 In our ongoing series, "Burning Questions," we address some of the most pressing and controversial topics within our faith community. This week, we grapple with a question that deeply affects many: "How Should Christians Interact With The LGBTQ+ Community?" This inquiry challenges us to navigate a delicate balance between adhering to Biblical truths and expressing Christ-like love.
The Challenge of Balance This question presents a significant challenge. If we strictly embrace a conservative stance, we risk losing compassion, gentleness, and Biblical love. Conversely, adopting a modern perspective might lead us to compromise God's Word and the sanctity of His design for marriage and sexuality. The crux of our challenge is to answer without leaning too far in either direction—avoiding unloving truth on one side and truthless love on the other. To navigate this, we turn to Ephesians 4:14-16, where the Apostle Paul encourages us to "speak the truth in love." This is a mature, emotionally healthy step for followers of Jesus. Many of us, due to our upbringing and personalities, naturally lean towards either truth or love, often neglecting the full Biblical narrative. Paul admonishes us to grow out of immature behaviors and be grounded in the truth of Christ, who is the head of the church. Speaking Truth in Love Learning to speak the truth in love is challenging, especially in a world that often dismisses such efforts as archaic or judgmental. Yet, we are called to do so for the spiritual welfare of others, not as a suggestion, but as a command. Fear often hinders us—fear of losing friendships, fear of rejection, and fear of not knowing what to say. However, with prayer, preparation, and growth in Christ, we can overcome these fears and fulfill our calling. The Necessity of Understanding Why is it so important to find this balance? Statistics show a significant increase in the number of young people identifying as LGBTQ+. With each generation, these numbers double, indicating a need for the church to adapt its approach. The old methods of condemning and shaming are no longer effective and often drive people away from the church and the Bible. To address this issue, we must quit throwing "Biblical bombs" and instead, seek a balance of truth and love. This requires homework—deepening our understanding of Scripture and the issues at hand. It also means addressing our own sexual sins and hypocrisies. Jesus taught that before we point out the splinter in another's eye, we must deal with the log in our own. A Call to Action We need to honor and respect everyone, recognizing their intrinsic value as God's creations. Romans 5:8 reminds us that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Jesus interacted with societal outcasts with honor, respect, and a call to repentance. Similarly, our jokes and derogatory comments about LGBTQ+ individuals must cease. Instead, we should move towards them with kindness, grace, and a listening ear, understanding their stories just as we do for those struggling with other issues. Conclusion Our goal is to firmly hold onto God's design for marriage and sexuality without compromising an inch to cultural pressures. At the same time, we strive to be a church where anyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals, can experience Jesus Christ and choose to follow Him. This involves wrestling with what it means to surrender our lives and our sexuality to Jesus's leadership. We encourage everyone to do their homework, understand God's Word fully, and get their own lives right with Jesus regarding their sexuality. We also need to examine our hearts and ask Jesus to help us honor, respect, and love the sinners around us. Let's lean in with love first and pray for opportunities to speak truth with tact and grace. - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 6/30/24.
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Today, we are excited to launch a new series of posts dealing with burning questions. Our first question in this series is one that has sparked much debate: How would Jesus want us to approach politics? As we navigate through an election year, it’s essential to understand how followers of Jesus should relate to human authority and how we should discuss our leaders.
Relating to Human Authority Romans 13:1-8 serves as the foundation for our discussion. Paul instructs the church to submit to governing authorities, reminding us that all authority is established by God. This teaching is particularly striking when we consider the context in which Paul wrote these words—during the reign of Emperor Nero, a ruler known for his brutality and debauchery. If Paul could advocate for respect and obedience under such a regime, how much more should we be willing to show respect to our current leaders, who, by comparison, are far more benevolent. The passage challenges us to rethink our approach to authority. We often feel justified in slandering those we disagree with, believing it’s our right to do so. However, Paul’s message is clear: as followers of Jesus, we should be the best citizens, quick to obey and submit to authority, setting an example for others. This doesn’t mean blind obedience, especially when human laws directly conflict with God’s commands. There are biblical examples of justified disobedience, such as Daniel in the lion’s den and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. But these instances are rare and should not be used as excuses for general disobedience. Unity in Diversity Jesus exemplified a love that transcends political and social boundaries. He chose disciples from various backgrounds, such as Matthew, a tax collector working for Rome, and Simon, a Zealot vehemently opposed to Roman rule. Through His love and grace, Jesus transformed their hearts and lives, demonstrating that His love reaches across party lines. This teaches us that we, too, must love and respect all people, even those who vote differently than we do. God has established three key institutions: the home, the church, and the state. He has given explicit instructions on how each should operate and how we should relate to them. While many Christians are familiar with God’s teachings about the home and the church, we often know less about what God says regarding the state. Romans 13, along with passages from 1 Peter, Titus, and 2 Timothy, provides a clear framework for understanding our role as citizens. We are called to be model citizens, honoring and obeying our leaders because they are appointed by God. The Bigger Picture Ultimately, our allegiance is to Jesus Christ, who reigns as King of Kings. Regardless of who controls the White House, Congress, or the Senate, Jesus is on the throne, and His plans and purposes will be accomplished. As we approach the upcoming elections, let us remember that our primary calling is to love one another unconditionally. Our goal should not be to defend our political positions but to win souls with the love of Jesus. We encourage you to reflect on how you speak about and interact with authorities. Be mindful of your words on social media and in conversations, especially when discussing leaders you disagree with. Show honor and respect, knowing that they are appointed by God. Let’s pray for our officials, asking God to give us the grace to love our neighbors and demonstrate His love in all our interactions. In closing, let’s commit to being the best citizens, showing respect and love to all, and trusting in God’s sovereign plan. Let’s pray together for wisdom and love as we navigate these challenging times. - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 6/23/24. In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son, a tale not just of a wayward child but of a Father whose actions reveal deep truths about divine love. Often overshadowed by the son's struggles, the Father's role in this parable is a powerful example for all dads, showcasing love, patience, and forgiveness.
