SERMON: Blessed Despite the Challenge of HB25-1312” (Matt. 5:10-12)
“Blessed
Despite the Challenge of HB25-13”
(Matthew 5:10-12)
Series: “LGBTQ+ Issues” #6 Text:
Matthew
5:10-12
By: Shaun Marksbury Date: May
18, 2025
Venue: Living Water Baptist Church Occasion: AM Service
I.
Introduction
This weekend, as I was preparing to preach the next sermon
in the Book of John, I saw the grim news.
On Friday, the governor of Colorado signed a bill into law which
threatens to challenge our commitment to God’s Word, our freedom to raise our
children, and our courage to speak truth. That challenge is House Bill 25-1312, the
so-called “Kelly Loving Act.”[1]
Some of you knew this was coming, but the late Friday
passage of the legislation provided the media cloak of the weekend. Some of you may not have heard about it, and
still others may not think this is worth addressing. However, this is a law that many in our
Baptist family and greater Christian tradition see as a threat to our religious
liberty, parental rights, and the consciences of our teachers in public
schools.
Jesus warned us that persecution would come in many
ways. It doesn’t just come with the
execution of Christians; it comes with the suppression of truth and Christian
values. And make no mistake — this bill,
which ostensibly protects the rights of transgender-identifying children, is
actually an attack on a Christian worldview and truth itself.
Our Lord did warn us that this would come, but He also gave
us these unshakable words of confidence.
Part of His Beatitudes, His words from the Sermon on the Mount contain a
promise of peace and strength. They are
not words to call us to retreat, but to charge us to stand firm, to rejoice
even when the world opposes us for Christ’s sake.
Today, we’ll unpack this passage while examining HB25-1312’s
impact on our church, our families, and our educators. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent,
navigating a custody battle, sending your kids to public or private schools, or
teaching in a classroom, this message is for you. I hope that you will be encouraged to live
boldly for Jesus because, regardless of what this world says, He is our Lord,
not Caesar.
II.
The Blessing of Persecution for Righteousness
Matthew 5:10–12 is the climax of the Beatitudes, where Jesus
outlines the character of His Kingdom’s citizens. These verses prepare us for the cost of
following Him in a world that often rejects His truth.
Jesus’s words begin in verse 10, saying, “Blessed are those
who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.” The word
“persecuted” here means to be pursued or harassed.[2] It’s righteousness — living by God’s
standards, like His design for male and female (Gen. 1:27) — which invites this
opposition. Thus, persecution can come
against Christians when they name the name of Christ in the public square or
they simply are living according to divine standards.
Yet, Jesus calls us “blessed” when this happens. This means that we are filled with divine joy
that transcends the discomfort and dangers of the moment. Jesus gives the reason here: our joy or
blessedness comes because the kingdom is ours!
He repeats that blessed promise in verse 11. He says, “Blessed are you when people insult
you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of
Me.” We might rightly think of
persecution as the opposite of producing joy, but such is the nature of
spiritual life in Christ. He gives us
the ability to see the truth beyond the situation.
We need this because persecution is personal. Insults, accusations, or legal penalties may
come “because of Me,” He says. When we bear
Christ’s name, we will sometimes suffer; not as punishment for sin but as an honor
for fidelity.
So, Jesus says in verse 12, “Rejoice and be glad, for your
reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who
were before you.” Jesus commands joy
amid suffering, promising a heavenly reward. We stand with prophets like Elijah, who faced
kings, and Jeremiah, who endured scorn, yet God sustained them. We will find His strength can carry us
through such trials.
This passage is our anchor. As we face HB25-1312, it reminds us that
persecution for Christ is not defeat—it’s a mark of belonging to Him. Let’s hold fast to this truth as we explore
the bill’s challenges.
III.
The Challenge of HB25-1312
To live out Matthew 5:10–12, we must understand HB25-1312
and its implications for our church family.
