Last Friday (6/27/15), the Supreme Court of the United States issued a landmark 5-4 decision, making same-sex marriage the law in all fifty states.

Pastors across the country prepared to respond to the verdict in the Sunday worship services.

We had a guest speaker scheduled at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, where I serve as pastor. Our guest speaker challenged and encouraged us with Romans 8:31:

“What then shall we say to these thing?” If God is for us, who can be against us?”

God willing, I will be in the pulpit this coming Sunday. I plan on using that time to take a text and address the matter from scripture. But with the few minutes I had to give pastoral remarks yesterday, I made the following five statements to our church:

1. God is still on the throne. This is not a time to fear, panic, or worry. God is still in control (Psalm 115:3). Courts making their rulings. But God has the last word.
2. The Bible does not err, change, or fail. Scripture is clear that homosexuality is sin. It is not the only or worst sin. It is sin, nonetheless. And the word of God condemns those who call evil good and good evil.
3. No one is beyond the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Although we disagree with the ruling, we must love our neighbors. And we must faithfully proclaim the gospel to them. If God can change us, he can change anyone!
4. Let the church be the church. In leaning over to reach the world, the church has fallen in. Instead of changing the culture, we have assimilated into it. This ruling draws a line in the sand. We must choose whom we will serve.
5. This world is not our home. The United States is not the kingdom of God. The best thing we can do for the world is let the world be the world. And remember we are just pilgrims passing through on our way home.

What did you say to your congregation about the SCOTUS ruling this weekend. Join the conversation in the comments section.