We Forgot

In an article in the latest issue of Homeschool Update, which is published by the Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC), there is a mention of one of the latest new state laws. It is SB 200 and it states that no one can, “publish, issue, circulate, send, distribute, give away, or display in any way, manner, or shape or by any means or method, except as provided in this section, any communication, paper, poster, folder, manuscript, book, pamphlet, writing, print, letter, notice, or advertisement of any kind, nature, or description THAT is intended or calculated to discriminate or actually discriminates against any disability, race, creed, color, sex, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, marital status, national origin, or ancestry” in public places. From what I have heard, it does not sound like this is a lone incident. It appears that it will be homosexual issues that become the cause of Christian silencing and persecution.
Our society has come to the point where, not only are Christian principles no longer taught, but they are no longer respected and it is getting to the point where you can not say that someone or something is merely wrong without claims that it is out of hate. What is really sad is the fact that the Church has allowed it to get to this point. I find it rather interesting that our society has picked the issue of homosexuality as the point where we say that we need change when for decades our society has slowly been becoming more and more secular even though the number of confessing Christians in our society has changed little. It seems that the churches forgot what was truly offensive (Luke 12:49-53) and are providing resistance against homosexuality, which is only a symptom, merely because it is so disgusting and gross (I am thankful that they take a stand here, for it shows that society is not yet totally hardened). Where was the Church when it became normal for people to get divorced for trivial reasons? Where was the Church when it became normal for people to start shacking up together? The institution of marriage was being defaced and trivialized long before the homosexuals started coming out of their closets. What is even sadder is that these problems in our society are merely the symptoms and fruit of the real problems. For too long the American Church has ceased to preach the Gospel, instead opting for legalism or antinomianism, and often times a legalism that gives way to antinomianism. They forget to teach that man is naturally sinful; that, “all our righteousness is as filthy rags,” and God's greatness and terror of His wrath. They forget to teach that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves and that Christ's graciously given righteousness not only takes away our sin but it is imputed to us as our own. They forget that Christ was both God and man and that he came to this world to save us, substituting in its stead that He was a good man that came to teach us good lessons. They forget what it means to truly love ones neighbor thinking that it is an emotion rather than an action. They forget to teach that the Scriptures are the inspired word of God and final authority, opting instead for a take what you want attitude combined with a liberal hermeneutic that does not take the Bible seriously and interprets unpopular passages as mere allegory written to help ignorant and stupid ancients to understand the “real” meaning. Thus they fall prey to the Devil's question, “Does God really say?” In general, the Church has given up its established and orthodox doctrines and have adopted new ones that really say nothing (and hurt no ones feelings) or they decide that they do not need doctrine, and so they try to believe either everything, or nothing (it is up to the individual to decide which). They forget to teach that sin is in our hearts and motives, and instead ascribe it to our actions and then to the objects associated with those actions. Thus cards, and movies, and dances, and alcohol, and certain kinds of music all become sinful while other objects start to be regarded as “Christian” objects and thus become a part of every complete, healthy, and well balanced Christian life. They forget that we exist, not for our own glory, but for Gods. They forget where true comfort and freedom lies choosing instead to remain in the uncomfortable fetters of the world. They forgot and what was to be a shining city on a hill is turning into a ghetto. Let us pray that we do not forget.