pastor d's thoughts

LGBTQ and Modern Christianity

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 17:02:00 -0400

In twenty-first century post-modern post-Christian America the daily news reliably contains at least one article about some person or organization that is "anti-LGBTQ." Today it was about the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. But any other day it might be about a church, a preacher, a denomination, or a university based on traditional Christian doctrines.

To proclaim what the Bible says about sexual morality - that sexual intimacy must be reserved for a marriage consisting of one biological man and one biological woman - is the woke definition "anti-LGBTQ." But while the woke movement may be anti-Bible believers, the Bible believers are not anti them or anybody else. They are disinviting the Christians and berating the Christians and trying to sue the Christians for living according to Christian convictions. They are coming after the Christians, the Christians are not pursuing them.

It is fair to point out that some segments of Christianity have at times railed against homosexual behavior as if homosexuality was the worst or the only sin listed in the Bible. Obviously there are many other sins.

^"Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless." (Romans 1:24–31)

It is also true that some people (sometimes people calling themselves Christians) have been hateful toward homosexuals. But Christians are directly instructed to love our neighbors - including our sinful neighbors. (We don't have any other neighbors.)

We cannot control the hatefulness of the woke movement and the all consuming cancel culture it is spawns. But even if we cannot convince them, we must remind ourselves of the basic truths concerning biblical Christianity and the LGBTQ movement.

1) While people sin in all sorts of ways,

"ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

2) Sin is a matter of rebellion against God and will be judged by God.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth." (Romans 1:18)

3) It is our Christian duty to love people by warning them of the wrath to come and telling them about the gracious provision of God, by which anyone might be saved from God's wrath and clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

4) God saves us from our sins as a free gift that can only be received by faith.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8–9 (None of us deserve it!)

5) Any sinner can be saved from his or her sins by God. But no sinner can be saved who chooses his or her sins instead of repenting and turning to Jesus.

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:9–11

As the Church of Jesus Christ we should be welcoming to all who might come our way - no matter what their sin. But we would need to disobey Christ to throw out what the Bible says and tell people that their behavior does not matter. Our various sins matter very much and they separate us from God. "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

Apparently the woke community is anti-Christian. But we who are Christians must be loving toward them... loving enough to keep telling them they are sinners who need to repent and turn to Christ.

New Beginnings!

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 11:43:00 -0400

We recently celebrated Easter.

We celebrate Easter because although Jesus died and was buried, on the third day he rose from the dead and now he lives at the right hand of God the Father.

Because he lives we know that his death was accepted as the atonement for our sins.
Because he lives we know that the promise of eternal life is genuine for all believers.
Because he lives we are to live new lives as his disciples - his witnesses.
Because he lives we are delivered from the fear of death.

Jesus' resurrection from the dead is the ultimate new beginning! Those who put their faith in Jesus experience a new birth - a new beginning of spiritual life!

On a much more mundane level, I want to make a new beginning for this blog.

Over time I have sometimes maintained and sometimes neglected this blog. At one time I actually posted articles for thought and discussion. Then for a while it became the place where I linked people to my sermon recordings, then to my YouTube lessons, then briefly to my sermon videos.

From a few months this has been inactive because I was first undergoing and I am now recovering from a Bone Marrow Transplant.

A transplant is a type of new beginning. I was afflicted by a fatal disease, but now I have been delivered from that disease. I used to produce my own blood and immune system, but now I have someone else's bone marrow producing his blood and immune system in me.

By God's grace I am doing very well, my mental faculties are still intact and I have pretty good energy day by day. My new immune system is of necessity suppressed, so I cannot be around people. My endurance is not what it used to be until I recover some more, so I need naps. I have many challenges to negotiate over the next year of adjusting to my transplant, but I can still read, think and write.

And I have some time on my hands!

So I hope that you will join me in this project as I attempt to think through various issues about life, current events, Bible texts and things that I am reading or listening to. We will begin and see how things go.

May God receive glory!

What's That Cross For?

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 16:12:00 -0500

Jesus said that if anyone wanted to follow him, that person would need to deny himself and take up his cross and follow Jesus.

