Who Can Cast The First stone?

I’m sure by now everyone who watches television, reads the paper, and uses social media knows about Kim Davis, the Rowan County clerk, jailed for her refusal to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples.  She has both supporters and critics.  A rally was held in her support on the day of her release and many public officials attended including Mike Huckabee, a GOP presidential candidate.
What really concerns me about this issue is her critics that are using her past to color her present. “She has been divorced four times and had an extramarital affair.” My question is “Who among us can cast the first stone?” In the gospel of John Chapter 8 in the Bible we read of an adulterous woman who was brought to Jesus by the Pharisees. They were trying to trick Jesus by using the Law given to Moses.  “In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger.  When they kept questioning Him He straightened up and said to them. "Let any one who is without sin to be the first to throw a stone at her."Again, He stooped down and wrote on the ground. (John 8:5-8)
Do you know who threw the first stone? NOBODY. Instead they began to walk away. Do you know why? Because not a one of them was without sin! My question to you today is are you qualified to throw the first stone or do you have sin in your life?
If her adultery happened before she gave her life to God—that sin was forgiven by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. If her sins were not forgiven no one’s sins were forgiven and Christ died in vain.
You might not believe the Bible and disagree with me. That is okay. You have that right but I also have to right to my beliefs.  I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than stand with the world and be judged by God.

The Son Still Shines

How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?  Proverbs 1:22

We live in a society that has tried to eliminate God. Children cannot say the Lord’s Prayer or even pray in schools anymore. The Bible is not allowed in schools but our children are being indoctrinated in the ways of Allah and Islam. Homosexuality is embraced while Christians who are embracing the Biblical view of marriage are being outlawed.  Christian business owners are being forced to violate their beliefs or be fined or jailed for their Christian beliefs.  In fact, Christians are referred to as “radical extremists” that need to be isolated from “normal citizens”.  Our government feels the need to protect citizens from these “radical, Christian bigots”.  Christians re being persecuted and killed all over the world while Islam is being hailed as a religion of peace.  The adherents of this peaceful religion are beheading “infidels”, raping and selling women and children for sex slaves and throwing homosexuals from buildings as punishment for their sinful behavior.

Celebrities who are too often seen as role models for our youth are openly cursing God and worshipping their awards and accomplishments.  On the other hand, celebrities who are Christians are constantly being told not to talk about their faith openly or being punished for their faith.  Tim Tebow, a prominent sports star was ridiculed for his outward show of faith.  Christians are being ridiculed while recently, a transgendered person was given a reward for bravery while the real heroes of our armed forces are being overlooked.  Our military has not escaped the discrimination of the left as they are being downsized and prosecuted for their show of faith.  Even chaplains in our military are being discharged and told not to speak the name of Jesus or say anything against homosexuals.  They are not free to do the job they have been called to do because it “might offend someone”.  Jesus offended people when He walked this earth but He did not stop doing His Father’s business because of it.  Jesus said that “if you are ashamed of me I will be ashamed of you in front of my Father.”  I would rather live my life in God’s will than live a life that honors man and keep God out.

People today are embracing the idea that man is an independent being who has no use for God.  In fact, many people go as far to say “We are gods of our own lives and there are no absolutes in this life.  If it feels good do it.”  People are more involved in putting accomplishments, people, and possessions in the placed that should be occupied by God.

Friends, there is good news for Christians!  God still sits upon the throne and He is still in control.  We can see His presence all around us.  Look around you and see how God shows us His presence and love each day.  Look at the sunrise and sunset.  No man can put such beautiful colors together—only God can do that.  No artist can put the rainbow in the sky. Only God could put such colors together in the sky.  He gives us this beautiful arc in the sky as a promise to His children.  He sends the sunshine and the rain to make the trees and flowers grow.

Friends, God loves so much that He gave us the most precious gift ever given to man. He gave us His only so9n to live among us, to die on the cross, and to arise again. He gave us His son to pay the penalty of our sins. Can you think of a greater love than this? I can’t.

People today may try to deny God’s presence but the truth is His presence cannot be denied. We can close the door and shut the shades at our windows to blot out the sun but the sun will still shine. We can close our hearts so He cannot enter but that doesn’t stop His glory. Nothing can diminish God’s glory and love for His children. It will always be there for us—always

A man can no longer diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word “darkness” on the walls of his cell.  C.S. Lewis