Where are the Christians?

Politically correct speech has replaced former standards of morality. For example, in 1998 the Merriam Webster dictionary defined marriage as “the mutual relationship of a husband and wife; the institution whereby men and women are joined in a special kind of social and legal dependence for the purpose of founding and maintaining a family.” Currently Merriam Webster’s online definition is: “the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law or (2): the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage.”

What other words will be redefined in the next few years? If we can redefine words, especially words once viewed as “sins,” we can rationalize our selfish, animalistic behavior. Even now if we kill (terminate) an unwanted, unborn child (fetus), it is not considered murder. At the rate we are going, sin will no longer exist.

Yet, God is not confused about the definition of sin and fully understands its consequences (Romans 6:23). He abhors it because it destroys. (Have you ever met a joyful murderer or drug addict?) Sin grieves Him so deeply He sacrificed His own Son to break its hold on us.

Does sin bother you? Are you disturbed with recent events in our great country like the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts – enough to do something or have you given up? Pastor Jim Brewer, from Waverly, Iowa, attended a hearing on Capitol Hill regarding the Defense of Marriage Act (page 5). Outnumbered ten to one by homosexual activists, he wondered when the Christians would show up. They never did. Jim acknowledges that he “never had to wonder who won with the congressmen and congresswomen.”

Anthony Mator, editor of The Pittsburgh Christian, states that by ignoring God’s principles, both the Republican and the Democratic parties have “cast off the ethic of personal and corporate responsibility in favor of an ethic of ‘rights.’” Self-sacrifice is not on the agenda. What would happen if we each confessed our self-centeredness and asked God what He would have us do? Angela Thompson, a children’s pastor involved in the political process, gives us several ideas that can make a difference in our world. Many require little time.

Our MOVE (Men of Vision Evangelize) team certainly made a difference in their world when they sacrificially invaded Mexico with God’s love (page 8) and left behind a new Kids’ Ministry Center. This same kind of love can restore a broken marriage. Just ask Vivian and Ezra Rivera-Zayas, a young couple who are rebuilding what Satan tried to destroy and trusting God with their future.

Along with Vivian and Ezra let us seek God’s face. What do you see? What breaks His heart? What will you do about it?

Andrea Johnson,
Managing Editor
 Message@openbible.org