So the question is, what is a Christian supposed to do with "his cross?" It is not some difficulty in life that he needs to endure. There is something far more significant than that.

This message looks at the three references to crucifixion in Galatains to see what it is that we are supposed to crucify.

Growth In Godliness

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sun, 3 Jan 2021 19:41:00 -0500

Progressive ideology is its own kind of religion. Progressives believe that everything will get better and better through their progressive policies. They believe that they can eliminate poverty, injustice and violence through passing new laws. Through taxes and redistribution of wealth they can solve inequities. They can fix global warming through energy policy and scientific research. They can come up with a medical solution for every disease and maybe even a technical fix for death itself.

But the only cure for death is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Only Christ can fix the brokenness we have introduced into the world by our sin. At present we yield ourselves to Jesus so that our hearts are fixed. There is nothing wrong with fighting against injustice and systemic poverty as long as you do not put your faith in the wrong

The Year Ahead - James 4:13-17

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 08:02:00 -0500

Last year at Christmas we had no idea what was going to happen in just a few short months. The COVID pandemic changed everything. Beyond sickness and death it caused economic upheaval, isolation and social strife. Many people were (are) concerned about who is to blame - whether masks help or hinder - if the government can impose restrictions on people's freedoms - and so on...

But much of the upset is due to the prevailing mindset that says everything can be managed, controlled, cured, prevented or fixed by human ingenuity. We are the masters of our own fate!

God has a different view.

The Christmas Message!

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 20:39:00 -0500

Christmas is loaded with traditions and traditional activities. There are lights and trees and gifts. There are carols and cards and cookies. But in the busy-ness of the season, be careful not to lose the most important thing about Christmas - the Christmas Message. "Unto you is born... a Savior who is Christ, the Lord."

Things have never been the same! God has become a man to rescue us from our sins.

Mary & Gabriel

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 18:11:00 -0500

Luke is the gospel that contains the most detailed information about the virgin birth of Christ. Luke evidently was able to interview Mary and get her perspective on things. He includes not just what happened, but also her perspective on these things.

The virgin birth - foretold by the angel Gabriel - was to be the means by which God became a man. In this way he brought salvation and eternal life to all who would call upon him.

Zechariah & Gabriel

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 21:07:00 -0500

Luke does not start his gospel about Jesus with the announcement to Mary. Luke begins with the announcement to Zechariah! He does this to make some important points about who Jesus was and what was happening when he came.

Invitation to Thanksgiving

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 21:06:00 -0500

Thanksgiving is not just a national holiday where we eat turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce. It is a central part of biblical worship. Today we will consider an invitation for the whole earth to participate in praising God for his wonderful works.

Christians In America

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 18:22:00 -0500

The preamble to the Declaration of Independence has had a greater impact on modern America than the Bible has. Many people may even think that the Right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness is in the Bible. (Spoiler Alert: It isn't).

It doesn't take genius to see that there are deep divides in our nation. But the biblical perspective has condemnation for people on both sides who scream and shout - hate and are hated - in the name of personal freedom.

This message gives us God's perspective on how Christians should behave in the midst of a pagan culture.

Our Greatest Hope

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 7 Nov 2020 18:44:00 -0500

We just came through a presidential election in which the country was divided right down the middle... Pretty much 50/50. Nevertheless, when it is finally decided, one side will be jubilant and the other despondent. The winning side will be sure that this is the beginning of best years yet. The other side will see it as the beginning of the end.

As Christians we care about elections but we don't think they are the most important thing in the world. There is something else that is far more important. It is our greatest hope.

Discerning The Lord's Body

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 16:54:00 -0400

In our instructions about observing communion we are strictly warned that when we partake of the Lord's supper, we must be sure to "discern the body" or we will bring God's judgment on ourselves. Well, how exactly do we "discern the body?"

Sound Doctrine For Living

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 24 Oct 2020 18:53:00 -0400

To have the word of God is not enough. We must learn sound doctrine and then put it into action in our lives. The word of God is meant to change us from the inside out.

Order In The Church #2

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 08:44:00 -0400

The elders that are appointed in the churches must be irreproachable in their knowledge and handling of sound doctrine. Their core service is to instruct people in sound doctrine in preaching, teaching and counseling. But they also must "rebuke those who contradict" sound doctrine.

