On Same Sex Marriage and Transgender Issues

In a move that should surprise almost no one, the Supreme Court ruled a week ago Friday that same-sex couples have a right to marry nationwide.  It’s probably no coincidence that this ruling comes just weeks after a very high profile man in our culture has publically re-identified himself as a woman.  Many challenges have been raised as to the wisdom and/or propriety of these massive cultural shifts and as an orthodox Christian pastor, I speak for many who have their own.  What has perhaps been the most astonishing feature of these recent seismic cultural changes is—no one has bothered to seriously think through some of the predictable (not to mention, unintended) consequences of these changes for our children and grandchildren? 

This sea change is immeasurably larger than for instance, the legalization of marijuana.  Most reasonable people would assumedly hold that before the Supreme Court decides to legalize this drug nationwide, it might be a good idea to see how Colorado and Alaska look in five years.  Yet we have no sociological, longitudinal data for this much more essential change to argue for it.   As a nation, we’re running full-speed into a pitch black expanse without bothering to investigate if our journey will terminate in some form of societal abyss.

Evangelicals and Homosexuality

The recent controversy surrounding “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson has exposed several common misunderstandings about evangelicals and homosexuality.  It must be admitted that, although some of Robertson’s statements represent an orthodox understanding of Scripture, his sweeping and coarse statements have brought little light to the discussion.

The Creator of marriage ALONE has the right to determine the definition and parameters of marriage

As we approach the inauguration of gay marriage in Minnesota, let’s think about why this is a very bad idea.  First, on a purely practical level, changes impacting the culture as profoundly as this one should never be made in a hurry.  It’s difficult to miss the obvious irony of people’s deeply held and dogmatic support of gay marriage today when it was in fact, hotly debated—even among social liberals less than two years ago. 

Supreme Court decisions in support of gay marriage

How are those of us who hold to the sanctity of traditional marriage to respond to the recent Supreme Court decisions in support of gay marriage? Rather than take the well-travelled road of bluster followed by retreating to lick our wounds until the next cultural crisis, let me suggest a better way. That is—instead of exerting our energies criticizing the dark forces that are tearing down yet another treasured traditional institution, let’s look in a mirror. If you look at the roots of this cultural decline, you will see that—as with many broad and seemingly rapid cultural shifts, (e.g. the sanctity of life) this breakdown of our understanding of marriage has been neither rapid, nor is the homosexual community and their powerful advocates the fundamental perpetrators. We mustn’t think the recent Supreme Court decisions are the cause of this current cultural change; they are instead, symptoms of it.

Respecting Authority and Staying Alive

MESSAGE FOR MAY 5, 2013 FROM ECCLESIASTES 8:1-9

The section of Ecclesiastes we are looking at today was originally intended for a very narrow audience. The author Qohelet, who describes himself in chapter one as a former king of Israel, addresses this first half of chapter eight to that very specific group who personally attend the king as his advisers—members of his royal court. We may wonder what if anything this text has to say to us who have never even met a real earthly king. As we’ll see, there are a few words of wisdom here that apply only to royal counselors. However, many of these truths are transferable to us as we seek to know how to relate to all authority figures—in the home, in the state or workplace--some of whom can abuse their authority over us. As we’ve seen in other sections of the book, the author begins by giving a general tribute to wisdom. Verse one says, "

MESSAGE FOR APRIL 21, 2013 FROM ECCLESIASTES 7:23-29

All sincere believers yearn for a time when sleepy Christians wake up, nominal-in-name-only Christians are genuinely converted and very hard-hearted unbelievers are miraculously transformed by the gospel.
1 Traditionally, when these things happen with any great frequency these periods in the church are called "revivals" or "spiritual awakenings."

The Root Problem...our ever-quickening departure from God

At times, certain things happen that quite literally make us feel sick.  Normally, a big news event would have us chirping about it—getting other perspectives—feeling anxious to share the big news with those who hadn’t heard.  Not this one. 

View him in the context of the Gospel

This morning, I was listening to a local radio station before coming in to work.  The News Director reported a story about a street preacher who is “one of the men who has been causing all the trouble at Bentleyville,” the local Christmas Park I mentioned in my last blog.  He immediately corrected the obviously biased statement with an awkward ad-lib amendment, “er, at least the one causing trouble for the city and for the founder of Bentleyville.”

