Last week, actor Kirk Cameron appeared on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight show.  Cameron, an evangelical Christian was asked several questions related to his beliefs.  I have included two links below, one of Cameron’s comments, the other, a later conversation between Morgan and comedian, Lewis Black.  Both are short but quite instructive.  When asked about homosexuality and gay-marriage, Cameron didn’t flinch, “I think it’s unnatural.  I think it’s detrimental, and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization.”  He went on to say that he believed marriage was defined by God, as one man and one woman for life and that he did not support the idea of gay marriage.  Immediately, the arrows began to fly with gay advocacy groups criticizing Cameron for his views.  Then of course Hollywood weighed in with their criticism of his comments.  One thing is certain, when Hollywood weighs in against you on whatever the issue; chances are, you’re on solid moral ground.   

            Scripture speaks directly about sexual sins, including homosexuality (see previous article Same-Sex Marriage: Letting God’s Word Speak).  Cameron’s larger point was that each of us submits to a standard of morality for our lives and his choice is to abide by the one set by God.  Others choose, and have that right to choose a standard that is not of God.  An example of this type of standard was expressed by Herndon Graddick, a spokesman for GLADD, a gay rights group who cited how an increasing number of states had begun recognizing gay marriage, as if that makes it right.  The criticism that Cameron received was described as an “anti-gay” rant, but when you see the interview, it was anything but that.  He spoke directly about the issue and he also spoke about his own sinfulness, saying that he was “at the top of the list” of those in need of a Savior.  His comments were an accurate reflection and recognition of the holiness of God in understanding that, were it not for God’s grace, even the slightest transgression deserves condemnation (first link).  Contrast that with the complete ignorance in which Piers Morgan and Black spoke about Christianity in a later conversation discussing Cameron’s comments (second link).

            This is the world in which we live and standing upon God honoring convictions will only get more difficult.  But be encouraged that we have a sovereign God who will undoubtedly uphold His own character.  A proper Christian perspective sees the sin of homosexuality as it does any other sin such as adultery, murder, gossip, slander, etc.  They are all offenses against God and homosexuality receives no special privilege of being less so.  But a proper Christian perspective also recognizes the power of the gospel to overwhelm sin, including homosexuality.  This sin is not beyond God’s grace, “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  So what can change hearts and minds?  God can!  And that should be the hope and prayer of every Christian.  Though it is often accused of being so, the belief in such moral absolutes is not arrogance.  How much more arrogant could one be than to say God is wrong?  There is but one standard that matters; God’s standard.  So for those who would support gay-marriage or homosexuality, or any other issue contrary to what God has said, I’ve got news for you.  Your battle is not really a battle with Kirk Cameron or any other Christian who would desire to honor God in their lives.  Your battle is ultimately with the Almighty God Himself and you, “need not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).  Christian, continue to pray and to love, just as God has loved you in spite of your sins. That love is expressed, however, not by caving to the pressure of unbiblical views of some in our society, but by lovingly telling the Truth and then leaving the rest to God.      

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS4OqDvhprA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXRNogFkM8k

            I understand why a candidate running for President of the United States, when asked about whether or not the sitting president is a Christian would want to stay away from the issue.  Presidential candidate, Rick Santorum was asked that exact question concerning President Obama’s faith by Bill O’Reilly in a recent interview.  His response, “Obama’s personal faith is none of my concern”.  From a political standpoint, I get that answer.  Our mainstream media with the influence they have will make a person pay for speaking with any moral certainty about anything that stands contrary to their postmodern views.  I have great respect for Santorum’s expression of his faith during the presidential campaign in spite of the onslaught of attacks on him for doing so.  But when he answered O’Reilly’s question that President Obama’s personal faith was none of his concern, though he didn’t, I want to make a case as to why not only should President Obama’s faith, but the faith of anyone who would lead our country concern us all. 

