I read an interesting quote from Matthew Staver, Dean of the Liberty University Law School: "Whenever a right is granted to same-sex unions, then a right is taken from religious liberty and freedom of speech. Same-sex unions pose a serious threat to freedom of conscience and free exercise of religion."
One person's rights end up trampling another. After all, if it is a "right" for same sex couples to be married in the same way it is the "right" of all people to ride the public bus, then contradicting that right must not be tolerated. Just as we would stop a business from being "White only", we will have to go after a church for being "Straight only".
As this begins to happen, especially with the Canadian "Human Rights Tribunals" we are going to see the "Right" to freedom of religion curtailed quickly. Society's dominant template will not tolerate the Christian church in the very near future.
Christians must be prepared to be hated, as Jesus said, "You are not of the world, therefore the world hates you". It is a sad thing to find the champions of tolerance becoming the most intolerant as the battle for "Rights" becomes more convoluted.
We must pray for the peace of Canada (or the US if you live there), and be sure to speak out for the truth, no matter what the consequence to ourselves. Love for all men, including the gay community compels us.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Uncommon Ministry for an Uncommon Time
All things change, it is said. It seems that there is no stability economically, environmentally, politically, socially or spiritually in Canada. It is time for new solutions, or so it seems, for all these things. If the Church is to survive, a new purpose and a new method is required, for this new generation.
But, what a surprise when a new Church and a young pastor argues that that is exactly the opposite of what the Church should do. The Church is not a cultural expression. It is the Body of Christ. It has zero flexibility in its purposes and methods: “I will build my Church” Jesus says (Matt. 16:18) and “no one can build on any foundation, other than that which is already laid” (1 Cor 3:11).
Christ calls the church to be countercultural. This cultural order is in rebellious opposition to God and Christ, therefore, “Friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4). Thousands of people, all around the world are looking for an alternative to the culture which surounds them. They are desperate for truth.
Grace Evangelical Free Church is a response to that mandate. Through biblical and theological expository preaching this Church plant glorifies God and proclaims Christ. By aggressive missional evangelism, it glorifies God by proclaiming Christ, and with a focus on spiritual leadership and acceptability, Grace glorifies God through living Christ. For more information on this new work, visit GraceCalary.ca
But, what a surprise when a new Church and a young pastor argues that that is exactly the opposite of what the Church should do. The Church is not a cultural expression. It is the Body of Christ. It has zero flexibility in its purposes and methods: “I will build my Church” Jesus says (Matt. 16:18) and “no one can build on any foundation, other than that which is already laid” (1 Cor 3:11).
Christ calls the church to be countercultural. This cultural order is in rebellious opposition to God and Christ, therefore, “Friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4). Thousands of people, all around the world are looking for an alternative to the culture which surounds them. They are desperate for truth.
Grace Evangelical Free Church is a response to that mandate. Through biblical and theological expository preaching this Church plant glorifies God and proclaims Christ. By aggressive missional evangelism, it glorifies God by proclaiming Christ, and with a focus on spiritual leadership and acceptability, Grace glorifies God through living Christ. For more information on this new work, visit GraceCalary.ca
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