The RECORD

By Rev. Dallas E. Henry

A story is told about a famous preacher long ago who pastored a church that was filled every Sunday by people who traveled miles on foot just to hear his messages. One day, as the church was emptying, a passerby asked one of the people in the church why this preacher's messages were so compelling. The person responded without hesitation, "This preacher will take you up to the mountain and down to the valley, he will bring you to laughter and to tears, he will have you jumping with joy and then falling to your knees - - - but - - - by the time he is finished, he will always have you at the foot of the cross."

This week is such a week, where the mixture of emotions range from the exuberance of Palm Sunday with the crowds that must have followed not only Sunday, but Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday, through the streets of Jerusalem, to the intimacy of the Last Supper on Thursday and the anger of the announcement that one of His closest friends would betray Him, to the desperate prayers in Gethsemane's garden late Thursday night --- the final week of Jesus life on the earth with a full range of emotions and circumstances. All of it led to the foot of the cross on Friday --- to witness the sacrifice of a Savior for the sins of the whole world --- even your sins and mine.

There were probably more people shouting for Jesus and praising Him on Palm Sunday than there were any other day of His life. Yet Jesus knows that He will be dead before the week is over. It is true that when we are on the top, it's easy to get caught up in the praises of others and forget that this is not what life is all about. Praise can blind us to God's call upon our lives. A big head can make us think that life is all about us instead of God's will for our lives.

It is our human tendency to want to be liked and admired. What happens though when maintaining the praise of others forces us to wander away from the will of God for our lives? Being popular can lead to our persecution.

Jesus never let fame and popularity go to His head. The next day He comes back to Jerusalem to cleanse the temple and to teach the people. No matter how high we rise, like Jesus, our primary calling is to do the will of God which includes speaking unpopular things, at times.

As leaders in the Kingdom of God, each of us has been placed where we are in order to be a spokesperson or mouthpiece for God. We must be careful not to allow our popularity ratings cause us to be silent when God wants us to speak.

Jesus life is a warning to us that when God uses us to make a difference, the enemy is likely to attack. The Bible tells us, "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." There is no way to be faithful to Christ without encountering some form of persecution in our lives. Sometimes it's the actual act of being faithful that causes us the problem.

Jesus expected trouble to erupt around Him. Before He made it to Jerusalem, Jesus told the disciples that the chief priests will arrest Him, and have Him killed. The disciples brushed it off by saying, "We will never let anything like this happen to you."

We often think, when things go wrong, while trying to do right, we have missed the will of God for our lives. The truth is; we may be more in the will of God than ever before.

Just a few days after Palm Sunday. Jesus washes the disciples feet. They eat the Last Supper together in the upper room. They cry together because Jesus says that one of them is going to betray Him. To make matters even worse, Jesus tells them, "All of you will deny me tonight." They all declare that He's mistaken and that they will stand by His side to the end. Peter even states that he's ready to die for Jesus. [We all know what happened.]

Then Jesus leads them out to the Mount of Olives. This is a garden area with trees. The disciples are encouraged to spend some time in prayer. Jesus goes a little further from them and has the greatest battle in prayer that He's known to date, while the disciples are sleeping. His mission is so great that angels come to minister to Him. He's under such stress as He prepares to die for us that, in praying, the sweat on his forehead falls like drops of blood to the ground.

Here is a question to ponder: Is there something in your life that needs to be disturbed? In other words, is there a long-accepted value of yours, or habit, or practice -- something in your life that Jesus would be displeased with if He were to walk through the gates of your existence today?

Not a pleasant thought, is it? Perhaps you woke up, today, remembering that it was Good Friday - - and now you're being asked to consider what thing in your life the Lord detests. It was for those very things that Jesus suffered and died. It really is Good Friday. 2,000 years ago, He did that for us. And since He did this for us, are we willing follow Him? Are we willing to take up our cross? Our walk of faith isn't just about having a bubbly feeling for Jesus¦ It's also about facing the harsh realities of our humanness.

Here is another question¦..Is there something in your life that is troubling to which Jesus can bring peace? In other words, if Jesus can bring calm to a colt never-ridden and its mother, then would He not have the power to bring peace to the chaotic parts of our lives?

A story is told of a pastor who made his monthly trip to an assisted living center to sing for the residents there. They enjoyed having him come because he sang songs that they grew up with. He began by singing a couple of "cross songs," being sensitive to the time of the year that it was.

There was a new man and his wife there¦ and the man spoke up after the first several songs and said, "I want to sing ˜Silent Night."

The visiting pastor kind of chuckled and said in a quick-witted playful voice, "I love that song but my guitar isn't able to play it between January 1 and December 1." and everyone laughed. He sang a couple more songs.

Then the man's wife spoke, this time a little louder and quite a bit more insistent, "WE WANT TO SING ˜SILENT NIGHT."

The pastor could see that neither of them was kidding and neither cared that it was in the middle of Lent and on the threshold of Holy Week, where Jesus wasn't just born but was over 30 years old by now! There was no getting around it¦they sang Silent Night.

There was another woman, there for the first time, who began to weep openly as they sang a song that obviously pulled her heart strings and brought tears of comfort to her troubled soul. It's great the Lord, whose birth brought peace to the chaos of Bethlehem, can do that all year round for every generation in every time and every place.

