I am going to continue to do my best to love everyone, no matter what. I know a lot of people who have given themselves over to the practice of sin. [One note: yes, every person has sin in his or her life; the big difference is that some are trying to remove that sin from their lives, and others have just given in to it; some even flaunt it, and often defend it.] No matter what anyone says (even the Canadian Supreme Court), it is not only possible to love the sinner and hate the sin, but it is an imperative for Christians. We must hate the sin with which we struggle in our own lives. To love someone does not mean that we support their sin, but that we care about them as a person. Compromise and caring are not synonyms.
My morality is not based on what is legal or not. Don’t misunderstand me; I am opposed to homosexual marriage on a moral basis. [Again, note: the decisions on this subject are the government making a moral decision. Someone says, well isn’t the defense of marriage act the government making a moral decision? Yes, it is, but I will not let the proponents of “gay marriage” get by without pointing out that they are asking the court to legislate morality. The gay activists are determined to make sure that their morality is forced on all other Americans. I know they argue that simply allowing “gay marriage” isn’t forcing their morality on others, but when you put it into the context of things like the push to start “educating” even our kindergarten children (see info on the proposals in California, and their approved reading materials) to be pro-homosexual, and to overrule the moral teachings of parents, that is forcing their morality. That is evidenced over and over in our society. It is not just treating homosexuals well that they want, it is agreement with their position that is often being pushed.] The point I want to make, however, is this. There are several things that are legal, but immoral in our country. I will simply illustrate with one: it is not illegal in America to have sexual relations with someone besides your mate. It is immoral. The legality of it does not make it moral. So, no matter what the government rules or decrees, it will not change what is moral or immoral.
It is interesting how those who cry tolerance the loudest are most often the most intolerant. Just this morning I saw a post in which the person made it clear that he believes that anyone opposed to homosexual marriage is basically equal to a Nazi. I still love the one who posted that, but I am shocked at the total intolerance of anyone who takes a different position than his. I have a three-year-old grandson. He still is young enough that when he says “share,” he means when someone gives him something, not the other way around. To many it appears that tolerance means you tolerate my view, not ever I tolerate your view. Am I intolerant? If by that you mean do I take a stand that there is a moral standard that is not set by society, but rather by the Creator, then I guess I am. If by that you mean that I do not believe that others can state their opinions without being lambasted by me, then no I am not intolerant. I may disagree strongly, but I will try to treat you with respect, even when I believe you are dead wrong.
Yes, Mr. O’Reilly, I will continue to “thump my Bible.” I believe that what is moral and immoral is set forth by the Creator in His Word. When properly understood and handled, we can know what is right and wrong. That code of morality will not change with government, with family relationships, with generations or with whatever may come. I will thump my Bible as I am accused of by Mr. O’Reilly, and will do so without shame or compromise, and yet do so with a love and concern for others. You see, it does not matter what Bill O’Reilly thinks, what congress thinks, etc. It only matters what God thinks, and He has told us that in that Bible I will continue thumping.
Biblical Christianity is under attack, and we will soon be denied freedom to speak our convictions. Just read the attacks on Facebook, and the ugly, horrid comments being made about Christians. If those same comments were made about homosexuals, someone would be arrested! I truly believe that before very long I will face being put in jail for writing what I am writing now, or for speaking it from the pulpit. Already the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that it is hate speech to speak out against homosexuality as immoral (even on a biblical basis) and that it is impossible to “love the sinner and hate the sin.” So, there is no freedom of speech to preach the biblically based conviction on this matter in Canada anymore. I do not doubt that will follow here. I am determined to preach the whole counsel of God, popular or unpopular, legal or illegal – not for the purpose of being a rebel, not for the purpose of attacking others, but because I am concerned about every person’s soul, including mine. If that conviction one day lands me in jail, so be it.
