Love is Love

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." Romans 1:20

It is impossible to look at creation and not consider that a creator made this world in which we live. It's too complex to have come from nothing without the intentionality of a divine architect.

We pride ourselves on the fact that we are not corrupting our culture and our churches like the Israelites did when they mixed their worship of God with worship for pagan idols. But these words should give us pause.

"And although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them." Romans 1:32

There were two areas of pagan idol worship that corrupted the nations in particular. The two truly notable ones that come to mind are homosexual practices (done in worship to the gods) and child sacrifice.

When I look at our culture, I see these two activities heavily practiced. Homosexuality is worshipped openly. We just had the month of gay pride, and the White House lawn even flew the flag. And child sacrifice in the form of abortion, maybe less prevalent than before Row versus Wade was overturned, but still happening - and all on the basis of "my body, my choice." This is clearly the worship of self.

I truly love my friends who struggle with homosexuality. I have a great deal of sympathy for both the struggle, the confusion, and often the mental health issues that accompany this issue; but I also know how obviously clear the Bible is that these things are related to worship of one other than the only One True God. So, I want to remind us of a few things as we explore this reminder.

1. You have infinite worth in Christ regardless of your choices.

2. Just because you haven't had an abortion or practiced homosexuality, doesn't mean you don't worship the god of self.

3. God shares these truths with us because He LOVES us. Not the vague "love is love" kind of love. But something full of depth.

You have Infinite Worth in Christ Regardless of Your choices.

God did not die for you, and then wait for you to get your life together before you come to him. He loves you so much while you are living in sin, that He sent Jesus to die for you on the cross. Those of us who have been walking with Christ for a while have no greater worth than those of us who are not, because we have all been saved and taken out of our broken sinful mess all the same. My self-righteousness is equally just as despicable as your choice to kill an unborn child. We all need God desperately. We are all hurting because of our sin. I'm so thankful that I can turn to Jesus and cling to Him for healing.

Just Because You Haven't Had an Abortion or Practiced Homosexuality, Doesn't Mean You Don't Worship the God of Self

One of the ugliest forms of idol worship is pride. Not just "gay pride" but how about the smugness that we sometimes fall into as Christians because we haven't had an abortion or practiced homosexuality? Do you realize how ugly your heart was? How broken your flesh was? How utterly ridiculous it is that you should boast in your accomplishments and righteousness? Jesus died on the cross for you too. You needed His grace and mercy just as much as the next person. If you are struggling with pride, you're entirely missing the gospel in that moment. Wake Up, Christians! Stop being hypocritical!

"What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin;" Romans 3:9

God Shares These Truths with Us Because He LOVES Us. Not the Vague "Love is Love" Kind of Love, But Something Full of Depth

God's plan and purpose is good. I believe that even when I can't see it. And it makes sense that sometimes we aren't going to be all-knowing and fully grasp why God says "no" to homosexuality and pride and other sins, but then, there are moments when it is obvious as well.

What I do want to say is that surrender to Jesus Christ is the most freeing thing you can do. His love will overwhelm your heart in a way that no earthly relationship will. He has sent Jesus to take the punishment for your sin, so that you can have the deepest kind of loving relationship with God Himself, deeper than you could possibly imagine. Full of hope and peace.

He is not here to rob you. He is here to be the quintessential answer to all the pain in your heart.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

"For I am convinced that neither death, not life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romas 8:38-39

Turn to Jesus today, and if you still need support and have questions, reach out to me or someone whom you know is walking in Jesus's grace. We want to point you to freedom in Christ, and the worship of the One True God whom we know and adore.