Historical Posts
A Crazy World
If I know myself, and I am reasonably sure I do, I don’t harbor ill will in my heart toward a single human being. I try to treat everyone as I would want to be treated. I’m not perfect, and I don’t profess to be, but I would not intentionally say anything to upset someone or assassinate their character. I hold no malice in my heart toward anyone. I don’t judge folks by the color of their skin, the cut of their cloth, or the size of their bank account. I have strong beliefs about many things, but no interest in forcing my beliefs on anyone. Yet, because of what I’m about to say, the world will view me as close-minded, bigoted, prejudiced, intolerant, and out of step with the times.
Jason Collins, a twelve year veteran of the NBA, recently announced that he was homosexual. After making his announcement he was almost universally praised for his courage and leadership. John Amaechi, also a homosexual, recently wrote: “The support that Jason has received both in the sports world and society at large is certainly encouraging. He’s the sign of a changing tide in society; it’s the perfect time for someone like Jason to come along” (TIME, Vol. 181, No. 18, 2013, Page 17). I am appalled that society has changed so much that what was once universally acknowledged as sinful is now praised and paraded as something wonderful.
I should point out that I’m just as disgusted by heterosexual celebrities who are unfaithful to their marriage vows and parade their adultery and fornication before adoring fans who seem not the least bit offended or put off by their blatant immorality.
Sports figures, media celebrities, politicians, and actors have far too great an influence on society, and their actions tend to weaken the moral fabric of an already frayed society. Rather than being encouraged by Jason Collins’ actions, we should be sickened. Homosexuality, like adultery and fornication, is sinful, and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
No, I don’t have any ill will toward Jason Collins. What I would want him to know is that there is hope and deliverance in Christ, but to condone sin rather than confront it can only result in disaster. The Bible says: “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).
There is forgiveness for the transgressor in Christ, but the sin must cease. Christians must continue to plead for truth on this issue and all others without regard to what society thinks or believes.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Learning From A “Crazy Person” – Mark 5:1-17
Text: Mark 5:1-17
Jesus once recruited a “crazy man” to be one of his evangelists
Even though the would-be soul-winner hadn’t exactly finished at the top of the class in one of the leading seminaries (a little sarcasm)…
You’ve probably heard the story about this man. He was possessed by a whole host of demons who made his life miserable; he was violent, annoying, and uncontrollable.
A “perfect candidate” for the “How to be a Soul Winner” class, don’t you think (a little more sarcasm)?
Here’s what the Lord did for him: he threw the demons out, and he gave him his life back.
Can you imagine how wonderful that must have been for this guy?
Living a horrible, self-obsessed life characterized by constant pain and misery, only to have a stranger come along one day and give you the life you thought you’d lost forever?
This man knew he had been given a sweet deal. Suddenly felt a call to ministry. As Jesus was leaving, the man did everything but stow himself away on the boat. He begged the Lord to allow him to go with him.
When Jesus got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged that he might be with Him.
And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” (Mark 5:18-19).
But Jesus did not permit him. Instead, he wanted him doing these things:
- Go home and tell your story.
- Tell your friends what I did for you.
- Tell your family how I gave you your life back.
In other words, be an evangelist, because that’s what evangelists do. They don’t wear suits and scream and shout on TV. They don’t necessarily work for a congregation, surrounded by books and desks and diplomas.
Evangelists do what this man did.
They go home to their friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for them, and how he has had mercy on them.
- Has the Lord saved you?
- Has He given you your life back?
- Has He given you a reason to live, something to hope for?
Do what the crazy man did.
Go to your friends and family and tell them what Jesus did for you.
You’ll be an evangelist, even without the diploma.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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