South Africa, Covenant Theology and Same Sex Marriage in Limerick, PA

Because early settlers of colonial America and South Africa believed in Covenant theology, they saw their new worlds in “Book of Joshua” terms.  They were the “New Israel” and the “heathen” were to be converted, subjugated or, if necessary, destroyed.  Theology has consequences.  Many Europeans saw themselves in similar terms and thus we had pograms, and crusades against Jews and Muslims.  Much of the roots of modern conflict are in Covenant Theology.  Dispensationalists, like myself, believe that God will keep all of His promises to Israel and that we are to live our lives in the midst of unbelievers as light and salt.  We are to suffer for Christ if necessary, but never to use the “sword” or gun for purposes of defending or maintaining Christian values in our society.  We do not believe in any kind of “state church” or state religion.  Which brings me to same-sex marriage.  A couple of ladies from Limerick, PA, have gotten “married” at the Montgomery County Courthouse.  Do I believe that marriage is defined as a man and a woman for life?  Yes.  Am I going to devote significant time and effort to fighting for heterosexual marriage?  No.  There are enough problems in Christian, heterosexual marriages to keep me busy as a pastor.  But most of all people need Jesus.  Only He can help homosexuals and heterosexual sinners to experience life with fulfillment, love, joy and peace.  Transforming this sin-cursed world is God’s job and He will do it in His time.  My responsibility is to live a life that honors God, honors my marriage, and help those who want help in knowing God and living for the Lord.  I will not perform marriages for same sex couples but the Bible does not authorize or command me to perform any marriages.  I may just give it up rather than be required to marry those who do not qualify for God’s blessing.  Marrying and burying are not part of the Biblical job description of a pastor, anyway.  Society allows us to perform marriages by law, but I would give it up rather than violate the clear definition of marriage in Scripture.  Think about it!