Why My Default is to Vote "No" on Constitutional Amendments

My default position on any constitutional amendment is "no." I am not saying this is an issue of biblical faithfulness (so feel free to do otherwise). However, I think many of us don't give much thought to a philosophy of ministry in this area of our lives. So, below are my thoughts. Maybe they will help you as you consider how you will exercise your responsibilities as a citizen during an election cycle.

The main reason I default to "no" is that most issues should be able to be addressed by the legislature. These amendments generally stand no chance of getting through the normal legislative process because, upon scrutiny, they are not good for society. Thus, special interest groups use the amendment process to try to get voters, who will spend no time thinking about what the text of the law means or its implications, to vote based on how they feel about things in the moment. Thus, issues that are bad for our state get enshrined in our constitution. Or, issues that might be fine laws end up as silly parts of our constitution (eg, I think we have something about the treatment of baby pigs in our constitution).

Second, many amendments are written and promoted by special interest groups that stand to make A LOT of money from passing their amendments. For example, amendments 3 and 4, on recreational marijuana and on the right to abortion, are HEAVILY funded by industries that stand to make HUGE sums of money if they pass.

I would only vote yes on an amendment if: 

1. It is required to fix a constitutional issue (e.g., undo a previously approved and bad amendment or free the legislature to do its job). This seems to be the case with Amendment 6 on this year's ballot in Florida (to undo a campaign finance amendment that set up taxpayer-funded campaign money for candidates).  

2. My second reason for a yes vote is if it is a fundamental, bedrock issue that should be seen as basic to law-making itself. So, I would vote for an amendment that clarified the right to life for babies in the womb (even though I think that is already covered in our constitution and laws) because people seem to believe there is no God-given right to life for a baby. This willful misunderstanding is having a huge effect on our ability to apply laws related to murder to protect children or avoid evil laws that legalize abortion.

In my next post, I'll address reasons to vote no on Amendment 4 in Florida.  

A Bible Study on Repentance

This past Sunday, I preached on the Joy of Being Forgiven from Psalm 32. The joy of forgiveness is tied to our willingness to stop hiding our sin. When we confess and repent of sin (trust the Lord to free us from its guilt and power), we find he restores our joy. Since Psalm 32 and 51 are closely connected, I thought I'd share this Bible study I developed a long time ago on the topic of repentance. You might find it helpful to go through as an application of the sermon.

Click here to download a word document version

Below is a copy and paste of the worksheet. You could do one section a day for 7 days.

Repentance and Remorse Bible Study

 

Repentance is God’s gracious gift to us which produces freedom from guilt and a restoration of true happiness (Ps. 51, 32). Many times, however, we settle for feeling constant guilt and find ourselves unable to see sin patterns change because we fail to understand true repentance. This study is designed to guide you in the path to forgiveness and the first step in changing sin patterns.

 

1. Read Psalm 51

• What circumstance prompted David to write this Psalm according to the superscription above verse 1?  (If you are unfamiliar with this event read 2 Samuel 11-12.)

 

 

• In verses 1-2, what does David plea to God for?

 

• He wants God to treat him according to His _____________ and ______________ (v 1).

Ø  Why should knowing that God possesses these attributes cause you to be quick to confess sins to God?

 

• Who does David say his sin was ultimately against (v. 4)?

Do you realize that every sin you commit has an impact on your vertical relationship (with God) and horizontal relationships (with others)?  David teaches us that ultimately every sin is first and foremost an offense against a holy God.  Our sin is rebellion against God.  We cannot have a right relationship with God if our sins are not dealt with (v. 9).

 

• In verse 7, who does David ask to cleanse him? 

 

Ø  Do you try to cleanse yourself from sin by doing good things (going to church, reading your Bible, helping people, etc.)?  Explain.

 

Ø  Do those things cleanse you? (See Titus 3:5).

 

 

• What does David ask for in verse 10?
  David realized that the problem was deeper than his sinful behavior.  He needed to be changed and cleansed from the inside out.