And the last question is this: What price are we really willing to pay to further the cause of Christ? Are we at all moved to action when people attack Jesus and His teachings? Do we desire to speak up for what's right or do we look into the darkness to run and hide with our silence?

I regret how often I betray Jesus with my silence only later to say to myself, "I should have said something." Do you know why we remain silent? I believe it has to do with the possibility that we prefer the approval of others over the persecution of standing with and for Christ.

If we are going to walk with Christ, then there is a certain amount of persecution and rejection we must be willing to endure. We should expect it. We should even consider it joy to be able to face it. Not everybody is going to like us if we are faithful to Him. Not everybody is going to like our message because it's truth. We must be willing to stand alone at times. We must recognize that there will be times when it is going to hurt to be a Christian. We all know that persecution never feels good.

Palm Sunday began with praises, but the week ended in persecution. Jesus died on the cross at Calvary for sins He did not commit. If Jesus had been content with the praises, we would still be lost today. Christ paid an unimaginable price because of His love for us. Are we willing to pay a price to love Him back?

The Christian Civic League of Maine has been fully engaged in this war of the clashing of worldviews for over a century now and has some experience at the battle. Churches, ministries and individuals who partner with the League are also engaging in this battle and helping to win it. Please consider supporting the League with regular contributions if you haven't already. Another very important blessing to the ministry of the League is prayer. Pray for Executive Director Michael Heath, the staff and Board of Directors. The League has a prayer partnership network that receives regular prayer updates. You can contact the League office to become part of the network.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to those churches and ministries that are joining the 500-50-5 project. Support of the League has never been more important with daily attacks on marriage and family being introduced in our legislature. We could do so much more if the resources were there. If you haven't become a partner, I urge you to do so today. Maine's future depends on it.

May we be found faithful and fully committed to the cause of Christ here in Maine. May we be willing to endure persecution as we stand unashamed for the truth of the Gospel of Jesus.

The League is committed to proclaim the truths of Jesus Christ. It is bringing its influence to the State House. We won on LD 779. After the response through the Citizen Action Center, one of the Judiciary committee members said "With the hundereds of emails we have received, the will of the people is abundantly clear."

Also keep your eyes open for a report in the RECORD of the hearing having to do with granting homosexual couples even more benefits. It is LD 375. You can express your opinion on this one too. It is even more important than LD 779. A church denominational representative lobbied at the hearing IN FAVOR of LD 375.

If you haven't checked out our Citizen Action Center on the internet, you need to do it. Go here. This is a very easy and quick way to communicate with your legislators and others who you select. It can be done from the comfort of your home or office. To further help you, a message has been prepared for you to use or, even better, you can write your own. An initial registration is required and then you can use it on a regular basis. You will see a list of issues the League is interested in bringing a Christian/Biblical influence to. Please pass on this information to others you regularly communicate with.

And finally, if you are not aware of it, Mike Heath regularly speaks on current issues of today, from a biblical perspective. He speaks at regional conferences and radio programs, and also speaks in churches across Maine bringing an update of the work of the League.

Please consider having Mike Heath speak at your church for a "League Sunday". He teaches adult/teen Sunday School classes, using multimedia and leading a discussion. Mike also preaches on the subject of Christian Citizenship, bringing a biblical sermon in morning and evening worship services. He is glad to provide pulpit supply for pastors.

You may contact Paulie Heath to schedule an event with Mike.
Email: paulie@paulieheath.com

Thank you for your support.

Historians tell us that Patrick was born sometime around 380 in Scotland or Wales. His real name was believed to be Maewyn Succat as he took the name Patrick (or Patricus) after he became a priest.

As a boy of about fifteen or sixteen, he was captured during a raiding party. He was taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep for an Irish chieftain. Patrick's captivity lasted six years. He escaped after he had a dream from God in which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. After a journey of 200 miles, he found a ship which took him back to Britain, where he was reunited with his family.

After his return to Britain, he had another dream in which the people of Ireland were calling out to him "We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more." He left the comfort of his family for France where he began his studies for the priesthood in continental monasteries. He was first ordained Priest and later, Patrick was ordained a bishop.

Despite constant threats to his life, Patrick traveled widely through Ireland, baptizing, confirming, and preaching. He converted thousands and began building churches, monasteries, and schools all over the country. Through the power of Patrick's message, Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms converted to Christianity. It is said that he and his disciples converted almost all the population of Ireland. He eventually made his headquarters in Armagh.

After years of living in poverty, traveling and enduring much suffering he died March 17, 461. He died at Saul, where he had built the first church and is reputedly buried at nearby Downpatrick. Below is a list of 16 confessions of St. Patrick.

THE CONFESSION OF ST. PATRICK

1. I, Patrick, a sinner, a most simple countryman, the least of all the faithful and most contemptible to many, had for father the deacon Calpurnius, son of the late Potitus, a priest, of the settlement [vicus] of Bannavem Taburniae; he had a small villa nearby where I was taken captive. I was at that time about sixteen years of age. I did not, indeed, know the true God; and I was taken into captivity in Ireland with many thousands of people, according to our deserts, for quite drawn away from God, we did not keep his precepts, nor were we obedient to our priests who used to remind us of our salvation. And the Lord brought down on us the fury of his being and scattered us among many nations, even to the ends of the earth, where I, in my smallness, am now to be found among foreigners.

