I can see the headlines now, “Preacher Arrested for Calling Homosexuality a Sin.” The picture on the front cover of the newspaper might very well be me, being led away in handcuffs, charged with a “hate crime.” I honestly believe this will be a reality in America soon, if we continue on the path we’re headed.
It really isn’t that far from our current reality. There have already been many cases of private business owners, and even churches, losing “discrimination” lawsuits over the homosexuality issue (source: FoxNews.com). I believe it is only a matter of time before calling homosexuality “sinful,” even if done with love, will be labeled “hate speech.” And soon after that, Christians will be arrested for their hate speech.
The question is this, what will you do when it is illegal to call homosexuality “sinful”? What will you do when the law says your congregation must allow homosexual couples to get married in your building? What will do you when the law says you cannot withdraw fellowship from someone for practicing homosexuality? Following our current trajectory, American Christians are going to have some very tough choices to make.
You see, it is easy to say, “Be bold and stand up for what is right,” when you risk nothing. But what happens when we have to risk everything to stand up for what’s right? What happens when my wife and little boys have to live without me because I am in prison?
Here are some things I think we need to do immediately:
1. Pray!
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV), “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
Pray that our current course changes. Pray that our leaders will not take away our freedom of religion and our freedom of speech. Pray that we may continue speaking the Truth and “lead a peaceful and quiet life.”
2. Love!
I feel like there are two types of people supporting the homosexual agenda. The first group is the militant liberal who will twist every word out of our mouths, will bully, and will try to intimidate us into silence. However, there is a second group who supports the homosexual agenda because they have been so turned off by groups like the infamous Westboro folks.
You see, the battle lines have been falsely drawn between those who “love” and those who “hate.” John Q. Public has been told, “If you are on the side of love, support the homosexual agenda. If you do not support the homosexual agenda, you are a hateful person.” How unfortunate that we have allowed the debate to be couched in such a way. And I’m afraid many well-meaning Christians are playing into the stereotype, by coming across as “hateful.”
Instead, we must overwhelm people with love. We must be outspoken about what “love” really means. We have to help people understand, it is because we love them and want them to go to heaven that we stand opposed to homosexuality; just as we stand opposed to every other sin (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, especially verse 11).
Let our battle cry be, “We love God, and YOU, too much to say nothing!”
3. Prepare!
No one has a crystal ball. No one knows what the future holds. No one knows if Christians will be arrested for this type of thing (I certainly hope not). But, I do know we need to be prepared. We need to arm ourselves with the spiritual armor (Ephesians 6) and ready our hearts for the battle. It is easy to lose heart, especially during times of persecution. So, we need to be encouraging each other!
We need to stop playing church and get serious. We need to be teaching our children to be bold and courageous. We need to be writing God’s word on our hearts and on the hearts of our children.
Whatever Comes, Be Faithful!
Speaking to His church in the midst of persecution, the Lord said, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
If the persecution comes, will you be ready? If the persecution comes, will you be loving? If the persecution comes, will you be faithful?
2 Timothy 3:12, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
I love you and God loves you,
