What Did Jesus Say About Marriage?

One of the arguments I read over and over about the marriage debate is that Jesus never said anything against homosexual marriage, so it must be right. The problem with this logic is that Jesus does speak of heterosexual marriage in Matthew 19:1-10. In these verses, the Pharisees ask a question to which they already know the answer. They want to know if it is legal and right for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. In verses 4 and 5 Jesus references the Genesis account of marriage as being between a male and female, and that the male and female, when joined together, leave their families to start their own families. Jesus does not reference homosexual marriage in these verses, because marriage was and is between a man and a woman. Jesus is very plain in these verses as to the definition of marriage. Jesus' reference to heterosexual marriage as being defined by God is a reference to homosexual marriage being outside of God's word.
The problem that we face today, is we have destroyed and distorted marriage between a man and a woman. So that even standing on the principles of the bible are hard for us because of actions. Very few people save themselves for marriage any longer. People move through marriages like revolving door at a hotel. Even in the the Old Testament, the parameters of marriage between one man and one woman were not followed. I've even heard Christian people explain this away with, "it was the custom of the day." This is a very dangerous argument for this issue. If we are going with the custom of the day, homosexual marriage will more than likely be legalized in America. When it is, is that the custom of the day?
The principle to stand on is God's word.

Worship?

Let's worship! This phrase has different meanings to different people. To some, it is sitting silently while others do the work. To some, it is raising hands, clapping and singing. To others, it is simply a way of life. We should not put worship in a box and label it with our preferences. We should not put worship in a box and use it only at church. Worship is a way of life. We are never commanded in God's word to only worship Him at church. If we are truly appreciative to God for all He has done for us, we will live out our worship of Him on a daily basis. The bible says to put on the whole armor of God. It doesn't say to put it on on Sunday like a suit to wear to church. The same can be said for our worship. If we only put it on on Sunday, is it genuine?

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:2

A Few Thoughts on Killing a Church

1. Hyper-critical of Other's Work

As churches grow, the need for volunteer workers increases. Eventually, paid staff will have to be added, but until the church can afford to move in that direction, volunteers are a necessity. One issue with volunteers is they are volunteers. As the jobs increase, the ones who began the work will have to let some things go to newer members. When the newer members begin to work, the worst thing that church members can do is become hyper-critical of everything that the others are doing. We must understand that not everyone does everything the same way. If you want to drive someone away, give them a job and let someone come behind them and criticize the way they performed the job in front of others. This kills volunteer worker availability. Let them do the job and praise them for their willingness to give of their time and effort.

2. Be Unorganized

If a church wants to drive people away, become unorganized. Lack of organization causes trust issues with members of the congregation. If there is no organization in business matters of the church, people will eventually stop giving. And, eventually they will stop coming. Being unorganized in programs and services will drive people in a world that marches to times, crazy. 

3. Poor Communication

Poor communication causes uncertainty in the congregation. If people do not know when things are happening, they will not be there. If people do not understand why things are happening, they will not be there. 

Being Honest

One of the biggest challenges in life is honesty. Some might say, "Honesty is not an issue for me. I would never think of being dishonest." This may be said as the person is driving over the speed limit, testing and driving, getting a free soda from the machine etc. One area that Christians have failed in living an honest life, is showing the world that we do struggle with sin. If we claim that we do not struggle with sin, we are living a lie. Left to our own devices, we will re-enact the Garden of Eden every time. What the world sees when they see a person appearing to live a perfect life, is a judgmental person who condemns what they are doing. When we pretend to live a perfect life and are judgmental of others, we are living a deceitful, dishonest life. Can I look at someone's actions and say that they are not what God intended? Yes. Can I look at my own the same way? Hmmmm. The world needs to know that we are not perfect. If we claim perfection, why would we need Jesus Christ. Even as saved people, we are not perfect. Claiming perfection and living the lie only contributes to the hypocrite theory that most lost people have of saved people. If a lost person knows that you are genuine in your daily struggle, they will be more open to listening to the Gift that is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Why? Because they will see that real people struggle with real issues in life and that turning to God is the best option they have.

Seriously?

I was invited to a revival today at a local church. I had to decline the offer. Not because I do not believe in revival, but because this church does not allow black people to join their congregations. It is hard to experience revival in these conditions. There are many African-American people in the town that the church ministers too. This church chooses, or has chosen in the past, to exclude all of these people simply based on their skin color. If the church has changed it's policies, I will retract this, but the last I heard, this was still their practice. If I can go and my children cannot, what sense does that make? I can join the church, but Ethan cannot. I can join the church, but Eion, if/when he accepts Jesus as his savior, could not. I have been asked, "What do you expect?" from people in my own family. I expect people to be treated like people. I expect us to treat people like Jesus Christ treated them. Jesus loved everyone. There is a church in Simms, TX called the United Identity Church of Christ. These people are a despicable representation of God and churches, but a very good representative of Satan. The man that is listed on their website as the pastor is Henry Stout. Their website lists Blacks in the bible as beasts (no better than an animal). This is not the church I was invited too, though. I was invited to a good old American Baptist Association church. A church that claims that everyone is welcome, a church that claims that sinners are welcome, but a church that will not allow black people in. So the thinking of this church, and ones who hold the same belief, should probably join this other denomination. Even though they do not claim to be, they are basically believe the same thing about black people. I pray for these people. I pray for these churches. At The Journey, one of the things we started with was that everyone was welcome in the door. We would not pick and choose who came in and who didn't. We would allow the spirit to move us to people, and people to us, so that we could introduce them to Jesus Christ. If a church discounts such a large portion of the population, is the church doing God's business or people's business?

The Big Picture

I think if we could step back and look at the big picture in life, we could see what leads us away from God on a regular basis. We may even be able to determine the pattern of temptation that we have trouble with. But in the hustle and bustle that is our life, I think maybe we rush around until, BAM, IT slaps us in the face. Then we have the feeling of "how did I get myself into this, and how do I get out of it?" "Where did this come from?" Why did I not see this coming?" and "I can't believe I fell for that again?" It feels like walking through a maze, and running into the same wall. Repetition is a habit forming device. What we repeat on a daily basis, we repeat on a daily basis. The more we repeat a behavior, the easier it is to repeat the behavior without having to think about it. If you walk by the cabinet and grab a cookie, you know where the cookies are located, and you know that they are easily accessible. You also know that you may not need them, but there they are staring at you. The first one was so easy to obtain. Then the second, third and fourth ones are easier. Then you realize the whole row is gone. Well, the eating plan is now gone for the day, might as well have more. It is a behavior. If there is more than one cookie, I know that I am going to eat more than one cookie. The habit of reaching for them is something I can stop, if I choose to stop. So, the big picture would help us to determine what how we react to situations. Since we can't see the big picture, we have to live our lives frame by frame. This frame by frame living should allow us to choose God as our guide through the maze. His plan is clear. His path is straight. Think about your next step. Where are you going?