2. And there the Lord opened my mind to an awareness of my unbelief, in order that, even so late, I might remember my transgressions and turn with all my heart to the Lord my God, who had regard for my insignificance and pitied my youth and ignorance. And he watched over me before I knew him, and before I learned sense or even distinguished between good and evil, and he protected me, and consoled me as a father would his son.

3. Therefore, indeed, I cannot keep silent, nor would it be proper, so many favours and graces has the Lord deigned to bestow on me in the land of my captivity. For after chastisement from God, and recognizing him, our way to repay him is to exalt him and confess his wonders before every nation under heaven.

4. For there is no other God, nor ever was before, nor shall be hereafter, but God the Father, unbegotten and without beginning, in whom all things began, whose are all things, as we have been taught; and his son Jesus Christ, who manifestly always existed with the Father, before the beginning of time in the spirit with the Father, indescribably begotten before all things, and all things visible and invisible were made by him. He was made man, conquered death and was received into Heaven, to the Father who gave him all power over every name in Heaven and on Earth and in Hell, so that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and God, in whom we believe. And we look to his imminent coming again, the judge of the living and the dead, who will render to each according to his deeds. And he poured out his Holy Spirit on us in abundance, the gift and pledge of immortality, which makes the believers and the obedient into sons of God and co-heirs of Christ who is revealed, and we worship one God in the Trinity of holy name.

5. He himself said through the prophet: "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." And again: "It is right to reveal and publish abroad the works of God."

6. I am imperfect in many things, nevertheless I want my brethren and kinsfolk to know my nature so that they may be able to perceive my soul's desire.

7. I am not ignorant of what is said of my Lord in the Psalm: "You destroy those who speak a lie." And again: "A lying mouth deals death to the soul." And likewise the Lord says in the Gospel: "On the day of judgment men shall render account for every idle word they utter."

8. So it is that I should mightily fear, with terror and trembling, this judgment on the day when no one shall be able to steal away or hide, but each and all shall render account for even our smallest sins before the judgment seat of Christ the Lord.

9. And therefore for some time I have thought of writing, but I have hesitated until now, for truly, I feared to expose myself to the criticism of men, because I have not studied like others, who have assimilated both Law and the Holy Scriptures equally and have never changed their idiom since their infancy, but instead were always learning it increasingly, to perfection, while my idiom and language have been translated into a foreign tongue. So it is easy to prove from a sample of my writing, my ability in rhetoric and the extent of my preparation and knowledge, for as it is said, "wisdom shall be recognized in speech, and in understanding, and in knowledge and in the learning of truth."

10. But why make excuses close to the truth, especially when now I am presuming to try to grasp in my old age what I did not gain in my youth because my sins prevented me from making what I had read my own? But who will believe me, even though I should say it again? A young man, almost a beardless boy, I was taken captive before I knew what I should desire and what I should shun. So, consequently, today I feel ashamed and I am mightily afraid to expose my ignorance, because, [not] eloquent, with a small vocabulary, I am unable to explain as the spirit is eager to do and as the soul and the mind indicate.

11. But had it been given to me as to others, in gratitude I should not have kept silent, and if it should appear that I put myself before others, with my ignorance and my slower speech, in truth, it is written: "The tongue of the stammerers shall speak rapidly and distinctly." How much harder must we try to attain it, we of whom it is said: "You are an epistle of Christ in greeting to the ends of the earth ... written on your hearts, not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God." And again, the Spirit witnessed that the rustic life was created by the Most High.

12. I am, then, first of all, countryfied, an exile, evidently unlearned, one who is not able to see into the future, but I know for certain, that before I was humbled I was like a stone lying in deep mire, and he that is mighty came and in his mercy raised me up and, indeed, lifted me high up and placed me on top of the wall. And from there I ought to shout out in gratitude to the Lord for his great favours in this world and for ever, that the mind of man cannot measure.

13. Therefore be amazed, you great and small who fear God, and you men of God, eloquent speakers, listen and contemplate. Who was it summoned me, a fool, from the midst of those who appear wise and learned in the law and powerful in rhetoric and in all things? Me, truly wretched in this world, he inspired before others that I could be if I would such a one who, with fear and reverence, and faithfully, without complaint, would come to the people to whom the love of Christ brought me and gave me in my lifetime, if I should be worthy, to serve them truly and with humility.

14. According, therefore, to the measure of one's faith in the Trinity, one should proceed without holding back from danger to make known the gift of God and everlasting consolation, to spread God's name everywhere with confidence and without fear, in order to leave behind, after my death, foundations for my brethren and sons whom I baptized in the Lord in so many thousands.

15. And I was not worthy, nor was I such that the Lord should grant his humble servant this, that after hardships and such great trials, after captivity, after many years, he should give me so much favour in these people, a thing which in the time of my youth I neither hoped for nor imagined.

16. But after I reached Ireland I used to pasture the flock each day and I used to pray many times a day. More and more did the love of God, and my fear of him and faith increase, and my spirit was moved so that in a day [I said] from one up to a hundred prayers, and in the night a like number; besides I used to stay out in the forests and on the mountain and I would wake up before daylight to pray in the snow, in icy coldness, in rain, and I used to feel neither ill nor any slothfulness, because, as I now see, the Spirit was burning in me at that time.

A PRAYER OF ST. PATRICK

May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
- Against the snares of the evil one.

