Ray Boltz was a hero of mine when I was a teenager. His song “Thank You” was the number one Christian song in 1990, followed by “I pledge allegiance to the Lamb,” “The Altar,” “I will praise the Lord” and many others. This week, however, Ray Boltz announced to the Washington Blade that he was now living a homosexual lifestyle.
I was saddened by this news. I can remember hearing him in concert and truly feeling the presence of the Lord. So what do we say to this? How can someone be used of God to write such powerful songs for the church and then not endure to the end in salvation? How can someone who has known the Lord and His Word and His Spirit turn their back on the things of God?
Well, there are several answers to these questions. First of all, it’s always important to remember that God honors His Word and not man. Just as Pastor Bob preaches this morning, it’s God’s Word that is being uplifted..not Pastor Bob. When I lead worship today, it’s not me who is leading you into God’s presence, it’s the Holy Spirit honoring the Word of God.
This actually isn’t new in Christianity. In 1735, Oglethorpe invited John Wesley to come on a preaching trip to Georgia from England. John Wesley came to preach to the Gospel and had many salvations. It wasn’t until 1738 that he was soundly converted himself!
Horatio Spafford, who wrote the powerful hymn “It is well” after the loss of his two daughters by drowning in the Atlantic Ocean, went on to build a ministry in Jerusalem, but by the end of his life in 1888 at age 60, he died believing he himself was the second Messiah.
A hymn that holds a very special place in my heart, “Come Thou Fount” also has a tragic ending. Robert Robinson penned these amazing words at the age of 22 in 1757, however, he did not endure to the end as well and wasted his life.
So, what do we say when someone mightily used of God falls into the depths of sin?
I think there are several Biblical answers given to the Church:
1. What the Church should remember:
Hebrews 13:3, “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
2 Peter 1:10, “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure…”
2. How the Church should respond to those who have fallen:
a. If they are willing to repent and turn from their sin –
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Galatians 6:1
b. If they are unwilling to repent from their sin –
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt, save others by snatching them out of the fire, to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” Jude 1:21-23
3. What the Church should remember about God our Shepherd:
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.” Jude 1:24
“Who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 1:8
Ray Boltz has become “hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” and it is our responsibility to pray for him following what Jude 1:21 commands, “save others by snatching them out of the fire, to others show mercy with great fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” I hope that this will be a time that you not only pray for those who have fallen, but that you will also examine your own heart and “keep yourselves in the love of God” that you not be “hardened by sin.”
Looking to Christ,
Pastor Chad
Preaching Christ Church
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