That's what a few folks are calling this Sunday at Maury Hills. They're referring to my upcoming sermon in the Unchristian series. The series deals with the current perceptions that 16-29 yr old "outsiders" have of Christianity. I introduced the top six perceptions a couple of weeks ago and explained that I would spend a week each one. So this Sunday we address the perception that Christians are "anti-homosexual."
This was the most commonly associated attribute with the Christian faith. 91% of those surveyed associated the term with Christianity. And it's not just that they feel we're against homosexual behavior but that we actually have disdain and contempt for homosexual people. They have a point. At times we've been "Christian" in our doctrine, but "unchristian" in our practice. In other words, we've been right to point out that homosexual behavior is immoral but wrong in how we've treated homosexual people. We haven't treated them in the way that I think Jesus would. So now you have some idea of where I'm heading Sunday.
It's not an easy to sermon to preach because the issue is emotionally charged. I'll be speaking to people who take a very hard-line stance and those whose views have been softened through interactions with close friends or family. I'm certain that many in our congregation see the issue as black-and-white and others see many colors of gray. Just for the record, I do believe the Scriptures are clear on the issue. Homosexual behavior is wrong. However, that doesn't answer a bevy of questions relating to genetics, civil rights, political engagement, spiritual engagement, friendships, family, acceptance, mercy, fairness, hope, etc.
As Rubel Shelly writes, "Christians are right to insist on orthodoxy of doctrine, but we must also insist on (and practice) orthodoxy of community." He was referring to the issue of divorce but the same principle applies. We know what the Scriptures say, but we must also learn how to apply those Scriptures to real life. That's easier said than done. Sometimes we've preached truth, but in such a way that it alienates the people who most need to hear it. As Paul warned "knowledge puffs up but love builds up" or as James said "mercy triumphs over judgment." That doesn't mean that we should ignore knowledge and judgement. It just puts them in proper perspective. To be right in a unkind way is to be wrong.
The Pharisees were so adamant about how certain laws were to observed that they were often unloving and unmerciful. Doctrinally speaking, they were right. Relationally speaking, they were wrong. Jesus didn't call them to compromise their beliefs, but he did call them to a higher ethical and relational standard (love). As followers of Jesus, we must speak and practice truth, but it must be done in the spirit of humility, kindness and mercy.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Homosexual Sunday
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24 comments:
I'm the mean sort of type that instead of opening with "I'm happy everyone is here today" I would say "I'm gay everyone is here today."
Preach on brother. They fight against these teachings because they don't understand the nature of Jesus, only their constructed "Law of Paul".
Just found this site http://queermergent.wordpress.com/. Note I haven't read anything by them except what I have read atZoeCarnate.
In my career in the USAF I worked with and associated with several gay military men who were keeping their orientation on the QT. I know in my heart that their behavior is wrong as taught in the scriptures. I will be as sociable as I can to them, but this doesn't mean I will put my arm around them and take them to lunch!
Bill D.
I'm preaching on money this weekend; not sure whether you or I have the hardest sermon to deliver...
I've never tackled that topic at my church, but is one that I would like to. I will keep you in prayer Sunday morning!
Keep up the great work Russ!
@Bill D
"I will be as sociable as I can to them, but this doesn't mean I will put my arm around them and take them to lunch!"
Why Jesus ate with them. Haven't you read Matthew 9:10-13. It says "While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and 'sinners' came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?' On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'"
Randy,
The 1st Cor 6 passage that we use against homosexuality also includes greed. You're right. You're sermon is equally tough.
Russ I applaud you talking about this subject. I am constantly offended by Christians making gay jokes. I have gay friends and I know they would never be welcomed at church.
Something I think we should consider: if a couple who was living together unmarried walked into our assembly how would we treat them? If a gay couple walked in how would we treat them?
Do we believe that the spirit can convict the souls of men concerning all things unless they are gay?
Anyway that is my soap box. PS people in the gay and lesbian community find it really offensive to be called homosexuals.
@Daniel
My gay friends call me a "breeder", but they don't mind me using "homosexual". I think it depends on the people, and the level of friendship. Your spot on with your couples example.
Check this out.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=d41ab7457e2dec0bdc18
Unfortunately all this talk about homosexuals causes me to have to get on my soap box. I think that most any church would allow (and even want) homosexuals to come in, but that doesn't mean that they wouldn't be told that they are sinning. The same goes for a unmarried couple living together or a couple having pre-marital sex, the difference being it is usually (not always) easier to distinguish the homosexual couple walking in than see the unwed couple.
If you read the book After the Ball you will see that homosexuals laid out a plan in the 1980's to try to desensitize homosexuality in the minds of americans. Some of the concepts laid out in the book are use “gay” instead of homosexuality and to use phrases like “alternative lifestyle”. In fact it says,
“If, however, gays can live alongside straights, visibly but as inoffensively as possible, they will arouse a low-grade alert only, which, though annoying to straights, will eventually diminish for purely physiological reasons. Straights will be desensitized.”