Introduced only in March of this year and passed this weekend, this bill
has sparked fierce debate. Originally,
it included alarming provisions, like classifying “deadnaming” (using a transgender-identifying
child’s birth name) or “misgendering” (using the biological pronouns of the transgender-identifying
child) as discriminatory.[3]
In the case of custody disputes, a
parent or guardian who holds biblical views will be potentially penalized.[4]
This prompted a historic outcry. 670 Coloradans testified against the bill in
hearings, compared to just 70 in support, with 37,000 signing petitions and
100,000 emails flooding senators. Such a
public battle led to significant amendments, softening some of the bill’s edges,
but it did not stop the bill from advancing.
So, the amended bill, now signed by Governor Jared Polis and
pending official confirmation, still raises serious concerns for our faith and
freedoms. Let’s focus on what HB25-1312
currently says and how it affects us.
A.
Key Provisions of the Amended Bill
· Anti-Discrimination
Expansion:
· HB25-1312
amends the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) to include “chosen name” and
“gender expression” as protected categories.[5]
· This
means businesses, schools, and individuals could face lawsuits or fines for refusing
to use a person’s preferred name or pronouns, even if doing so conflicts with
their biblical convictions about gender.
· For
Teachers: Public school educators, like some of you here, may be required to
use students’ chosen names or pronouns or risk discipline, including
termination or civil penalties. This
creates a moral dilemma: comply and violate conscience, or resist and face
consequences.
· School
Policies:
· The
bill requires public and charter schools to allow students to choose any dress
code option, regardless of sex, and to prioritize chosen names in records and
interactions.
· While
gender-neutral dress codes are not explicitly mandated, the policy undermines
traditional norms, potentially pressuring schools to affirm gender fluidity.
· For
Parents: If your child attends public or charter schools, teachers or
counselors might affirm a transgender identity without your knowledge, as the
bill emphasizes student autonomy. This
challenges your God-given authority to guide your child’s upbringing (Ephesians
6:4).
· Sanctuary
State for Gender-Affirming Care:
· The
bill prohibits Colorado courts from enforcing other states’ laws that restrict
gender-affirming care, making Colorado a “sanctuary state” for such treatments.
· This
could enable minors to access hormone therapy or other interventions,
potentially without parental consent, especially if they cross state lines. Not only does this undermine family unity, it
exposes children to dangerous, experimental, and even irreparable harm.
· For
Parents in Custody Battles: If you’re fighting for custody, courts may view
your opposition to gender-affirming care as discriminatory, tipping the scales
against you.[6]
· Impact
on Religious Liberty:
· While
faith-based institutions have some CADA exemptions, the bill’s broad language
could expose Christian schools, ministries, or individuals to litigation for
non-compliance (e.g., refusing to use pronouns against biblical beliefs).[7]
· Our
church may face pressure to conform in our programs or hiring practices,
threatening our ability to operate according to Scripture.
B.
Why This Matters to Us
We care about the people here, both children and
adults. As such, we want to be aware of
the potential dangers against us.