May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!

May Thy Grace, Lord,
Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen.

May we be found faithful and fully committed to the cause of Christ here in Maine. May we be willing to endure persecution as we stand unashamed for the truth of the Gospel of Jesus.

The League is fully committed to proclaim the truths of Jesus Christ. Your partnering support is very important and much appreciated at this time. The League is bringing its influence to the State House. You can log on to the Record web site at: http://www.cclmaine.org/artman/publish/index.shtml and read about the proposal to ban ministers from "Approving" marriages in Maine. Also keep your eyes open for a report in the RECORD of the hearing this week having to do with granting homosexual couples even more benefits. A church denominational representative lobbied at the hearing IN FAVOR of the bill.

Because of the League hundreds of emails have already been received by key leaders. If you haven't checked out our Citizen Action Center on the internet you need to do it. Go to http://www.christiancivicleague.org/ and click on the Action button at the top of the screen. This is a very easy and quick way to communicate with your legislators and others who you select. It can be done from the comfort of your home or office. To further help you, a message has been prepared for you to use or you can put in your own. An initial registration is required and then you can use it on a regular basis. You will see a list of issues the League is interested in bringing a Christian/Biblical influence to. Please pass on this information to others you regularly communicate with.

And finally, if you are not aware of it, Mike Heath regularly speaks on current issues of today, from a biblical perspective. He speaks at regional conferences and radio programs, and also speaks in churches across Maine bringing an update of the work of the League.

Please consider having Mike Heath speak at your church for a "League Sunday". He teaches adult/teen Sunday School classes, using multimedia and leading a discussion. Mike also preaches on the subject of Christian Citizenship, bringing a biblical sermon in morning and evening worship services. He is glad to provide pulpit supply for pastors.

You may contact Paulie Heath to schedule an event with Mike.
Phone: 207.215.6886
Email: paulie@paulieheath.com
Thank you for your support.

By Rev. Dallas E. Henry

If you have ever watched the news reports of a Gay Pride march, you would notice the tone of some of the posters and banners that are carried. You might see some that read It's not about religion, and "Hate is not a family value," and more with similar slogans. You may hear comments like, "All this hate seems so un-Christian."

Have you ever become curious about the history of the Gay Pride marches? The first Gay Pride march took place in 1970, a two-pronged march held simultaneously in Los Angeles and New York. As you read about it and look at some of the photos of the marchers, you would be struck by the very different tone of the messages of the marchers as compared to today. Back in the 70s you would find posters like, "2-4-6-8, gay is just as good as straight"; or "Not all of us walk poodles"; and, "Better blatant than latent." [1]

There is a sharp contrast in the language of the posters, then and now. The first march was aimed at the culture, and used the language of legitimacy. The so-called "liberation" movement started with Women's Lib and the Civil Rights marches earlier in the 60s. Then, hard on the heels of Women's Liberation and the Black Power movement came The Gay Pride movement. [2] This not only followed after these other movements, it modeled its approach after them, being vocal and visible. But after this 30-year time frame, their target has shifted from the culture to the church. Why the shift?

For one thing, the goals are much different now. The initial byword was "acceptance", an aim that has been achieved for the most part in our culture. The homosexual agenda finds a promotional voice in much of the media, and many companies now offer benefits to same-sex couples.

The goal now is for moral legitimization, with a strong push going on in some states to legitimize same-sex "marriages", and even stronger pushes for ordination of homosexuals in several of the mainline denominations. It is easy to see just how much the media provides a platform to support homosexuality, by watching any of a number of afternoon talk shows. [3] [4]

The place we find ourselves now, 30 years down the road from the beginnings of the movement, is the result of some very savvy leaders in the movement who knew from the outset the power of the media to sway public opinion, and made the necessary political maneuvering from within the media to gain support. With that kind of power and support, the only battle left to win is the battle for moral legitimacy as well. And since the ultimate source of morality is God, the battleground has now shifted to the Church.

The same tactics are being employed to win the battle in the Church as were employed to win the media battle: conquer from within. And so the controversies arise from most of the major denominations each time they meet in large sessions, and the reason they do goes right back to the acceptance and support already gained: if the power of the media is on your side, and you make a lot of noise, you can be assured of maximum coverage (and maximum slant) on the evening news.

Another shift that has occurred involves the language used to describe homosexual behavior. The early expression was "sexual preference", a term that, not surprisingly, mentioned about the first Gay Pride march. Something about the term didn't quite seem to suit someone, though, and a gradual shift led to the later development of the term "alternate lifestyle." That one was fated to change also, giving way to the current one, "sexual orientation." Now even that one may be on the way out, to be exchanged for one that is tossed around these days in America, "sexual identity." The reason for the shift is quite obvious: a move has to be made to extract their own self-description from the language of choice. "Sexual preference" was a definite description of personal choice, a term that was used at a time when homosexuality was widely viewed as a choice. "Alternate lifestyle" was somewhat better, but it still left the idea of choice dangling in there, "alternate" implying one of several options, and "lifestyle" implying something selected as well. "Sexual orientation" probably was carefully selected, since "orientation" slides the meaning a bit more toward something innate and beyond choice. But "sexual identity" is the strongest term yet, and will probably gain quick acceptance and usage. [5]

