In light of the events of June 12 I have prayerfully sought God and His word to compose a sincere heartfelt response. A response that I hope will help every Christian look sincerely at our role in the culture and society we are called to influence for Jesus Christ. Here is my response to the Orlando shooting.
Sunday morning June 12, 2016 around 2 A.M. America experienced another terrorist attack. Once again extremists have made our citizens a target. This tragedy was plotted and carried out by Islamic extremists, ISIS. News agencies, bloggers, podcasters, the religious and the politicians are all putting their spin on the events and sadly using them to advance personal, corporate and political party agendas. As a pastor I acknowledge the deeply rooted theological and doctrinal matters to study and evaluate and apply regarding this tragedy, but for the immediate day there are people grieving who need the comfort and compassion of God’s grace given by the testimony of His people. I am not suggesting we compromise the gospel, I am encouraging every Christian to pray that God’s grace and mercy will reach the hearts of those who are grieving.
Contrary to post-modern philosophy, extremism is not new to humanity. It has existed since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Extremism finds its evil justification by convoluted philosophy in many areas; some examples are racism, politics, religion and bigotry. The methods and instruments used to achieve their destructive ends are not limited by laws, availability or technology. The creativity of an evil heart and mind has no limitations, no conscience, and no conviction. Likewise, the hasty and ill-considered behavior of using the emotion of tragedy to enact laws, policy or any type of overreach which impairs the law abiding citizen from protecting themselves is an unforgivable victimization of one group in order to advance the agenda of a much smaller and divisive group.
The Church has an opportunity to step up this morning, by reaching out to our hurting neighbors. Not with a message of Judgment, but with a message of hope; a Hope which exists only through Jesus Christ. America and the world struggle within the spiral of spiritual decline. Governments, churches and corporations have leadership which lacks integrity, character and conviction. The Church has fallen asleep in the contentment of materialism and needs an awakening from the Laodicea mindset. The opportunity for personal revival sits before us. Will we reach out with the gospel of Jesus Christ, prayerfully seeking His will through His word for a hurting and hungry culture? May God have mercy on us as we deal with this tragedy!
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