Bob Russell preached at the Friday morning session at the North American Christian Convention in Orlando. In his sermon, Bob reminded us that the church must not try to become more like the world in an effort to be accepted by the world. The fact that we are not like the world is reason enough to make them hate us. “They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.” (1 Peter 4:4).

Russell pointed out that one of the main areas of difference today between the world and the church is concerning the acceptance of gay marriage. From the very beginning, God instituted marriage as a union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). Jesus reaffirmed God’s definition of marriage when he said, “But at the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Mark 10:6-9).

The church’s position on marriage is clearly spelled out in Scripture. The world’s position—while indefensible—is becoming more and more apparent. The world is trying to force its view on the church, and many Christians are showing signs of confusion and weakness.

It has been said that you aren’t really taking a stand against Satan if you are willing to oppose him along the frontline everywhere except the point where his is pushing his main attack. Russell asked the convention attenders, if you can’t take a stand for marriage—the first human institution ordained by God—then what can you stand for?

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”—Ephesians 6:13.