Hard Truth About Inclusion. (420)

In a solo episode, keith talks about a recent controversy in Christian world.
Specifically, some of the events and statements involved with Amy Grant defending her decision to host a same-sex wedding.

Reading from different source headlines, see the following links, Keith shares about the controversy. A well-known Christian and pop singer not only allowing, butt condoning gay marriage.

As someone who is a celebrity, is this any surprise?
Should she have taken a stronger stance for Crist, instead of caving to cultural pressure?
Is there a more tactful way to handle the sensitive family situation, showing love, yet standing firm in the faith?

Keith doesn’t claim to know all the answers in this nuanced situation. It is definitely a touchy situation for any family to navigate. When Jesus issues the greatest commands, to love God and love others, does this mean to throw away the burden of the law and embrace the LGB crowd?

In some of the resources quoted, Franklin Graham points out correctly that Jesus also commands that if you love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15 Also: John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my father’s commandments, and abide in his love. (KJV)

Even if compromises are made for the sake of family preservation, scripture clearly defines sin.
The new commands of Jesus to love, in no way nullifies the old law. Instead, he fulfills it. This means he paid all our sin price we owe. The sin is still there, and the price is still there. The old law will not pass away until heaven and earth pass away.

Matthew 5 (NASB)

17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
18 “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
19 “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Taking a stand for the truth of God’s word is always the right answer.

But what about being inclusive, just like Jesus was?

All it takes is a look at John 6 to see how Jesus handled inclusion and calling everybody to him.

To summarize, many had followed Jesus, because of his healing, miracles and teaching. But when they wanted to elevate him as king, he ran away. His ministry wasn’t a marketing plan to grow his following.

As the chapter unfolds, Jesus walks on the water and calm the storm for his disciples. On the other side of the lake, many of the 5000 from the previous day catch up to him. He delivers the sermon about being the bread of life. A sermon that teaches an increasingly difficult concept. Eating his flesh. It disgusted and turned away the Jewish elite in the crowd. Not exactly calling all to him.

His teaching also caused many of his disciples to question the difficult saying, and they also left him. Even his closest 12 disciples were offered the chance to leave him. Does this sound like inclusion, or calling all to follow him?

Truth can be difficult. It can be repulsive.
As Christians, we should always strive to stand for truth. Even if the masses flee from it.

References:

Amy Grant statement about her gay niece and wedding

In a solo episode, keith talks about a recent controversy in Christian world.

Amy Grant defends decision to host same-sex wedding: ‘I love those brides’
https://www.christianpost.com/news/amy-grant-defends-decision-to-host-nieces-same-sex-wedding.html

Pop and Christian Singer Amy Grant Does First Gay Press Interview
https://www.glaad.org/blog/pop-and-christian-singer-amy-grant-does-first-gay-press-interview

Amy Grant will host a same-sex wedding, Franklin Graham objects, and where does that leave Michael W. Smith?

Amy Grant will host a same-sex wedding, Franklin Graham objects, and where does that leave Michael W. Smith?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:54 — 43.9MB)

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