A few days ago, a group from church was treated to a tour of Big Oak Ranch in Springville (thank you, Natalie Fleming). I have heard of Big Oak Ranch for many years, and I thought I knew what the ministry was about. Well, I did.  And I didn’t. I’m not quite sure what I expected to see, but I was amazed. Perhaps there would be barrack-type dwellings for children with adults keeping watch, or a lot of small homes with central areas for activities. And, of course, I knew they helped kids. But, folks, it is much more than that.  So much more.

First, the campus of several hundred acres was gorgeous. There were rolling hills and lush forests.  There were cows and horses and beautiful fenced pastures.  Then there was that staff.  I could tell that they loved what they were doing and genuinely welcomed us to the facility.  There was no doubt that each one was following a call from God to do what they were doing … which was a lot!

And I say “home,” advisedly.  We got a personal tour of one of the homes and met the houseparents to the six (yes, I said six) young ladies who lived there … in addition to their own three children.  Nick and Angelle Missios came from New Orleans and there was a genuine passion for what they were doing.  They proudly showed us around and explained what their days and weeks are like. To say that the kids they cared for were blessed is an understatement.

Big Oak Ranch is a life-changing ministry of gigantic proportions. They have rescued so many children from abuse and abandonment and sent hundreds and hundreds of well-adjusted, loved, and fruitful young adults into the world, teeming with hope and purpose.  They have truly made a difference.

I am in awe of the “Big Oak Ranch.”  

Say good things about your Savior and His church.

I know that even in Protestantism we can quickly make the same mistake.  So, let’s be careful not to become a rule driven, tradition laden, works related church. It works so much better if we keep it simple and straightforward.

I listened to a podcast featuring a “progressive” Christian pastor. His main argument was that some things most Christians have been taught that are “sins” are not actually Biblical sin.  Of course, he focused on what I call the ‘big three”:  Homosexuality, transgenderism, and abortion. Why are these the big three?  Because in our society and culture today, no other sin shows the complete disdain for God’s purpose and character.  The more we practice and/or accept these things as natural, the further we drift away from God. They are definite and solid indicators of our distance from God.

This minister used the old “Jesus never said it” argument.  This is an argument from omission:  determining doctrine from what Jesus didn’t say. First, the words of Jesus carry no more authority than the rest of scripture.  All scripture is God-breathed. ALL.  Therefore, what Jesus didn’t specifically say, the rest of scripture will cover.  

But let’s look at what Jesus did say that speaks to these issues.  “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?” (Matthew‬ 19‬:4‬-5‬ NIV‬‬). In just two verses Jesus destroys the claim that “Jesus never said it” as far as homosexualism and transgenderism.  God created only two sexes, and those two sexes are meant for each other, especially in marriage.  

What about abortion?  Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”  (Matthew‬ 5‬:21‬-22‬ NIV‬‬).  He didn’t say murder was now ok, he deepened the meaning to include anger, which is an underlying cause of murder.  And what is abortion? It is the taking of an innocent life.  It is most definitely murder.

Even if Jesus never said it, though, those practices, in both Leviticus and Romans, are condemned as sinful.  Progressive Christianity is a sham, meant to scratch those ears that are itching to hear what pleases carnal mankind. It may fill some pews, but it will never fill the heart with truth that brings us closer to God.

“You can’t judge me. The Bible says not to judge anyone.” The person who said that was a transgendered “woman”. He was wearing a mini-skirt, high heels, and a tank top. His hair was dyed three very bright colors and he had a lot of piercings. He was right: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Matthew‬ 7‬:1‬ NIV‬‬…yet he was wrong.  In the book of John we are clearly told not to judge…by appearances. But it says we are to judge rightly (“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” John‬ 7‬:24‬ NIV‬‬). So, which is it? Can we judge, or not?

First, we need to be sure we are not being hypocritical.  We must first take a good, hard look at ourselves. Is there anything in our lives that violates the purpose and character of God? We are warned not to speak of another person’s sin if we have sin in our own life.  That is fundamental and essential. So…do that first and remove that sin from your life.  Then…and only then, are you allowed to judge.

But we are not to judge people.  We are to judge sin.  That man I quoted in the first paragraph is loved by God.  We do not know what happened in his life to lead him into such a lifestyle.  Was he abused, sexually, physically, and/or emotionally, at some point in his life?  Was he influenced by another person who had the same mindset and emotional problems? Just exactly why someone chooses to live a life of degradation and sinfulness is not ours to judge.

But sin? We are absolutely called to judge sin.  And base it solely on the Word of God. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy‬ 3‬:16‬ NIV‬‬) With the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding us in understanding scripture we know right from wrong, good from evil, and light from darkness. It is our responsibility to share the Gospel as we love in such a way as to change the world. How can we do that without calling out sin? Are we judging someone when we rebuke their sin and correct their way of thinking? Absolutely not.  However, we need to be careful as we do that.  Be sure you are doing it out of love and a pure heart.We are told to “speak the truth in love” as we grow in Christ. (Ephesians 4:15)

“Love the sinner, but hate the sin” is surely what we are called to do.