The Great Debate

Based on the results of an extensive survey conducted by The Pew Research Center, “a fierce debate is taking place” across America. What are they are talking about? Gay marriage.

As the movement to legalize gay marriage has gained strength in recent years it has received strong opposition from the Christian community. Arguments have been made against Christians encouraging them to acknowledge that times have changed and to change with them. Helping with that line of thinking the gay movement has utilized acceptable phrases like marriage equality, civil rights, tolerance and diversity. Their compelling and effective campaign has raised two significant issues in my mind - freedom and truth. The gay community wants freedom to practice their lifestyle and pursue measures to normalize and legalize it in our culture, while the Christian community, which is governed by biblical truth, seeks to remain faithful to its beliefs and resists any legal measures to force their compliance.

For over 3,000 years historic Judeo-Christian teaching has accepted the Bible’s position that homosexuality is a sin, just as lying and stealing are. Even though efforts are being made to re-interpret key Scriptures on this issue, modern scholars stand by the accuracy of traditional interpretations. As a result of this time-tested truth the Christian’s conscience is gripped by a conviction that the gay lifestyle and the promotion of it is a violation of God’s standard. Even so, believers do acknowledge the strong passions homosexuals feel for each other. However, this doesn’t take away from the reality of God’s Word, that He condemns all forms of sexual expression – except one. He only puts His blessing on sexual relations between a man and woman in the bonds of marriage.

Christian opposition to the gay movement is on the basis of biblical truth. Similarly, the Christian’s mandate to show kindness to homosexuals is also on the basis of this truth. As a Christian I apologize to gays who have been shunned by the church. We have a divine obligation to lesbians, gays, bi-sexuals and transgenders to show nothing but love, even in the midst of disagreements. The Scriptures say, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18).

Ultimately, Christians have a positive and simple agenda. First, we are positively for people and against sin. Second, we simply want to share the love of God through the good news of Jesus with all. My prayer is that everyone will experience freedom through divine forgiveness. This freedom comes by repentance and simple faith in Christ no matter who someone is or what they have done. Indeed, may Christ be our nation’s hope for today.

What if the Resurrection Never Happened?

“A historical fact which involves a resurrection from the dead is utterly inconceivable” wrote the late Dr. Rudolph Bultmann, an influential New Testament German Theologian. Presenting an opposing view is Dr. N.T. Wright. Presently, he is a world’s leading Bible scholar having done extensive research on Jesus’ resurrection. He says, “Because he is raised from the dead, he is Lord of the world, sovereign over the whole cosmos, the one before whom we bow the knee, believing that in the end every creature will come to do so as well.”

From the day Jesus’ tomb was found empty until today, the debate over Jesus’ resurrection has been as divisive as ever among scholars. For the sake of consideration, let us agree with the skeptics who say Jesus’ died but was never resurrected. This presents at least three major problems.

Spiritual.  According to Christian teaching Jesus’ death provided the shedding of blood for the forgiveness of mankind’s sins. His resurrection completed the work. No resurrection would mean no forgiveness. Humanity would be cursed to bear the guilt and shame of their sin forever. All people would be destined to a vain life and fearful death because of no hope beyond ourselves.

Moral.  According to Christian teaching God declares He does not lie and listed it in the Ten Commandments to be obeyed by His followers. If the resurrection never happened then God is a liar. Jesus is a liar. The Apostles are liars. The whole Bible is a lie. The billions of Christians for the last 2000 years (including this writer) are all liars. The entire Christian religion would be humankind’s greatest conspiracy.

Theological.  According to Christian teaching, Jesus was not a mere man but divine and His resurrection was ultimate proof. If Jesus had not risen from the dead it would be legitimate to ask “How could God have died . . . and stayed dead?” If there was no resurrection Jesus was not divine. His miracles were a hoax. His teachings are empty. He is nothing more than an influential historical figure like Socrates, Gandhi or Martin Luther King.

What shall we say in response? His tomb is empty. His bones have never been found. There were eye witnesses to His resurrection. One early follower said, “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses” (Acts 2:32). For centuries billions of these witnesses have been transformed by Him. JESUS IS ALIVE! HE IS OUR HOPE FOR TODAY AND FOREVER!