The current use of the term "sexual orientation" has come about largely because of the genetic "research" done by one man, Dean Hamer. Many people who have seen the results of this "evidence" plastered on the front pages of newspapers and television screens have simply bought into the idea that those involved in homosexual behavior "can't help it." How reliable was his work? The basic finding upon which his conclusions were based was a study of 40 gay, non-twin brothers, analyzing the X chromosomes. 33 of the pairs had five identical lengths of DNA on the tip of the strand. Somewhere within the hundreds of genes contained in this small piece, says Hamer, we will find the "gay gene" responsible for homosexuality. [6] In other words, the evidence is not totally conclusive, and the "gay gene" has not been located. This research followed an earlier study suggesting that a small structure in the brain was smaller in gay men than in straight men. [7]

The strange tendency of such studies has been to overstate the results. For instance, Science magazine in its report stated, "Scientists, educators, policy makers and the public should work together to ensure that such research is used to benefit all members of society."[8] This sounds okay, but when the media take studies with inconclusive evidence and portray them as solid scientific fact, there is reason for doubt. The problem is that many, including those in our churches, often accept what the media tells them without question. The truth is that none of the studies on gay brains, gay genes, or transsexual brains has been replicated by other labs. One of Hamer's ex-collaborators even accused him of selecting only data that support his hypothesis. [9] These accusations caused Hamer to be put under investigation by the Office of Research Integrity. [10] The question must arise also why Hamer was conducting this study in the first place, since he is not a geneticist, but a molecular biologist with the National Cancer Institute. It has also been pointed out that most or all homosexuality requires an environmental, as well as a biological, push. The fact that half of all the identical-twin brothers of homosexuals are heterosexual renders it exceedingly unlikely that much homosexuality is caused by biology alone. [11] Even Hamer himself admits, "We already know that half or more of the variability in sexual orientation is not inherited. Our studies try to pinpoint the genetic factors, not to negate the psychosocial factors." [12] Besides, other studies have suggested genetic links to violent behavior, [13] and even to child molestation. [14] And certainly there is no great push on to legitimize the behavior of those prone to violence or pedophilia, deciding that they "can't help it."

Here is another interesting fact. According to Time magazine in 1970, "Sociologists reckon that the nation's homosexual population, open and secret, is about 4,000,000," [15] or about 2% of the total population. By 1980, according to a Christianity Today article, the figure was estimated as between 10-15%. [16] Looking at figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, from 1970 to 1980, it increased by 11.4%, from 203.3 million to 226.5 million. That was down from a 13.4% increase for the previous ten-year period, and the increase from 1980 to 1990 was down even further to 9.8%. [17] Going back to the estimates of the homosexual population, even if we take the more conservative figure of 10% offered in Christianity Today, 10% of 226.5 million is 22.65 million. In other words, at a time when the general population increase has been on a steady decline, the homosexual population has increased exponentially, at a rate of over 400% between 1970 and 1980 alone! That flies in the face of the suggestions of the role that the genetic link plays in homosexuality. In fact, that totally undermines any true scientific logic that relates to the field of genetics. Scientists tell us that we are evolving, and that certain characteristics become more or less prominent through the process of "natural selection." If this were true, then when we speak of genetic links to homosexuality, and when we consider the fact that far fewer homosexuals actually reproduce and pass on those gene's then how in the world could homosexuality be that much on the increase? Even when we factor in the potential for genetic anomalies that occurred during that particular decade, such as Three Mile Island, the Love Canal, and Billy Beer, we still can't account for the difference. It is as it has always been from the beginning: a push for an unblameable and unchangeable basis of legitimization like race and gender, the only comparable quality that was lacking between the early Gay Pride marches and the movements they were modeled after.

Let us consider still another aspect of this issue and consider the gay agenda and its push for legitimization from the church. In 1972 the official stand of the United Methodist denomination was; "homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching." In 1980, a measure was defeated which would have prohibited the ordination of "self-avowed, practicing homosexuals." In 1984, the defeated measure came up again and passed. In 1988, the language from the 1972 Discipline was brought up again for re-vote, and was upheld by an 80% to 20% margin. A committee was appointed to study the issue and make recommendations to the 1992 conference. In 1992, the committee gave its report and recommendations, but a vote rejected the 17-4 majority opinion to change the 1972 Discipline language, by a margin of 61.5%. When the floor vote came up, the 1972 language was upheld by 74%. In 1996, fifteen bishops broke protocol, and made a statement (bishops are not supposed to attempt to influence the legislative process) in support of several issues being brought up by the homosexual agenda. A committee recommendation to change the 1972 Discipline language is defeated by 60.4%, a count which is accepted without a re-vote. Other homosexual issues were also defeated, by a 74% margin.

This discussion is happening in every denomination in the world. The question is how are we to respond faithfully and consistently in light of all the muddle? There are four possible areas of responsibility we may want to consider as Christians:

(1) Prophetic responsibility. We must uphold the truth of God's Word and proclaim the reality of a REVEALED norm, not a norm that is culturally determined.

Truth, if it is indeed truth, will transcend changing culture and time and any other barriers we can put in its way. We must uphold the consistent witness of the revelation of the Word of God if we are to overcome attempts to remove discussion of the homosexual issue from the realm of morality.

(2) Exegetical responsibility. Clear, plain interpretation and exposition of the God's Word are essential to protect against false, manipulative, accommodative interpretations of Scripture. "Let God be true, and everyone else a liar."