- Considering
Our Parental Rights:
Parents, whether homeschooling, using private, charter, or public schools, face a state that seems to prioritize ideological conformity over your authority. One Colorado mom, Erin Lee, who runs the @Erin4Parents account, shared her heartbreak: “I lost custody because professionals affirmed my daughter’s gender identity without my consent.” Her daughter’s school secretly conducted LGBTQ+ clubs and targeted social outliers like her daughter, convincing her from age 11 that she was in the wrong body. Those who want to honor Christ with biblical parenting, telling their kids that they are what God made them, may find their rights threatened. - Considering
Our Teachers’ Consciences:
Some have said the simple solution for this is to get our kids out of public schools, and there’s a certain wisdom in that. However, I hope everyone understands that we also have public school teachers here; we recognize those of you want to honor God on the front lines of this fight. Unfortunately, the bill’s requirements will push back against you, making this more of an uphill battle. They will try to force you to affirm identities that contradict your faith, and to resist risks your job and reputation. The Douglas County Commissioners also issued a warning, saying HB25-1312 can “create confusion and burden schools,” and it can “introduce vague legal standards, force educators and employers to navigate evolving personal identities without clarity and penalize people for unintentional missteps.”[8] - Considering
Our Religious Freedom:
The bill’s expansion of CADA threatens our First Amendment rights to free speech and religion. Legal precedents like 303 Creative (2023), where Colorado tried and failed to force a website designer to create work which violated her conscience, can protect against compelled speech.[9] Still, HB25-1312 tests those boundaries, potentially chilling our witness. - Considering
Our Children’s Well-Being:
Medical experts like Dr. Eddie Waldrop, a clinical psychologist who testified against the bill, called gender-affirming protocols “activist-driven” and not supported by long-term data. He said that “98% of cases are misdiagnosed — [when it’s] really anxiety, depression, or autism. The suicide data being cited is not evidence-based. Young girls are especially affected.”[10] Some studies that 85-95% of kids with gender dysphoria resolve it naturally by adulthood.[11] HB25-1312’s push for affirmation may harm vulnerable kids, contradicting our call to protect the least of these (Matthew 25:40). - Considering
Our Constitutional Rights:
This is a clear example of governmental overreach. Simply as American citizens, we should not face compelled speech and religious intrusion. As Marbury v. Madison states, “All laws which are repugnant to the Constitution are null and void.” We have the right to resist the unlawful assertion of government powers, whether it be by law or by decree.
We want to beware the legal traps here for the unwary. Despite the bill’s amendments, its core
intent — to enforce a progressive gender ideology — remains. Thus, Colorado Democrats have taken the battle
to us.
IV.
Stories of Christians Standing Firm
In this storm, Colorado’s Christians have shone as lights,
embodying Matthew 5:10-12. Their courage
inspires us to stand for righteousness.
- Pastor
Chase Davis a fellow Baptist, led the charge, testifying for hours on
April 30, 2025 against HB25-1312. He
called it “an assault on Christian liberty,” urging pastors to speak
prophetically: “If your ministry avoids confronting this bill, rethink
your approach.” His boldness
rallied thousands, with The Center for Baptist Leadership praising his
stand. Despite insults labeling him
intolerant, Chase rejoiced in serving Christ, trusting the reward of verse
12.
- Already
mentioned Erin Lee, a mother like many of you, has fought tirelessly for
parental rights. Her story of
losing custody due to gender affirmation without consent moved hearts at
hearings. She warned, “HB25-1312’s
amendments hide its intent to erode families.” Her PSA on X called parents to action:
“Don’t let this bill silence you.” Her perseverance, despite slander,
reflects the joy Jesus commands in persecution.
There were many others.
These believers, like the prophets, faced opposition but trusted God’s
promise, encouraging us to do the same.
V.
What We Can Do: Applying Matthew 5:10–12 Today
How do we, as a conservative Baptist church, respond to
HB25-1312? Matthew 5:10-12 offers
guidance for parents, teachers, and all of us.
A.
First, Stand for Righteousness
Jesus warns persecution comes “for the sake of
righteousness.” Like Daniel’s companions
refusing to bow (Dan. 3:16–18), we must uphold God’s truth about gender and
speech, even if HB25-1312 pressures us to conform. God may deliver us from the fiery furnace, or
He may not, but we will not bow to Caesar.
Now, Christians may fight by exercising their constitutional
rights; it is not a sign of faithlessness.
Paul cited his rights as a Roman citizen in Acts 16:37 to call out
injustice, as may we. So, familiarize
yourself with First Amendment protections and victories such as the 303
Creative case which affirms your right to refuse speech that violates your
faith. Consult groups like Alliance
Defending Freedom (ADF) if faced with discipline for non-compliance.
