September 11, 2009
Donna,
I can’t express how disappointed I am by your comments on today’s show regarding Ellen Degeneres and the TV show American Idol. While I believe that you are entitled to your opinion, I felt strongly that I must also express mine.
In response to a caller who stated that he would no longer watch or support American Idol because Ellen Degeneres is a lesbian, you asked something like, “What about everybody else’s sin. Isn’t it better that she doesn’t hide it? You can dig up dirt on anyone, anyone.”
I commend your desire to love all in Jesus name, but I believe that you have mis-understood the will and desire of God regarding sin, and in so doing have cheapened his grace.
Undoubtedly, if you were to examine my life you would find sin.
Undoubtedly, if we were to examine your life we would find sin.
Undoubtedly, if we were to examine Ellen Degeneres’ life we would find sin.
For some people, we don’t have to look very hard. For others we do. That isn’t the point. Scripture is very clear and truthful that “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Roman 3:23).
So we absolutely agree that ALL are sinners.
How then can anyone enter heaven? Are all saved? Has God just thrown open the gates to let anyone it, no matter what?
No, “But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (Romans 3:21-22).
All have sinned, yet God makes available through faith in Jesus Christ a righteousness that qualifies us for membership in God’s kingdom and God’s family.
Since I am saved, since I am forgiven, does that mean that I should keep on living the way I have always lived? Of course not! Though I have sin in my life, and continue to have sin in my life, even after being saved, I do not celebrate my sin, I do not flaunt my sin.
Though my sin remains, so does grace. Here is how scripture says it: “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 5:20-6:2).
What does all this have to do with Ellen and American Idol. Nothing really. Watching American Idol is not a sin. Supporting Ellen Degeneres is perhaps not a sin. But I, for one, will not watch and support a show that promotes values and lifestyles which I believe are in contradiction to how God would have us live. You get to decide for yourself, I understand that.
But whatever your decision is regarding Ellen and American Idol, know this: There is a difference in God’s eyes between her sin and mine. Mine stands wholly forgiven. Does hers? For all I have heard her say publicly, I have never heard her profess faith in Jesus Christ, who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6).
God’s desire is more that just to forgive you, or I, or Ellen, of our sin. God’s desire is to give us victory over sin.
Your comments just said to your audience that you don’t think it matters what kind of a life a person lives before God. Is that really what you believe?
Your comments just said to your audience that all sin is equal in God’s eyes, whether repented of and forgive or not.
Your comments just said to your audience that it is okay for Christians to support others, even those who are openly against the ways of God, simply because Christians have sin in their lives too.
I am grateful that my sin has been forgiven and that God no longer sees me through my sin for he has clothed me in a robe of righteousness won by His son, my Savior, Jesus Christ.
I wonder how different our country and world would be if all those who identify themselves as Christians would remove their support from companies who promote sinful lifestyles. While I believe we should not and can not force morality onto others, I also believe that, as Christians, we should draw lines of distinction between ourselves and the world. Even though we may continue to struggle with sin, we should not support those who promote sin.
Chris Leingang
Pastor
Faith Fellowship Lutheran Brethren Church
210 Fishers Lane, Kelso, WA 98632
(360) 425-4390 www.fflbc.org
cc:
Danny Houle, Kelso Station Manager
Bob Augsburg, President/Founder, bob@wayfm.com