            First, we can act like it doesn’t, but where a person puts their trust and in whom they hold in the highest regard will influence everything about them, regardless of the level in which they lead.  That doesn’t mean that if they are a Christian they will never sin or make mistakes, for that’s not Christianity.  Christianity is realizing that you are a sinner deserving of hell, yet God, by His grace, loves you enough to save you in spite of that sin.  True recipients of that kind of grace live it out; it’s not something they just keep to themselves.  Where did the issue that our faith should only be personal come from anyway?  You don’t find that in Scripture.  That is nothing more than a man created concept that is a sin against God.  The truth is that God shines light on darkness and those who would desire faith not be lived out, but only personal are those who prefer their sin not be questioned.  Of course, our concern for saving faith should never be limited to those with great responsibility, but should be for all people, which leads to a second point. 

            Concern for one’s personal faith is important because it is a matter of heaven and hell.  Yes, there is a heaven and there is a hell and people will spend eternity in one or the other.  Now that does not mean it is for you or me to say who will be where, but the Bible teaches it will be one or the other.  But the most important point is not that someone just has faith, but in whom they put their faith in.  That will determine where eternity is spend.  Faith for faith’s sake saves no one.  It is only faith in Jesus Christ that truly saves.  This has to matter for a whole host of reasons.  It matters for appropriate God honoring leadership of our nation, states, communities, businesses and families.  It matters also because people’s souls are at stake.  No one is a Christian just because they say they are.  The Bible teaches that those who genuinely belong to Christ will reflect a spirit of obedience to God because they have Christ living within them.  Though never perfect, obedience to God’s Law will always be what the true believer’s heart desires. 

            So yes, my president’s personal faith does concern me.  It matters!  And no matter our political preference, our president should always a subject of our prayers.  I want him to be a Christian and I want Him to submit to the authority of God, the true King.  I want him to submit to the authority of Scripture in every way.  But I want my president to be a Christian because, as with every soul, his soul is at stake.  And whether our president remains Barack Obama or becomes Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich or Ron Paul, their being Christian and spending eternity with God will have been, is, or will be because they put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).  Case closed.

            This morning, I caught an interview on Fox News concerning the story of a young lady named Kylie Bisutti.  It is well worth sharing with your daughter, as I plan to share it with mine.  I’ve included the link below that provides the details.  At 19 years of age, her dream, or so she thought, of becoming a Victoria’s Secret model had come true.  From a career standpoint, she had accomplished her goal.  Then God, as He often does, stepped in.  As Kylie explains it, the more she read God’s Word, the more convicted she became about the type of modeling (lingerie) she was doing, and decided to change course on the type of modeling she would do moving forward.  I believe her story provides some great lessons not only for our daughters but all of us. 

            The first lesson that can be learned is that there is such a thing as being appropriately dressed. Bisutti sighted the value of this as she sought to be a role model to young girls.  I’m not trying to make a moral judgment on lingerie models, but as parents, we all know what I mean when I say “appropriately dressed”.  The second lesson, I believe, is even more important and one in which we can all benefit.  Way too often, our expressions of faith are not accompanied by action, but in the case of Mrs. Bisutti, it was.  She made the decision that lingerie modeling no longer conformed to her Christian values.  It didn’t necessarily mean she had to give up her career, but surely the step she took caused uncertainty.  You never know how others will respond to your convictions, particularly when they result from your Christian faith, but Bisutti decided it was worth it.  As you read the article you will see that her modeling career continues successfully.   

            Hebrews 11:1 says, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” If God allowed us to see the end result of our obedience to His prompting, it wouldn’t require faith.  And sometimes when God impresses upon us as individuals that a change needs to be made, it comes at a great cost, perhaps a career change, different lifestyle and more financial uncertainty.  For Mrs. Bisutti, it was a risk that could have cost her a career in modeling because it conflicted with the cultural norm.  But at other times, our obedience to the Lord’s prompting is followed by an immediate blessing because you did walk in faith.  It appears Bisutti will be just fine as she continues her modeling career.  Trust God when He speaks to you because He is trustworthy.  He loves you and gave His Son to show you just how much.  To respond to God’s work in our lives always brings a blessing.  That blessing may come immediately, or it may be delayed until eternity.   But God promises, it will come.  Do you believe it?    

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/02/02/kylie-bisutti-left-lingerie-modeling-because-it-didnt-mesh-with-her-christian/

            As I read the Reuters article and saw the picture of Governor Christine Gregorie of Washington and those around her as she signed a law recognizing same-sex marriage, I couldn’t help but notice the smiles on their faces.   As people applauded, she said, “This is a proud moment…I’m proud of who and what we are as a state.”  She then suggested that all Washingtonians look into their hearts concerning the issue of same-sex marriage and treat each other equally.  Well, I must say I’m not shocked.  She is not the first and certainly won’t be the last of our political leaders to elevate themselves above God.  As she and those around her smiled at their accomplishment, I wonder what God was thinking?   

