Missing it by a mile…

Romans 1:26, 27

For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

It seems very popular to embrace the homosexual lifestyle within the church because its about “loving everybody accepting them for who they are.” Several who are in leadership within the church have decided its o.k. to marry one of the same sex as we are all Gods children.  Let me share with you some quotes from big name church leadership concerning gay marriage.

Brian Houston  of Hillsong Australia

“It’s very easy to reduce what you think about homosexuality to just a public statement, and that would keep a lot of people happy,” he said, “but we feel at this point, that it is an ongoing conversation, that the real issues in people’s lives are too important for us just to reduce it down to a yes or no answer in a media outlet. So we’re on the journey with it.”

While I respect Mr. Houston and would never question his salvation I do question his theology concerning homosexuality. There is no journey concerning gay marriage and there is no gray areas concerning gay marriage. Sin is sin and it does not matter how you package it it is still contrary to the word of Jesus Christ.

Carl Lentz pastor of Hillsong N.Y.C.

“Jesus was in the thick of an era where homosexuality, just like it is today, was widely prevalent. And I’m still waiting for someone show me the quote where Jesus addressed it on the record in front of people. You won’t find it because he never did,” he said.”

While Jesus did not express directly the sin of homosexuality Paul sure did. in Romans 1:26, 27, 31, 32, 1st Cor 6:9, 10, 1st Timothy 1:10. So then is Mr. Lentz picking and choosing the parts of the Bible he wants to believe according to his theology in a box? Did not Paul walk with Jesus in his ministry chosen directly by Jesus to write 3/4’s of the New Testament? Mr. Lentz you do walk on a slippery slope my friend.

Chuck Smith Jr, Pastor of  Capo Beach Calvary Church

“I’m still looking at it. On the one hand, I’m up against biblical passages [condemning homosexuality] that I need to investigate more thoroughly. On the other hand, I know many practicing homosexuals. I know two young men who’ve been monogamous partners for seven years. They’ve adopted a son who is thriving. They’re good dads, they’re good people, they have asked Jesus into their hearts and seek to live Christian lives.”

Taken from a interview with Religion News Blog.

I fail to see any issues concerning homosexuality here. What exactly is there to look into? Either we accept the whole word of God or we don’t. Eventually this kind of thinking leads to compromise and compromise leads to a apostate doctrine, a apostate church and  the saints being led into a false sense of right and wrong. The sad part about this is these men will answer to Jesus for their actions concerning His sheep and it won’t be pretty. Frankly I think its pretty clear cut what the word says concerning the homosexual lie. Now before you start throwing stones at me let me say this. I am all for embracing and ministering to those of the gay lifestyle. But this embrace must be saturated in biblical truth with a foundation of love as its base. There is a old adage that says “love the sinner but hate the sin.” While kind of cliché maybe there is truth in it. The gospel is powerful and breaks the chains of sin including homosexuality. The gospel is the word of Jesus which is capable of cutting out sin wherever it is. Frankly if you are in leadership and you have doubts concerning the authenticity of Gods word then you need to step down from leadership until you understand and accept the whole counsel of God and not just the bits and pieces you like. You are misleading the sheep and the shepherd Jesus Christ is more than capable of spanking His leadership when they need it. Take note Pastor Houston, Pastor Lentz, and Pastor Smith Jr.

Until next month….

Lee