May 6, 2024

UMC Marriage Vote, Kentucky Derby, Putin’s Sixth Term

May 06, 2024


May 6, 2024

“The more the church is divided, the more it is united”

Huldrych Zwingli

UMC Votes on Marriage

United Methodist delegates voted to repeal their church's ban on clergy performing same-sex marriages or unions and conducting such ceremonies in churches. This move marks a significant shift away from biblical, orthodox agreement within the United Methodist Church's laws and teachings. The decision followed the repeal of labeling homosexuality as incompatible with Christian teaching and the ban on LGBTQ clergy. The revised Book of Discipline now no longer prohibits ceremonies celebrating homosexual unions, leaving the decision to individual clergy and their consciences. While the change takes effect immediately, regional conferences outside the United States, particularly in Africa, may retain conservative views on sexuality. 

Instead of "throwing off everything that hinders” and the “sin that so easily entangles" (Hebrews 12:1-2), the UMC has decided to throw away God's Word on this matter (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:24, Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and more).

Despite what many progressives claim: 

  • It is never loving to confuse little ones in the faith (Matthew 18:6).

Those in authority, like those who voted at the UMC general convention, will and should be judged with greater harshness (James 3:1), but if we are given the opportunity to correct brothers or sisters in err, be gentle – lest you too be tempted (Galatians 6:1). Be like Prisca and Aquila faithfully showing Apollos his errs, with conviction and clarity, yet without harshness (Acts 18:24-26).

There are likely UMC congregations near you that claim to be "centrist" on this issue as if there is a middle ground between truth and falsehood available to them (1 John 1:5-7, Isaiah 5:20). Do not allow yourselves to be deceived that this is an issue of the conscience (Galatians 6:7-8). It is a matter of following what the Bible clearly teaches and what the church has clearly understood for roughly 2,000 years (Jude 1:3).

Interestingly, when Jesus was asked about marriage by His contemporaries who were looking for ways to excuse a different understanding, His response started with a question, "Have you not read?" And then he quotes the ancient texts that affirm that marriage is between a man and a woman and that there are only two genders (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:24).

Jesus's answer will always be the best answer we can give to others and ourselves when asking any of the big questions on life and faith, "What does God's Word say?” (1 Peter 3:15).

By: The Remnant News

Kentucky Derby Photo Finish

In a dramatic photo finish, Mystik Dan seized victory in the 150th Kentucky Derby, overcoming 18-1 odds to narrowly defeat Sierra Leone and Forever Young. Under the guidance of jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., the homebred colt surged ahead at the finish line by mere inches, outpacing the competition in a thrilling photo finish. Trainer Kenny McPeek celebrated his first Derby win after numerous attempts, achieving a rare career Triple Crown with the preceding Kentucky Oaks victory. Mystik Dan's unexpected triumph captured the essence of underdog success, resonating deeply with owners Lance and Sharilyn Gasaway, who earned a hefty $3.1M thanks to the record total $5M purse.

There's just something good about an underdog story. God continually picks some of the least likely to accomplish His great purposes, sometimes using the "weak" to shame the "strong" even (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

He favored Abel, not Cain (Genesis 4:4-5); Isaac, not Ishmael (Genesis 17:19-21); Jacob, not Esau (Romans 9:10-13); Joseph and David, not their respective brothers (1 Samuel 16:10-13, Genesis 39:2-4).

He mobilized the Gospel to many nations through a violent man named Saul, who hailed from Tarsus (Acts 9:15-16). The Savior of the universe came down not as a warrior-king as many had hoped, but in the form of a baby (Luke 2:6-7), and He chose a young virgin named Mary to be the vessel of our Lord (Luke 1:26-28).

The Kentucky Derby isn't an event of biblical proportion by any means, but it is a great opportunity to dwell on unlikely "heroes" God chooses, where our help and ultimate victory comes from (Psalm 121:2, 1 John 5:4), and the value of finishing an even greater race (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

By: Jamie Wilder

Sixth Term for Putin

Vladimir Putin, set to begin his sixth presidential term tomorrow, has wielded substantial power over Russia since 1999, shaping it into a monolithic state by suppressing opposition, expelling dissenting voices, and promoting conservative values. Despite international condemnation, Putin's dominance has allowed him to initiate the war in Ukraine, where Russia has made significant gains. The war remains central to his political agenda, overshadowing concerns about domestic reforms and economic strains.

For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers (Proverbs 11:4). Vladimir Putin has been in office in Russia for nearly 25 years. While the official designation suggests that Russia is a republic, a federation run by a President and Prime Minister, the world recognizes Vladimir Putin as an authoritarian dictator. He may have "advisors" around him, but historically, dictators are not men who listen to "godly counsel”(Proverbs 12:15). While Russia may maintain a position of power and authority or be seen as a worldwide threat, the Scriptures guarantee that such a nation will not prosper; we can count on it. 

The same truth we admonish our own nation with can be applied to Russia. If the "motherland" would humble themselves, pray, and return to the Father, they would see a lot of healing happen in their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Until that happens, the people's groaning will increase (Proverbs 29:2). 

Vladimir Putin would be wise to humble himself before his Creator. While he seeks power and influence on this side of heaven, he should entrust Himself to the One who exalts at the proper time (1 Peter 5:6) and is sure to exact swift judgment on the other (Nahum 1:3, Romans 14:12). 

By: Kirby Mankin

Other news you should know

🇮🇱 Al Jazeera raided after being shutdown in Israel.

💰This rep was charged with accepting bribes.

❌ USC closed down its campus to clear protestors.

🎵 Madonna closed out her “Celebration” tour with a free concert 1.6M people attended. (No link included intentionally)

🧪 Florida strikes again, banning lab-grown meat.

🚨 Driver crashes into White House gate, dies.

💥 Hamas says cease-fire talks have stopped.

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