(3) Social responsibility. Jesus said we are to be salt and light in our culture, bringing illumination to this and other social issues as a part of our witness before the world. There are right ways and wrong ways to go about this. In the film footage of the Greenville Gay Pride march, the camera dwelled for quite some time on a young man, a literal "Bible-thumper", carrying his Bible along the parade route, yelling at the participants, "HELL will be your home!" That's definitely NOT the route we should go in our witness. There are many ways to extend the love of Jesus to those broken by the deception of homosexuality. The Christian Civic League can recommend many of these alternatives.

(4) Pastoral responsibility. Just as anyone else, homosexuals are in need of the grace of God. We are to minister to ALL those who are hurting, who are in error, who are in the bondage of sin. The Church has been given a false identity, having been portrayed as haters and bigots. We must overcome that by continually telling the truth while extending love and compassion.

There are certainly a lot of organizations out there who are holding the line for a culturally unpopular theological stance. Among these are The Christian Civic League of Maine, Concerned Women for America, Exodus International (a ministry helping gays to exit the lifestyle), and the Christian Legal Society (a ministry helping with legal expenses necessary in this struggle). Focus on the Family is another group which is on the front lines in this issue. They are taking on the battle on our school campuses, fighting against textbooks which normalize homosexual behavior. They also have entered the public arena with a strong witness to the transforming power of Christ: the "Love Won Out" seminar, a group of several hundred ex-gays who have chosen to leave the gay lifestyle. They have traveled around the country to several cities carrying the message that change is possible. The Christian Civic League participated in a Love Won Out conference in Boston a couple years ago. The homosexual protests were beyond belief.

This is an area where our social responsibility can be the toughest, because the ex-gay message is one that the homosexual lobby does not want heard by anyone else. And for all their preaching of the right-sounding and publicly popular message of "tolerance", they can be very intolerant. Michael Heath tells of having had his speeches interrupted in High School and College campuses by shouting and whistles, and even teachers and professors being extremely rude. The Love Won Out seminar faced particularly strong opposition: "In Tampa, vandals spray-painted a local church (that had no connection to the seminar) with pink triangles and the words, 'Are You Tired of Being Baptist'"? The attack came in response to a Focus ad campaign asking, "Are You Tired of Being Gay"? [18] They also have crashed a press conference, launched phone campaigns against advertisers, and even intimidated churches. In Southern California, for instance, several churches refused to host the seminar. And there is a strong reason for their resistance: "When ex-gays publicly choose heterosexuality, they threaten the gay lobby's core message that homosexuality is not a choice." [19] The common argument they offer against the "choice" idea is, "Why would I choose to enter a lifestyle where I will be humiliated and/or persecuted this way"? (To which might be countered that choice doesn't necessarily indicate deliberateness or intentionality. For instance, in other matters we consider to be choices, if I choose to break certain laws and wind up in jail, I might say in all honesty that I didn't really want the consequences I received).

Another area where the battle will be tough is public perception. Opposing homosexuality as a behavior is seen by many as preaching a message of hate. "Homophobia" is the byword of the times, and it defies all definition. Gary Bauer, for instance, was a guest speaker at Harvard University (on a totally separate subject), and in a question and answer session, a student asked a question which compared his position with Nazi Germany, where gays and lesbians were persecuted. He countered with: "There is a difference between opposing the political agenda of the gay rights movement and being an oppressor of gays. The way that you choose to live your life or that others choose to live their lives is up to you. But when you come into the public square and suggest that the rest of America needs to redefine marriage . . . and insist on the right in the public schools in America to teach my children that the way you have chosen is no morally different from the way I have chosen to live with my wife, you should in a rational, reasonable world expect opposition." [20]

The battle on this front has been hindered greatly by the "hate preachers" like Fred Phelps in Kansas, and many others like him. In fact, by one estimate there are about 5,000 "hate sites" on the World Wide Web, and at least 250 of those preach their message using the Bible and the language of the church. [21] But occasionally there are surprising indications from unusual sources that at least somebody out there understands the difference: "Discrimination against homosexuals is not the same as personal distaste for homosexuality . . . identity and behavior are not synonymous." [22]

Can homosexual behavior be changed? A 1979 study suggests it can. A Pentecostal church worked with several gays, in ministry with them helping them to exit the lifestyle. Out of 11 in the study, 8 were completely cured; six got married out of a motivation of attraction to the opposite sex. [23] It is not impossible, but all indications are that a key component is the desire to change. Only 1 in 10 ever seek help, but we must be there and ready when they do. The League supports and recommends the ministry of "Free Indeed" based in Waterville that is having great success in helping the sexually confused.

