Traditional Beliefs Under Attack (Again)

Chip and Joanna Gaines, from Waco, Texas, are the stars of “Fixer Upper”, HGTV’s #1 hit show. But according to a Cosmopolitan article the magazine has “uncovered something many fans will likely want an explanation for–a startling revelation that has left many wondering where Chip and Jo stand.”

And what is this “startling revelation”? One that various media outlets are calling a possible “scandal.” “Serious” another labeled it. And “concerning” wrote Buzzfeed.

Well, shockingly, the Gaines who are self-described as “devout Christians” attend a church in Waco that believes marriage is between a man and a woman. Furthermore, Buzzfeed printed a partial transcript of a sermon by their minister, Jimmy Seibert, from June 2015 following the Supreme Court legalization of same-sex marriage.

Siebert preached from Genesis One and said marriage is between “one man and one wife.” Seibert further affirmed “This is a clear biblical admonition. So if someone were to say, ‘Marriage is defined in a different way,’ let me just say: They are wrong. God defined marriage, not you and I. God defined masculine and feminine, male and female, not you and I.”

In fact, Siebert went so far as to say, “Homosexuality is a sin.” But LGBT “people have a choice. They can change.”

What is not surprising is the liberal, left-wing, secular media  attacking the Gaines. They are demanding for Chip and Joanna to speak out. If they don’t Buzzfeed wrote “their silence speaks volumes.”

Seriously, are secular progressives so sheltered from mainstream America that they’re shocked that churches and preachers teach traditional marriage? What is news worthy is to learn of churches who’ve abandoned Biblical teaching.

Even groups with whom I may have some profound theological differences still embrace God’s law on marriage–one man for one woman. And most still teach the homosexual activity is a sin. We’ve scripturally documented these Truths multiple times on this site.

This media stir reminds us that Christianity continues to be under attack in America. And we should not be surprised. The Bible predicts that “in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1). And so the apostle Peter admonishes “do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Pet 4:12).

In America we’ve had it so good for so long that we’re spoiled. We’ve enjoyed religious liberty, the freedom of worship, and in the past a generally favorable social and cultural climate for Christianity.

Ironically in the name of diversity and tolerance, it seems those days are past for Christians. Of course, the issue is not truly about inclusion, as the left pontificates. It is, as blogger Tervin Wax on The Gospel Coalition, put it “about enforcing a new moral orthodoxy by shaming the ‘cultural heretics.’”

As Wax correctly observes, if diversity was really valued, “it wouldn’t be controversial to have a traditional Christian on a HGTV show.”

While we are a long way from beheading Christians, as in some Muslim countries, we can expect intellectual ridicule, emotional abuse and cultural contempt. In some cases, even financial repercussions. Politically it remains to be seen if and when churches and preachers will be targeted by our government for traditional beliefs. But that day could come.

In the meantime, let’s heed God’s call for Christian vigilance and a willingness to be a soldier for Christ. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Eph 6:10-11).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman