Can a Christian Be Supportive of Homosexuality/Gay Marriage?

On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court voted 5-4 that all states must recognize homosexual marriage as a legal union. Needless to say, people were vocal in their reaction to the decision. I was not surprised by the reaction of most Christians; sad that our nation had turned even further from God. I was not surprised by the reaction of most non-Christians; celebrating it as a victory of “love” and “tolerance.”

What never fails to surprise me is the group of folks who fall somewhere in the middle; those who identify as Christian but are happy about the ruling. So I thought I'd take a minute to examine, in light of the Scriptures...

Can a Christian be supportive of Homosexual Behavior/Gay Marriage?

First of all, they'd have to reject the judgement of God on such behavior...

Romans 1:26, 27, and 3226 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
...
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Of course, some might say, “Well yes, I know it's wicked, and I wouldn't partake in it, but who am I to tell someone else not to do it? It's none of my business what they do. That's between them and God. Right?” True, they will answer for their own sin, but God has always charged His children to proclaim the truth, that sin might be revealed to those who are engaged in wickedness.

“When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” - Ezekiel 33:8

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” - Isaiah 5:20

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” - Ephesians 5:11

That word “reprove” means “to expose or refute.” It is to point out sin, and to call it what it is. To be clear where God stands on the issue.

We are committing sin when we keep our mouths shut in regards to wickedness. We are not to mistreat those engaged in it, or be rude and make fun of them, but we are to warn them that what they are doing is evil. We are to make it clear that God has condemned such behavior, and that, if they don't repent and trust Christ, they will perish (spend eternity in Hell). As we know, that is not God's will for them...

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” - 2 Peter 3:9

God is long-suffering. He could smite the homosexual (or truly anyone who has committed any sin and not yet accepted Christ) immediately, but He is giving them time to turn from their sin, turning to Him for salvation based on what Christ has done on the behalf of all who will accept Him.

John 3:16-20
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

The facts are simple:

1. God has already condemned the act of homosexuality.
2. God has given man free will to either reject His word or accept it.
3. You can, in your free will, reject God/Christ, but you cannot do so and avoid Hell.
4. The job of every believer is to warn those engaged in wickedness that they are standing in opposition to God.
5. All we can do is warn them. It is up to them to turn from darkness to light, from sin unto the Saviour. That is God's will, but he will not force it on anyone. You can choose sin and Hell, or you can choose Christ and Heaven (and a life enjoying God's presence and blessing).

The one thing you absolutely cannot do is say, “I'm a Christian and I love Jesus,” while at the same time saying, “I have no problem with homosexuality and will not speak against it.” You cannot love God and reject the commands of His Word.

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” - 1 John 5:3

I'd like to leave you with the text of a post I made on social media in the wake of the ruling.

     "I'd like to say I'm surprised by the Supreme Court's decision, but I'm not. As an individual, it doesn't change a thing. I would never perform such a marriage before, and I will never do so in the future, regardless the consequences that could eventually be imposed. What bothers me is that we, as a nation, are putting ourselves (or really HAVE put ourselves) in a position that God will not bless. God will always take care of His people, and He will continue to bless individuals who are saved and living in His will. However, God had always blessed America when, as a nation, we had the testimony that we were a Christian nation, built on the principles of His word, and defending those principles. Why would God ever bless and prosper a nation that, as a whole, thumbs their nose at Him and His word? The answer: He won't.
     If you are a Christian, and living according to His word, don't worry. God will continue to take care of you no matter what happens around you. But please, pray for our nation, and especially for the next presidential election, that the people might choose for themselves a leader who fears God. And remember, national revival begins with local church revival, which begins with personal revival. How is your relationship with God?"

I Don't Believe in Forcing My Child to Go to Church

“I don't believe in forcing my child to go to church. When they get older they can make that decision for themselves.”

     How many times have you heard this from a self-proclaimed “Christian” friend?  Maybe you've even said it yourself.  It is most often stated with confidence that this parenting choice is more open-minded than that of the typical Christian parent, or sometimes even more spiritual because “If I force them to go, then they'll just rebel later.  This way their faith is more personal.  They'll resent me if I force them.”  I'm glad this parent is apparently concerned that their child has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but they are terribly misguided.  Most importantly, it goes against scripture...

Ephesians 6:1-4
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

     And I wonder, is it even consistent with how we handle other areas of our children's upbringing?  Let's consider a discussion of a child's physical health...

