WHAT A WEEK!

Uncertainty is everywhere as people wait to see what in the world the government is going to do to “save the day”. This week has reminded me of a few things that I want to share with you, so here they are:

1. We live in a changing world. The problem for most of us is that we have been lulled to sleep by our false securities and the alarm is now sounding. The buzz is, “life as we have known it is definitely at risk.”

2. We have an unchanging God. The scripture says that God is the same yesterday, today and forever.

3. Sometimes we need a wake-up call. I don’t believe that 9/11 or events like it was God, but I do believe that God used 9/11 to shake the conscience of the nation and make us at least think about God.

4. God uses world events as opportunities for personal change. When adversity comes it changes authentic believers for good. Unfortunately, it changes many for the worse.

5. Christians must seize opportunities for positive change or else we will give way to those who can destroy the foundations upon which we were established and when the foundations are destroyed, the house will fall.

6. I can’t do everything, but I can do something, and what I can do, I should do.

Therefore…

o I will speak the truth in love to those who disagree.
o I will vote for the things and people that affirm the truth of my faith.
o I will find ways in the confusion to offer the hope of Christ to a world that is starving for hope.

As usual, God’s Word says it best.

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 3: 13-17 (CEV)

ENOUGH SAID!!!

To Read more of Jim's Blog's, visit http://www.heartofthecanyons.com/

AN ISSUE WORTH CONTENDING FOR

The Bible is filled with historical messages that challenge and warn cultures of the results of ignoring the universal laws that govern God’s world. The recent decision by the California Supreme Court (Link to Supreme Court ruling.) to legalize same-sex marriages shakes my world. I am not one to get overly involved in politically hot debates; however, some things are worth contending for and I believe this is one. Why? Because my belief in the biblical model of marriage is not just a preference, it is a conviction.

Preference or Conviction?
According to David C. Gibbs, Jr., of the Christian Law Association, the U.S. Supreme Court defines preference and conviction in the following ways: A preference is a very strong belief, held with great strength. You can devote your entire life to the service of the preference. You can also give your entire material wealth in the name of the belief. You can energetically proselytize others to your preference. You can also want to teach this belief to your children, and the Supreme Court may still rule that it is a preference.
A preference is a strong belief, but a belief that you will change under the right circumstances. Circumstances such as: 1. peer pressure (If your beliefs are such that other people stand with you before you will stand, your beliefs are preferences, not convictions.) 2. family pressure 3. lawsuits 4. jail 5. threat of death (Would you die for your beliefs?)
A conviction is a belief that you will not change. Why? A man believes that his God requires it of him. Preferences aren’t protected by the constitution. Convictions are (or were). A conviction is not something you discover; it is something you purpose in your heart (cf. Daniel 1, 2-3). Convictions on the inside will always show up on the outside – in a person’s lifestyle. Violating a conviction is a sin.

Drawing a Line in the Sand
As a pastor, I draw a line in the sand because the definition of marriage, as given by God, is not a preference for me, but a conviction. Therefore, to not stand in favor of Proposition 8 is sin. This is a conviction in my life, because the Bible warns of the consequences of failing to honor this God established and ordained institution. History validates those warnings.

I realize any time you stand firmly against or for something, you run the risk of alienating some whom you deeply love and care for. You may even be accused of hatred. I am not a hate person; by God’s grace, I deeply love and care for people (even those whose views are different). But just as I, as a good father, prohibit harmful behavior in my children’s lives, God warns us of the consequences of violating His laws. Always remember God hates the sin, but loves the sinner. His laws were not put in place to keep us from enjoying what is right and good, but to warn us against something destructive. I will fight on for the truths I believe are essential to my faith and to the well-being of the world in which I live. Look at the following words from Jude: 3-4:

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

My Challenge to You
Let me close by challenging you to attend the program at Grace Baptist Church on September 7th from 5-8 p.m. (Link to “Protect Marriage Conference.”) If you are confused about the issue, you will clearly understand what the Bible says, how we should react, and the possible consequences if this amendment fails. If you already know how you feel, it is critical you come so that collectively, the church in our community can stand together. If there was ever a time for the church to show solidarity, this is it! See you there.

To Read more of Jim's Blog's, visit http://www.heartofthecanyons.com/