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His "testimony" screams the poverty of Evangelicalism today. People view their Christian walk and struggle as awaiting some "second blessing" to be delivered from further temptation and sin. The gospel of grace that announces Christ's righteousness and not our own is rarely preached from pulpits. Even the song "Thank You" is a song of the victory theology that permeates the "Christian" music scene.
Christianity is viewed as something that "works" or it doesn't. What kind of "testimonies" are on display with respect to sin? "I was delivered from alcohol and never desired another drink" or "I was gay and now I like women because God healed me completely". Those who never hear the true Gospel but simply hear the stories of victorious living by those who "dare to be a Daniel" are left hoping, week after week, that if they try really hard or "really let go this time" that they'll break through and their sincerity of effort will deliver from sin.
The sad part about this story is not a man convinced that something abominable pleases God. True, that's very sad. What's sad is that American Evangelicals have no testimony of the true Gospel for this man. Most will simply fold their arms and think of Ray as a sinner who doesn't get it like they do. Unlike them, Ray now has a sinful heart because they're remaining dedicated.
May God send a reformation.
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