California Gay Marriage Ban Upheld

Earlier today, an Associated Press article reported that the California Supreme Court has upheld the ban on gay marriage (Proposition 8) passed by voters last November. The article states:

The court said the Californians have a right, through the ballot box, to change their constitution. "In a sense, petitioners' and the attorney general's complaint is that it is just too easy to amend the California Constitution through the initiative process. But it is not a proper function of this court to curtail that process; we are constitutionally bound to uphold it," the ruling said. The justices said the 136-page majority ruling does not speak to whether they agree with Proposition 8 or "believe it should be a part of the California Constitution." They said they were "limited to interpreting and applying the principles and rules embodied in the California Constitution,setting aside our own personal beliefs and values."

The California Supreme Court made the right decision. Even though some of the justices probably disagreed personally with the gay marriage ban, they put aside their personal feelings to interpret and uphold the constitution of the state of California.

OVERCOMING COMPROMISE

Compromise is nothing new in the church. Since the first churches were formed, there have been some who have compromised. We find an account of a compromising church in Revelation 2:12-17. This is the third of seven letters that Jesus dictated to John during a vision on the Isle of Patmos. Jesus’ warnings against compromise still hold true for believers today. Jesus has four comments for those who compromise their faith.

First, Jesus identifies a good confession. Jesus began by complementing the church at Pergamos for their faithfulness. They were faithful in spite of environment. (v. 13) Jesus recognized the fact that the church lived in a place where Satan’s throne was and where Satan lived. In spite of the bad location, the church was still faithful. They were faithful in spite of persecution. (v.13) One of the members of the church, Antipas, was killed as a Christian martyr, yet the church was still faithful. Their faithfulness was a result of their faith in Christ. A person will not die for something they do not believe in. they had a strong faith.

If the church at Pergamos was considered a compromising church, what does that say about the modern church in America? The church in America needs to wake up. If we are unwilling to knock on someone’s door and invite them to church for fear of what they might think of us, or give up a little time to work in the ministries of the church, what are we going to do when real persecution comes? How real is your faith? How much are you willing to give for Jesus?

Second, Jesus identifies a bad compromise. Jesus identified two areas where the believers at Pergamos had compromised. They were involved in syncretism. (vv. 14-15) While they confessed faith in Jesus, they also held other doctrines. They held the doctrine of Balaam, which included idolatry (Knowingly eating things offered to idols is participating in idol worship.) and sexual immorality. They also held the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, a heretical sect. They wanted Jesus plus something else. Jesus condemned this. They were involved in sexual immorality. (v. 14) God intended sexual relations to occur between one man and one woman who are married to each other. Anything else is sexual immorality. False doctrine often leads to immorality. Jesus also condemned this.

When you compromise in one area, you will compromise in another and another and another until you wind up in a place where you never imagined you would be. This is true of individuals as well as churches. Beware of the slippery slope of compromise!

Third, Jesus issues an urgent command. Jesus gave the command, then gave the consequences for failure. The command was given. (v. 16) It was quite simple – repent! Only by turning from sin and turning to Jesus can we overcome compromise. The consequences were given. (v. 16) If they did not repent, Jesus promises to come quickly and fight against those who have compromised with the sword of His mouth. The sword is not identified in the book of Revelation; however, I believe it represents the Word of God. (See Heb. 4:12.) When Jesus returns, He will come and pronounce judgment on them. Jesus’ spoken word is all it takes.

Jesus requires an about-face. He wants us to turn from our sin and trust in Him. A faith that does not involve repentance is not real faith. Sin destroys us. Jesus did not come to affirm us in our sin, but to free us from it! Repent, turn to Christ, be set free!

Fourth, Jesus issues a divine covenant. Jesus promises two things to those who overcome. Those who overcome will receive new nourishment. (v. 17) Jesus promises the overcomers will receive the hidden manna. I believe that the hidden manna is Christ Himself, received through faith in His sacrificial death on the cross. (See John 6:47-51) Those who overcome will receive a new name. (v. 17) Jesus promised the overcomers a white stone with a new name written on it. I believe this represents a new identity in Christ. (See 2 Cor. 5:17) The overcomers are those who have genuine faith in Christ, a faith that will endure. A faith that doesn't last is not true faith.

Jesus has given His word. He will make it good. He has unlimited power to keep every single word. Those who enter into covenant with Jesus will be made new, and receive eternal life with Him in Heaven. Have you entered into covenant with Him?

Finally, Jesus issues a personal call. “He who has an ear let him hear.” Jesus is speaking. Are you listening? Repent of any compromise in your life. Enter into the divine covenant with Christ, by repenting of your sins and trusting Jesus as Lord of your life.

To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.

To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.

This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 5-17-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

OVERCOMING TRIALS

Swine flu, government bail-outs, pirates – what’s next? We are certainly in trying times. It is in such trying times that our faith is tested. Sometimes we wonder if we are going to make it. Trials are nothing new for Christians. We are told of many Christians and churches who were persecuted in the Bible. The ancient church at Smyrna was one of those churches. In Revelation 2:8-11, we find the second of seven letters Jesus commanded John to deliver to the seven churches in Asia Minor. Jesus’ words to those churches still speak to us today. In this passage there are four reasons we can overcome trials in Christ.

First, we can overcome trials because Jesus lives. In verse 8 Jesus identifies Himself as "...the First and the Last...." He is asserting His deity. Only God is the First and the Last. Jesus is God. As such, He is in control of all things. Also, Jesus died and rose again. In verse 8 He identifies Himself as one “…who was dead and came to life….” Jesus is alive and well! He has the power to overcome any trial you may face. We do not serve a dead, lifeless god. We serve a God who is alive and full of power – ready and willing to see you through. Trust Him.

Second, we can overcome trials because Jesus knows what you’ve been through.
To the church at Smyrna, He said, “I know your works….” (v.9) He knows your deeds. Even if no one else notices, He knows. Jesus said He knew their "tribulation.”(v.9) He knows your trials. You may think nobody knows or understands what you've been through, but He does. Jesus said He knew their “poverty.”(v.9) He knows your status. Even though the church at Smyrna was poor materially, Jesus said they were rich spiritually. Jesus said He was aware of the “blasphemy" (slander)of others. (v.9) He knows what people have been saying. He knows what is said behind your back or to your face. Oh, yes. Jesus knows what you’ve been through. He understands it perfectly. Take your burdens to Him and trust Him to carry you through.

Third, we can overcome trials because Jesus knows what you will face tomorrow. In verse 10 Jesus instructs the church at Smyrna not to fear the future. He also told them what was about to happen to them, indicating that He knows the future. He’s got you covered. He is the First and the Last. (v. 8) There is nothing that could possibly happen to you that He cannot handle. He knows it ahead of time, and has already made plans. Trust Him to guide you through life.

Fourth, we can overcome trials because Jesus promises eternal life to the faithful. In verse 11 Jesus said that the faithful will receive a crown of life, and that the faithful will not be hurt by the second death. Later in the book of revelation, the second death is defined as the lake of fire. (see Rev. 20:11-15) Jesus tells us that if we are faithful until death (we have a real faith in Jesus that lasts), we will receive a crown of life – eternal life, and will escape the torments of the lake of fire. Are you trusting Jesus to be your Savior and Lord?

Are You Ready? If you knew that you would have to stand before God today, would you be ready to meet Him, or would there be some things you would want to get straightened out first? If you’re not ready, now is the time to get ready. Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior today.

To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.

To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.

This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 5-3-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.