You Have the Map!

Former Christian recording artist and three time Dove Award winner, Ray Boltz has announced that he is a practicing homosexual. Ray Boltz was a staple of Contemporary Christian music of the late eighties through the mid-nineties. Now Mr. Boltz believes he can be both a Christian and engage in the homosexual lifestyle. He has even went so far as to say that G-d made him like this so he is going to live it. However the word of G-d says otherwise:

 

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites….will inherit the kingdom of God.”

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

 

This is becoming more common place not only in society but even within the church. Boltz has joined one of many “gay churches” which have popped up across America. Moral relativism and false doctrine are on the rise, even within our own community and far to often the church has sat back and been complacent. People are being deceived right into hell but we don’t want the inconvenience of standing up to the deceivers. We are called to be salt and light but our salt has lost its flavor and that light has dimmed.

 

The great apostle Paul knew very well that sitting idly only allowed the problem to grow. With love and a desire to being sinners to reconciliation Paul spoke boldly. That boldness requires that our heart and our motives change. We should never speak the Gospel to offend however we should not allow our fear of offending to silence us. Matthew 24:10 tells us, “And then many will be offended.”

 

We must always show the love of Christ but understand that the greatest way to demonstrate that love is to share the truth of the word of G-d. If you have unsaved friends you should recognize where their ultimate destination is. Jesus says in Matthew 25:41, “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ’Depart from me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angles.” Will you risk offending them to snatch them from the Deceivers grasp.

 

I often use this analogy:

 

Two sets of comrades approach two separate mine fields. At each field one man has a map showing the location of every land mine and one, being independent and bullheaded wants to tread on through the field depending on his own instincts.

 

At one field the map holder allows his comrade to do it on his own, not wanting to offend the other. As his friend crosses the field he immediately steps on the mine and looses a leg.

 

At the other field the map holder boldly grabs the others arm and points out the location of each land mine, disregarding his fear of offending. The man is then able to cross the field unscathed.

 

Which showed greater love for his fellow man?

 

As believers you have the map! That map is the sixty-six books of the Bible. Speak boldly and always remember, you hold the map!

 

To Readers who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior

 

If you have read this and you don’t currently have a relationship with Jesus please make that decision today. 1Corinthians 6:2 tells us, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” Take the time to allow me to share with you the road to salvation.

 

1. You should first know that each and everyone of us have sinned. Without Jesus none of us could be saved. Romans 3:23 says “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

 

2. G-d loves us and made a way for us even when we ignored and defied Him. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

 

3. G-d has offered the gift of salvation to us freely. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 

4. G-d told us exactly how to accept His free gift. Romans 10:9-10 “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. “

 

5. You can have assurance of your salvation and where you will spend eternity. Romans 10:13 “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

 

If you want to accept that gift please pray the following:

 

Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner in need of a savior. I repent of my sins and ask you to come into my heart and make me a new creation in you. Lord, help me to remain faithful to you. Guide and teach me in your word and protect me from Satan’s snares.

 

Amen