The Separation Between Church and Hate

...Will's notes from Andy Stanley’s July 3, 2011 sermon at North Point Community Church

It’s easier to make a point than to make a difference.

In the mid-80’s the Gay Pride parade route was intentionally altered to march past FBC Atlanta just as the morning worship service let out. FBC had taken the stance the homosexuality was sin. “Change and become like us, and then we’ll accept you” was apparently FBC’s view.

Andy (28) asked his father if he could preach on homosexuality. The place was packed, with members and visitors alike. A tape of the sermon is not available in the resource center.

FBC changed the service time and ushered worshipers out the back, hoping to avoid a confrontation. It didn’t work. People were hiding, peering through the bushes. Meanwhile, the church across the street handed out cups of cold water.

Jesus and Paul spent the most time with those they disagreed with the most. Though the theology of Jesus and the Pharisees was the same, their approach was different.

Jesus was not concerned with being judged guilty by association. By associating with sinners and tax collectors, the religious leaders thought Jesus was supporting them, and Rome.

Sometimes questions are asked that should not be answered. The Pharisees often questioned Jesus, trying to trap Him. “By whose authority did John baptize?” Jesus refused to be dragged into debates that distracted from the primary issues.

Colossians 4:5-6: Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity…full of grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt.

In the next 300 years Christians thrived because of their response to the plagues. Emperor Julian had promoted paganism. “The Christians are moral; they are just good people, and that’s hard to compete with. The Christians take care of their poor, and ours as well.” They didn’t make points. They made a difference.

Jesus and Paul did not judge non Christians, who are not bound by God’s Word. Paul walked through towns that were filled with idolatry. The people erected statues to every god they knew, and even to Gods they didn’t know.

.It would have been easy for Paul to make a point about idolatry being wrong…but the people would not have listened to him. Instead he talked about the unknown God (unknown to them). This way, some listened.

Matthew 5:14-16: You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify God who is heaven. Verse 17 talks about how the law should still be in order.

The purpose of the church is to tell the world that Jesus died for them. Love your neighbors. That’s how the nation can be changed.