We are called to love all people in the world. We should not treat anyone in an unChristian way. It sickens me that homosexuals have been bullied so badly they would actually kill themselves. What's worse is when people who do that invoke the name of Christ.
When discipling a gay person, I would not even get into the sexual lifestyle until later on. Everyone sins all the time. A good way to connect with someone is to tell them what sins you struggle with. Be open and honest and humble. God hates sin. It is counter to His nature. Homosexuality is a sin. It is a more public sin. A gay person who truly comes to Christ is like any person who comes to Christ; he will want to get rid of all patterns of sin in his life.
Verses are often taken out of context. People will mistake imagery and metaphor for absolute standards. However, nothing in the Bible is wrong; it will never be proven wrong. It is the perfect Word of God. An example of this is "Judge Not, lest you be judged." He is calling us to love one another in humility. We need to judge things all the time. Should I abuse my child or abuse heroin? Obviously not. Is the way I am treating someone who is different, who is gay, the way Christ would treat this person?
My point is yes, being gay is a sin. But we need to love the sinner like Jesus did. Part of loving someone is sometimes (not right away in this case and not in a non-loving manner) reproving that person. Helping them in their process of sanctification to become who God wants them to be.
I know this is a very touchy subject. I want people to know that if a person who claims to be a Christian denigrates a homosexul, that person is not doing what God wants them to do. They make Christ followers everywhere look like judgmental, joyless, jerks. Loving someone often involves accountability. Don't put them down; point them to Jesus.
I think he went too far with his funeral home remark. There was no reason to say this. It was extreme and hostile. Saying things like this will not help solve the problem; it is offensive. I am glad that he seems set on solving the problem though; hopefully he will walk the walk.
David Cook: Give me that pro-gay, pro-family religion
We are called to love all people in the world. We should not treat anyone in an unChristian way. It sickens me that homosexuals have been bullied so badly they would actually kill themselves. What's worse is when people who do that invoke the name of Christ.
When discipling a gay person, I would not even get into the sexual lifestyle until later on. Everyone sins all the time. A good way to connect with someone is to tell them what sins you struggle with. Be open and honest and humble. God hates sin. It is counter to His nature. Homosexuality is a sin. It is a more public sin. A gay person who truly comes to Christ is like any person who comes to Christ; he will want to get rid of all patterns of sin in his life.
Verses are often taken out of context. People will mistake imagery and metaphor for absolute standards. However, nothing in the Bible is wrong; it will never be proven wrong. It is the perfect Word of God. An example of this is "Judge Not, lest you be judged." He is calling us to love one another in humility. We need to judge things all the time. Should I abuse my child or abuse heroin? Obviously not. Is the way I am treating someone who is different, who is gay, the way Christ would treat this person?
My point is yes, being gay is a sin. But we need to love the sinner like Jesus did. Part of loving someone is sometimes (not right away in this case and not in a non-loving manner) reproving that person. Helping them in their process of sanctification to become who God wants them to be.
I know this is a very touchy subject. I want people to know that if a person who claims to be a Christian denigrates a homosexul, that person is not doing what God wants them to do. They make Christ followers everywhere look like judgmental, joyless, jerks. Loving someone often involves accountability. Don't put them down; point them to Jesus.
Do you think Sheriff Hammond's comments went too far?
I think he went too far with his funeral home remark. There was no reason to say this. It was extreme and hostile. Saying things like this will not help solve the problem; it is offensive. I am glad that he seems set on solving the problem though; hopefully he will walk the walk.