Last night in Wisconsin a Supreme Court Justice decided to overturn the ban on gay marriage. I started a Facebook post and I have to say, I was amazed by something. You see supporters had no problems sharing how they feel. I like that. My sister in law and daughter both had freedom to express how they feel. I had a great conversation with both of them. And they could tell me why they feel the way they do. Whether I agreed with them or not, at least we were talking.
What surprised me the most however was the absolute silence of my fellow Christians. Not one said a word – absolute silence. Zilch – nada – nothing. (Wait…Ms. Cindy shared the Word too while I was typing this!)
This post is for the Christians. For those who say they believe in Jesus Christ and His teachings. I know that as a Nation we are as divided on this issue as we are on Abortion. My question is:
What are you going to do with what you believe?
Stay in Church on Sunday and point fingers?
Gay or straight – we all need a Savior.
Gay or straight – we all sin.
Gay or straight – we all need to be born again, of the water and the Spirit.
Gay or straight – we all want fair treatment.
Gay or straight – we all want to be loved.
But who defines what love is?
Who defines what marriage is?
Do you see homosexuality as a sin?
Is it bigger than your sin?
Are you praying, helping, or just watching?
What do you base your definition of marriage upon – the Bible, the State, or the Feds?
Here are my thoughts…
As a Christian I am not going to measure sins. We all have sin. We are all guilty. That’s why Jesus died. God took out His anger and His wrath for our disobedience. Yes, God is love. But Jesus did not die for nothing. Either abortion is a sin or it is not. Either homosexuality is a sin or it is not. I have sinned. I have fallen short – many, many times. I am guilty. But I don’t get to pick and choose what sin is – God does. And homosexuality is not greater than any sin I have done. Sin isn’t in degrees. It’s not a sin contest. There are no winners in the sin game…And that’s why I need a Savior – Jesus Christ.
Here is the basis of my belief:
Ignoring God Leads to a Downward Spiral
But God’s angry displeasure erupts as acts of human mistrust and wrongdoing and lying accumulate, as people try to put a shroud over truth. But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn’t treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.
So God said, in effect, “If that’s what you want, that’s what you get.” It wasn’t long before they were living in a pigpen, smeared with filth, filthy inside and out. And all this because they traded the true God for a fake god, and worshiped the god they made instead of the God who made them—the God we bless, the God who blesses us. Oh, yes!
Worse followed. Refusing to know God, they soon didn’t know how to be human either—women didn’t know how to be women, men didn’t know how to be men. Sexually confused, they abused and defiled one another, women with women, men with men—all lust, no love. And then they paid for it, oh, how they paid for it—emptied of God and love, godless and loveless wretches.
Since they didn’t bother to acknowledge God, God quit bothering them and let them run loose. And then all hell broke loose: rampant evil, grabbing and grasping, vicious backstabbing. They made life hell on earth with their envy, wanton killing, bickering, and cheating. Look at them: mean-spirited, venomous, fork-tongued God-bashers. Bullies, swaggerers, insufferable windbags! They keep inventing new ways of wrecking lives. They ditch their parents when they get in the way. Stupid, slimy, cruel, cold-blooded. And it’s not as if they don’t know better. They know perfectly well they’re spitting in God’s face. And they don’t care—worse, they hand out prizes to those who do the worst things best! (Romans 1:18-32 MSG)
or perhaps you like this version…
God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-32 NKJV)
I challenge my fellow Christians…
Why are you silent?
What are you going to do when a gay couple comes to your church and asks you to marry them?
What about a family member?
WHAT IS YOUR CHOICE?