Preacher: Do you force your child to go to the doctor when they are ill, even if they don't want to?

Parent: Yes.

Preacher: Why do you do it?

Parent: Because if they don't get help, their sickness could get worse, and maybe even permanently affect them. They could die if the illness is serious and goes untreated long enough!

     Do you realize that the greatest problem that can exist within your child is sin?  The Bible says in Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”   Your child is a sinner, both by nature and by choice.  We all are.  I know we like to think our children are perfect little angels, but the Bible is clear; “ALL have sinned...”  And if your child is old enough to know the difference between right and wrong, they are old enough for God to hold them accountable for their sins, just as their earthly parents do.  If they don't learn the remedy for their “sin sickness” (Jesus Christ, the Saviour!) and accept Him, they will die and go to Hell for all eternity.  Even in this life, a wall of sin standing between them and God prevents them from enjoying a life of his guidance and blessing.

     And if they are unsaved, are you willing to gamble with their eternal soul from that time they are accountable for their sin until they (on their own by some miracle) decide, “Hey, maybe I ought to go to church.... even though my parents didn't go... even though they didn't seem to think it was important that I go when I was a kid?”

     Here's the simple fact:  If you don't have your children in church at a young age, they likely will never go.  According to Barna research, “The data shows that if a person does not accept Jesus Christ as savior before the age of 14, the likelihood of ever doing so is slim."  Barna Research went on to say, "if they’re not saved by age 13, they probably never will be.”  Less than 1 out of 4 Christians actually accepted Christ after their 21st birthday.  Not having your child in church at a young age, and consistently throughout their youth (as long as they are under your roof) is giving Satan a huge advantage in the fight for that child's soul.

    I know. The next argument is, “but what about the parent whose child has made a profession of faith at a revival, vacation bible school, youth rally, etc. They have accepted Christ, so it doesn't matter as much, right?”  WRONG.  Read Matthew 13:1-9 or numerous other passages concerning someone who has just received the gospel.  The hardest time in the Christian life is immediately after you've accepted Christ.  That first day, month, year, etc.,  Satan knows that you are still relatively ignorant to God's word.  You know what Jesus died for you, but you don't know how to fight off evil influence, avoid temptation, stand strong in our faith, confidently serve God as He's called you to do.  The best thing Satan can do, even if he has lost his chance at your child's soul, is convince them that there is nothing more to the Christian life than salvation.  He will tempt them into all manner of sin, and use their life as a stumbling block for others.  If he can convince a Christian to live like the world, then others look at that person and say, “See? There's no difference in them. There is nothing to this 'Jesus' stuff.”  Every Christian lives as a testimony of Jesus Christ. Either our life shows His power and goodness, or it lies to the world about who He really is and what He can really do in the life of others.

Ok, another imaginary conversation:

Preacher: Do you force your child to go to school, even if they don't really want to go?

Parent: Yes, of course.

Preacher: Why?

Parent: They need an education if they want to succeed in life. 

     That is very true. Our children need an education.  My question is this: Why do you want them to be prepared for life in every way, except spiritually?  No matter what your child will achieve in their lifetime, no matter what occupation they choose, no matter how much money they make, the most important thing they can have is a solid knowledge of God's word.  It is this knowledge that will help them have peace in the midst of a difficult life.  It is this knowledge that will keep a gun or drugs out of their hand when everything around them falls apart.  If you truly are a Christian, I guarantee there has been some point in your life that, without your faith, you don't know what you'd have done.  If you haven't been there, you will be.  Why do you think that this precious knowledge is not as important as “reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic?”  You wouldn't let your child grow up without the knowledge found in imperfect textbooks, so why are you are willing to let your child grow up ignorant of God's perfect word?

Alright, last one...

Preacher: Does your child play a sport?

Parent: Yes.

Preacher: Do you insist that they be committed to their team?  Do you make sure they are at the practices and games?

Parent: Of course.

Preacher: Why?

Parent: Because part of the value of sports is that it teaches children how to be part of a team.  They need to learn commitment and teamwork.  They have a responsibility to their team and teammates.  It gives them good character. 

