Last Friday, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that gay and lesbian couples could legally marry. First thoughts are outrage, a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, anger at how just a couple men who happen to be judges could make a decision that I have to live with, etc. Then I went to church Saturday night at Hope and Pastor Mike addressed this issue in a way that gave me a better understanding of how I am to think about this. This comes during Easter week and Jesus absolutely positively had the power to take over the church and government. He could have stopped his crucifixion. That was not His kingdom, his goal or His plan. Here is what I gleaned from Pastor Mike's words:
1. Jesus wants His followers to love everybody. Gay marriage is not the great cause of our day nor is it the mission of the church, in fact, it is a distraction to the mission of the church. The mission of the church is waaaaay bigger. Matthew 22:37-40: Jesus replied, "You must love the Lord you God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prohets are based on these two commandments." Pastor Mike told us that if we can't speak respectfully and with love, to quit talking. When we have hate over issues, we lose our moral center and mission. Jesus is much bigger than a law.
2. We are all sinners who need God's grace. Romans 3:23: For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 5:16: And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but God's free give leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. I need as much grace as people who disagree with me.
3. God's intent was for marriage to be between a man and woman. Marriage was established in Genesis and is repeated throughout the Bible. Mark 10, Matthew 19, Ephesians 5. This is a timeless law and God's laws don't change regardless of what politicians, judges or polls say. His Word stays the same. God wants His word and teaching on marriage to go out,
Pastor Mike told us the church doesn't follow the culture. He asked if we dance with God, who leads? We are to be the followers not the leaders. Remember our mission, what kingdom we are working for. Our mission is about salvation and Jesus, hearing the Good News and sharing that Good News. God's love poured out for me and for you is the central story of our faith.
Speak in love,
To hear the entire sermon go to: Lutheran Church of Hope - The King Is Coming
1. Jesus wants His followers to love everybody. Gay marriage is not the great cause of our day nor is it the mission of the church, in fact, it is a distraction to the mission of the church. The mission of the church is waaaaay bigger. Matthew 22:37-40: Jesus replied, "You must love the Lord you God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prohets are based on these two commandments." Pastor Mike told us that if we can't speak respectfully and with love, to quit talking. When we have hate over issues, we lose our moral center and mission. Jesus is much bigger than a law.
2. We are all sinners who need God's grace. Romans 3:23: For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 5:16: And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but God's free give leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. I need as much grace as people who disagree with me.
3. God's intent was for marriage to be between a man and woman. Marriage was established in Genesis and is repeated throughout the Bible. Mark 10, Matthew 19, Ephesians 5. This is a timeless law and God's laws don't change regardless of what politicians, judges or polls say. His Word stays the same. God wants His word and teaching on marriage to go out,
Pastor Mike told us the church doesn't follow the culture. He asked if we dance with God, who leads? We are to be the followers not the leaders. Remember our mission, what kingdom we are working for. Our mission is about salvation and Jesus, hearing the Good News and sharing that Good News. God's love poured out for me and for you is the central story of our faith.
Speak in love,
To hear the entire sermon go to: Lutheran Church of Hope - The King Is Coming
No comments:
Post a Comment