Granting The Gift Of Grace
Recently, Pastor Jerry Falwell and the members of Thomas Road Baptist Church invited SoulForce to gather with them for a weekend of worship and fellowship. This would not sound so strange, except for the fact that SoulForce is a homosexual rights organization founded by the Rev. Mel White, a former Southern Baptist minister. I have thought about why Falwell, a prominent conservative crusader for social issues and one who is more right-leaning on many of these issues than myself, would so generously invite such a group into his church. Relationship building, with the ultimate goal of evangelism, most probably was on his mind. But I think he was also making a statement to the gay community and to the church at large. Christians are not to hate any class of people. No matter ones sexual orientation, a person is a human being, made in the image of God and of infinitesimal value to Him. God loves Mel White. And indeed, if he is going to consider our message, then he must know that we love him too. Way to go, Jerry, my hat is off to you on this matter.
Last Sunday evening at church we viewed a movie entitled A Man Called Norman. This was the true story about a mentally disabled elderly man, a socially unacceptable outcast of his community, and how God lead a Christian neighbor to build a personal relationship with him. In the process, this neighbor made a true friend as he learned Norman was a kind man, with feelings and worth and something to offer to others.
“Grace” can be defined as a disposition of kindness toward others. When I think of it, a picture of Jesus comes to mind. I know He would treat, with immense gentility, the least of our society. And I believe He would do the same with those who tend to be the least attractive to us, the church: the bum who is looking for a handout, the gay who thinks we hate him, and the disbeliever who may hate us. You may think they do not deserve our grace, but grace is never about getting what you deserve. And while we are at it, what do you and I “deserve” from God?
Matthew 25:40 – read it! Let us be givers of grace to others.
08.27.05 (5:09 pm) [
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posted by:
LeananSidhe (
reply)
post date:
08.27.05 (6:02 pm)
Yeaaa Pastor Dave! I just so enjoy reading some of your views!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.28.05 (2:47 am)
Thanks.
There is a struggle going on here. I want theology to be correct- what you believe is important. And I want love to be evident. And if I have to choose between the 2, I know love is the essential element.
posted by:
preceptlady (
reply)
post date:
08.28.05 (4:40 pm)
Grace..unmerited favor from God the Father.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.29.05 (3:41 pm)
A few responses:
I know the name "Jerry Falwell" is a lightning rod. Lots of folks despise him. Much about him I do not like.
It seems to me the guy has come a long ways from the old Moral Majority days. I understand he and Mel White have an ongoing and genuine friendship.
What's wrong with "hating the sin but loving the sinner"?
It is a key to being Christlike to be able to love a person even when you do not agree with their moral choices.
By the way, I do not think we should legislate that gays cannot legally marry. I do think it is morally wrong for two people of the same sex to have a sexual relationship, with or without marriage, but such is a religious/moral issue- not a legal issue. Maybe there could be some kind of distinction between a church sanctioned marriage and a secular union. I have no problem with my church or my denomination refusing to conduct a gay wedding. But, seperation of church and state is very important for the health of our country, and of our churches.
posted by:
billyv (
reply)
post date:
09.03.05 (4:37 pm)
Reply to: kurtmaddox
Besides the religious aspect of homo/heterosexual marriage, I wonder if a line needs to be drawn. One man-One woman. If you branch out to allow same sex marriages, then you must allow certain types of polygamy don't you. Let's say a man of resources, like billionare Mark Cuban, wanted to marry two or maybe three more women. Andy they were all consenting adults. Under our current law, he is forbidden. Aren't we impinging on his rights and freedom? Would you be in favor of such a thing? If you were, then, I think you are not being a hypocrite. I think there is more than a religious answer to this issue.
posted by:
newbie (
reply)
post date:
09.04.05 (12:51 pm)
Reply to: billyv
Billy, meet kurt! He's really a nice guy. He will give you these long, meandering responses that are hard to follow but come to make sense when you study them. Kurt is not necessarily right, but he does challenge you to think, and dig deeply in order to effectively challenge what he has to say.
I've had several interesting interactions with him, and have come out better because of them. And, sometimes he irritates the heck out of me.
I'd like to see your thoughful response.