     I wouldn't argue with any of these things.  My son is a baseball fanatic.  He loves it.  I enjoy helping coach him however I can.  But why does that insistence on commitment only count for a sports team and not for the body of Christ?  No Christian is called to be a lone ranger for God.  The local church is a body of believers.  If your child is saved, they are a part of that body.  They can be a benefit or a hinderance to that body.  You, as a parent, are either a benefit or a hinderance to that local church body.  Consider what God's word says about a local church assembling together:

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

     God's word plainly tells us that when the local church is assembled together, we are not to forsake it.  We are to be there with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  This verse says that there are “some” who forsake the assembly, but we are not to be that person.  We are to be there “exhorting one another.”  To exhort is to encourage or strengthen.  We know a sports team is stronger and encouraged by the presence of the individual teammates.  The local church is no different.  And there is no more important team for your child to be committed to than God's team.  Why stress commitment to a group that seeks only a trophy or personal fulfillment, but not to the group that is fighting for the souls of mankind?

     Let me leave you with an uncomfortable truth:  Most parents who say “I won't force my child to go to church” are not truly worried about rebellion later in life, or resentment from their child.  They say so to excuse themselves.  If they insist that their child be faithful to church, that child will realize the hypocrisy of their parents, who pawn them off on a neighbor, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc. to get them there.  If you insist that your child be faithful to church, common decency dictates that you must be faithful as well, and that's the real reason many won't insist at all.  “I am not going to force my child to go to church” really translates to “I'm not ready to stop rebelling against God myself.”

• You “force” your child to maintain their physical health. Insist they maintain their spiritual health as well.
• You “force” your child to go to school and learn about the world. Insist they go to church and learn about the Creator.
• You “force” your child to be committed to a sports team/club so they aren't a hinderance to their team. Insist they are there for their church family so they're not a hinderance to the work of God.

     Stop using an excuse (and that's really all that it is), and if you really don't think church is important, just say so.  Stop lying to yourself.  But I think you know better.

     Better yet, stop making excuses and get in church, and bring your kids with you!  Even if you are already saved, it will change your life and theirs for the better.  After all, there's a reason God didn't take you to Heaven the moment you accepted Christ.  He wants to use you (and your child) for His glory for the rest of your time here.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

Church - Light in the Midst of Darkness

Genesis 1:1-5
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

Here we have the very beginning of creation. I wonder if you've ever paid attention to the latter half of verse 4... “God divided the light from the darkness.” God saw the light, that it was good, and immediately divided it from the darkness. From the first page of our Bible, He was laying the foundation for this truth...

2 Corinthians 6:4
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (emphasis added)

I find it very troubling that so many churches in our communities are trying to be less and less different from the outside world. Often the reasoning is based in the following scripture:

1 Corinthians 9:19-23
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

What Paul says here is he made himself “servant unto all.” He was willing to go amongst these people, in service to them (and primarily service to God) by sharing the gospel. To say that he actually acted as these people acted is incorrect, easily proven by a look at verse 20. He says he “became a Jew.” Paul already was a Jew. He was a Pharisee who held men's coats while they stoned Steven. He did not literally become a Jew again, submitting to the authority of the high priest. He spoke explicitly against people submitting to the Jewish leadership or taking part in their rituals and traditions after the death of Christ. What DID Paul do for the Jews? He went to them, and gave them the gospel. He wasn't afraid to be like Jesus and “dine with sinners” that he might see their souls saved. However, he never would have made the church like a synagogue so they felt more comfortable there. That would have been blasphemous to him, and rightfully so. He went to them, but did not act like them, or conform the church to their habits in order to win them for Christ.

Unfortunately, this one verse is misinterpreted and used as an excuse for worldly behavior amongst the church. Churches are employing worldly methods of ministry, with music that sounds like Top 40 radio, rock bands leading “worship,” light shows, a church service that feels more like a concert, a dressed-down minister who looks like he would fit in on stage at a music festival better than in the house of God. Children's ministries that are simply parties with the name of Jesus thrown around, or sung in the midst of a hard rock beat. Trendiness trumps modesty. The philosophy of the day is this, “Let's make church less different than what they want or are used to, in order that we might entice them in, then hit them with the gospel.” Some churches are even removing the word “church” from the sign. “Church” is too stiff, too strict, too... *gasp* holy.

That is not the ministry you'll see in Biblical examples. Ministers in the Bible recognized that they existed, were saved, and were called to please God. The moment the church begins to focus on pleasing attendees instead of pleasing God, they'll head down this dangerous path.