Parents, protect your children. I would strongly recommend homeschooling if
you are able, and I would like parents to consider creating co-op options (our
church already has one meeting here, and we can host another). But, whether homeschooling or remaining in
public schools, teach your kids biblical truth (Deut. 6:7). If you must use the public schools, monitor their
policies and activities carefully, being as involved as possible, to be sure
that there is nothing happening without your consent. In custody battles, seek legal counsel to
defend your rights. Let’s do all we can
to support one another in this fight.
In all your dealings, speak the truth. Equip yourself with facts — e.g., studies on
gender dysphoria resolution — and share them with love (1 Pet. 3:15). Engage school boards, legislators, or
neighbors to advocate for change.
Finally, church, pray without ceasing. Intercede for teachers, parents, and
legislators. If you are not currently a
parent, guardian, or teacher, join us in prayer; you know that such legislation
may have implications beyond this. Pray
for Governor Polis and for revival!
B.
Second, Rejoice in God’s Promise
Remember, you are blessed.
Jesus calls you “blessed” when insulted for His name’s sake. Teachers facing job threats, parents in court,
or families slandered as bigots — you belong to the kingdom!
Remember that your reward is great. Such earthly trials — lawsuits, custody
losses, or social scorn — are fleeting. Heaven’s
reward is eternal.
Remember that God works through you. The 670 testifiers and thousands of petitions
forced amendments to HB25-1312, showing God moves through His people, and more
can still happen. Jesus says in John
16:33, “In the world you have tribulation, but take heart; I have overcome the
world.” Trust Him to sustain you, as He
did the prophets.
VI.
Conclusion: Rejoice and Be Glad
Beloved, HB25-1312 is a storm, but Matthew 5:10-12 declares
us blessed in persecution. We are called
to stand, speak, and rejoice, despite what may come. Teachers, those in custody battles,
homeschoolers, and public school families alike — God sees your faithfulness. The prophets endured, and so will we, for our
reward in heaven is great.
[2] William Arndt, Frederick W. Danker, Walter Bauer, and
F. Wilbur Gingrich, A Greek-English
lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature, 2000,
254.
[3] “Nearly 700 Coloradans Sign Up to Oppose Transgender
Bill HB25-1312 in Marathon Capitol Hearing,” Denver Catholic, May 1, 2025, https://www.denvercatholic.org/nearly-700-coloradans-sign-up-to-oppose-hb25-1312-in-marathon-capitol-hearing
[4] Timothy Cockes, “Colorado bill would strip custody
from parents who ‘misgender’ children,” Baptist Press, April 16, 2025, https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/colorado-law-which-would-strip-custody-from-parents-who-misgender-children/
[5] “HB25-1312 – Legislative Alert – Oppose HB25-1312
Today,” Christian Home Educators of Colorado, https://chec.org/colorado-homeschool-freedom/legislative-alert/hb25-1312/
[6] Christopher Schorr, “Analysis of House Bill 25-1312:
Legal ‘Protections’ For Transgender People,” America First Policy Institute,
April 24, 2025, https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/issues/analysis-of-house-bill-25-1312-legal-protections-for-transgender-people
[7] Ryan Foley, “ ‘Dangerous precedent’: Christian college
opposes Colorado bill that would punish 'biblical convictions,’ ” Christian
Post, April 14, 2025, https://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-college-warns-bill-would-punish-biblical-convictions.html
[8] “Douglas County Commissioners oppose HB 25-1312,
citing government overreach and parental rights concerns: Commissioners
encourage State Senate to kill bill they say is unconstitutional and places
undue restrictions on parent-child relationships,” May 7, 2025, https://www.douglas.co.us/douglas-county-commissioners-oppose-hb-25-1312-citing-government-overreach-and-parental-rights-concerns/.
[9] Denver Catholic.
[10] Tori Ganahl, “Doctors, parents, pastors say HB25-1312
‘crosses line’ as Senate advances bill after midnight,” Rocky Mountain Voice,
May 1, 2025, https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/05/doctors-parents-pastors-say-hb25-1312-crosses-line-as-senate-advances-bill-after-midnight/.
[11] Denver Catholic.
