Ultimate Authority and "Hate Crimes"

A Biblical & Exegetical Response to “Hate Crimes Legislation”

Purpose: This document is by design a statement of Covenant Obedience. Orthodox Christian Theism regards Scripture, The Bible (66 Books), as the Supreme Authority. This Authority is transcendent and universal, applying in every geographic locale and every culture (Ps. 47). The Bible is the final arbiter of faith and conduct (1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12); cf. the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, 1978, http://www.bible-researcher.com/chicago1.html . When there is conflict between Civil authority and the clear expressions of Scripture, Christians will honor Christ and obey Him (Acts 4:18-20). This posture has been the testimony of believers throughout history (Stephen, Acts 7; Paul, 2 Cor. 6; various unnamed saints, Heb. 11:35-38).

Context: Recent legislative initiatives in Washington D.C. (H.B. 1913) and at the United Nations have identified the clear declarations of Scripture as “Hate Speech”. Jesus Christ stated without ambiguity or apology that he came to ‘testify to the Truth’ (John 18:37). In that statement he also states that all who embrace this Truth ‘listen’ (πᾶς ὁ ὢν ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας ἀκούει μου τῆς φωνῆς.) to him.

Thesis: Applying the assumptions stated above, it is not ‘hate’, but the purest form of love and compassion, to declare with uncompromised consistency the propositional statements of Scripture. This applies to all moral and social issues as addressed by the text of Scripture. God, not civil magistrates, determines what is sin. History is populated by humble and courageous people who understood and lived according to this proposition.

Therefore, when conduct and lifestyles are characterized as sinful by Scripture, Christians are obligated by their Covenant relationship to Jesus Christ as LORD to declare this with compassion and in love to those persons practicing such aberrant and sinful behavior. This is not done out of hate, but love. The consequences of such behavior are horrific and eternal (Rom. 1:26-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Rev. 21:6-8).

Conclusion: Persons who have surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ are obligated by that Covenant relationship to honor Him above all other authorities. Christians desire to live peacefully and strive to be good citizens of whatever country in which they may reside. However, when civil authority adopts legislation, postulates or laws, that are in conflict with God’s Law, we must obey God. We rely upon our God as the Sovereign of the universe to accomplish his purpose through our obedience.

We say with Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms, “We cannot do otherwise. Here we stand. God help us! Amen”


(The following links take the reader to data on the Hate Crimes Initiatives.)

http://caymanpei.blogspot.com/2009/10/un-resolution-to-outlaw-hate-speech.html

http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_hat37.htm

Truth - Trends & Tenacity

I recently participated in a poll posted by CT. The question being addressed focused on reaching a particular segment of society. What should be done to reach the people in that cultural category (Young Adults)? The option that received the greatest affirmation (62%) was:

The same way you reach out to others: teach the gospel faithfully!

I have long been troubled by all the adjectival designations for church; Equestrian church (if you do not have a horse, don't bother to participate; Biker church (if you don't ride a motorcycle, don't bother to participate; Gen X church; (if you are over 21/25(?) years of age, dont' bother to participate).

Read the book of Acts, the Magna Charta of The Church. The text and historical records indicate that people from every social strata, gender, age and economic condition were embraced as they came together daily. People were received as sinners redeemed by the grace of God. They were all recognized as equal at the foot of the cross. There was no such thing as segregating the body into special interest groups.

The "Homogenous" principle is applied in the church in America because it works, pragmatism. "Aviaries of similar plumage congregate"! Applying principles of attraction that are effective is wise and prudent leadership. Building an entire ministry on the basis of segmented social groups is a defective model and a denial of the oneness God's people inherently enjoy in Chirst.

Publishers have ceased publishing titles on the Emerging Church. Why? Because it is/was a fad, a blip on the panoramic continuum of church history. Also, many of the theological foundations of that movement (Generous Orthodoxy (sic)) are hertical if not utterly apostate. The recent publication of Deep Church by Jim Belcher provides a candid look into the poverty of the major tenets of that movement. He was part of that movement for a time so he writes 'from the inside'. He proposes what he labels a Third Way. (This is not an endorsement, simply noting this work).

Another example is the House Church movement promoted by Barna & Viola. Tim Keller recently offered a helpful grid for reviewing this attempt to classify some of these movements. He identified three groups; Willow, Reconstructionist and Traditionalist. Without question there is much that has become carved in stone that needs to be jettisoned. It is traditionalism not just tradition. Compare the recent fiasco at Coral Ridge, castigating the Pastor because he does not wear a robe or give altar calls! That is wholesome and legitimate tradition gone to seed (read my earlier post titled Polluted Polity on this battle)!

I titled this post Truth - Trends & Tenacity. It is my thesis that the most essential dynamic in the church of Jesus Christ is the exegetically accurate, passionate, compassionate and powerful declaration of the Truth. This is identified in the text as Preaching. I want to be quick to say I do not understand this to be a suited stodgy overweight and bellicose messenger shouting louder when his substance and exegesis is lacking!

I do mean the careful, accurate, sensitive in context unfolding and declaration of the Special Revelation God has graciously provided in the Bible. This tells us who he is, what he is doing, who we are and what he requires of us as his subjects. Rightly understood it is telic. We know what he is doing and that there is a glorious climax in history punctuated by the return of Jesus Christ to occupy the Throne of David for all eternity. The Word of God is authoritative, clear, necessary and sufficient. The systematic integration of this message into our lives puts us in good standing to receive His blessing and to accomplish His purpose.

If you read this and find affinity with what I have proposed, go to the link that follows and digest the substance of that article titled "Does Preaching Have A Future?" It is my settled conviction that the answer is a resounding YES. Preach the Word with tenacity.

http://www.beginningwithmoses.org/bigger/preachdj.htm

Resource:

Rest

Today is typically the "Sabbath" for Pastors. For Type A Leaders, rest is an issue that requires intentional and relentless effort. The call to "be still & know" is sadly a foreign exercise. I uderstand Sabbath to require:

1. Rest - a complete change of routine.
2. Recreation - engage those activities or not that refresh you in every conceivable manner.
3. Worship - Focused & intentional delight in the presence & person of our God.
4. Reflection - an honest and unhurried examination of all relationships; horizontal & vertical.

I do not wear a watch on Saturday. I sometimes do not even get 'dressed'. I enjoy dining on those culinary delights that I do not normally consume. I enjoy simple conversation with my wife on a whole variety of topics. I pray. I read the Bible (now on my Blackberry in multiple translations). I call friends that I can laugh with. I watch a squirrel try to drink from our pool without falling in.

Sabbath Rest. Fasting. Silence. Solitude. These are just a few of the Spiritual Disciplines that for me require focused intentional effort. So, how are YOU measuring up on this delightful piece of wisdom our God calls us to?

Now for my green recliner and a good nap. Now that is one fine exercise!!