Many of you may have heard the latest news about the United Methodist Church (UMC) proposal to split over LGBTQ rights. This split comes as a result of differing views on same-sex marriage and the inclusion of gay clergy in the Church. One openly gay female Methodist Bishop said, “I’m actually really sad that we couldn’t build a bridge that could have provided a witness to the world of what unity amid diversity and disagreement could look like.” I am disappointed in the UMC’s decision to split the Church rather than adhere to the Biblical perspective regarding marriage and the issue of homosexuality overall. I am grateful, however, for the proposed “Traditional Methodist” denomination’s unrelenting stand for the Biblical perspective.
This is the beginning of things to come. At some point, every Christian denomination will likely be challenged in the way the LGBT activists have challenged UMC. The enemy is trying hard to divide the Body of Christ, and pressuring believers over the homosexuality issue is one of his tactics. LGBT activism has been a dominant force in recent elections and will continue to be in 2020. I firmly believe if certain leaders are voted into office this November, there will be drastic changes happening really quick, fast and in a hurry. This is why I urge Christians to know what their candidates believe regarding crucial issues, such as homosexuality and abortion—to name a few. I encourage you to read the Democratic and Republican Platforms to see which one aligns more with the Bible and vote accordingly.
Let me also go on record as saying that there is no room for compromise when it comes to what the Bible has to say regarding homosexuality. There are several Bible passages that highlight homosexuality as a sin. Consider, for example, Leviticus 18:22: “[Men] shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.”
Also, Leviticus 20:13 says, “If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act.” God’s Word says the homosexual act is detestable; it is an abomination.
And the Biblical injunction against homosexuality is not limited to the Old Testament. Consider that in Romans 1:26-27, Paul said, “For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.”
Homosexuality is clearly a sin, according to the Bible—not according to some man or according to some Christian denomination. That is why a bridge cannot be built. There is no reconciliation between Biblical worldviews and those that oppose the Bible. There is no room for negotiation, which is why UMC leaders should not have proposed a split but should have rather stuck to their proverbial guns.
We cannot compromise to be like or act like the world. Instead, we should demonstrate to the world or to the homosexual men and women that there is true and lasting freedom from homosexuality. Romans 12:2 tells us as much: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Ephesians 5:7-11 continues this point: Therefore, do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
We are living in an age where churches refuse to speak to truth about controversial issues like homosexuality. They would rather keep quiet or yield to cultural perspectives. And this is wrong on all points. We, as a Body of believers, must remain true to our Biblical beliefs. We must not back down when we are opposed. We must not cave in to any of satan’s demands or threats to shut us down, boycott, or apply pressure until we surrender. Remember, Jesus has given us the authority over satan, not the other way around.
In Philippians 2:15, the Apostle Paul gives us the reason that we must stand strong: That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
We shine as lights in the world when we take a stand of faith. It is only when we choose to compromise that our witness is tainted and our influence is null and void. As 2020 progresses, I assure you this will not be the last time you hear about a denomination having to vote on whether to accept gay clergy or accommodate the LGBT agenda. I’m calling for leaders to boldly stand up and be heard. Do not be afraid to say what the Bible says. Be assured that if you take a righteous stand for God, He will back you up. He will bless you. He will defend you. He will help you, and He will deliver you.
God bless you as you continue to hear His voice!
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