Some time ago, I ran across an article on the Internet concerning the Methodist Church and samesex marriages. This issue does not just apply to the Methodist Church, but to more and more churches and denominations across our nation as Cultural Christianity spreads. Unfortunately, this issue doesn't stop with homosexuality. Many Christians have put the Bible on the back burner and are living according to some other truth. They will claim to be saved through the blood of Jesus Christ, but the act of making Jesus Lord of their life remains to be seen.
In George Barna's book, Index of Leading Spiritual Indicators, a survey concerning faith is mentioned. Of those surveyed, 7 primary faith groups were found. To the best of my recollection, they were:
The biggest difference between the 'Christianities' is the role of the Bible. All three groups of Christians will claim Christ as Savior, but only the Biblical Christian believes that the Bible is THE moral absolute and standard for their life. The Conventional Christian believes most everything the same, but the Bible is just a 'good' book, not the absolute. The Cultural Christian is also known as a 'Christmas' or 'Easter' Christian. A church membership is the closest thread that many of these people have as far as a relationship with God. The trend over the past few years, which we can see right before our eyes ,is the watering down of faith for many Christians. Just take a look at the issues that churches are enacting into 'law' that go against the grain, if not directly opposed to the Bible.
This whole issue has bothered me greatly. While I certainly have failed to live to the standards set in the Bible, they are still my target. I pray that any change in my life brings me closer to living as God has commanded as opposed to living the way that 'mankind' has found acceptable. I have often wondered how a 'Christian' would respond when questioned about beliefs that are different from the Bible.
So, on a whim, I searched the Internet for somebody that claimed to be a Christian in full support of the samesex marriage issue. I found one such site and sent an email to politely, without pointing the finger of condemnation, inquire how one could be in such full support of what appears to be defiance against the Words and commands of God. I didn't realize that it would create an email volley, so I never saved my original message. However, if you are interested in seeing another's view, feel free to link to the following.
One of the things that I have learned in this email volley is that how we approach those who believe differently than us is key. We cannot wag our finger in their face and tell them how wrong they are. Sure, we could do that, and they may very well be wrong, but in doing so we close a potential door of opportunity. For example, think of the people that this lady could reach that you and I have little, if any chance of ever reaching. Please pray for her - that God would show her that He is interested in our obedience and repentance, and that she can reach gays and lesbians for Christ, while at the same time pointing out the errors of their ways.
If you have any ideas that I have missed, please feel free to let me know via email.
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