Sinners are among us.
Are you struggling with sin, forgiveness, the heart of Jesus and your walk
with the Lord? The following short story may help open your eyes.
Blind Sinners
By Michael M. Murray
Part 1
About the Author
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Send Your Comments
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Homosexuality Debate Resources
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Other Christian Places
Part 1,
Part 2,
Part 3,
Part 4,
Part 5,
Part 6,
Part 7,
Part 8,
Final
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With his Bible and notes in hand, Pastor Don Belemy approached the pulpit to deliver his Sunday morning sermon. Today’s Theme: Love Your Neighbor As Yourself. During his preparation, Don has explored diverse facets of the topic. First, he decided to deal with some of the basic questions he’s been asked throughout his life, both as a child and as a pastor. “What does the Lord mean by ‘love’ anyway?” Ultimately, he wanted to challenge members to view loving their neighbors as a way to evangelize to lost souls. Along the way, about 18 minutes into his 42-minute teaching, Don managed to attack the homosexual community – one of his favorite targets. “Loving someone doesn’t mean you have to tolerate or sanction their sinful lifestyle. We know homosexuality, for example, is a grave offense against God. Homosexuals need to be saved, transformed and delivered from their sin. When God created the world, he made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.” It was the third time in six weeks that he had made the same play on words. Quite a few smiles and giggles still emerged among the congregation. Two regulars, Joan and Frank Clark, listened attentively. They joined the church three years earlier when Frank – a commercial bank executive - agreed to relocate with LexCon Bank from Tampa, Florida to Cleveland, Ohio. They both snickered under their breadths. Like many people, the Clarks have had indirect contact with the homosexual community. Their two grown children, Alice and Geoff, are married, each with one child. They’ve rarely talked about Frank’s older brother’s only child, Jeremy – active in gay political circles. They pretend he doesn’t exist. He entered and exited their thoughts in less than a second. About 40 miles away, Brian Johnson – seated beside a friend - started singing at The Word of Life Community Church. Brian and the Clarks became neighbors about year ago when he bought the home on the east side of their house. Whenever they see one another, they discuss the weather, sports, news items and other neighborly pleasantries. After a few worship songs and church announcements, Brian’s pastor, Garrett Hopp, focused on humility. Brian listened attentively as Garrett underscored the importance of taking a back seat to God’s glory. He cautioned the congregation not to boast about the nice deeds they do for others. “If you volunteer or extend an act of kindness, it should remain a private matter as much as possible,” he said. “Sure, you can mention what’s happening in your life to someone else. But give the Lord the honor and the glory. If you’re doing something good – and it’s within God’s will – then it’s the Holy Spirit operating in you that allowed you to do something special for someone in the first place.” Garrett admonished members of his church to do more.
“I’m so encouraged when I do hear about the sacrifices you make. Yes, we need help here at the church. Frankly, I’d be pleased to know you carved out time for any purpose that God anoints. I know you’re busy with jobs and family. But please, please find time once a week or even once a month to help someone in need. Plan ahead. Give up a TV show. Lose a little sleep. Do whatever it takes. Jesus modeled service for us, whether visiting with the sick or using his towel to wash the disciples’ feet. Let’s follow his example
for the sake of those in need.” Why are sinners so blind to their own shortcomings? Jesus heals. |
The carefully planned worship segment at Christ Our Redeemer Church ended with a rousing version of “How Great Thou Art,” sung with passion by choir director Mary Fullington.