CITY ORDINANCE 296

For the past six months I have been working with other city leaders to defeat City Ordinance 296. It proposed to give "special rights" to homosexuals and lesbians. It was cloaked with the disguise of civil liberties, but how can you grant civil liberties for behavior?

Thankfully, and miraculously, it was defeated Wednesday  night by the Jacksonville City Council by a vote of 17 to 2. That is a huge victory for our city.

The attempt was to make homosexual and lesbian relations "normal". It was an aggressive act to abuse the civil rights of Christians and others of faith who opposed immoral relationships. In the process it would have hurt children, youth, families, and our community.

All people should be loved and given respect, but that doesn't include all behavior. There are obviously many, countless acts of behavior that should not be tolerated by society, but that doesn't mean that the people doing them aren't loved.

Christians aren't biased or bigoted when they do not accept immoral behavior. What is more hateful: to condone sin or give a fair warning and offer redemptive help? The answer is simple.

Last night, Wednesday night, I felt that God's hand extended down into our City. I felt that God showed us mercy. Now, I pray that a revival of righteousness will rain down upon us. Not one of judgment, but one of love for God and His holiness.

Holiness is good. Purity is good. They both bring incredible blessing.

The battle is sure to be fought again, but the Lord is our victory and last night He won.