It's obvious to me that Christians today have been beat into submission by the pro-homosexual media to the point that we no longer are willing to say anything against due to the fact that we look 'un-christian'. Thats exactly the homosexual agenda. After the Ball says,
“The trick is to get the bigot into the position of feeling a conflicting twinge of shame, along with his reward, whenever his homohatred surfaces, so that his reward will be diluted or spoiled. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, all making use of repeated exposure to pictorial images or verbal statements that are incompatible with his self-image as a well-liked person, one who fits in with the rest of the crowd. Thus, propagandistic advertisement can depict homophobic and homohating bigots as crude loudmouths and assholes--people who say not only 'faggot' but 'nigger,' 'kike,' and other shameful epithets--who are 'not Christian.'”
Pretty much every concept laid forth in this book has came has been implemented and matured in the U.S.. Now christians have almost no voice, because we are afraid that we will look like religious extremists. Eventually Christians will be so afraid of saying anything that homosexuals are allowed within our churches and never told they are sinning. It's a sad sad fact. A fact that has already happened with un-scripturally married couples, a fact that has already happened with premarital sex, and a fact that will happen with homosexuality; it's just a matter of time.
You raise some good points. There is certianly an element within the the gay & lesbian community that push an agenda to desensitize. I see that in primetime TV shows every night. But I would caution that not all homosexuals are part of that agenda. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
So Anon, what would you suggest the Church does?
It seems to me that if we follow the unchristian pattern we will all eventually turn a blind eye to homosexuality.
The unchristian discussion guide says…
“American Christians have often sought to confront the issues of homosexuality through preaching and politics. What are some alternative ways Christians should approach homosexuality?”
“Much of the fear and misunderstanding associated with homosexuality is due to Christians isolating themselves from gays and lesbians. How can your Church, small group, or just you, yourself, make strides to become more engaged and compassionate?”
I’m not sure what misunderstanding there is, homosexuality is not only a sin but a plague infecting every person alive today. If it is not treated as such we fall right into homosexuals’ and Satan’s plan of Christian desensitization. All forms of adultery have been accepted so long by the world and the media that we often don’t treat these things as the sins they are.
The Church must take a harder stand against this sinful movement in politics and by more preaching. Mauryhills has already accepted people engaged in openly unscriptural relationships. By saying that homosexuality is no worse than other forms of adultery I believe mauryhills plans to eventually accept openly gay couples into their number. Mauryhills idea of being “more engaged and compassionate” with homosexuality and adultery is truly unchristian
We must always remember that homosexuals are lost souls who also need Christ, but according to the Bible we must not accept continuing open adulterous relationships of any kind into the Church. It is our responsibility to fight their influence in the world and resist the damage they cause.
K,
I’m not really sure the best route for the church to go, but I think that the scriptures support taking a hard stance on the subject. To me this subject is really composed of more that one problem. First, the mainstream media allows and even endorses homosexual and other sinful behaviors. Second, americans have not elected leaders that will stand up for the scriptures. One of the first acts of our new president was to repeal Defense of Marriage Act and allow openly homosexual relationships within our military.
Russ,
All homosexuals are part of this agenda, even those who may be a "closet" homosexual. The fact is their beliefs are consistent with the book's thoughts. This can even be seen in Daniel's comments when he says his friends don't want to be called "homosexual" but "gay or lesbian" instead. Either way homosexuality is a sin according to the Bible and we should confront sin, not hide it in a closet.
I too have heard that Maury Hills allows people involved in adulterous relationships to worship there, is this true? Will you accept homosexuals into your church?
Anon,
I must respectfully disagree. All homosexuals are not a part of the agenda. Many are and I concede that point, but I also know people who are sincere Christians struggling with same-sex attraction. They have no desire to challenge what they Bible says. On the contrary, they are trying to live sexually moral lives by practicing celibacy and sexual purity.
As to your last two questions. We accept all kinds of people at MH, but we do not accept all kinds of behavior. Adultery is wrong. Homosexuality is wrong. As is judgmentalism, greed, pride, etc. Whenever we deal with these issues we try to do so in the spirit of Jesus. "Neither do I condemn you" and "go now and leave your life of sin." (John 8)
K,
I will say it and say this as nice as I can. How do you know anything that happens at our church when you have never stepped into our building? OH let me guess you have heard and read about it. Big deal be a man and come see for yourself instead of hiding behind the belief of others and what your universities teach you. If you are such a devout christian as you claim to be then shut your mouth and if you have a fault with your brother go talk to them until them. Quit hiding behind the Internet and BE a man of God and the holy scriptures. I am just tired of this kind of treatment to other christians.
Enough Said!
W. Duncan
Sorry that was supposed to say until then.
Russ, of coarse only God has the power to condemn a soul but we are called to make the judgment. My question to mauryhills is this, these people are among you but are they ever told that they are wrong? Are they confronted about their actions and required to change? I do not believe so.
This will be a long one but it is what the Scriptures tell us to do in concerning adulterous Christians in our fellowship.
1 Corinthians 5,
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.
12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”
Wes, it seems you claim to know more about me than I know of mauryhills but we have never spoken. You can not provoke me to visit mauryhills or to stop confronting its false teachings.
Have to step in here guys. I don't want another comment war.
Sorry I haven't been around, there was a major ice storm in Arkansas. This came down the pipe on January 30th An Evangelical's Apology. I think we need more people like Jesus in Matthew 9:10-13 and less people idolizing Paul, but that is just my take on Christianity.
I feel the same way, people need to visit before forming an opinion.
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