Pastor's Blog
"Will We Lose an Entire Generation?" My wife and I recently heard Christian apologist Dr. James R. White speak at Omaha Bible Church. His message was compelling as usual but near the end of his presentation Dr. White told of a young man who said he was a Christian. The man said in no uncertain terms that if the church today did not change its message about homosexuality it runs the risk of losing the next generation of young people. The man said that if he had to choose between the biblical view of homosexuality and his gay friends, he would reject the Bible and go with his friends. According to all the polls, it seems that the majority of people today would side (and are siding) with the pro-gay young man. But this story got me to thinking. Are we ready as individuals and a church to “lose the next generation” over the issue of homosexuality? What should our answer be? For many the “loving” thing to do is either side with the gay-rights crowd or at least refuse to take a stand on homosexuality. Of course the latter won’t work because we will all be called on sooner or later to state our position. Anyway, can we afford to lose a generation of people? My answer to this question is yes, we must be ready to lose every one of them! Does that sound harsh? Unloving? Arrogant? I know it does but wait, according to Scripture who are we called to please? Is it the world or God? Who are we to fear? Are we to fear the one who can kill the body or the One who can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matt. 10:28)? In addition there is just no way around the clear, biblical view on the nature of homosexuality (Cf. Romans 1:24 – 27; 1 Corinthians 6:9 – 11). So our first priority is not to the world and how we can befriend it or make it like us. That will never happen! Our first priority is to love God which shows itself in our obedience to His commands (John 14:15). Yes we are to love others but this must show itself first and foremost in our willingness to tell them the truth of what God demands and deserves from each of us namely, repentance from any sin including homosexuality. Anything less than compassionately telling someone the truth isn’t love it’s hate! To affirm someone in a damning sin is not love but the very essence of self-centered indifference, in reality… hate! Please understand I take no delight in writing this! I wish I could go along with the flow of popular opinion on the issue of gay-marriage but I simply cannot. If Scripture is wrong on the issue of homosexuality then I don’t know what it would be right about. I must be faithful to God’s Word! I pray you are as well despite the cost! God will take care of the young generation as we take care to honor Him by sharing His Word with one and all. He after all, convicts, calls, justifies and finally glorifies (Romans 8:30). Let us determine to always glorify Him! Pastor Allan Wooters, D.Min. www.livingwaterchurchplattsmouth.org
Contact Pastor Allan with questions or request a topic for the Pastor's Blog.
|
|
|