My friend Kendall, who is a “missionary of prayer” at IHOP-KC, recently sent a challenge out to those in the Church. It is based on one simple command: Love.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35 ESV
Read his article here, and be challenged to love – regardless – today and tomorrow.
I haven’t done one of these for a long time … so I figured it was about time I started again.
This week’s song was sung while at our retreat this past weekend. It’s an old song; but it’s a song that has brought a whole new meaning to me as I sing it, in regards to God being my Father and His great love for me.
As you read the Gospel of John, there is one name that is mentioned over and over again – we find out later that this name belongs to the Gospel writer. John was an apostle of Jesus; he performed miracles in Acts; he was a prophet of Revelation; he was a church planter and a visionary. But it was only one title that he choose to acknowledge and make himself known as: “the one Jesus loved”.
I used to think that this was pretty egotistical of John to call himself that; I mean, doesn’t Jesus love everyone equally? Then I started to think about my identity, and who/what I align myself with. I have aligned myself by what I have done (youth pastor, preacher, writer, artist, etc), and who people have labeled me as (gay, weird, unmanly, messed up, etc). But is this really who I am? Is this really the identity I want to hold on to and claim as “yes, this is me”?
I think, maybe John wasn’t being egotistical at all, but rather he was tapping into something that many of us ignore to see. I think, what John was saying was this: “I belong to no one else but the Father, and even though I am very gifted in many areas, and even though I have accomplished much in my life, and despite what others may think of me, I want to only be known as I really am: God’s son … the one whom He loves.”
Can we say the same?
Think about these questions …
- Who am I?
- Who does God say that I am?
- What identity will I choose to live in – today and tomorrow?
We are made in the image of our Father (Genesis 1:26-27). In Christ, we are adopted by the Father (Romans 8). As God’s children we have been birthed by God (John 1:12-13), and have been lavished upon with His eternal love (1 John 3:1), which can never be taken away (Romans 8:38-39).
This is who we are. This is the identity we need to claim for ourselves. This is truth; and in this truth comes freedom and life.
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his handsHe knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I callI have a Father
He calls me His own
He’ll never leave me
No matter where I go
*This song is by Tommy Walker, but was sung by Jeremy “Passion” Manongdo.
By now it’s all over the web, and rightly so. What the Uganda government is trying to pass into law – in the name of God – is nothing more than a bill “not of God”.
Here are some updates, for those who are following the story; and for those who are new to what’s going on. As I said before, everyone everywhere needs to be praying about this situation. This bill is not about denominations, religious agendas, or “pro”/”ex” gay theology … it’s about one thing: demonstrating God’s unconditional love to those He created in His image.
Please join the fight. Stand in the gap, upon your knees, for those who are innocently being killed.
- US Senators are finally speaking out, so is the US Embassy in Uganda.
- Ex-Gay Watch notes that France is speaking out.
- Pastor Rick Warren, and wife Kay, speak out against the proposed Bill.
- Exodus (finally) speaks out against the Ugandan Bill (… I’m taking it as such anyways).
Dr. Warren Throckmorton has been a lead “fighter” in speaking out about this bill. Visit his site for up to date info, and join his Facebook group concerning the Anit-Gay Bill in Uganda.
In addition, let me (once again) publicly state my feelings on this issue:
- This bill is WRONG
- This bill does NOT demonstrate God’s Love or Truth by any means
- Christians, Politicians … everyone … everywhere … NEED to continue to speak out against this bill.
- Six11 Ministries DOES NOT support this bill in any way, and will continue to speak out against this bill – or any bill like it, in any other part of the world. The message of God is Love, found within the Grace and Truth of Jesus Christ. Plain and simple.
I ask for your prayers as some friends and I gather at the base of the Blue Mountains for a weekend of pursuing God. This is a retreat I have been a part of for a number of years – meeting twice a year. I have been to a lot of retreats, and a lot of worship “things”, but nothing really compares to what this weekend offers. I find God’s presence thick within our worship times, and I find His grace pouring forth from the teachings and small group times like a rushing waterfall. It’s amazing.
Previously, I wrote about “Gay Bashing” and the (future)-end of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Both of these topics revolve around a bigger issue: the Hate Crimes Bill – which is slated to be signed into law by President Obama this Wednesday.
