My friends,

It is with great duplicity that I write to you this morning. Moments ago, I landed in Philadelphia, PA from two PHENOMENAL weeks in Israel!  Never have I felt safer!  And, space doesn’t permit me, at this point, to remark on all that we saw, heard, sensed, smelled and experienced while in the Holy Land!  More on that later!

I write with duplicity because of the tragedy that was the Supreme Court’s decision yesterday!  Though in some ways shocking, it was not at all unexpected!  In addition to redefining culture’s definition of marriage, the High Court’s decision will have dramatic and long-lasting repercussions for the United States–a land founded on a clear Judeo-Christian, Biblically-based foundation!

While the highest court of the land may redefine an institution, they cannot/have not changed God’s mind on the issue!!!  No, marriage is still God’s institution and He ALONE has the right to define it!  He ALONE has the right to decide it’s participants!  He ALONE has the right to determine the future of ANY nation that flaunts it’s sin and shakes it’s fist in the very face of a thrice holy God!  So, from a Divine perspective, we have entered into even more treacherous territory!

From a legal perspective, we’ve certainly entered into uncharted waters.  This decision has pitted the 14th Amendment against the treasured 1st Amendment!  In doing so, there will be a litany of cases that will ultimately make their way to the Supreme Court! Justice Kennedy’s broad (and incredibly weak) comments about those with “firmly held religious beliefs” being able to continue to live and advocate those beliefs, is NO protection for those of us who love righteousness!

Amid so much that seems negative, there is an incredible silver lining in all this!  This may be THE moment for the church of Christ to stand up, tall, and unequivocally clear with regard to truth!  No matter what this may/will mean, this is our moment for courageous commitment to the One Who is The Truth!  Additionally, actions like those of Texas Governor Greg Abbott (declaring that Texas will continue to guard, protect, and defend the First Amendment liberties of the residents of that state) signal what may happen in other liberty-loving states!  In other words, another “state’s rights” battle is brewing!

So, church of Christ/men of God, ARISE!!!  Stay tuned!  Much more to come on this!

Dave Kistler
President, HOPE Ministries International
President, North Carolina Pastors Network (NCPN)