Many have rightly observed that with the Supreme Court ruling last Friday (6/26/15) regarding same-sex marriage, “everything has changed, and nothing has changed.” Indeed, ever since man’s rebellion in the garden (Gen. 3:1-7), all of creation has been groaning under God’s curse (see Rom. 1:18-32; 8:18-25). We have always lived in difficult times, because of the continual outworking of sin in people’s lives (see 2 Tim. 3:1-5). And for believers, our God-given mission to make disciples (Mt. 28:18-20), and live godly lives that adorn the Gospel (Titus 2:11-14) is unchanging. Moreover, we’ve continually been forewarned, so as to be forearmed, that suffering and pain will be a normal part of our Christian experience (Jn. 15:18-16:4; 2 Tim. 3:12).
All these truths are good to keep in mind as we respond to the recent Supreme Court Ruling. God has placed each of us in unique networks with believers and unbelievers alike, many of whom are celebrating the Supreme Court ruling. To encourage your thinking and responding in biblical ways, here are a number of resources I’ve found particularly helpful. These are by no means exhaustive. I trust these will help to strengthen your own convictions and responses, and also be tools you may pass on to others.
Online articles/audio:
- Russell Moore – Why the Church Should Neither Cave nor Panic about the Decision on Gay Marriage
- Russell Moore (video) – Reaction to the SCOTUS decision
- Albert Mohler – Statement following the SCOTUS decision
- Albert Mohler (audio) – Special Edition of “The Briefing” about the SCOTUS decision
- The Master’s Seminary – Six articles providing a biblical perspective/response on homosexuality
- Reformed African American Network – Black Christian Leaders Respond to SCOTUS Decision
- John Piper – Lamenting the New Calamity
- Jonathan Parnell – Why Homosexuality is not like Other Sins
Books:
- Is God Anti-Gay?, by Sam Allberry
- What Does the Bible Really Teach About Homosexuality?, by Kevin DeYoung
- Sexual Brokenness and the Hope of the Gospel, edited by Russell Moore
- The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, by Rosaria Butterfield
Beloved, may God enable us to be faithful as witnesses for the Gospel of Jesus Christ! And may He be glorified in the salvation of multitudes from the deadly bondage of sin!
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you many know how you ought to answer each person.” (Col. 4:5-6, ESV)
Because Jesus Christ lives, and is returning,
Greg