A Religion of Swine

As I read a magazine the other day, I came across an article concerning a local downtown church (I use that term lightly) who just changed their bylaws to accept anyone as a member in to their fellowship. This is another politically correct move in order for people to "accept" them as "good and progressive" people. The person being interviewed was a retired minister of the denomination which stated that this in a nutshell is the only logical and loving way to progress, and that as the "church" opens it's eyes, it will embrace this type of change. If we need an eye open, it would be to wake up and see the destruction of this church. The issue....allowing people from the GLBT community to become a part of the fellowship as members.
Friends, You must understand that God loves the GLBT community. Jesus died for their sin as well as my sin. Also understand that I love the GLBT community. The only difference is that I love them enough to tell them the truth. The truth that liberal theologians are attempting ( and quite successfully) to rewrite scripture, and teach that the GLBT lifestyle is NOT condemned by God and is quite okay in His eyes. This is how he created you! (which by the way has not been proven scientifically nor theologically) Unfortunately, in our society...if you tell a lie long enough, say it loud enough, and have the right people say it with you, if will become the truth. It will remain however, the same old lie. Sin...is still sin.
Another brief disclaimer. I believe that the church should be a place where everyone is welcome as long as they respect the event or service being held at the time. I welcome the GLBT community, the drug dealer, prostitute, robber, racist, adulterer, shriner, or even the all around good person in to our services. We all need to submit to God and live according to His word. However, when someone wants to be a member, the standard is and should be higher. One must first and foremost be a follower of Jesus and His teaching, and have made a commitment to be like Jesus. Holiness is a nasty word it seems in most churches these days, but that is what is required.Not perfection mind you, but a lifestyle of holiness and commitment. If it takes more to be a member at Sam's Club than it does your church....you do not have a church. You have a joint.
We in the Body of Christ need to be relational to our culture and our community. We need to engage society. We need to understand the time that we live in. Jesus however did not call us to be like the world in order to reach the world. He told us to be separate from the world. We should live different. People should know who we are by how we live. If you act like someone who does not believe, then you do not believe! You have nothing more that a religion of swine. Meaningless. Jonathan Edwards, an early American Pastor and evangelist was booted out of his church for suggesting that church members should be saved. Way to Go John! Jesus never suggested that we move left of center when the pressure is on. Yet the world and the perversion of the day wants us to continue to be "understanding" and "open" to where they are. You may compromise down here all you want my friend, but tell God when you stand before Him in the next life why He should not be so harsh and how He needs to embrace our lifestyles and be more flexible. I hope I am not there to see His reaction. I hope that I am on some assignment somewhere past the courtroom of Heaven. It will be tragic. If you are part of that church, or a part of the GLBT community, and you do not like what has been said, I do not apologize. You are offended by the Word of the Lord, not me. I am not your enemy. I am a preacher. I am a Christian. My advise to the members of this church is to get to higher ground where you are taught the Word, rather than political correctness, or vote the apostate leadership out of your ranks and pray for revival. My advise to the GLBT community is that God loves you, and wants you to live a new life. You cannot put new wine in old wine skins the Bible says. For both will be destroyed. I love you, and pray for you. Continue to pray for Nashville. In Jesus Name, Jory

Who Do You Represent

Acts 4:13 (King James Version)

13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

It was a great movie. Recently, I watched "The Kingdom of Heaven". My favorite part was when the son had been given a parting blessing from his father, and recieved a sword, thus inheriting all the father owned. The part that got me excited was when the guy entered Jerusalem, and was surrounded by some rough looking guys. He grabbed the sword, and as soon as they saw it, they knew who he was. After quizzing the young man concerning his father, one of the rough looking characters retorted...."come with us my lord". WOW! Did you get that? They knew the sword, and knew what it meant. It carried with it authority, power, freedom, acceptance. Because this guy had the sword, they knew that his father had given him all that was his and it now belonged to him.

God has given us the same power. If we hold His sword high, and our lives are clearly a reflection of the father, and the authority He paid for and gave to us, more people will notice that we have been with Jesus. Pastor Jory

Refreshing

Have you ever been around people that refresh you? I was able to experience that just last night. I have many times like that, but this one was special. It was at Applebys. I had an opportunity to meet some other members from the Body of Christ that has developed a group that truly loves and prays for each other asd well as other poeple. I watched them as they shared their lives with those who worked at the eatery, and with each other. Our prayer time was fresh and wonderful. These are things we may often miss if we just do church the way it is done in most places. You will never get deeper, if all you do is go to service, sit in a chair, hear the Word, shake a few hands, then go home. Never. I hope that they, as well as other groups across our great city continue the work of normal christian lives. Remember this..the Word, and a nice meal go a long way when you are with friends. That's refreshing. Challenge for the day....find someone to share life with. Pastor Jory

"We Could Have Been Rescued"

Tragic news struck our lives this week with the reports of two NFL players lost at sea. Eventually searchers had to give up any hope of them being recovered. The third party on the boat did survive, and has shed light upon the final hours. It seems that human error was at fault as are many boating accidents. The ocean is unforgiving to all, and one mistake could cost you dearly. What was more compelling to me in the story was that at one time after the accident, a helicopter was spotted, but failed to see the wreckage and the frantic waves of the men. That is when the lone survivor made the statement had they had been seen, they would have been rescued.
Sadly our world and life is like that small boat in the ocean. We are spiritually shipwrecked and in trouble. We cannot save ourselves. It will take a miracle! Would your keen intellect, or education or reason save you if you were adrift at sea? How about your money? These guys were wealthy, but it did not help them. Your social pedigree? Not even your last name or upbringing can save you. You need a rescue party, and you need it now! Thankfully, there is one who can save, and He will see you and rescue you from stormy waters. You can be rescued.