Don't get me wrong; I understand where the human reasoning comes from. Going back to our (or actually God's) illustration of light and dark, when we leave a dark room and enter into bright light, it hurts our eyes. It is hard to adjust quickly. I believe that's why so many churches have tried to “dim” their light. The church can be uncomfortable or shocking to someone living in darkness... but what does the Bible say?

Matthew 5:14-16
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Our light is Jesus. It is a light of holiness and righteousness. It is a light in stark contrast to the darkness of the world. When we utilize worldly methods, those methods become the bushel over our candle. The Christian, and church (the body of Christ, after all) are to be a bright light in the midst of darkness. We are to be starkly different. “Worldly” church is an oxymoron. I know, I know, typically these churches/ministries won't call themselves worldly. They'll use the term “relevant” or “contemporary” instead. Both of these words can be defined as “adapted to the current world or culture” i.e. worldly. What does God's word say about the things of the world?

1 John 2:15-17
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Yes, John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world...” but that verse is speaking of the people of the world, not the culture of it. God loves lost sinners, but hates their sin.

The simple “bible truth” (Hey! That's got a nice ring to it!) is this: The church is God's. It was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. It exists to do His will in His way. Our job as ministers, deacons, youth leaders, church members, etc. is to create a safe haven where people who love Him can come and worship him (and learn how to best serve Him) in spirit AND in truth. The church is to be made acceptable to God, not acceptable to the sinners of the world.

2 Corinthians 6:17,18
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

God bless, Bro. Chris

(BTW, if you need a good church, I know of one... www.bibletruthbaptist.org)

Who Doesn't Love a Baby?

Luke 2:8-18
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

     What a night those shepherds had! It was certainly one they'd never forget. There they are, minding their sheep, when the sky breaks open with light, and a messenger of God appears with the message that the Saviour has been born, and then a multitude of angels fills the night sky singing praises to God! It's no wonder they immediately wanted to go see what all the fuss was about.
     What they found was just as fascinating. A virgin born child, lying in a feeding trough, in the midst of a stable. As we see in verse 17, they instantly run to share the news with anyone who will listen. In verse 18, we see that those who heard were amazed at the account of the shepherds.

     The Bible doesn't tell us much about what those amazed people did, but I don't think it's too far fetched to think that some would want to see for themselves. I also don't doubt that some people from that inn, too filled for Mary and Joseph to take shelter there, would have come to see a baby born in such conditions. After all, who doesn't love a baby? You can imagine the passers-by standing adoring the precious newborn child. Even those who knew nothing of the prophecy of the coming Messiah could appreciate the beauty of a tiny baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

     Again I ask, who doesn't love a baby? Who doesn't adore the baby Jesus? This time of year, you can't drive down the road in any populated area without seeing at least one or two Nativity scenes. Just as it was that first night, people adore “the Christ child.” Churches will be filled for Christmas services, with people who will smile and enjoy the message of the miracle birth. They'll enjoy the television specials that tell the story of that “Silent Night.” They'll sing with merry hearts, “Away in a Manger” and “The First Noel.” And then, come December 26^th, those same people will begin to put away the Nativity scenes and go back to life as usual. They'll physically pack up the baby Jesus, and not bring Him out again until next year. Spiritually they'll do the same thing.

     So why is it that almost everyone loves the baby Jesus but neglects the “grown up” Jesus? I believe it's because the baby Jesus doesn't require anything of them. He just lays there in the manger. He doesn't speak. He doesn't ask for too much. The baby Jesus is seen as a gift laid at their feet, while the adult Jesus is recognized as The Lord who says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) It's true that salvation is a gift to be received, but to serve the Lord is to be “... a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1b)

     I'm glad so many take a day, or maybe even a month of the year, and recognizes the value of Jesus, as a babe lying in a manger. But let's not leave Him there. He didn't come just to serve as a decoration, or as an excuse to buy gifts and spend time with family. I'm not against those things, but if you drag out a Nativity scene the day after Thanksgiving, but you haven't accepted God's gift of Salvation... or if you're a Christian who does so, but you don't attend church, read your Bible, pray, and share the gospel, you're really missing the point.

     There's a reason we're not even commanded in the Bible to celebrate the birth of Christ. I'm not against it, and certainly if we celebrate our own birthdays it only makes sense that we celebrate the most important birth that ever occurred. But the virgin birth was only the beginning of Christ's earthly ministry. He came to live a perfect life, that He might offer that innocent life as a sacrifice in our place, that we could be forgiven of our sins. He came to live as an example of how a child of God (what you become once you trust Christ as Saviour) should live during the short time we have on this earth. He came to give us the information we need on how we can live a life in God's will.