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Very good article. A friend of mine posted something when the PA supreme court also ruled in favor in homosexual marriage and a friend of hers who is homosexual took offense, although I felt she spoke out of Christian love and never once condemned him or anyone else, like you just expressing her faith. I joined in the conversation and prayed with each post I wrote that it would come off as Christian love – no condemnation. Sadly her friend’s last words were “We can no longer be friends because you disagree and hate gays” She nor I or anyone else every said we hate homosexuals. I was sadden that he thought it was ok for him to have conviction but not us. Anyway….trying to make a quick point here….I think that is why many Christians are afraid to speak up, in the fear of being labeled something they are not. I am a member of the Presbyterian Church USA and we are going through this whole debate after opening the door to homosexual pastors. I know my pastor stands by his conviction as do I – we obey God’s Word not mans law. Where the PCUSA is headed only God knows, but I am only one in a small minority that is left and if I should leave my voice cannot be heard. When Pastor S leaves…and we get someone more liberal I would need to follow my conviction to obey God’s Word and find a church home that that also obeys God not man. I don’t go out of my way to get my opinion out but if asked I will be honest and stand up for what I believe in, praying that I always speak in Gods love. For the record I would not want a pastor who had an affair and did not renounce his sin any more than I would want a homosexual pastor.
May God give you strength Patty. I don’t hate people, we are all God’s kids. Some people get offended when we share the Word. The same Word is hope to some and folly to others. I trust God to sort it out in the end. Bless you sis, stand strong, you are a treasure!
I trust that God does indeed have everything under control. My boss is always telling us, He is coming soon!!
I’m offended by calling them “gay”. In my day gay ment happy.
If you look up the definition of queer and research their lifestyle that fits them better.
I do not say this in an offensive manner. Thier lifestyle is wrong and yes they are condemned to hell if they chose to live it.
The church is not to tolerate this
That does not mean we are to be abusive to them. It is thier choice but that does not mean we are to allow thier filth to be legitimized in the chutrch either.
I have had a few dscussions with them about this and they do admit thier lifestyle is wrong.
Thank you for your input Ropheka. But what if a person does not admit their lifestyle choice is wrong? The current agenda in my opinion believes that people are born ‘homosexual’. I do not agree with this point as I believe the Bible. God made Adam and Eve – not two boys, not two girls. And God looked at what He made and said it is good. Yet, we know the rest of the story – and how Adam and Eve chose to sin. And then Jesus. How would you respond to someone who says they believe in Jesus but that homosexuality is not a sin.
I agree, everything from God is good – homosexuality is causing the Christian church as a whole to split – it is not uniting Gods people. When I look around at all God created I see it as good, there is no confusion and there is love, peace and happiness. With homosexuality I see distrust, hatred confusion and unhappiness – these things are not from God..
I cannot thank everyone enough. I rest. Since this post there have been many more comments on my FB page – both for and against Gay Marriage. I appreciate you sharing your opinions and your thoughts. may we all grow in love, grace, and mercy as we seek His face.
Particularly interesting was Laura’s post in response to my question. And the rest of the conversation is here:
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Post by Diana Rasmussen.
Blessings to all of you, Diana
Thanks, Diana for that great post!
My eleven year old son was on a field trip to a local amusement park with his class this past week. He was disturbed that while he and a friend waited in line for a ride, a male couple in line in front of him was kissing. It really bothered him and his friend. We happen to live in an extremely liberal area where any and all sin is accepted, condoned, and promoted as the best way to live so this situation isn’t the only one to which my children have been subjected.
What could I say to him? “I’m so sorry that you were subjected to the sinfulness of other people’s choices.” I explained that the Bible is very clear on this issue of homosexual relations using the verses you shared here. And that God loves us all. We all choose to sin in various ways every day. That sin affects others too.That is why Jesus died for us. He understood that and said, “But Mom, it really bothered me. A lot. Why would someone want to choose to do that?” He instinctively knew it was wrong – meaning not the way God created us, even though we haven’t really talked a lot about homosexuality. It has come up in discussion, but we haven’t had an agenda about it. I also explained that it used to be that if people wanted to participate in a sinful lifestyle, it was private. Maybe affecting their life, but not so much the public. By law certain behavior choices were not allowed (and still aren’t in some places) to be exhibited in public. At least others didn’t have to be subjected to the depravity of drunkenness or drug use or cursing or stealing or….name it.
I guess all that is to say that I agree we need to pray and love others. Can we or should we mandate sin? The Bible does. For God’s chosen people (the Israelites and those of us grafted in who follow Jesus). But as you say, the world lives according to the world standard, not biblical standards. What is our role then? I think of Paul in Greece who acknowledged the gods of the people while pointing out the one true God. (Acts 17:16-32) Many sneered at him, but many were open to hearing him speak. I guess that means that in love and kindness we should continue to confront whoever we need to in order to share the gospel. We’ll be laughed at, but we will also be heard. How does that apply to lawmaking? Maybe the same way – in love and kindness those in authority must stand for what is right and make good laws that will protect all not only cater to a small percentage. Then be willing to be maligned by some for those laws on behalf of those who want to live in the truth. And continue to pray and love and pray again.