There has been a lot of talk from Christian circles, on why this bill should not be signed into law. From what I can gather, their sole point is this: the Church will be limited (silenced) on what they can and cannot say about homosexuality. A valid concern for pastors who hold a strong conviction that homosexuality is wrong.
But, this is an invalid point to use in protesting a bill that will (hopefully) bring better protection to those within the GLBT community. Let’s be honest here, Church, many gays face unjust discrimination everyday. Many are killed, beaten, jailed, fired, and the like, just for being gay. Many things are done, as the Church stands by in silence. How is this “loving our neighbor” as Jesus taught?
Put yourself in their shoes. How would you respond? How would you want the Church to respond?
If we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), then that means everyone is made in the image of God – regardless of their race, gender, and sexuality. Now, I am not saying that people are born gay – I don’t believe. What I am talking about, though, is that life comes from God – all of life comes forth by the Word of His mouth; and because of this, God cares about every life – every person – regardless of race, gender, and sexuality.
If God cares about all of us equally, then we, His Bride (His hands and feet), should care about others equally. One of my favorite passages sums this point up quite nicely:
If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:20-21
We are constantly reminded, by the words of Jesus, to think of others over ourselves. In a sense, we are asked to walk in their shoes – not just gays, but those in poverty, oppression, widows, and fatherless – and view the world from their eyes. Too often, though, I think the Church has failed to do just that; turning a blind eye to injustice, while protesting those who go against their beliefs.
Sounds harsh; but it’s true.
The Church is quick to stand up for injustices against themselves, and, in some cases, the Church is willing to stand against the injustices of those who can’t stand for themselves (like racism, poverty in other countries, and abortion). However, almost never does the Church stand against the injustices of those in the gay community. Why? (I say almost never, just in case there have been cases where the local church has actually done this.)
What’s my point? Hate is wrong. Injustice is wrong. Jesus speaks very clearly on these subjects (check out the Sermon on the Mount). Therefore, His disciples (i.e. the Church) should also be against such things.
Church, Jesus assured us of certain things. One of those being this: you will be misunderstood and persecuted. People are going to reject God’s truth, and stand against the Church, as the end draws nearer. We should get used to it. We should not be looking to the government for “our rights” or for our voice to be heard clearly. Our voice is given by God. Our rights come from God. And, it is through His grace that such things come forth.
Another assurance, is that we are to stand against injustice just as God stands against it. Since He desires none to be lost (2 Peter 3:9) in the end, we should at all cost show our fallen world His saving love and grace – regardless of our own personal preferences. We live life for His glory, not our own. We are here to proclaim His kingdom, not our here. God desires all of His children to come back home to Him, including those we sometimes think are too far gone from His reach (i.e. the gay community).
I seriously think that if Jesus were here, He would stand FOR the passing of this bill. In fact He would pass a law against ALL hate and injustice within the world; regardless if those He fought for believed in Him or not (John 3:16, Romans 5:8).
The only people who are able to silence our message of God’s redeeming love, is ourselves. God’s message is not confined to man-made laws, but it does get silenced through a Body that allows hate to freely reign.
I stumbled upon this story, written by a fellow brother in Christ, which talks about how God used some gay friends to bring through a testament of Grace.
Follow this to the story. Thanks, Randy, for a different view.
I have got to boast about the Phillies here … my favorite baseball/sports team (and yes, I have been a fan for years). This is SO awesome – especially for the folks in Philly! Seems that the Phils are headed back to the World Series – the only team to do this in 13 years!
Let’s Do It Again; same as last year!
Simply beautiful, people. Beautiful!
My heart has become more burdened for the people of Uganda. As you know, my wife and I are headed there at the end of November. Our call is simple: spread the message of the Father’s Love to all we encounter. Including GLBT people, who are now fearing for their life.
This plight in Uganda has stirred much controversy in the past months. While many from the Christian side have spoken out against this inhumane issue (like Warren Throckmorton, and Debbie Thurman), many have been late in doing so and because of this have hurt people in the GLBT community for their silence (i.e. Exodus). Now, to Exodus’s benefit, they have now posted a message regarding the situations in Uganda, but that has not satisfied the other side.
