Denial of choice is evidently required by gay rights advocates?

The following article appeared on the WRAL.COM website today -

SAN FRANCISCO — Actress Cynthia Nixon is trying to clarify her earlier remarks that got her in hot water with some fellow gay rights activists.
The "Sex and the City" star's personal life became an exercise in the politics of sexual orientation last week when The New York Times Magazine quoted Nixon saying that for her, being gay was a conscious choice. Nixon has been in a relationship with a woman for eight years. Before that, she spent 15 years and had two children with a man.
After some gay rights activists complained that Nixon's remarks could be used to deny a biological basis for homosexuality, the actress on Monday released a statement to The Advocate magazine explaining she is technically bisexual, and not by choice.
Nixon told the magazine: "What I have 'chosen' is to be in a gay relationship."

First, I find it funny that these "we should all be free to live as we like", gay rights folks, found it necessary to censor the words of one of their own - not free to speak your mind evidently!

Beyond that irony, I think we may be on to something here. If the argument is that some people are born with deviant/sinful sexual desires, whether they be bisexuality, homosexuality or what have you, I am in full agreement. We are all born sinners and desire things that we should not! What is also true is that we should not "choose" to act on our sinful desires and are guilty before God and due His judgement for doing so. Further, it is true that we are bound and enslaved by our own sin nature to the point where we can never live up to God's standards or live righteous lives on our own strength.

However, there is hope!

Gal. 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (NKJV)

There is forgiveness for our sin and the power to overcome sin, in a relationship with Jesus Christ! We need to implore those suffering the enslavement of homosexuality and other sins to believe what we all know as Christians, it isn't defending our sinful lifestyle that we need, but rather acknowledging it is sin, turning from it and following Jesus!

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Some things need no further explanation!

2 Cor. 1:8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, (NKJV) 



"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.Used by permission. All rights reserved." 

The relief and power that comes from ending a life?

While it would be nice to think people would choose life if they knew their baby had a heartbeat and are just as much a human life as they are. However, as I read Al Mohler's blog I was shocked by the comments of abortion advocate and practitioner, Merle Hoffman -

“They knew it, but my patients who made the choice to have an abortion also knew they were making the right one, a decision so vital it was worth stopping that heart. Sometimes they felt a great sense of loss of possibility. In the majority of cases, they felt a great sense of relief and the power that comes from taking responsibility for one’s own life.”

Relief, power and taking responsibility for one's own life, by ending someone else's life! This sounds like the words of a serial killer describing their motives for murder, not a doctor talking about the medical decisions of their patients.

Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (NKJV)

We need you King Jesus - come quickly!

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Abortion safer than giving birth, for who?

Dave, who sent me the last abortion related article, has again gotten me all riled up. I hate evil and sin, but I also must admit I have a special kind of loathing for the poor logic used by those who promote abortion rights. As I have stated previously, if you have had an abortion, there is forgiveness in Jesus Christ - seek Him!

Here is an incredible quote from the article on Reuters.com -

"Women who are having abortions are having a safe, common surgical procedure or taking medication for the same reason,"

And

"They should feel confident that the medical care they're having is safe, long-term and short-term.

Follow link for the full article - Abortion safer than giving birth study

I will acknowledge that the article anticipates one of my objections:

"Dr. Anne Davis, who studies obstetrics and gynecology at the Columbia University Medical Center in New York, and wasn't involved in the new study."

Says -

"We wouldn't tell people, 'Don't have a baby because it's safer to have an abortion' -- that's ridiculous," she told Reuters Health. "We're trying to help women who are having all reproductive experiences know what to expect."

Ok, so why is it ridiculous to tell folks not to have a baby because of the risk? If you can't say abortion is objectively wrong, what makes aborting any or all babies a "ridiculous" concept? Killing all the Jews in the world seemed "ridiculous" to many, but Hitler and countless numbers of his followers found it perfectly consistent with their beliefs. If I were a woman and I went to the doctor and said, "I am pregnant, what should I do?" Shouldn't a Doctor acting in the best interest of my health advise against me having a baby and suggest getting the statistically safer abortion? If safer is an issue, we should surely consider discomfort as well. Is it easier to get an abortion or carry a baby full term? Perhaps Doctors will be sued for malpractice in the future for failing to take enough steps to talk a woman out of suffering the pain and risk of giving birth?

Of course that is the lesser of my two objections to this study and the use of it in this article. The main issue I have is the reality that abortion is clearly not statistically safer for a baby! While we are debating how we can take away every possible hindrance to the happiness chasing of the pregnant woman, the father involved and society as a whole, the life and rights of the unborn are willingly trampled underfoot.

Do we really want to have the right to avoid all possible risks and enjoy optimum personal comfort - even at the cost of the lives of others?

Evidently many do!

Fulfill your dreams - even if you have to kill an innocent person to do it?