Also, remember we are aliens in our world that is dictated by Satan. There will come a point, according to the Bible, in which the Holy Spirit’s influence to hold back sin will become less and less and our world is going down. I think we are in that time or coming quickly to it. So our focus may need to be on loving and sharing with individuals more than legislating sinful behavior. Just a thought 🙂
Wow Laura, what a beautiful way to share with your son. And even at his age he knew it was a choice – not a lifestyle, not a law, but a choice. And yes, sometimes I forget that we are aliens here. You are so right. This world is not our home. Hallelujah!
Wow. Tough subject Ms. D. I’ve known and been friendly with more than a few gay folks. But I’ve also know and been friendly with all sorts of sinners, and I still am a sinner. So what do we see taking place in America today?
Honestly I think it is the politicization of a human condition that has been present since the fall of man (think about Lot and what he went through). Our God is a gentleman, He will never push His way into anyone’s heart. He stands by in love so that we may turn to Him.
I say all of this because the small part of the population that is gay (2%- I think), should not be the political focal point of a nation that has so many problems as we do. If a state agrees to marriage, then so be it. But the Church is not the state and vice versa. We either stand with the Word of God, in love, or we cheapen the Word with the ways of the world.
You can’t have it both ways. If the Church tries to do that, He will vomit us out of His mouth, just as it is outlined in Revelation.
So what to do. I think the Church needs to pray and love and pray some more. I think that the Bible has to be lifted up as the inerrant Word. What the person sitting next to me in the pew does with that, should remain on his/her conscience. In my opinion it’s got to remain between God and that person. I am not judge or jury.
But do not mistake kindness for compliance. I will never acquiesce with anything that is not faithful to Jesus. Jesus ate with hookers, politicians, drunkards, etc. And He gave them a choice, as He gives us a choice.
I think your question, begs another question: What would you do if your son or daughter said
they were gay? I really don’t know.
Yes t, I agree we all have choices. All I can say is let’s hate sin but love the sinner. I am so glad I am not the Holy Spirit and it is not my job to change people. That’s God’s job. And great point t, let us magnify Jesus and trust Him to deal with all sin – mine, yours, and theirs. I’m just a fellow gardener here spreading seeds of the Word. What people do with them or not is up to them.
Marriage is as it’s described in the bible, however, this type of union, covenant is rare in our culture. Marriage today is just another type of business agreement.
Great point Ana – covenant relationship. I think I’ll have to search this out more. You have stirred something in my spirit – thank you beautiful!
Amen. I don’t blame homosexuals for the state of our country, because they’re doing what every sinner does – practicing sin. It’s what I did before Christ saved me. So, why is sin so rampant in our country now?
It is because those who claim to love God and serve Christ have exchanged the truth for a lie. The Lord is so clear about what we need to do, and yet, instead of standing for Christ, we have chosen to bicker with each other. We stand quietly, not only allowing sin to enter the church, but all too often, it is welcomed, with open arms! The church has become a multi-million dollar business instead of a house of prayer. And though many of us say that things must change, we have yet to come together as the bride of Christ, and humble ourselves and pray and turn from our wicked ways and seek His face.
Not until we, the church are ready and willing to humble ourselves and pray, to turn from our wicked ways, and to seek God’s face, will He hear from heaven and heal our land. Instead, most of the church remains ignorant of God’s word, choosing to believe whatever the preacher says, and sadly, not everything coming out of the pulpit is of God and for God. It’s time for the church to wake up, because this is only the beginning. Things are going to get much, much worse for the men and women of God.
Thanks so much for your boldness in sharing the truth of God’s word, beloved sister!
Love,
Cheryl
And thank you too Cheryl. I treasure your wisdom, thank you for sharing the truth with us. I love that about you! I agree with you – it will get worse and we need to wake up. Love you too, Diana