We should add here a word of caution concerning the use of language about this issue. In many denominations, words like "inclusiveness", "reconciling", and "welcoming" are user-friendly terms that put a mask of legitimacy on the face of a theological lapse. We need to learn to recognize the difference between ministry and theology. Supporters of the gay agenda gain support by attacking theology in a context of ministry. If we make the statement that we believe the biblical witness is against the practice of homosexuality, then we are somehow branded as not being inclusive, reconciling, or welcoming. But our consistent theological mandate is to do both theology and ministry in dealing with this and every other issue. Stating that the practice of homosexuality is
"incompatible with Christian teaching" is a theological statement; stating that "homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth" is a pastoral statement. There is no reason in the world to suspect that we cannot maintain both positions as equally important. The Presbyterian Church (USA) has had to strike that same balance: "We told the gay caucus, 'You're still welcome; we love you. But we cannot accept your theology." [24]

Be careful of the language as well that would paint a rosy picture of the homosexual lifestyle as simply a group of misunderstood individuals, a bunch of committed, monogamous couples much like the heterosexual couples we know. Actually, a 1978 study by A.P. Bell and M.S. Weinberg reported that 74% of male homosexuals had more than 100 sexual partners during their lifetime, and 28% of them had more than 1,000 partners. [25] It makes much plainer Paul's discussion of what is considered "natural" and "unnatural."

The needs are pressing in our approach to what has become a sensitive and controversial issue. If dialogue is to take place, there needs to be a separation of areas of discussion and/or clarification of language before even attempting dialogue. Theology and ministry are separate arenas and must be treated as such; and yet theology necessarily informs the way we approach ministry. When it ceases to do so, then "Just as I Am" becomes a concession rather than a confession. The Biblically based stance conservatives take now is largely a response to the unbiblical stance taken by the homosexual agenda.

And when we take a strong theological stance, the only thing many homosexuals see is the hate-preaching which is actually done by some groups. It comes across as being more of the same. All that some people have ever seen is hate, either from the general society, or the church either one. It is up to us to show them and everyone else that the true stance of the church, even when it stands against the practice of homosexuality, is not one of hatred or judgment. People are responsible for their actions. We can judge those actions. Only God can judge people. [26]

[1] Queer Notion, National Review, Vol. 45, No. 15 (9 August 1993, p. 16.

[2] Ibid.

[3] The Oprah Winfrey Show, WFBE-TV, Greenville, S.C., 5 May 2997.

[4] The Ananda Lewis Show, WDBD-TV Charleston, S.C., 19 February 2002.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Sharon Begley, "Does DNA Make Some Men Gay"? Newsweek, vol. 122, No. 4 (26 July 1993) og, 59.

[7] Sharon Begley, "Nature Plus Nurture", Newsweek, Vol. 126, No. 20 (13 November 1995), p. 72.

[8] William f. Allman, "The Biology-Behavior Conundrum", U.S. News and World Report, vol. 115, No. 4 (26 July 1993), p. 6.

[9] Begley, "Nature Plus Nurture", p. 72.

[10] "Culture and Ideas", U.S. News and World Report, Vol. 119, No. 19 (13 November 1995).

[11] "Queer Notion", National Review, vol. 45, no. 15 (9August 1993), p. 16

[12] Anastasia Toufexis, "New Evidence of a 'Gay Gene'", Time, Vol. 146, No. 20 (13 November 1995).

[13] Allman, p. 7.

[14] "Queer Notion", p. 17.

[15] "The Nation."

[16] "Homosexuality: Biblical Guidance Through a Moral Morass", Christianity Today, Vol. 24, No. 8 (18 April 1980), p. 13.

[17] U.S. Census Bureau online, accessed 20 February 2002.

[18] Candi Cushman, "Will Love win Out"? World, (16 June 2000), p. 26.

[19] Ibid.

[20] Gary Bauer, "Questions and Answers on homosexuality", Family Research Council, 8 May 1998.

[21] Jody Veenker, "Called to Hate"? Christianity Today (25 October 1999), p.89.

[22] Jonathan Alter, "Degrees of Discomfort." Newsweek (12 March 1990), p.27.

[23] Reformed Journal, March 1981, p. 10.

[24] Alan Kemp, "Sexuality Soundbites", Christianity Today (22 July 1991), p. 37

[25] Randy Frame, "Seeking a right to the Rite", Christianity Today, Vol. 40, No. 3 (4 March 1996), p. 64.

[26] William Dannemeyer, "Shadow in the Land: Homosexuality in America", San Francisco: Ignatius, 1989, p. 96

Rev. Dallas E. Henry

We have seen and heard many reminders of that shocking day, September 11, 2001, when the unthinkable happened. Thousands of lives were taken as our country was attacked without a so-called military attack.

Starting on Monday of this week, many of the radio talk shows asked the question, "Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news?" I can easily answer that question. I was driving my car to a pastors meeting that morning and can remember almost exactly where I was along that drive when the news came on the radio. Yes, it was shocking, and I will never forget it as long as I live.

My wife teaches 4th and 5th grade in a Christian School. The School had a prayer and devotional time with the elementary students, many of whom were just infants or toddlers on that day. She wondered if this anniversary would mean anything to them. I checked with the Christian High School and they also had a short memorial/ devotion. The students did remember five years ago and recalled where they were when they heard the terrible news. Here in Maine, many public schools barely gave it honorable mention.

On the talk show I heard one man, who called in, describing the event in shocking detail. At the time, he worked in New York City. What he said sounded more like the storyline of a horror movie. As you know there were a couple of TV programs aired last Sunday evening. One of them, "The Path to 9/11", was shown on ABC. It was made by David Cunningham, son of YWAM founder Loren Cunningham. As I understand it, due to pressure by the former Clinton administration, it was edited by ABC before airing. No surprise there.