     I sometimes imagine what it must be like for Jesus to look down on everyone singing about Him as a baby, focusing solely on the nativity. I wonder if He doesn't think, “I'm still here! I did so much more! I want to help you! Look past the manger to the cross! Look from the stable to the empty tomb!” Don't just love the baby Jesus. Love the Jesus who did all the things we read about in God's word, and who sits at the right hand of God the Father today, making intercession for all those who trust in Him.

     You've taken time to recognize His birth. To those who have never accepted Christ, let me ask you, will you go on to recognize Him as your Saviour and Lord? To my Christian friend let me ask, will you “pack Him up” after Christmas? Or will you continue to love Him, serve Him, and learn more about Him, so you can better live like Him? He's just as easy to love now as He was as a baby, I assure you.  After all, He wasn't just born for you: He died for you!

Merry Christmas, and may Jesus remain the focus 

of all our lives as we begin a New Year.

Colossians 3:16, 17
16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

The Real Gift of Christmas

     This Christmas, as in Christmases past, we celebrate the birth of a Saviour, Christ the Lord. Deity, wrapped in flesh. Perfection wrapped in a robe of humanity. He was the original "Christmas gift."

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6

     This was a gift with a purpose. He was sent to be the only living man (while He never stopped truly being God) who could die, without having His own sins requiring payment.

"The wages of sin is death..." - Romans 6:23a

     Therefore, He could be that perfect, one-time sacrifice, whose death could be designated as payment for the sins of someone else, anyone else, everyone else, “whosoever” as we read in John 3:16. That is the true gift of Christmas. The gift of eternal salvation.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" - Ephesians 2:8

     However, as with any gift, it must be received. That is the only responsibility of the recipient of a gift, is that you "take" it. I can purchase a gift for you, wrap it perfectly, and place it at your feet, but it's not yours until you pick it up, unwrap it, and take it home.

     So how do we receive the gift God gave us in Jesus? You receive the "gift of God" by faith... by accepting it. You receive it by acknowledging to God that you indeed are a sinner.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" - Romans 3:23

     You receive it by acknowledging your sin before God, and actually saying (in prayer), "God, I want to take your gift of eternal salvation as my own. I want the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to count for ME! I'm turning from trusting in myself, and my deeds, and I'm trusting Christ and Him alone for my salvation."

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." - Romans 10:13

     Then, you have a real reason to celebrate this Christmas. You are missing out on the true joy of this holiday, if you're only celebrating the fact that A SAVIOUR was born, but you've never accepted Him as YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOUR. Jesus was not sent so that we could simply appreciate His existence, but that through Him each one of us might be saved!

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” - Mark 8:36

     Don't miss out on Heaven, and spend eternity in Hell, because you've left a gift sitting at your feet, unwrapped, unreceived. Salvation is such a simple thing to receive. It is done in just a moment of time, and yet changes your eternity!

     If you have any questions, I'd love to answer them for you. If there's anything holding you back from accepting Christ as your personal Saviour today, give me an opportunity to show you from the Bible the answer. I want that to be my gift to you this Christmas: a clear path to the Saviour.

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” - John 3:17

Merry Christmas!

Consistent Christian Parenting

Read these words written by the apostle Paul to his "preacher boy" Timothy.

13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.  (1 Timothy 4:13-16)

And later...

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

     Paul was very clear with Timothy, that if he was to profit from the word of God, he would have to devote himself to it. There would be effort required. He instructed Timothy, the one he considered to be a son to him, to “neglect not the gift” that was in him, but rather to read, meditate, and give himself wholly to study of the scriptures. He exhorted Timothy to study, so that he could rightly divide the word of truth, and that he might (spiritually) profit from it, so that not only would he have a proper relationship with God, but he might save those that would hear him in the future.

     In studying these passages and others like them, it brings to mind the inconsistency we often show as Christian parents.  Different parents want different things for their children. However, one thing is a shared desire of most parents in the world; that our children would grow up to be the best they can be at whatever it is they do.  Let me share a couple examples with you...