 

• According to verses 16-17 what is God most interested in?

 

Ø  Does this mean that God doesn’t expect right behavior (read v. 18-19)?

 

• How can you apply this passage to your situation?  What are some key aspects of repentance you gleaned from it?
  
  

 

 

2. Read Psalm 32:1-5

• This seems to have been written by David after he penned Psalm 51.
• According to verses 3-4, what was David’s experience when he “kept silent” about his sin?

 

Ø  Have you experienced this? Describe it.

 

Ø  If not, why do you think you have not?

 

 

• Read verses 1-2 and then verse 5.

Ø  What is the connection between forgiveness and confessing sin?

 

Ø  Verse 2 indicates the blessing of forgiveness comes to those in whose spirit there is “no deceit.” In light of verse 5, what do you think he means when he says “no deceit?”

 

 

Ø  What was his experience when he confessed to the Lord and was forgiven (verse 1-2)?

 

 

• How does this passage motivate you to confess and repent of your sin?

 

 

 

3. Read Proverbs 28:13

• The one who obtains mercy must _______________ and _______________ sins. 

 

• To confess is to agree with God’s judgment of your sinful thoughts and behavior- to call them what he calls them (rebellion against his loving rule in your life).

 

• To forsake is to turn away from something and leave it behind.

 

• Is confessing your sins the same as repentance?  How are they related?

 

 

• How can you apply this passage to your life today?

 

 

4. Read Joel 2:12-13

• The word “return” is used here to refer to repentance.  The same word is used in Ezekiel 14:6, “Thus says the Lord: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations.”  In both passages it means to turn from sin to God.

 

• What does verse 13 say the people should rend/tear?

 

• Rending garments in biblical times was an outward way of showing the inward reality of a broken heart.  Is it possible for someone to do outward actions that show a broken heart while not really having a broken heart over sin?  Give some examples.

 

 

5. Read 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

• Paul had sent the Corinthians a letter to confront some of their sins (v. 8).  How did they respond to the letter according to verse 9?

 

 

• In verse 10, Paul says there are two types of grief or sorrow over sin.  What are they?

 

 

• What is the difference between these two types of sorrow?

 

 

• Is feeling guilty or sorry over sin the same thing as repentance?

 

 

• The word “salvation” here does not just refer to a person being able to enter into heaven one day.  It refers to a Christian’s current spiritual vitality/walk with God and future eternal life.

 

 

• Read what one commentator had to say about the difference between these two types of grief:

 

Being sorrowful as God intended is feeling the deep grief that comes from knowing that our attitudes and actions have harmed our relationship with God.  ‘Godly sorrow’ feels bad because it is missing out on God … Worldly sorrow is the grief that comes about because one’s actions result in missing out on something the world has to offer.  Worldly sorrow feels bad because it wants more of the world (Hafmann, NIV Application Commentary: 2 Corinthians, 312).

           

• Which type of sorrow do you usually have?  How can you tell?

 

 

• In verse 11, Paul goes on to list 7 qualities or attitudes that are seen as fruit that proves that the Corinthians actually repented.  Read Luke 3:8 and Acts 26:19-20.  Should we expect to see right thoughts and behavior flow out of true repentance? Why or Why not?

 

 

• In your situation, what type of fruit (new behavior and thoughts) do you think should flow out of your repentance?

 

 

6. Examples of Sorrow over Sin

• Read Matthew 27:1-5. 

Ø  This event occurred after Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. 

Ø  Judas felt sad (remorse).  Does Judas exemplify worldly or godly sorrow?  Explain your answer.

• Read Matthew 26:69-75 and John 21:15-17. 

Ø  Peter also failed Jesus. Peter also felt sorrow over his sin. 

Ø  Does Peter exemplify worldly or godly sorrow?  Explain your answer.