The Greater Scandal

Recently in our community, a scandal has broken out over--of all things, preaching the gospel.  Each year, the city has contracted with a private party to host a Christmas park of sorts with piped in music, concessions and most centrally—a vast and truly dazzling display of Christmas lights.

"brand plucked from the fire"

This morning, I spent my entire time in Bible study in one of my favorite and most vivid Old Testament pictures of the gospel in Zechariah chapter three.  This high priest/prophet ministered to the Jews after their return from exile. The Jews were very discouraged during this period because the reality of being back in their homeland had not met their expectations. 

How is it now called "Women's Health Care"?

As we were reminded in the recent election cycle, the issue of abortion is now almost exclusively referred to as a “women’s health care” issue or perhaps a “woman’s health care decision.” Hence the alleged “evolution” of how we are to think of abortion is now complete.

Accept his love and rejoice in it—never doubt it

I just finished reading through Daniel in my devotions.  Daniel has long been one of my favorite Bible characters.  He ministered during uniquely difficult times.  Israel was in exile, disconnected from the Jerusalem, the temple and many of the means of grace he had previously provided to his people in order to maintain a relationship with him. 

A Truth-Driven Vote on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

There is only one way any thinking, truth-driven Christian can vote Tuesday on the proposed constitutional amendment to uphold a traditional understanding of marriage.  That is to vote “yes.” But we must not allow ourselves the luxury of thinking that this amendment if passed is a definitive answer. 

The other day I was thinking about how blessed churches are that have nice buildings.  This is not a prerequisite to worship—that is a matter of the heart (John 4:24). Nor should churches be evaluated on the basis of their facilities.  We have all been to ecclesiastical grave yards with beautiful walnut pews.  My point is simply that those churches that are blessed to have buildings should not take them and the many blessings they can bring for granted.  When we dedicated our building more than seven years ago, I said the following.  These words are still an encouragement to me and I hope, to you as well. 

A Cause to Hope

We conclude our series of blogs on the book of Ecclesiates.  If you would like to listen to the messages or read the manuscripts that are preached on this book, please feel free to access them on our website www.mountofolives.net  under “Media/Resources.”  When you land on that page, simply click “Launch Media Player” and choose from the list of messages.  We want to close by providing the most important reason to study this Old Testament Wisdom book.  That is: studying the book of Ecclesiastes causes us to hope in the supremacy and perfections of Christ.

Finding Empathy for the Lost

A second reason to study the book of Ecclesiastes today is: it helps us empathize with the lost people around us.  Jesus says the lost are “like sheep without a shepherd, harassed and helpless.”  Their lives are meaningless and vulnerable to destruction, but it’s hard for us to keep that truth in our head when many of them seem to be doing better than we are.  When the truths in Ecclesiastes become part of us—they equip us to look at someone like Donald Trump and be genuinely heartbroken for him.

Finding Value in Ecclesiastes

As we continue to introduce the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, we want to discuss some reasons why this book—with its uniquely negative tone, is so valuable to explore and internalize today.  The first specific reason it’s good to dig into this book is because—it helps us persevere in trials.  Some might think, “We all know that life is hard—we don’t need a weekly reminder of it from the pulpit.”  We DO all mentally apprehend that life is hard, but I’ve met very few believers who have internalized that truth in a way that encourages them when they are experiencing the trials of life.

On a Human Level, it is Futile

Last time, we began a short series of blogs on a book that is too frequently (and tragically) overlooked in 21^st Century North America.  We continue that line of thinking here. The implicit theological truth that underscores this very negative view of life is that this planet and all life on it, human and otherwise, is not as God originally designed.  It is fallen, warped, twisted, shattered, broken, darkened, embattled.  On a human level, it is futile. 

Into Ecclesiastes...

For the next few months before Christmas, I will be preaching through the book of Ecclesiastes.  The next few blogs will be given to discussing the enigmatic but very relevant book of the Bible. This book is part of what is called the ‘wisdom literature’ of the Bible that also includes Psalms, Proverbs and Job.  The broad purpose of wisdom literature is to help a person live life well.  Part of living life well is believing that without God, this world and everything in it is ultimately without meaning—it is vanity. 

A few more thoughts on repentance…

A few more thoughts on repentance…The Greek word for repentance is “metanoia” which simply means a “change of mind.”  Repenting means to change your mind or your attitude about a particular sin.  As we was in my last blog, if we equate repentance with a change in behavior, that can result in some serious errors.