I was shocked when my friend Dave (he comments on this Blog regularly) sent me an article with the following quote from President Obama regarding abortion:

(CNSNews.com) – President Barack Obama says the 39^th anniversary of Roe v. Wade is the chance to recognize the “fundamental constitutional right” to abortion and to “continue our efforts to ensure that our daughters have the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.”

The full article can be seen at the link below - 

President on Roe vs. Wade

First, if you have had an abortion, there is forgiveness in Jesus Christ, seek Him and find peace, hope, purpose and most important eternal life!

Now, regarding this abominable article -

If he is saying what it sounds like he is saying, perhaps he needs to follow this concept to its logical end. If the "daughters" need to have abortions available so they can fulfill their dreams, doesn't it follow that the "sons" deserve the same rights? If a mother wanted to keep a child, but not the father, should he be able to insist the baby be aborted so his dream fulfilling won't be hampered. Should the father have to live his life bummed-out by child support payments, the chance of a child coming looking for him one day later or even just guilt from having an unwanted child running around somewhere? Why stop there, if a two year old is getting in the way, perhaps they should be terminated as well by either biological parent so they can fulfill their dreams.

Essentially, isn't this just survival of the fittest in action? The mother of an unborn child can insist on her rights and vote, so she gets the right to have her life and make it better, even if it requires taking the life of the voiceless/vote-less unborn child to do it? If you really want to be consistent, should we be allowed to end the life of politicians if their policies are keeping us from fulfilling our dreams?

Of course these extremes make the whole thing sound ridiculous. However, with the absence of an absolute moral standard, which survival of the fittest/evolution lack by definition, their is no end to the depths to which we will sink.

Rom. 1:28  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (NKJV)

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

"I didn't abandon ship, I tripped and fell into a lifeboat"

How often do we here of people breaking commitments and giving "reasons" to excuse their behavior. This "I fell into a lifeboat" excuse, as given by the now infamous Captain of the cruise ship grounded off Italy, sounds more outrageous than most, but doesn't the last step, falling off the ship of commitment, start long before a relationship hits a reef?

If we are honest, we have all probably broken commitments for selfish reasons, we hit the reef, we got scared and we bailed out, I mean “tripped”! Whether a marriage, church or other commitments, we are usually either actively committed to the relationship and seeking to do our part according to God's word or if it is really all about us, when things get rough enough we will find some reason to go. Our reason may sound more plausible than the one the captain of the Costa Concordia gave, but as good as our excuse might sound, it is unlikely God is the one guiding us to break commitments. In fact, faithfulness is included in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), so when it gets too hard for us, the Holy Spirit is able to take us further than we ever could go on our own!

An active, wholehearted commitment to fulfill whatever promises we make, according to God’s word and in His power, is the best way to avoid one day having to claim - we just slipped and fell out of our marriage, church or other commitments!

Is the God "known by many names" - known?

I was listening to an interfaith prayer service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this morning and a Rabbi prayed an interesting prayer. He prayed to "the holy one, who we know by many names". I assume he was referring to what most of us call God, but preferred not to use that word, maybe it would be seen as too exclusive? Is it meaningful or helpful to pray to God in this vague way?

God is known by many names in Bible and I assume this Rabbi would consider the Old testament texts to be true and sacred. However, I think it is completely misleading to make it sound as though we all are worshipping the same God just because we use the word God or a substitute a term like "the holy one". There is only one God, but if He has revealed Himself in the Bible, then any other idea of God that contradicts His self-revelation is a non-god. Even if you use the same name for God as other religions, the name becomes meaningless if it is being used in a way not consistent with How God describes Himself.

If we care about people's souls, wouldn't it be best to have respectful, open and honest discussions about the differences in what we mean by "God" and hopefully all come to knowledge of the truth? Attempts to make all religious beliefs equal are not without serious negative consequences -

1 Thess. 5:1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. (NKJV)

To say you believe in God, but suggest what you believe is no more valid than others who hold  contradictory beliefs is not loving and unifying talk, but inconsistent and dangerous talk. In an effort to bring peace between different faiths these do-gooders leave people in ignorance and at odds with the real God! If God is real and can be know, then coming to know the truth is infinitely more important than trying to fit in and not offend those of different beliefs! The "god known by many names" is not a god that can be known at all, if He has not spoken. If God has spoken, then He can be known and must be known, in a much more specific way than these interfaith events would dare portray Him!

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

How are the dead raised to life?

Ezekiel 37:1 The hand of the LORD came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. 2 Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. 3 And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
So I answered, “O Lord GOD, You know.”

4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.”’” (NKJV)

It is true that this text addresses Israel's future resurrection and the accompanied change of heart that leads them to recognize and worship their Messiah. However, the principles involved in Israel's new birth unto eternal life are the same principles that apply to our new life in Christ!