Perhaps you have read some articles regarding the event. I have, and am providing some links to those articles that you may find beneficial. One is from Charles Colson's Monday edition of Breakpoint. Chuck says, "Many of us in the West still don't understand what we're up against." He goes on to explain "The failure to understand the threat stems, in part, from the West's own loss of faith. For many of us, religion is something we do -- or don't do -- depending on how it makes us feel. We don't look to religion to tell us how we should live our lives, and, thus, we fail to understand how religion, and the worldview it inspires, might affect other people." You can read the entire article by going [HERE]

There was also an article in the Monday edition of Townhall.com by Alan Sears entitled, "Five years after 9/11, the ACLU considers Christians the terrorists." Sears refers to remarks made by Joe Cook, director of the Louisiana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. Here is one of Cooks quotes: "They [the Christians] have always crossed the line of separation of church and government. They believe they answer to a higher power, in my opinion, which is the kind of thinking you had with the people who flew airplanes in the buildings in this country."
You can read the entire article by going [HERE]

It is so very important that as spiritual leaders in the Kingdom of God, we help our people understand the times we live in. Our call goes far beyond the walls of our church, beyond the streets in our neighborhoods. The call is to take the message of Christian Faith into the marketplace of ideas. It takes us to the places where the public conversation about morality and right and wrong is happening. Where might that be? It's in the arena where the conversation about public policy always takes place -- in the political arena.

For starters, we can ask the right questions of those currently running for office. The League has created a 15 point questionnaire for candidates running for office this November. It is an easy tool people can use when meeting candidates. Copies are available on the Leagues web site or I can mail you a master. Just let me know. Christians must support those candidates who represent Christian values. We should encourage our people to become informed BEFORE they vote.

Then there is that thing I often speak of: the support of the League. I am asking individuals and churches to support the League. The League does the hard work of influencing lawmakers -- work that most people don't have the stomach for. That work is extremely important. The State of Maine has seen the positive result of that Biblical witness. The League can't do the job without adequate resources. Individuals can send regular offerings to the League and churches can support the League as a local mission with regular support.

Please feel free to contact me if your church is interested in getting more information about including the League in your missions budget. It would be a fantastic help at this time.

Lastly, I want to inform you that the League has just launched its online voters guide. It is easy to use and can be accessed by going the League's website. Once you are there, click on "Search for candidates." They are listed by town in alphabetical order so the inquirer can easily locate their candidate. The information on that candidate can be printed for anyone interested. Some churches print out the information for the candidates that represent all the towns where their congregation lives.

Join us at the League Banquet

Please accept my invitation to attend the Civic League's annual banquet at the Senator Inn, Augusta, Friday, Oct. 6th, at 5:30 PM.

Besides a wonderful meal and warm Christian fellowship, you will be inspired and challenged by the presentations of two speakers, Rev. Sandy Williams, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Freeport, and Coach Dave Daubenmire of "Pass The Salt" ministries. They will each make a presentation on the subject, "Is this a Christian nation? Two Perspectives."

Your church or ministry can also be a table sponsor for the event. The Evangelical pastors group in my area is going together and sponsoring a table with each church contributing a little. Perhaps your pastors group would consider doing the same. For more information click HERE. You will also want to click on Coach Daubenmire's web site and listen to a podcast of his radio show.

On Sunday, September 3, the Little River Lighthouse in Cutler hosted its first-ever church service in the 159-year history of the historic light station.

Over 50 people from the small Downeast community, along with a number of volunteers of the American Lighthouse Foundation, boated to the 15-acre island in the Bay of Fundy for a Sunday morning church service held by the Cutler United Methodist Church.

"This is a dream come true for me", said 79-year-old Hal Biering, a lighthouse volunteer from Alabama, who has been coming to Maine for the past four summers along with his wife Betty, to work on the restoration of the endangered lighthouse. Biering said he has been talking to Pastor David Arruda and other church leaders about having a Sunday worship service on the island for some time, but wanted to wait until restoration was nearly complete and at a stage when people could visit the island safely.

As the day planned for the service approached, he and others listened intently to the weather reports about Tropical Storm Ernesto as it worked its way up the Atlantic seaboard and the weather reports called for a rainy Sunday. Biering said, "Pastor Arruda's prayers were heard and the day for the service was picture perfect. In fact, it can't get much better up here than this, especially in an area that's known for its fog."

A portable organ and sound system brought to the island helped to deliver the message from Pastor Arruda as he spoke of the correlation of religion and lighthouses. This was the first time Pastor Arruda, who commutes eleven hours each way every week to give Sunday services in the tiny community, had ever given a sermon on an island or at a lighthouse. For the occasion he wore a new robe that was donated by lighthouse volunteer Hal Biering.

Most of the congregation was ferried to the island by local tour boat operator and lobsterman Andy Patterson. Upon arriving at the island, some of the elderly members were given a ride on a trailer pulled by the lighthouse tractor to the other side of the 15-acre island where the church service was conducted with the picturesque lighthouse tower as a back-drop.

For many of the people who attended the church service it was their very first visit to the island lighthouse. However, for those who had been there before, when it was in a state of collapse and overgrown with trees, they were amazed at the difference. One church parishioner exclaimed, "I would never have believed this was possible, the restoration is so complete! The many volunteers of the American Lighthouse Foundation have done an outstanding job and Hal Biering, the man from Alabama, who spent four summers working here should get some kind of an award for his skill and dedication."