            From the beginning of the human race, God created marriage as a union between one man and one woman with Adam and Eve as our pattern to follow (Genesis 1-2).  Scripture makes this abundantly clear.  Jesus recognized this fact in answering a question concerning divorce in Matthew 19:3-6.  If God has made His moral standards regarding marriage plain, as He has, other types of relationships, such as homosexual relationships cannot be accepted as valid.  Unfortunately, in our pride, we have attempted to elevate our thinking above God’s in order to change what He has said so our sin can be seemingly more tolerable and therefore, more compassionate.  That’s what our postmodern world does; it denies God’s absolute truth in the name of tolerance on the false grounds of compassion.  Our problem is really due to the lack of our acknowledging the Divine authority of Scripture.  The unbiblical view of the marriage union is but one example of this.  But God has spoken clearly on this issue and the most important words to hear are His:   

–          “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22)

–          “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be       put to death; they have committed perversion; their blood is upon them. (Leviticus 20:13)

These moral standards are not changed in the New Testament: 

–          “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions.  For their women exchanged natural relations for         those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.” (Romans 1:26-27)

–          “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you.  But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”           (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

–          “Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and their mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.” (1 Timothy 1:9-10)    

            Our agreement with any of the above passages has no impact on their being true.  These are God’s Words, therefore, they are true.  We cannot, as a nation or as individuals continue to presume upon God’s grace and expect His blessings.  What did the apostle Paul say, “What shall we say then?  Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?  By no means!  How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:1-2)  Some that Paul encountered in ministry believed that the gospel of grace gave them a license to sin.  Some believe the same thing today, but that is not what the Bible teaches.  There is a difference in knowing we are sinners who do sin, and having a willful desire to live in it.  Grace truly received creates a heart that aims to please God.  As a country, we bow our heads and pray for God’s blessing, our national leaders end their speeches with “God bless America” and all the while, we disregard His will concerning, not just the issue of marriage, but many issues in which He has spoken. Worst of all, we do it willfully.  That is sin and willful sin impacts our relationship with God and our seeking Him through prayer:   

–          “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

–          “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Psalm 66:18)

–          “The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29)

–          “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer.  But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12)

            We don’t have to be perfect for God to answer prayer, if we did He wouldn’t answer anyone’s, but God knows the motive of all our hearts.  So maybe before the governor asks others to search their hearts, perhaps she should search her own.  God is not indifferent to our sin and no amount of disagreement with His Word on the issue of marriage makes it untrue.  For He has spoken.  That leaves us with a choice, either we agree with those words or we deny them.  God’s truth, no matter how much it conflicts with societies view is not “hate speech” nor is it unloving.  Expressed the right way, I would contend that it is love.  The greatest expression of love, however, came at the cross.  That is where, in spite of our sin, God provided a means for forgiveness.  That forgiveness comes only through Jesus Christ.  That’s the good news.  God’s power is greater than our sin, and out of His love, He gave us His Son who lived a perfect life, died and rose again.  The same power that brought Jesus from the grave is the same power that can save and keep you.  And if His power can do that, it can certainly conform your thinking to what He says regarding the issue of marriage.

            Below is a link a friend shared entitled, “What should make Christian marriages distinctive?”  What a great night for you and your spouse to give it a read.  God never promised the Christian life would be easy and sometimes, because you are, life becomes even more challenging.  Marriage is especially difficult and under constant attack from a secular world.  As designed by God, it is to be a reflection of Christ’s relationship to the church (Ephesians 5:22-33).  Because you are a Christian does not make you immune from these challenges in marriage. Your best effort and your morality alone will not be enough to keep problems away because we all sin.  But just as sin indwells you, so does the Holy Spirit.  That’s the difference.  By His grace, God has given us what we need to know His will.  Will you hear from Him?

 http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2Fr9TOW39h&h=tAQErB1DLAQExULrUR0NzdA0rajUD1QLyWV0A5dhZoOK-ww