Tough Issues

This past week the President of the United States made history again.  This time he became the first sitting President to official endorse the issue of same sex marriages.  Since then there has been much discussion on the matter from the family dining room to board rooms and from the news analyst to ministers of the Gospel.  Much has been discussed about whether this was a political move to garner additional campaign funds and support or whether there was another motive.  Regardless of what the motive was of the President, the proverbial elephant in the room has been recognized.  In fact the social media outlets have been lit up with people weighing in on both sides of the issue.

The greater question of this controversial debate is not what the public opinion is but what God’s directive on this matter is.  The President has stated that his stance has been one which has evolved over the past few years.  He additionally has stated that according to scripture we should seek to live by the Golden Rule.  To address this we must understand that one matter is very clear when interpreting scripture; we are to never proof text in formulating a theological basis for our position.  Instead, we must constantly look at the theme of what the scripture teaches us on matters which some may consider being a “gray issue.”  While we are to treat one another as we would want them to treat us, we cannot ignore the facts of the scripture which teach that homosexuality is not God’s intended plan for sexuality and relationships.  This is seen in numerous examples throughout the scripture.

To address this topic, as well as other sensitive and difficult issues, I will be preaching a series for the next several on Sunday mornings beginning May 20.  While the issue of homosexuality is one of the issues I will address there are other topics with similar polarization abilities.  As we approach these topics I want us to look at them from the perspective of what God says about them, as well as how we as Christians are to respond toward individuals who embrace these topics in a different manner than we do. 

While I have several topics selected I would love to hear if there are any specific issues you would like to know what the Bible says regarding these sensitive or seemingly “gray areas.”  If there is a particular topic you would like discussed, please feel free to email me that topic at hogheaven@fbcflorence.com or simply drop me a line to the church address.  Although there is a limited time for this series, I would like to address the ones which are the most pressing or garner the most interest. 

I covet your prayers and support as we look to these topics over the next several weeks.  May God speak to us clearly regarding His views but also in how we should treat each other regarding these topics. 

Pastor Ric