It is always so exciting to get together like this with people who are determined to defend the American family.
In every case where the citizens of this great country have voted, traditional marriage has won every time! In fact, citizens in 30 states have passed amendments to their state constitutions defining marriage as one woman and one man. The only place those who want to redefine marriage have won is with activist judges-like Judge Joseph Tauro who ruled last week that the federal ban on recognizing same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.
We must understand that the enemy will never accept defeat in the effort to destroy the family as God designed. Be encouraged by the opportunity God has given to you and me to serve Him in this battle. Let’s be spiritually prepared for a long, but ultimately victorious battle. Consider California-
A traditional marriage referendum struck down by the courts,
Several homosexual marriage bills introduced — 2 passed by the legislature and vetoed by the governor, and
Finally passing an amendment to their constitution defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman, only to face immediate lawsuits to have Proposition 8 overturned by a court.
In is vital that we are in prayer for California as their battle shifts to the courts.
If California is any indication, those who want to redefine marriage will be relentless in their pursuit. The battle to protect traditional marriage is revving its engines again. Equality Maine spent $16,000 and provided campaign workers for the primary. Legislators who voted against Damon’s homosexual marriage bill were targeted.
“Brethren, be not weary in well doing.” (II Thes. 3:13) For we have been called “for such a time as this.” Some say, it is inevitable. Why fight it? The answer is simple: Generations to come are counting on us!
Every study shows that a child who grows up without both a mom and a dad suffers loss. Children need both parents-a mom and a dad. Every country that has granted marriage rights to same-sex partners has seen marriage die-and the number of children without a mom and a dad skyrocket. England adopted same-sex marriage. A recent report states, “Marriage hits lowest rate since records began almost 150 years ago.”
Children without both a mom and a dad are more likely to struggle with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. They are more likely to live in poverty, commit crimes, and drop out of school. The sad reality is children without both a mom and a dad are 20 times more likely to end up in prison.
Edmund Burke said, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” We must remain vigilant.
Matthew 5 says “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
You have been called into His light so that you may shine forth that light to a dark world.
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Brothers and Sisters, I am here to remind you this afternoon that we are not fighting against the Equality Maine or the Maine Civil Liberties Union. We are not fighting against homosexual activists or secular progressives.
Ephesians tells us “We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Ephesians 6 instructs us to “Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day.” What is that armor according to Ephesians 6? Truth. Righteousness. The gospel of peace. Faith. Salvation. The Word of God. Not what you typically think about when you consider how we are going to defend marriage in Maine.
I was with a group of activists who had fought so hard to protect marriage last November when the Question 1 vote was handed down. At the moment of victory, we all had one, unifying, deep conviction: we had only won by the power of God! He alone was to be praised!
I would dare not try to explain why God sees fit to put the church in the middle of this battle over and over, but I believe it is for an even higher purpose than protecting the family-it is contending for the very souls of man. Isaiah 55:8-9 says “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ ”
During my efforts to protect marriage, I have had the opportunity to share the gospel-Because of sin in all of our lives, there is a great divide between us and God. God sent His only son to die a sacrificial death on a cross. At the foot of the cross the ground is level-we all stand the same, in need of Savior. Jesus rose again. And now by simply accepting Jesus as our savior, we can know God!”
While you stand to protect marriage in the public square, ask the Lord to put people caught in this deception into your life, and then love them as Christ loved you when you were walking in darkness. Share with them the message of the cross. Pray for them.
Oswald Chambers wrote, “When the Spirit of God has shed abroad the love of God in our hearts, we begin deliberately to identify ourselves with Jesus Christ’s interests in other people, and Jesus Christ is interested in every kind of man there is.”
Ephesians 5 reminds us we “were once darkness, but now [we] are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. . . .Be very careful how you live. . .making the most of every opportunity.”