     When I was in the fourth grade, a local music store brought different concert band instruments to the elementary school for us to try. Obviously they wanted to get us hooked so our parents would spend money, and it worked. I became fascinated with music, and immediately wanted to get an instrument so I could join the band. My parents, probably partly not wanting to waste money, but ultimately to teach me a life lesson, made it clear that if I was going to join something, I was going to be committed to it. They would not be spending their hard earned money on something so that I could make noise a few times and then walk away from it. Over the years, I continued to play a horn, and they did everything they could to ensure I would (to quote a late 20^th century Army slogan) “be all that I could be.” They, using their God given authority, insisted that I practice a minimum of 30 minutes a day. I was not allowed to “skip” a group practice. There was no option of missing a rehearsal or performance. I had the option each year not to return to the band, but each year I would choose to take part, and each year they would make sure I was giving it my all. As I got older, and realized that I might want to have a career in music (If only I knew then what I know now!). They got me a private instructor. They would pay for the lessons, and I was to be at every one on time, and practice what I had learned on my own time between lessons. Their insistence that I work hard and be committed resulted in profit. Not only did I have a reputation locally as a competent musician, but I had two full scholarships offered to two state colleges by the time I graduated high school.

     Leaving that aside for a moment, consider all of our children: I don't doubt that we all encourage our kids to get the best education they can get. We make them do their homework, and go to school whether they want to or feel like it, unless they have a severe illness. We go to open houses and parent teacher conferences. We buy whatever school supplies they need. We keep up with their grades and test scores, and when we see them struggling, we step in to try and correct the problem. We decide early on that if they are going to fail, it's going to be in spite of us doing everything we can to help them succeed. We will impose our authority to be sure they are doing the things they need to do in order to achieve the goals we have for them.

     If you are a Christian parent, I would hope you have these goals for your child; to grow up to have a deeply rooted faith, and to become a productive Christian adult. If you're like me, you desire for your children not only to grow up to be faithful church attenders, but actual servants of God, ministering to those around them. My goal for my son to be the best Christian he can be, serving in whatever way God has in mind for him.

     Now, consider this: My parents knew I wouldn't automatically become a competent musician, simply because they wanted that for me. We all know our children won't become highly educated adults, just because we desire that for them. We recognize that the only way those things will happen is if they follow a strategy to reach those goals. It's going to require hard work. It's going to require our children doing things that sometimes they may not feel like or want to do. We, as their parents, were given by God the authority to demand these things of them, so that they will reap the benefits as adults.

     And yet, how do we as parents handle their children's spiritual lives? If we were consistent, we'd have to encourage them to take every opportunity to learn about Christ they can. We'd make sure they never missed a church service unless they had a really good reason. We'd make sure they were reading their Bible every day. We'd make sure they had their memory verses done. We'd make sure they always brought their Bibles to church. We'd keep in touch with their Sunday School teachers to see how they're doing. We'd sit down to read and study the Bible at home with them. If they were struggling spiritually we would find help for them if it fell outside the realm of our own knowledge.

     Just because a child has been saved does not mean they will automatically grow up to be God-fearing, Bible-believing, doctrinally sound, faithfully serving adults! We sit down with my son every night to go over his spelling words for his weekly test at school. I hate to admit it, but we don't always remember to go over his memory verses for Sunday School at church. And that is but one way in my own home I saw an inconsistency that needed fixed. If we understand that every other area of our children's lives require commitment, work, devotion in order to be profitable in the long run, we cannot pretend not to understand that their spiritual growth requires the same! We must commit to consistency!

     But wait... consistency would just mean equality, wouldn't it? It would just mean we were treating the things of God as equally important to the things of the world. Let's remember this passage in Colossians 1 that speaks of Christ...

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:16-18, emphasis added)

     Preeminence doesn't just denote that He chronologically came first, but that He is worthy of first place, above all things. Him having the preeminence means we don't just treat Him equally well, but rather that we put serving Him above everything else in our lives. 

     The most important thing your child (and yourself) has to do in this life, aside from accepting Christ as Saviour in the first place, is to be the best servant of God, the best minister of the gospel they can be. We don't just need to give God equal time and commitment, we need to give Him more than anything else. This is going to require some work on our part as parents. We're going to have to make the hard choices. We're going to have to make our children do the things that are required to become what we know they should grow up to be. We're going to have to demand that they are faithful to God's house, faithful to church functions, faithful to personal Bible reading and study. We must impose our authority when we have to: We do it in every other area, so we certainly must do it for what's really important.