• Godly sorrow comes from a heart that sees sin as rebellion against God, and it leads to a decisive turnaround from sin to God.  Worldly sorrow feels the same pain, but it is caused because of unwelcomed consequences (feelings of guilt, fear of punishment, or difficult circumstances) and does not lead to a true turning from sin to God.  It may lead a person to turn from a particular sin (to avoid more consequences or as a form of trying to pay for his or her sin), but it will not bring true repentance or lead to God.  Which type of sorrow do most often experience and how do you know which one it is?

 

 

7. Summary- Repentance involves the following ingredients:

1. Recognizing your sin and seeing it for what it is: Rebellion against God.
2. Sorrow over your sin.  This may involve literal tears, but it does not have to.  What is important is that your heart is broken over your sin because you know it has dishonored God and affected your relationship with Him.
3. Confessing your sin to God in prayer (agreeing with God that you have sinned and that the sin has affected your relationship with Him and other people).  Be specific and name the sin.
4. Asking for God’s mercy to cleanse you.  Jesus died to pay for your sin.
5. Turning from the sin towards God (both in your heart and behavior).  

Choosing a College Major - Advice from John Piper

Choosing what to major in (or even whether or not to go to college) is a daunting task for many. Others give it little thought. I found this podcast episode (14 minutes) from Ask Pastor John to be wise and helpful. 

His main considerations are

1. Aim at God's glory

2. Pursue Personal Holiness

3. Consider Your Gifts

4. Ponder Your Desires

5. Pay Attention to Needs

There is more in the podcast, so I encourage you to listen to it.

5 Prayers for the Persecuted Church

 We will be praying for the persecuted church this Sunday night at prayer meeting. Hebrews 11:36-38  reminds us that Christians have 

"suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth."

God commands us to "remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body" (Heb. 13:3). To remember them involves praying for them - how could we remember a part of our body suffering and not pray for it? 

Here are five things you can pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters

Five Prayers for the Persecuted Church 

1. Know the love God has for them and not be tempted to believe that suffering is an indication that they are not right with God.

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:34-37)

2. Honor Christ by only suffering for doing good 

¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, ¹⁵ but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. ¹⁷ For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:14-17)

3. A willingness to lose all knowing that Christ will never leave or forsake them

⁵ Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ⁶ So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

4. Love for those who persecute them

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶ For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? ⁴⁸ You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

5. An open door to proclaim the gospel and clarity as they share it

"At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— ⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:3-4)

Time for a Schedule and Priorities Check Up

 We are part of the way through a new semester (for our students). With each new semester (or season of life) comes unexpected changes in terms of schedules. Sure, you know when you have class and work, but there are unanticipated changes, too. The danger in a new semester (or a new season of life - like going into college, graduating, moving to a new place, etc.) is that our priorities don't get in the new schedule.

I encourage you to take about 30 minutes to an hour to prayerfully consider your priorities and compare them to your actual schedule. 

• Write out your top 3-5 priorities for the semester (ideally, these will be somewhat unchanging. Example: faithfully worship the Lord privately and with his people, be a diligent worker/student, etc.).
• Look at your planner or calendar. Are these priorities coming out in the rhythms and habits of your daily/weekly life? If not, what changes must be made to keep your priorities in place? Are there priorities that need to shift or change? 

Each season calls for a fresh consideration of what is most important and how we practically pursue those goals. You might think that you are too busy to do this. However, I have found that this exercise often yields greater peace and less anxiety because I have greater assurance that what I invest in is essential. Also, it helps us see things that we can or should start saying "no" to. 

Don't Date a Fool

 There are a lot of things we could say about what to look for in a potential spouse (which is to say, a person you would date). One thing you want to avoid is marrying a fool since "the companion of fools will suffer harm" (Proverbs 13:20).  Here is an excerpt from Joel James' mini-book HELP! I'm Confused about Dating, to help you recognize some character qualities of a fool (and thus avoid dating a fool):

“He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool” (Proverbs 10:18). A fool tells lies and spreads slander, saying untrue or hurtful things to protect him- or herself or to get at others. If the person you are interested in has a lying or abrasive tongue, scratch him or her off your list immediately.

