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
I do not believe these statements appear beside each other as a matter of coincidence. Stop cherry picking for a moment and try to let the whole thing sink in.
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
They will know we are Christians if we believe that homosexuality is wrong? No. They will know we are Christians if we shout the loudest about how much we disapprove the Presidents statement this week?
Unfortunately, folks we are making this true for many people. Let's take a different approach and let them know we are Christians by our LOVE. When they fall in love with our Savior, then we can talk about issues such as this one, being careful not to bite and devour one another.
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