Message and messenger already perfect
- Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.” Exodus 23:7
Dean Gotcher writes, “The only ‘choice’ a woman… and a man have after she becomes pregnant is whether she wants to be the mother, and he wants to be the father, of a living child according to nature—or a dead child, at the hands of an executioner. These are the only choices they have.”
And…
“Driven by, and purposed in seeking pleasure, homosexuals hate condemnation, threatening and silencing those who interfere with, or [those] they perceive as potentially interfering [in] their perverse ways. While adulterers and adulteresses, recognizing the physics of nature, have sexual relationship with those of the opposite sex—only having it with the wrong woman or man, i.e., with a woman or man who is not their spouse, homosexuals, rejecting the physics of nature, i.e. the laws of their own body, make the pleasure of sex the only objective of life itself, having sex with whoever and/or whatever brings them pleasure.”
- “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20)
Both abortion and homosexuality (or sodomy as it is called historically) are still crimes against both God and nature.
We are at the low point now where we can honestly say that evil is called good—or at the very least, completely acceptable—because the gullible and morally bankrupt among us, which sadly includes too many of our neighbors, don’t know God, and choose from among the evil to rule over us.
- Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. (Romans 1:26)
Elsewhere in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 13 describes something that should be very cautionary to both governors and the governed. It is a warning of what should and will happen if we subscribe to the notion of evil as good, or tyranny as good.
Many fail to fully understand this caution, thinking that the governed—Christians included—must “simply” be compliant to our governors. “For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason.” (Romans 13:3-4)
But the caution is for all to be doing what is right—including and especially our governors—where “the sword” will be either wielded or withheld one way or the other by the very God who establishes all rulers, but also will not abide evil.
This point is becoming clear in a stark example just recently, (September 28) when California’s Governor Gavin Newsom began a billboard campaign to promote his state as a refuge for women seeking an abortion—not in California mind you, but in states who recently enacted anti-abortion laws following the SCOTUS “Dobbs” ruling. The clear implication of this political stunt should be obvious: Newsom is ramping up for a run at the White House.
Only one pastor publicly stood up to Newsom: John MacArthur, (pictured) pastor/teacher of Grace Community Church, who confronted him in an open letter, publicly denouncing him and condemning his campaign in bold, passionate language. You can read it in its entirety here. We strongly recommend you do.
Albert Mohler opined on this news story in his briefing dated October 3. His analysis includes this observation: “California is a trend setter, it intends to be, and in terms of cultural and political and even moral issues, it often is… Furthermore, even in national politics, California functions as an incredible engine for progressivism, but it also underlines some of the most interesting intersections between the increasing moral radicalism on the left [in] California and [on] theological issues.”
Within Christianity, both Roman Catholics and Evangelicals have historically held very strong positions on abortion, and on this issue we should not hesitate in being co-belligerents in the war for human life, human dignity, and human worth.
But then Mohler writes, “Evangelical Protestantism is far more doctrinally defined and more politically predictable in this sense, given the convictions held by so many evangelicals.” Mohler acknowledges the problem how so many moral issues evolve the 21st century: “You have common ground between Roman Catholics and Evangelicals, you also have common challenges, and in some cases a common lack of courage, which makes outbreaks of courage (like MacArthur’s) all the more important and encouraging.”
But let us reason together, if Evangelical Protestants are doctrinally defined—and I’m not saying we aren’t—how do we explain the “He Gets Us” campaign, launched earlier this year, identifying as, or at the very least associating with, Evangelicals?
For those of us who missed it, a hundred-million dollars was spent to improve the image, or the “brand,” of our Lord Jesus, as well as HIs followers with “He Gets Us.” It’s ironic how The Washington Post manages to describe the campaign and the organization, and should convince most true believers of just how insulting to the gospel this idea truly is. But not before a Southern Baptist leader—an evangelical certainly—opted to partner with this mis-guided movement before being forced to back out after serious pushback following news of the decision.
What is behind the “He Gets Us” campaign? Inclusivity of course: for homosexuals, adulterers, and the gender confused. Who could be on board with such an idea? Certain notable pastors associated with the new movement, may help explain. This is an example of how the desire for appealing to the wrong culture for the “right” reason—thinking it’s all done in love—results in very bad theology for the true believer, who is armed with the Spiritual gifts of discernment, knowledge, and wisdom… for starters.
Courage and compassion emerge when conviction is confronted.
MacArthur’s open letter not only confronts and condemns Newsom’s horrible blasphemy, but it also reveals the heart of a pastor, who urged Newsom to repent and seek salvation. Governor Newsom, like us, is a sinner who needs salvation from the genuine Jesus, who needs no new branding, and no makeover. Jesus’ message, like His image, is completely and thoroughly perfect. We are the ones who need His message. “He gets us” only when we surrender to Him
