Political CasualtiesWe have said it before, the church was not instituted to fight hunger, sickness, wars or civil and political battles. The work of the church is simply to proclaim the Gospel and save the souls of man. However, this does not mean that it won't come under attack today for the above-mentioned reasons. For instance, can the church come under attack and be exploited for political reasons? As our country polarizes more and more, it seems that nothing is off the table in their search to satisfy their desires (Mill Street COC Article: Give Us A King 11-13-2016)
. Recently, religion has come under attack by political interests disguising themselves as "religious". Using the "sheeps clothing" disguise that Christ warns us about (Matt. 7:15). Some of the 2020 Presidential Candidates have expressed the following ideas in an attempt to gain political advantage when asked about gay-marriage and the church during a LBGTQ townhall meeting:
Beto O'Rourke recently stated that he felt all privileges and benefits, including tax-exempt status, should be revoked from all religious bodies that deny anyone their full human and civil rights.
This country is free to exact taxes etc. in any manner they please (Matt. 22:21), but this statement is disturbing because it places what man has accepted as civil and human rights in direct contradiction to God's word.
Julian Castro stated it is alright to have beliefs but one cannot discriminate against people. He added that would be against the law.
This too is disturbing because it implies that some "churches" are in violation of law.
Cory Booker answered the question about gay-marriage and the church by referencing Micah 6:8. He stated, "What do you want from your Lord, but what is it you want from your people? Which is to do justice, love, kindness, and walk humbly-and, so for me, I cannot allow, as a leader, that people are going to use religion as a justification for discrimination." After which, he vowed as a Christian to protect and defend those for what they are.
We see that by Cory Booker's statement regarding Micah 6:8, he tries to use God's own word out of context to justify something that will politically benefit him. This is nothing new. We see the world take God's word and exploit it all the time in order to justify something they can't find in it or to discredit something that restrains them from what they want. This is the wolf in sheep's clothing's ploy that Christ himself warned us about some 2000 years ago. We have heard what Mr. Booker said the Bible says; so, let us look at what Micah 6:8 actually says?
He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 NKJ
God begins his instruction through Micah chapter 6 with setting the context for how the Isrealites were to treat each other. God's instruction starts in verse 8 with the statement "He has shown you, O man, what is good..." So, let us look at that first statement, in the context of marriage where he mistakenly applied it. What has God told us is good according to members of marriage? God instituted marriage between a man and a woman (Gen. 1:27, 28; 2:18-25; Heb. 13:4). Better yet, what does God say is bad? God has always condemned homosexuality (Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1: 26, 27; 1 Cor. 6:9-10).
So, we see Cory Booker take God's word in the context of how the Isrealites were to treat each other as brothers and sisters and apply it out of context to marriage in an effort to justify homosexual relationships to the destruction of marriage. Both of which have always violated God's law.
Micah 6:8 also finishes up with the admonition to walk humbly with our God. We cannot "walk with God" if we practice those things he defines as sin. The very things He promises that those who practice, will not obtain eternal life with him in heaven.
The acceptance of these sinful sexual views, along with the denial of God's commands, will never encourage one to change or precipitate repentance from those engaged in them. And if unrepented of, these souls will be lost because they gave precedence to man's opinion of civil and human rights over God's word. We must keep in mind that our goal here on earth is eternal life with God. That can only be achieved through His word. Not the acceptance of, or a fight for what perverted and sinful men declare as their own given rights in an effort to achieve peace, acceptance, political gain or to fulfill their lusts and desires.
It seems from some of those who seek the leadership of our nation, God's word is going to be attacked and his church will be sought out under the umbrella of human and civil rights. The tactic of seeking out gatherings of those of a different belief, or those in civil positions that don't agree with man's opinions, has already began in Kentucky and nothing new. We must decide now to serve God rather than man (Joshua 24:15; Acts 5:29) if it comes to that locally.
The answers to all of man's problems both here in America and around the world are found in God. The ongoing calamities, failures and violence is a result of man trying to get around God's instruction and implement his own cures to his problems; all the while, catering to himself. With this, the church and those of faith could suffer political ramifications. We must know God's word in order to spot the wolves and be able to please and serve him. I am glad God is control and NOT man!
-Marc Hopkins
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