by David Brenneman
"I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." 1 Corinthians 5:9-13.
"Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper," Matthew 26:6.
"And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." Matthew 8:2-3.
"When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”" Luke 19:5.
"As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He *said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him. Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?”" Matthew 9:9-11.
There seems to be a turmoil surrounding the advice that Pastor Alistair Begg gave to a Grandmother concerning attending a wedding in the family that was a transgender wedding. His recommendation was to not only go to it but to take a wedding gift as well.
One of the broadcasting networks dropped Truth for Life because of this.
Even the likes of Pastor John MacArthur didn't side with his advice.
After reading what few passages that you have in this post...in my opinion...Alistair Begg gave Godly advice. Jesus would have went so why wouldn't a Grandmother or anyone else?
We are to follow the Great Commission. The Great Commission doesn't have exceptions. It's not to go throughout the world teaching all that He commanded except under these conditions or under these circumstances.
Alistair was right on spot with calling those who have come after him as modern Pharisees.
We are to be Ambassadors for Christ wherever HE SENDS US.
It's disappointing that so many people have chosen to come down on such a well known Pastor for speaking the truth in love.
Christians are not to affirm nor revile people in the world who deliberately choose to live ungodly lives. That is what Alistair Begg was saying.
The Prodigal Son...he intentionally blew his inheritance on all sorts of ungodly living. His father showed compassion and received his son back.
What would Jesus have done in these situations? We can read the samples and examples for ourselves in the Gospels.
Some have called for Alistair Begg to publicly repent concerning this.
He has nothing to repent of according to the Scriptures.
The Grandmother going did not affirm nor condemn those at the wedding. The Grandmother going brought the light of Jesus Christ into the venue much the same as Christ being there Himself.
What does the Spirit say?
"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity." Colossians 3:12-14.
Not every situation is the same. But the truth of God is that Jesus commanded us to go into all the world teaching all that He commanded them. No exceptions unless in that current time and place the Spirit says it's not time yet. Reference the times that Paul sought to go places but the Spirit said no at that time.
We are call to trust and obey.
We aren't to become as the Pharisees were, deciding who should or shouldn't see the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus said "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves." Matthew 23:15.
It all comes down to your calling...the instructions the Spirit gives to you specifically.
Jesus said that He came to seek and save the lost. He made no exceptions for anyplace He went. Saving even a Samaritan woman.
We as Christians are live lives as what? "Unto the Lord Jesus Christ".
"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:44-48.
I year or so ago I found myself in a situation at work where an employee came out as transgender. My conversation with my supervisor was along the same lines as the things that Alistair Begg said. I would not affirm nor condemn this employee's decision in life. Regardless of what was to happen going forward the call of my life in the workplace is still to be Christ to those around me.
Pray for those in your life. Nobody crosses paths with you by accident. The Light of Jesus Christ isn't to be kept under a basket. It's not to be hidden from the world so that only a select few may enjoy the illumination thereof.
Your life is the testimony of all that Jesus did for you.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Pray for those who persecute you.
Live your life in Christ in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.
Lastly...take these things to heart:
"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:12-17.
All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.
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