Let me add some comments about this:
- I think what the GLBT community is asking for (like Ex-Gay Watch) is this: an apology for ignoring an issue that should not have been ignored. Plain and simple, we, the Church (not just Exodus) has ignored this issue for far too long ( … again). I really think, that if the Christian community would issue a public apologize for falling short again, many from the GLBT community would appreciate that and see that we are serious in bringing the Love of the Father to all peoples.
- In saying that, this situation should not be laid upon the shoulders of Exodus alone. Instead, I think the entire Church is guilty. It seems that Exodus is the scape goat for a lot of things, to which I think is wrong. Yes, Exodus should have spoken out long before this even became public, but the entire blame of where the Church has failed in silence should not (and cannot) be put upon just Exodus.
- We need to move beyond the blame game and put our words into action! I think too many times (myself included) we get so tied up in debating the issue, that we forget the issue at hand. Am I mad at Exodus for keeping their silence? Yes. But how does me staying angry solve the situation at hand? If I let it fester within me, all I am doing is becoming part of “the problem”, rather becoming part of “the answer”. Exodus made a mistake. OK. Now, let’s move on and do something about what is going on in Uganda.
So, then, what can EVERYBODY do? Glad you asked:
- PRAY. First and foremost, we need to be before the Father’s throne in prayer and petition for the GLBT community in Uganda. Pray for protection. Pray for life. Pray that God’s Love, Grace, and Mercy would triumph over hate and death. Pray that the Uganda Church would be empowered by the Spirit to step up as the Body of Christ and change the atmosphere within Uganda and the government. Pray that the government would not pass the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
- TAKE ACTION. Our prayers and faith require us to move in action. Let people know what is going on, and speak out in Grace and Truth. This Bill does not represent the Father’s Heart towards the gay community. It does not reflect the message of Christ. Those who are spearheading this bill claim to be Christians, but they are the minority here … let the majority of the Church rise up and stand for Truth. Here are some ways to take action:
- Join this Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=198541255168&ref=mf), and get educated about the issues at hand.
- Write RESPECTFUL messages to key leaders within the Uganda government (http://theformers.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/make-your-voice-heard-in-uganda/). Remember, you are representing Christ, so speak in His tone and with His words (Grace and Truth).
We, as the Body of Christ, have an obligation to stand up for those who are being oppressed. But, this isn’t just a “Church-call-to-arms” either, this is an EVERYBODY-call-to-arms. So, let’s stop fighting between ourselves, and begin taking a stand (together) for the sake of those in the GLBT community who are being killed, jailed, and beaten.
Here’s an article by Relevant Magazine that deserves a serious read. The author reflects on God’s love, our anger, and the book “Where the Wild Things Are“.
God’s pretty easy to get mad at. The world’s gone all wrong, life is impossibly difficult, He seems to be the one to blame. Maybe you’ve given your all to Jesus, only to find that He wants a little bit more. Maybe you think you’ve got a better way figured out, one without all those pesky rules, but you just can’t shake the feeling that God’s sitting on your shoulder, insisting that His way is better. You’re mad, ready to run away, but it’s impossible.
This video shows a brutal beating of a gay man. No real words can describe what I feel when I watch things (hear about things) like this. Though, in trying to sum it all up in two words: disgustingly inhumane.
This morning, Dave Roberts, from “Ex-Gay Watch”, posted this video on his blog. He adds this commentary to it:
How many times will we now read from anti-gays how, oh, of course this is not tolerable, this is awful, but…
If you work against the rights of gays and lesbians to live the same life that anyone else is afforded, then YOU are the only thing wrong with being gay. Hate has been overcome before, it will be again.
Dave is exactly right. This is yet another thing that the Church has kept silent about for far too long. Despite our differing views, we must all agree on this: hate crimes are wrong – no matter who they target! It should not matter if the person is straight or gay, the Church MUST start standing up for the protection of those who suffer hate crimes day after day.
It’s Biblical to do so.
Isaiah 61:1-3
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
Luke 10:25-37
25On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”26“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
27He answered: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]“
28“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
1 John 4:20-21
20If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
This is not a political issue, this is a moral issue. If Jesus were here today, viewing these things, He would put a stop to it – I’m sure of it. The things is, His presence is here. His body is here – the Church. So, then, let us start being His Body and start bringing justice to those who are oppressed.