A couple of observations:

1. The bones are dry, the people they represent are long since dead!

2. If the bones can be made to live, only God knows and knows how!

3. It is the word of the Lord that is needed by these bones, if they are to live!

4. Even the ability to hear must be provided by God, if the dead are to hear!

5. Life enters the bones as God's word is spoken and He breathes life into them!

6. The same Hebrew word ruach/ר֫וּחַ is used for God's Spirit in other places!

7. When the word and breath/Spirit of God are present, the dead/dry bones live!

8. The now made alive bones "will know" that He is Lord!

Lord, thank you for sending your word and Spirit to bring life to my dead bones, that I may know you!

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Are we undersexed?

An article about a Texas Pastor and his wife spending 24 hrs. on the church roof to live stream sex talk/help was posted on The Reformed Baptist Facebook Page and it caught my attention.Here is the original article -  Roof sex talk article!

Mark Driscoll has also taken some criticism for his discussion of sex in the church - Mark Driscoll marriage controversy article!

I wonder if we have gone from ignoring sex in the church, to adopting a self-serving, almost idolatrous idea of it. Where does our concept of a good married sex life come from? Does it come from the Bible or has it been heavily influenced by the media and today's culture? Can we have love, joy, peace, faithfulness, etc. even if things aren't always as we would like in the bedroom? Not saying anything one way or another about my own marriage, but still......

I wonder how much discontent is caused by being sold a false idea of  what is a "good" or "normal" sex life? If we only had these discussions with our spouses, had no exposure to other people's real or fictional sex lives and lived out a Biblical worldview (sacrificial love, not self-serving lust), would we have anything to compare to and increase our dissatisfaction with our own sex lives?

If we did as the Bible says and "loved the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and loved our neighbor (including our spouse) as ourselves", would this be an issue for most believers? I think not, and if someone is really having some problems they may do well to see a Biblical Counselor privately, as they might address spiritual issues if necessary, as well as refer to a medical Doctor if it seems to be a medical issue.

I welcome your comments on this topic 

How does Jesus define "shepherding"?

I have had many people tell me that what churches need most from their pastors is that they be shepherds, but I wonder what they mean when they say that. I have often heard people emphasize certain duties of the pastor/shepherd such as: visiting the sick, comforting the hurting, greeting people on the way out of church, performing weddings/funerals and just loving the people as they are. I even saw an add for a Baptist church seeking a pastor that said hosting the towns annual bass tournament was a major expectation of the congregation for their pastor/shepherd. Of course giving evangelistic messages is usually expected of the pastor/shepherd, as one older pastor advised me, "just focus on winning souls young man and you will be fine". I think the common denominator of these expectations is that they all fail to emphasize the main role of the pastor/shepherd as revealed in the scriptures. Jesus saw His role as shepherd like this:

Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. (NKJV)

Jesus had compassion with perfect insight into human needs and His diagnosis of what kind of shepherding people needed was combined with His perfect love for them. Surely this guarantees that what Jesus offered the people was what was best for them, even if they might have come wanting and expecting something completely different. Everyone came to Jesus with expectations: maybe they wanted to be healed, have their hands shaken, be accepted just as they were or have Jesus host the next Annual Sea of Galilee Fishing Tournament. Whatever they thought they needed, whatever they thought a shepherd should do, Jesus saw their deepest deed and had compassion on them - "So He began to teach them many things"!

The great commission is a call to shepherd God's people through teaching -

Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (NKJV)

The loving shepherd does not always give the flock what it wants, but like Jesus, seeks to meet its greatest need, by teaching the word of God in the power of the Spirit!

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

God's glory displayed through His people!

Until the past ten years or so, I was mostly exposed to churches/teaching that portrayed the Bible as God trying to save all men and falling short as only some would be convinced and believe. This understanding led to a very man centered view of scripture and evangelistic methods that relied on the best environment and least offensive message to bring people into the church and get them saved. It feels really good to know God is getting a few more to accept Him and we are to thank for it. Of course trying to decide what environment and parts of the scripture will best accomplish this goal is always a bit of a guessing game and pragmatism "whatever works" has to be given much weight.

Oh what a puny view of God that was!

Even though I have long since become convinced from scripture of God's sovereignty in salvation, as I work on my current sermon series One People for One Purpose, I am amazed at how absolutely God's glory centered everything about our salvation and Christian life is.

This Sunday I taught through John 17 - what a magnificent display of God's glory! All the Father gives the Son are saved through the work the Son "finished" on our behalf, so that the glory of God's mercy, grace and love could be seen in and expereinced by otherwise hopeless sinners! Here is a small glimpse -

John 17:1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. (NKJV)

God has the power to save all and the authority to save all. He will be glorified as He saves all He intends according to His eternal plans, by the work of Jesus Christ and for His eternal glory!

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."