Honestly I thought it was just another cynical blog post. A joke! That’s what I thought two days ago when I first read that Mayor Ann Parker and her staff had sent out subpoenas for the sermons from a number of high profile preachers in Houston. I mean the whole thing just sounded a bit too Orwellian with thought police in tow to be real. However, as the hours went by and the day on the calendar changed, more and more posts came out and new articles like this one by ABC News confirmed the insanity. I’d expect this from the former Soviet Union where Deb and I lived for two years. Certainly North Korea would be appropriate. America though seemed out of the question. But thus it is true. The city of Houston has sent subpoenas to some ministers who have taught a Biblical stance on homosexuality.

 

Because I do not technically live within the Houston city limits I don’t expect to get a notice in the mail; at least for now anyway. Even if I did I’m not sure I could comply as I don’t actually write out sermon manuscripts. If called upon though I’d have no problem inviting anyone and everyone to check out my sermons online or even better yet, to drop by and see us at The Crossings for one of our Sunday morning gatherings. I’ve never preached a purely topical sermon over Homosexuality and especially with Mayor Parker at its core. For argument sake though, if I did, I suppose it would go something like this. Here is a quick and simple, deductive sermon outline with 4 points that I might preach.

 

Title and dominate thought: There is Hope for Homosexuality and the Hurting.

Introduction:

The present struggle in Houston.

The struggle through the ages on this issue and others.

What God has to say on this and the deeper root issue involved.

 

1. The People We Are.

-The confusion of “identifying” one’s nature with a sexual propensity.

-The reality that Mayor Ann Parker (and all of us) is created beautifully by God. Psalm 139:13 – 16.

-There is purpose in our lives and we are not merely accidents of nature.

 

Yes, Annie Parker and the rest; you, me, and all of us, we are all specially and uniquely created by God for a unique purpose.

 

2. The Problem We Have.

-The truth of the matter is that we all have a brokenness within us.

-We have a bent toward rebellion against God that we inherited from our forebears.

We have also all chosen to rebel against God and brokenness follows.

The ultimate issue, no matter the specifics, is one of rebellion.

-We may just call it brokenness, but God calls it sin.

-Yes; giving into Homosexual propensities and temptations is a sin just like heterosexual adultery and pre-marital sex is a sin.

-While we could digress into the fact that many times our brokenness is the result of wounds we’ve received, we are ultimately accountable for our own decisions of rebellion.

I, we, have all fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:10 and Romans 3:23

 

3. The Punishment We Deserve.

-I would have to honestly speak, as did Paul before Felix, of Righteousness, Self-control, and Judgment to come.   Acts 24:25

-The Wages of Sin is Death. Romans 6:23 / Revelation 20:14 – 15.

Eternal Death is eternal separation from God.

 

4. The Promises God Has Made. While God is perfect in Holiness; He is also perfect in Love.

-While sinners, Christ died for us. Revelation 5:8 / John 3:16.  There is NO greater love.

-The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:23

-The promise is for eternal forgiveness and restoration.

-The promise is also for healing and purpose now. John 10:10

So many roots of hurt are below the high profile of politics.

The wounds, loneliness, confusion: Jesus can heal all of this.

 

God has promised to bring healing through his Son Jesus Christ and the offer is open to all who would come.

 

Conclusion:

-My story of being hurt and my hurting others. My story of sin. My story of finding Hope in Christ

Same can be true for you as well.

 

-To do today:

1. For those who know Christ.

Pray for those in Government.

Pray for those in need of Christ.

Respond to attacks in love.

Share the love of Christ with all who would listen.

If you feel led to enter the political realm, then do so in love.

 

2. For those who do not know Christ.

The offer is for you as well.

Humbly confess your need, repent of your sin, and come to Christ today.

 

-The true healing and “Hopeful” story of Dr. Butterfield.  Jesus dealt with the real root and Dr. Butterfield experienced real healing.

-The same can be true for you today. Jesus loves you deeply; will you come to HIM today?