As promised , this is the second part of a study I posted last on my site. I was going to include it in the previous blog, but it was too long where it stood and I could not guarantee that this one would be short either..
Last post, I attempted to do a topical study on what the Bible actually says about homosexuality, keeping the passages somewhat within their historical and cultural context. at least for myself, I have Determined the following,
1. The Bible is Clear in the disapproval of homosexuality
Let me pull over and park here There is a group within the emergent church movement that wants to tell you that the Bible is unclear concerning the issue of homosexuality. Here is a Quote from Brian McLaren, from the Christianity Today website blog:
"Frankly, many of us don't know what we should think about homosexuality. We've heard all sides but no position has yet won our confidence so that we can say "it seems good to the Holy Spirit and us." That alienates us from both the liberals and conservatives who seem to know exactly what we should think. Even if we are convinced that all homosexual behavior is always sinful, we still want to treat gay and lesbian people with more dignity, gentleness, and respect than our colleagues do. If we think that there may actually be a legitimate context for some homosexual relationships, we know that the biblical arguments are nuanced and multilayered, and the pastoral ramifications are staggeringly complex. We aren't sure if or where lines are to be drawn, nor do we know how to enforce with fairness whatever lines are drawn." -- http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2006/01/brian_mclaren_o.htm
Although I firmly believe that Gays and lesbians need to be treated with dignity and respect, I believe that you should also deal with them truthfully. They do not deserved to be lied to about what the Bible says concerning homosexuality. They deserve to know the truth, even if it is not what they want to hear, even it it brings their hatred on you for delivering the answer. We aren't sure where the lines are to be drawn? That is a cop out . If you had a friend who wanted to use Drain-o as a sugar substitute in his coffee, you would be a fool and a cad to tell him that you're not sure if the label says it's poison. How much more so the issue of homosexuality, which has ETERNAL ramifications for those involved...If you are asked, Tell them the truth, with patience love and respect., and if you honestly don't know yourself, you have no business representing the Lord Jesus Christ.
On the other side of the coin are those who know the truth, and wield it like a ball bat.
openly condemning gay and lesbians,with all the grace of wrecking ball. Sure there are some
who are militant in their lifestyle, but perhaps there are others who are genuinely seeking the truth, and hurting, and your blanket condemnation drives them further away from the Gospel of Grace. Issues like this should be bathed in much prayer. These are souls for whom Christ died.
Would you drive them further away from the truth with your thoughtless words?
The gay and lesbian lifestyle is not just going to vanish like some sort of fad. It is our responsibility to treat them as any other person, with Christian love, and respect. To give them the Gospel of Grace, In hope that God will provide an increase of souls for His Kingdom... But, at the same time, there is a Biblical standard, a line we must not cross. We must also uphold the standard set forth in God's Word concerning homosexuality, and not allow tolerance to become a issue within the ministry of the church.
Only by a proper understanding of Bible and the leading of the Holy Spirit, through much prayer
can this be accomplished