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel” (Proverbs 12:15). The fool is conceited, always thinking he or she is right. Thus, this person refuses to be corrected. Who wants to pursue a marriage kind-of-relationship with someone who refuses to admit he or she is wrong?

“A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother” (Proverbs 15:20). Fools often have bad relationships with their parents. If someone speaks disrespectfully to or about his or her parents (or treats them badly in any other way), stay away. How this person treats his or her family reveals how he or she will treat you once the facade of dating politeness is dropped.

“A fool’s lips bring strife, and his mouth calls for blows” (Proverbs 18:6). Have you noticed an increased level of conflict with your family and friends since you started dating someone? Is he or she often the vortex of those conflicts? Maybe you are dating a fool, because fools are always surrounded by a thundercloud of strife.

“The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh” (Ecclesiastes 4:5). The “folding hands” terminology connects this to the sluggard of Proverbs (6:6–11; 24:30–34). If a guy has never held a job, doesn’t carry through on responsibilities, or doesn’t work consistently before marriage, then he won’t afterwards, either. Walking up an aisle, mumbling “I do,” and then walking back down the aisle doesn’t transform a person’s character.

“Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel” (Proverbs 20:3). A fool often quarrels. Why would you want that in a companion?

“A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back” (Proverbs 29:11). Don’t kid yourself; eventually you will be the target of your boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s anger.

Don’t let some good points blind your eyes to a person’s lack of true commitment to Jesus Christ. If you find yourself continually excusing your boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s behavior, it could be that he or she is a fool. Call sin “sin,” and call off the relationship. In short, follow Solomon’s instruction: “Leave the presence of a fool.” (Proverbs 14:7)

We will be discussing relationships and dating at Thursday night Bible study over the next few weeks. I hope you can join us.  

Do Marginalized Communities Have Month Long Celebrations?

Carl Truman has an opinion piece at World called "America's LGBTQ Establishment: Pride Month Shows Who Really Has Power in America." In it, he discusses the month-long cultural celebration of pride, specifically in the form of sexual expression. Truman writes, "June, once the harbinger of summer sun and fun family vacations, is now a grim annual marathon for anyone who has hesitations about the orgy of identities and the exaltation of sexual expression that have laid claim to the mainstream of cultural life in America."

His main point is that pride month is not about civil rights or equality before the law. Instead, it is a flexing of power. The fact that there is a whole month in which businesses, politicians, and celebrities bow to pay homage to the sexual expressions of the LGBTQ community shows that the LGBTQ movement is not marginalized. As Truman points out, "If you are truly marginalized, you tend not to have months celebrating your existence." It's hard to see how a group can claim to be marginalized 11 months out of the year while having a month celebrating their viewpoint and denouncing any opposition to it (and the rabid support of the government, corporate America, and Hollywood for the entire year). 

How Should We Respond?

This isn't to say that we should respond with hatred. Christians love those who treat them as enemies. We do that by speaking the truth of the gospel in love. Romans one tells us that this celebration of sexual rebellion is, in fact, an expression of pride. It is an exchange of the Creator to worship creation (ourselves and others). All of us are born in this truth-suppressing condition, and the wages of this is the righteous judgment of God. The good news is that Jesus came to free us from the darkness and rebellion so that we can be forgiven and transformed from enemies of God into children of God. 

Besides sharing the gospel, we must also live as redeemed people. We must fight against our own pride, knowing that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). We must eschew hypocrisy (i.e., don't denounce LGBT deviances while excusing our own).1 We must deal with our own indwelling sins and tell others to repent and believe in Jesus. 

So, this June, let's celebrate the Lord as the Sovereign Creator by focusing on humility. We can highlight this to ourselves and others by making an extra effort to meditate on what the Scripture says about humility and faithfulness (Phil. 2, James 4). We can choose, by God's grace, to not live by our feelings or what the culture demands but by God's Word (Ps. 1, 119). We can faithfully fulfill our roles in our families, church, and civic life. 

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1. To be clear, hypocrisy is speaking against sin while coddling it in my own life. It is not hypocritical to call sin for what is while also struggling against it in my own life.