I have been closely watching the “hate-crimes” legislation debate in the House Judiciary Committee. This legislation is supposed to receive a vote tomorrow. According to OneNewsNow, this legislation “would add gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability to the list of protected categories under federal hate crimes law.” If this passes, it could make true Christianity very difficult.
That sounds overly dramatic. It isn’t. In II Timothy 4, Paul told Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
Telling the truth about homosexuality may soon be out of season.
Proclaiming the Bible’s stance (and, therefore, God’s stance) on homosexuality could be considered hate speech of a threatening nature. This is not limited to preachers, just as what Paul said to Timothy is not limited to preachers.
We as Christians are obligated to be salt and light into this dying world. Especially if it is inconvenient. There are countries in this world where martyrdom and persecution are common. Why could that NOT happen in America? America continues to make it clear that a large portion of it wants nothing to do with God.
Evangelical Christianity has been labeled in some segments of the media to be filled with hate towards homosexuals and homosexuality. This belief could not be further from the truth. A true Christian loves unbelievers, and wants to see all people accept Christ and receive the life change that only Jesus can give.
But there is hate involved concerning sin.
God hates it.
But here’s the thing…
God hates gay and straight sin.
God hates black sin.
White sin.
Asian sin.
Latino sin.
Man sin.
Woman sin.
All sin.
But in His mercy he provided His Son. Jesus’ blood was spilt for all. The salvation that His blood provided is available to all. All we have to do is trust in Him as our Savior. That is what we proclaim.
The sins that I commit every day are just as heinous as any sin a gay man or woman could commit. All I know is that, on July 5th, 1981, I accepted Christ as my Savior. I accepted atonement for my sin. I allowed it to pay my sin debt. I welcome Christ’s return. And I boldly proclaim what His Word says.
Christians, we may one day face a time when a blog like this could lead to a prison sentence. Psalm 56:11 says, “in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” How many Christians have been martyred and persecuted for the cause of Christ? Nothing that can be done to us on this earth compares to Christ’s death on the cross: the separation from the Father and the agony of His physical death make anything this world could dish out child’s play.
This world is not my home.
If you are reading this and are not saved, you need to accept Christ today. Right now. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done. You don’t have to understand everything in the Bible. You just have to believe that Jesus loves you. He died on a cross for your sins. He rose from the dead three days later. He is coming back soon. Accept the free gift of salvation He offers to you now, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
Not a Camouflaged Soul 