I do not have a focus in my writing tonight, but maybe that's because I feel like I've been stretched in about a million directions over the past month or so. My thoughts are so scattered and my post will look like much of that same. And with that let's begin...
I've been writing a lot of music and words lately. God is continually enstilling confidence in me to keep writing. And I've thought about this a lot lately and I would like to become a hymn writer. That is not a profession. I know. But that's what I'd like to be used by God for. (He'll direct my life and I'll be happy where I am. No matter where that is. Still...) I'm so fascinated by hymns. I've been trying to teach them to our student ministries at Hopevale and I think I'm just to nerdy for them. My heart is that they would understand how important these words are. The fact that someone hundreds of years ago in a completely different context could write these words and have them sung for generations is incredible. I'm certain they were not writing for the purpose of putting out an album. So what did they write for? Not for others. Not for a hit worship song. They wrote out of devotion and pure worship to the Lord God. And yet, they probably had no idea that their words would touch my heart in 2006. What a priviledge it would be that someone might view my words as something of value. I just want to follow God where he leads and hopefully offer words of praise.My political science class is so good. Holy cow. I am so challenged and I love it. First of all my professor is a genius. Second, he's just a good guy. Last week we discussed Westboro Baptist Church. Westboro believes that God hates America. Some of them are the ones you see on television protesting homosexuality at military funerals. The same people who cry that God is love and desire to preach the gospel are picketing with signs that read "God hates fags. Fags doom nations. Repent or perish." If you want to see how awful it's become go here.. www.godhatesamerica.com or www.godhatesfags.com . I warn you though, it will leave you feeling dejected and sad.
At first when I heard about this church I did some research of my own and my initial reaction was to be angry at these people, but after awhile I just felt this immense sadness. How did Christ's message become so distorted? When did it become a
good idea in someone's head to opress others in the name of a just but still loving, gracious God. Now, I certainly do believe that God is just and he is the ultimate judge, but where we fail in our sins (i.e. homosexuality, deceit, sexual immorality, pride, etc.) we are showered with grace through God's sacrifice in Jesus Christ. We are sinners. I am a sinner. We are forgiven. I am forgiven. The fact is that Christ died for the sins of every person. Including these people (the picketers) who have somehow lost Christ's message. His life was entirely a testiment of love.God is a judge.
More than that he's a compassionate, caring, healing, graceful God who can wash away any condemnation we have, through his son Christ.
We cannot forget that. And the fact that some have is so disheartening.
My hope is that God's love is so overpowering that we are filled to the brim and it pours out on to everyone we interact with.
God is love.
love.
6 comments:
"The fact is that Christ died for the sins of every person. Including these people who have somehow lost Christ's message." - pretty harsh words. I'm not so sure theyve lost Christ's message as much as we don't understand Christ's message. You're right that it's important for the church to be welcoming to homosexuals as much as any other individual, but equating their sexual orientation with immorality is unfair. Point being that it is possible for an openly homosexual individual to be as much of a God fearing, God loving and God following Christian as anyone, and until the church and homosexuals can together understand this, "disorder" (as I believe it is the product of simply a fallen world) it is important for heterosexual christians to remain tolerant and not cast judgement. Thanks
First of all I am glad you got back to your entries.
Second, everytime I see people with signs saying stuff like that I get kind of mad because they are the ones that get the publicity. christians aren't getting the right publicity so now the public views Chrisitans in a totally different way than most of us are trying to portray. so it is frustrating to work hard at showing gods love when all people can remember is the so called "hate" god shows towards certain people. I guess it is just another cool challenge we as christians have to take on!
deaaaaaaaaaar anonymous:
I think you may have missed my point. My words weren't directed at homosexuals. The words you labled as pretty harsh were my confusion of the Christians who were picketing, not the homosexuals. I can see how that might be misinterpreted.
Also, I think that I still hold my ground on the second part. You said that equating sexual orientation with immorality is unfair. Does that make homosexuality ok? I guess I'm a little lost by your statement. Does that mean that equating a murderer or a liar with immorality is also wrong? I'm guilty of lying. Lying is not something that I know I should be doing. I'm still a sinner, but a forgiven sinner. I think you're right that you can certainly battle with homosexuality and be a God loving and God following Christian. It's what you do with your struggle that counts. God will forgive of us of all our sins, but that's still exactly what they are... sins.
I believe it's totally possible to be tolerant and still live in truth. It's a balance of grace and truth. If we simply allowed grace to rule then we would not have any desire to do anything right, because we know our God would forgive us. And if we simply lived under truth then we would constantly be judging others and forget that our God is love. He wants all men to seek his ways. There is a way, I believe, for the Church to be tolerant, loving, and welcoming to all sinners and still oppose and challenge the sins we face. I hate to use this cheesy phrase, but it's really true. Love the sinner. Hate the sin.
And I'm certainly not perfect. I do not have all of this completely figured out. This is just where I am at, at this point in the journey. Thank you for challenging me to think about my position. I really value your criticism. Bottom line.. Christ has saved everyone who chases after him from condemnation even when we(especially myself) don't deserve it. That's something to smile about.
first of all.. i don't think you are nerdy. I loved the spiritual that you sang for us. it was stuck in my head the rest of the night.
Secondly, im glad you are enjoying your political science class. i like a bit of a challenge myself from now and then. Lastly, it is sad that those people that you mentioned are doing what they are doing. i know that every sin is just as bad as the next one and i wonder if they know that. becuase being homeosexual is just as bad as somthing simple like lying. but we should love them anyway becuase of who they are. i don't stop being friends with someone if they lie to me, because i know i have sined just as they have. but i hope someday those guys will understand. awesome entry. you made me think, and i love it!
OK, i will really try and make it saturday. The only thing is, is that my dad is comming home that day and i might have to go to the airport to pick him up. If saturday doesnt work, free subs will have to wait until another day :( have fun at work though.
looks like someone needs to update.
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