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| Volume 18 Number 3 March 2016 | Page 13 |
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| Volume 18 Number 3 March 2016 | Page 13 |
Thomas Baxley
Same-sex marriage is now legal in the state of Alabama. Many are hailing this as a victory, a victory for love. They feel that we are moving in the right direction as a nation, and that those who oppose this are on the wrong side of history. To be completely honest, I have no idea what people mean when they say that I’m on the wrong side of history for saying that same-sex marriage is not approved by God. To be completely honest again, I’m not at all concerned about being on “history’s” side, but rather being on God’s side, since that is the only side that matters.
So what can I do now that same-sex marriage is here? First of all, I can continue to educate others on what God says about the marriage relationship. Second, I can continue to love and to minister to those who struggle with sin of any kind. Third, I can pray that people realize that true love wants others to go to heaven and would never compromise that opportunity for selfish desires.
Pierced Ears
Thomas Baxley
According to Hebrew law, a slave could permanently bind himself to his master if he so desired. Upon making the request, the slave would then be brought to the door post where his ear would be pierced with an awl, signifying to all his devotion to his family and his master (Exodus 21:5-6). “Pierce My Ear” is a song that highlights this ancient ritual, and it serves as a reminder that (1) we have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23), and (2) of the dedication and devotion that we are to have toward God. May we constantly remind ourselves as Christians that we have been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). We have crucified the flesh with its passions (Galatians 5:24). Through the cross of Christ the world has been crucified to us, and we to the world (Galatians 6:14).