     Of course, if we expect them to do these things, it is going to require that we do them as well. I've already had moments where my son asks a question about his homework, and I have to say, “Hold on a minute,” and study ahead of him so that I can help him. We need to be “studied ahead” of our children, so that we can help them with spiritual things as well. But that's another thought for another day.  Thanks for reading!

4 Eternally Secure Things

     I just wanted to share some quick thoughts from a recent sermon that I thought might be helpful. There are very few truly secure things in this world. Almost anything we have is fragile and could be taken away tomorrow. However, as a Christian, I can be thankful for a few things that, once received, are eternally secure because they are based in something unchangable: the actions of Christ.

Things that can't be taken away:

1. My Salvation.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9

     I'm thankful that I am not saved from an eternity in Hell by my good works. Good works should naturally follow if someone has accepted Christ as their Saviour, and salvation without good works will never be the sort of reproducing faith that leads others to Christ. However, I am saved because I have chosen to trust in Jesus Christ, and what He did on the cross as the payment for my sin debt.

     My salvation was never about MY actions, but about His. Since nobody could go back in time and undo what He did in being born to a virgin, living a perfect life, offering Himself a “spotless lamb” on the cross, being buried for three days and nights, and then coming out of that grave in victory over death, my salvation can never be in danger. My good works didn't get me saved, and my good works don't keep me saved.

     There's a reason Satan tried from the beginning of time to stop God's plan of Salvation. Once Christ died, was buried, and rose again, salvation was secured for all who would repent and place their trust in Him. It could NEVER be undone.

2. My Peace.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. - 1 John 4:18

     Since the sacrifice of Jesus can never be undone, and my salvation cannot be taken away, I can have peace in my life. Peace with God, which is an abiding peace. Certainly I will have trials and tribulations in my life, but they are all temporary. At the deepest level, at my core, in my very soul I can have peace in knowing I am eternally secure in the hand of the Father.

I might, like everyone, be nervous sometimes about the unknown in my life, but my ultimate destination is known. My ultimate condition is known.

Jesus said it best in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

3. My Joy.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: - 1 Peter 1:3-8

     What a blessed reminder, “though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice.” This means my joy, my rejoicing is based in the fact I have believed on (and continue to trust in) Jesus Christ.

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. - Philippians 4:4

     It doesn't say “rejoice in your current situation.” Sometimes our current situation is no fun at all. You will go through some very hard times. You might be going through one right now. But I can smile in the midst of trouble because the source of my joy is a fact that can never be undone: “God loved me and rescued me from eternity in Hell and the bondage of sin on this earth!”

     Why do you think Paul and Silas were singing at midnight in the Philippian jail? Not because they were happy to be in jail. They were rejoicing in the Lord. The world has taken this idea and tried to adopt it: “When you're feeling stressed or sad, just close your eyes and go to your happy place.” There's only one eternal happy place, and I'm a resident there thanks to something that can never be undone, the finished work of the Saviour.

     Happiness is a surface emotion. Happiness can be taken away by circumstances. “Joy unspeakable and full of glory” is something placed deep in my heart by my Lord, and no one can touch it.

4. My Reason for Serving.

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. - Colossians 3:23,24

     Do you know the hardest thing about serving God by serving people? People aren't always kind, appreciative, or accepting of help. Sometimes they can be downright mean and hateful. You'll invest in them, devote yourself to helping them, leading them, teaching them, and they'll go out and do the things that hurt you the most. It's enough to make you want to quit.

     I read recently that 1500 pastors quit each month, and that only 10% of pastors will still be serving at retirement age. I understand that, but I could never quit. I know that, by comparison to many pastors I am fairly young, but from where I stand right now, the idea of quitting would mean I was serving for the wrong reason in the first place.

     Yes, the ministry can be a somewhat thankless job at times.... but I don't quit because the reason for serving is that Jesus died for me, and that never changes.     Never let people's reaction stop you from serving in the way you should. You serve because of what Christ did, not because of what others will do.

IN SUMMARY:

What is the basis of our salvation?  Jesus died for us.

Why do we have abiding peace?  Jesus died for us.

Why do we have joy?   Jesus died for us.

Why do we serve?  Jesus died for us.

     None of those things can ever change, because what Christ did can never be changed. Any time we feel weary, or begin to waiver on any one of those things, we need to look back to the cross.

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. - Hebrews 12:3