The Bible teaches us not to fear, as it is written in 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV): “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” We should be free to discuss any topic, including the biblical view on male and female roles.
In our culture, some may argue that the Bible’s teachings are obsolete, but as Christians, we must stand firm in our faith and not shy away from the truth. We are called to love our neighbors, even those who are struggling or confused. As Ephesians 4:15 (NIV) instructs us, we must “speak the truth in love.”
The church has a crucial role to play in society, and history has shown us the consequences of remaining silent. We must not follow in the footsteps of the German church in the 1930s, which remained silent in the face of oppression. Instead, we must rise up and speak the truth in love, addressing critical issues and advocating for justice.
It is essential to live out our faith in every sphere of life, not just within the walls of the church. James 2:17 (NIV) states, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” We must be willing to stand up for our beliefs and not fear being “canceled” or silenced by others.
As Christians, we must not forget the sacrifices made by those who came before us, like William Wilberforce, who fought against slavery in the 18th century. Our faith must inspire us to be agents of change and work to create a more just and compassionate society.
Romans 8:28 (NIV) reminds us that “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Therefore, even in times of darkness, we must trust that God is using these circumstances for good and continue to be a light in the world.
In conclusion, as the American church, we must rise up and live out our faith in every aspect of life. We must stand up for justice, advocate for the oppressed, and speak the truth in love. Our actions, rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ, will bear witness to the transforming power of God’s love and help bring about change in our world.
Watch the full sermon here: https://youtu.be/1XLOXelhsKU