The story begins with the younger son demanding his inheritance, essentially wishing his Father were dead. In the context of a patriarchal, agrarian society, this was a shocking and scandalous request. Yet, the Father, instead of reacting with anger or authority, grants his son’s request and lets him go. This act of open-handed love, despite being rejected, illustrates the father's willingness to lead with love rather than leverage. As the son squanders his wealth in wild living and eventually finds himself destitute, we see a different dimension of the Father's love. He allows his son to hit rock bottom, understanding that sometimes the best way to help is not to intervene. The Father's patient waiting, his refusal to send for his son, and his readiness to embrace him upon his return, all underscore a love that persists through darkness and separation. The Father’s joy and immediate restoration of his son upon his return highlight that his love was always present, waiting to be accepted, not earned. Embracing Unconditional Love In the parable, the son experiences the fleeting pleasures of sin, only to be left empty and longing. His return home is a moment of humility and repentance. The Father, seeing his son from a distance, runs to him with compassion, breaking cultural norms to embrace and restore him. This act of running, considered undignified for a patriarch, underscores the Father's disregard for societal judgment in favor of expressing his deep love and joy. The Father’s response to his son's rehearsed apology is profound. He doesn't allow him to finish his plea to become a servant. Instead, he restores him fully as his son, celebrating with a feast. This highlights a crucial point: the Father's love was never contingent on the son's actions. It was always there, waiting to be received. The son's journey teaches us that divine love doesn't need to be earned through deeds but accepted with an open heart. Lessons from the Parable This parable is a metaphor for God’s relationship with us. Through it, we learn that God loves us unconditionally, even when we reject Him or wander away. His love remains steadfast as He waits for us to return, and He celebrates our restoration without holding our past against us. Here are 4 key takeaways about our Heavenly Father’s love:
A Call to Action For those who feel distant from God, this parable offers hope. No matter how far we’ve strayed, God is always watching, waiting, and cheering for our return. His love is patient and ready to embrace us, regardless of our past. If your life feels messy or broken, remember that you are exactly who Jesus came to love. Embrace His love today, knowing it is freely given and not something you need to earn. For parents and grandparents dealing with a prodigal loved one, this story offers guidance. Sometimes, the most loving action is to let them face the consequences of their choices, trusting that God’s love will ultimately draw them back. Enabling their behavior is not love; true love is patient and waits for genuine repentance. Embracing God's Love Together So let's reflect on the lavish, patient love of our Heavenly Father. This Father’s Day, may we all be inspired by the parable of the prodigal son to embrace and extend the boundless love of God. Happy Father’s Day! - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 6/16/24. We believe that being a witness for Jesus is a calling for every believer, but it doesn’t require being a theological genius. Just as witnesses in a courtroom are vital for presenting the truth, Christians are essential in sharing the hope and truth of Jesus Christ.
The Importance of Witnesses Witnesses in a court case don't need to know everything about the law; they simply need to share their firsthand experiences. Similarly, Christians are called to share what they have seen, heard, and felt about Jesus. Yet, many believers react in two unproductive ways when asked to share their faith: they either try to impress with their knowledge or remain silent out of fear. Neither approach is effective. Readiness Over Genius Peter encourages believers to always be prepared to explain their hope, but in a gentle and respectful manner. This readiness is not about having all the answers or being the smartest person in the room. It's about being genuine, kind, and respectful, and most importantly, being ready to share the personal impact Jesus has had on your life. The Traits of an Unready Witness We identified seven traits of an UNREADY witness (based on the opposite of what the Apostle Peter exhorts believers to be like in 1 Peter 3:13-17):
Becoming a Ready Witness On the other hand, here's how you can BE READY to share the hope of Jesus (based on how the Apostle Peter exhorts believers to live in 1 Peter 3:13-17):
Practical Steps to Readiness To be a ready witness, start by seeking opportunities to do good, even in small ways. Embrace difficulties as part of your spiritual journey, and let your life revolve around Jesus' plans for you. Practice sharing your faith story so it becomes natural. Approach others with empathy and respect, and let your actions reflect a life yielded to God. Conclusion It doesn't take a genius to share the hope of Jesus; it takes readiness and a willingness to let your life be a testimony to God's goodness. By embodying these traits, we can effectively witness to others and share the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Remember, your story and readiness can make a significant difference in someone's life. Join Us! We invite you to join us in this journey of becoming ready witnesses for Christ. Let's spread the hope and love of Jesus in our communities and beyond! - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 6/9/24. |
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