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.

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