The meaning of this charge to rebuke is deeper than it might appear on the surface.

Order In The Church #1

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 17:03:00 -0400

What would you do if it was your job to find qualified pastors for local churches? What would you look for? What questions would you ask? How would you figure out what was really going on?

Titus was pretty much given that job in Crete. He was supposed to oversee the appointment of elders in every town. But he is given good instructions in what constituted "highly qualified" candidates. If everyone followed these instructions there would be less trouble in churches.

An Encouraging Word

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 3 Oct 2020 18:56:00 -0400

We all need an encouraging word no and then... Maybe now more than ever. Titus was assigned to ministry in a very difficult place - the island of Crete. Imagine how happy he was to receive a letter from his mentor - the apostle Paul. And Paul was careful to strike an encouraging tone right from the start.

We should be encouraged too.

Killing Jesus

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 17:38:00 -0400

When people decide to reject Jesus' Authority, they are choosing some things they may not be aware of. They are actually choosing to kill Jesus. It is never enough for a person to "just say no" to Jesus, because his message - in fact his existence - is very disruptive to people who want to enjoy their autonomy and to keep on sinning. Consequently, they need to kill Jesus... to wipe him out so they can forget all about him.

RSVP Heaven

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 16:09:00 -0400

When Jesus was invited to a formal dinner at the home of a leading Pharisee He had lessons to share with both the guests and the host.

Heaven is like the dinner in Jesus' parable. Some people are foolish enough to make excuses to not attend. Others realize that they have been rescued from a place of despair.

Fruitless Fig Trees

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 19:00:00 -0400

How long would you keep planting and tending a garden if there was never any produce? No tomatoes, cucumbers, or melons. No lettuce, peppers or carrots.

How long before you gave up and plowed it all under. Maybe it would be a nice patch of grass?

In the parable of the fruitless fig tree in Luke 13:1-9, Jesus connects the parable to the problem of people suffering deadly disasters. People assumed that those who died in sudden gruesome ways must have incurred God's wrath. Jesus tells us truth - that we are all in the same kind of jeopardy. Our fate just hasn't caught up to us yet.

So what should we do?

Communion Community

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 5 Sep 2020 19:56:00 -0400

Communion is a church ceremony - even a ritual. But it is a ritual with a reason. This Bible study is to remind you what Communion is all about.

The notes sheet and scripture reading can be found here: www.PastorDenny.net/SermonResources/20200906.docx

Ready Or Not...

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 13:40:00 -0400

Why wouldn't Jesus tell his disciples when he was coming back? Could it be because he understands human nature and doesn't want everyone to be goofing off until the last minute before his return? Could it be that he wants all the disciples to be living in anticipation of his return and eager to please him?

We are not supposed to let down our guard - not even for a day. Jesus is coming again and we are to be ready to welcome him when he comes!

What Life Is Really About

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 14:51:00 -0400

This is sometimes called the parable of the rich fool, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Jesus said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15) This raises the question, "What does one's life consist of?"

What is life really about?

Loving Our Neighbor

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 19:43:00 -0400

When I've had a chance to talk to people who reject Christianity about the basis of their own ethic for living, they frequently say they believe in the golden rule: "Treat others as you would want them to treat you."

The Old Testament law put it a little bit differently. "Love your neighbor as yourself."

But how do we love ourselves and who exactly is our neighbor?

The Sower & The Soil

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 8 Aug 2020 18:58:00 -0400

Jesus' parable about the sower and the soil gives us important information about our task of evangelism. But it also raises some questions that we should be careful to answer.

Waiting For Jesus

admin@wabc-canton.org (Pastor David Denny) — Sat, 1 Aug 2020 17:26:00 -0400

Just before the "Triumphal Entry" into Jerusalem during the Passover gathering, the disciples were excited about seeing Jesus proclaimed as the King. They were excited about what high offices they might occupy in his administration.

Jesus tells a parable to warn his disciples he will be away for awhile before the kingdom. And while he is away they will need to be busy in his service. People who choose to rebel against Jesus will face judgment, but faithful servants will be rewarded.