Christian teaching

Well, it has been a busy political week. And before my actual sermon today, I want to share briefly a few thoughts on the Supreme Court’s legalization of same sex marriage.

1) As Christians we draw our understanding of marriage from the Scriptures (Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-9), not what this country legislates. We realize that there are different conceptions of marriage in our society, whether secular or religious (Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, etc.). And now there is a same sex understanding that has been accepted as legal. But our understanding is a Christian one – between one man and one woman for life under God, and this won’t change, because the Scriptures haven’t changed.

2) The world will be the world. By definition the world doesn’t follow God’s will (1 John 2:15-17). And the approval of same sex marriage is just the latest example. But perhaps this example will help us to see that the world and the church really are different. I think we often get this confused in the United States. But the truth is that there is the kingdom of God and then there are the kingdoms of this world. And they are not compatible in terms of righteousness.

3) The world will be the world in not following God, but people, and this is my burden, let the church be the church! The world will be the world, but let the church be the church! God put us here to be his own distinctive kingdom community. So let’s be what God has called us to be – the church, which is his nation, his people, his light. Using laws to force others to live like we want them to is not the way of the kingdom. The way of the kingdom is to share the gospel, which is  the power of God to transform lives (Romans 1:16). This is the task that Jesus has given us in the great commission and we must focus on it (Matthew 28:18-20).

4) We should not allow any of this to cause us to hate Gays or Lesbians. God loves all people just the same. And God desires that all be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). And it is kindness, not hatred that leads people to repentance (Romans 2:4).

5) Finally, there is no need to fear, sisters and brothers. The apostolic church thrived in the Roman empire even though it was full of sexual immorality and sin; even though it was worse than the United States. No matter what the world chooses to do, God can move through us to bring forth his kingdom. What’s called for is not fear, but faith; faith that God will act by his gospel to bring many to faith in Jesus and to be a part of his kingdom.