A prayer for you - Lord God, I pray the reader would understand the resurrection like they never have before.  May they trust in you with all their heart and call out to you and be saved.  If they are religious, but do not know you personally, may today they enter into relationship with you for the first time.  In Jesus name.  Amen." 

The Church and The Gay Movement

It was 1991, I was in my early twenties and landed my dream job. I was a route driver for a big-time potato chip company. One day I received word a new customer was added to my route, a local bar. Never had I been in a bar, let alone tasted alcohol. Needless to say, my first service call to the bar was a bit uncomfortable. In time, as I grew more familiar with the surroundings I was more at ease. Eventually, I learned that it was not like other drinking establishments in town, but was known as a gay bar. My first thought was, “What was a gay bar?” let alone “What did it mean to be gay?” Yes, I was naïve.

Much has changed in my life and in our world since then. Both of us have grown up a lot. Nowadays TV shows feature gay characters. Gay public figures are emerging. Various pro-gay legal and workplace measures have been enacted. Some churches have adopted new doctrinal statements allowing homosexuals into their clergy or membership. The gay label has broadened encompassing lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender individuals (LGBT). These advancements have come with a price. Sadly, there have been cases of bullying, discrimination or hate crimes simply because someone was gay.

The Christian church has experienced much division through expansion of the gay movement. Clergy are holding opposite positions, long-time members are walking away from their churches and local congregations are separating from their denomination. Some Clergy have re-visited the Bible’s stance on homosexuality and teach people can now be practicing homosexuals and a Christian. All this has caused chaos in the church. Additionally, some Christians who have opposed actions of the gay movement have been labeled homophobes, pressured to change their views or faced legal action.

The tension in our culture and especially in the church is off the charts when it comes to gay issues. Despite modern changes to some church doctrinal statements, historic Christian teaching has affirmed homosexuality is a sin, just as lying and stealing are. However, it has gone beyond a sin issue. Now the church is facing a highly organized and well funded effort to normalize and legalize the gay lifestyle in America. These efforts are putting immense cultural pressure on the Christian community forcing them into a moral and theological dilemma. The pressure goes beyond the church. Christians in business, education, media and other arenas are feeling it too. How should one who affirms the biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality respond?

The Bible has been the worldwide textbook for Christian living and teaching for millenniums. Christians believe it is the very words of God. During Bible times homosexuality was already in practice. However, God spoke prohibiting His people from engaging in the lifestyle. He considered it sexual immorality just as adultery, fornication and other forms of sexual behavior were. He condemned all forms of sexual expression – except one. He only put His blessing on sexual relations between a man and woman in the bonds of marriage.

The organized gay movement and Christian church are two groups holding firmly to their positions. May I offer a word of understanding to the gay community about Christians? Understand when most believers oppose actions that advance your movement it springs from their commitment to the historic Christian faith not prejudice. In such cases they must be silent and go along, change their beliefs or object. This puts them in a moral quandary. Christians respectfully ask for understanding in consideration of their beliefs. Their disagreement is not rooted in bias but commitment to the Bible’s teaching on marriage and sexuality. In the same way, let me offer a word to the Christian community. Owe lesbians, gays, bi-sexuals and transgenders nothing but love. As you stand for truth in the public square, have disagreements and engage in debate, follow the example of Jesus. Do not shun, speak evil or slander, rather, show kindness, compassion and mercy. The Scriptures say, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). As Christ has loved you, love. As Christ has forgiven you, forgive. Additionally, reach out to the gay community and build friendships. Learn their names, where they are from and the stories of their lives. Invest your life in theirs.

As a Christian writer and speaker I have a positive and simple agenda. First, I positively am for people and against sin. Second, I simply want to share the love of God through the good news of Jesus with all. I want everyone no matter who they are, what they have done or how they live, to experience divine forgiveness through repentance and faith in Christ. Then as people turn towards Him and walk in His ways I believe God’s blessing will cover our nation.