“I stand before my family, friends and graduating class today to say that I am proud to be a gay son of God,” announced Matthew Easton in his valedictorian speech at Brigham Young University last Friday night.
The “coming out” announcement which came as a surprise to the majority of the 10,000 in attendance, including some family members, was received with cheers and applause that echoed through the Marriott Center. Continue reading
Filed under Homosexuality
The United Methodist Church voted on Tuesday at a special conference in St. Louis to uphold that homosexuality is contrary to Biblical teaching.
For several years the UMC has been engaged in an emotional and often contentious debate regarding same-sex marriage, the ordination of homosexual ministers and denomination’s position on LGBT issues in general.
Tuesday’s vote rejected the “One Church Plan” which basically said each church could determine their position on homosexuality. Instead, they approved the “Traditional Plan” by a vote of 438-384, which affirmed the denomination’s stance as stated in their Book of Discipline pronouncing homosexuality “incompatible with Christian teaching.” Continue reading
Filed under Authority, Homosexuality
In a recently published post, “The Love God Hates,” I pointed out that we should not love that which God hates.
In numerous passages the Bible speaks of hating wickedness, unrighteousness and ungodliness. (Ps 45:7: Prov 6:17-19). As the people of God we are commanded to be holy and not to love worldliness (1 Jn 2:15-17), but to “hate evil (and) do good.”
In the post I related the story of man who’s daughter admitted she was a lesbian. While he initially expressed his disapproval, eventually he joyfully embraced his daughter’s choice and apparently is going to host the wedding.
A reader responded and asked my advice on how to handle the situation. Here are 7 things I would suggest. Continue reading
Filed under Homosexuality
Same-sex marriage has been the law of the land in the United States since June 26, 2015. So far, Preachers who hold a conscientious, Scriptural objection have not been forced to perform such ceremonies
But could that change?
Apparently, Prime Minister of Sweden, Stefan Löfven, is prepared to force religious leaders to perform same sex marriages. Continue reading
Filed under Homosexuality, Preaching
Jen Hatmaker, the Austin, Texas native, is known as a conservative author, blogger and speaker. She’s been popular in evangelical circles and widely used at women’s retreats and conferences around the country. Until recently.
Last Fall, Hatmaker publicly admitted that she had been rethinking her position on homosexual relationships and decided they could be holy. On her facebook page she stated that she came to her conclusion “with prayer and careful study and deliberation.” Continue reading
Filed under Homosexuality
Pop star, Katheryn Hudson, better known by her stage name, Katy Perry, recently mocked Christianity, the Bible, and her religious upbringing as she received an award from the Human Rights Campaign, a prominent homosexual advocacy organization.
Perry, whose father, Keith Hudson, is an evangelical preacher, referred to her 2008 hit song, “I Kissed a Girl,” and bragged, “I did more than that,” as the crowed roared with cheers and applause. Continue reading
Filed under Homosexuality
LGBT Issues Fill Methodist Agenda
The above headline was at the top of the Faith page of Saturday’s Kansas City Star.
The article by Emily Miller from the Religious News Service described the agenda of the “Reconciling Network” within the denomination dedicated to including LGBT people. Currently the Methodist church bars homosexuals from being ordained as ministers and does not allow them to officiate same-sex weddings.
“It’s time,” said Wendy Witt during a recent Sunday service at the Chicago Temple. “Time to open the doors of the church to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, that is.” Continue reading
Filed under Homosexuality
Even if you’re not a “news junkie” by now everyone has heard that the Supreme Court of the United States ruled Friday that same-sex marriage is legal is all 50 states.
The reaction has been swift and predictable. Homosexuals and liberals are ecstatic. Conservatives and Bible Believers have denounced the decision.
Joe Ortwert of the Missouri Family Policy Council, called the decision ”a reckless ruling that will have a devastating impact on the future of our nation. This disgraceful decision is the latest most evident sign of the moral bankruptcy of the U. S. Government, the moral corruption of its leaders, the vile decadence of American culture and society, and the growing godlessness of the American people.” Continue reading
Filed under America, Homosexuality
This seems like an unusual topic for a post on ThePreachersWord, doesn’t it?
The reason for addressing it stems from an argument made by one of our readers, Stephen, regarding a post last week. It was based on Paul’s rhetorical question in Galatians 4:16, “Am I Your Enemy, because I tell you the truth?”
I asked 11 different questions regarding matters of Truth. Two of the questions spoke to the sin of homosexuality.
When I support marriage as being only between one man and one woman, (Matt 19:4-6) am I the enemy of lesbians?
When I affirm that same-sex relations is a sin, (1 Cor. 6:9-11) am I an enemy of homosexuals?
In part, here is Stephen’s response. Continue reading
Filed under Culture, Homosexuality
I have a regular reader, Stephen, who often comments on our posts. Not always, but many of his comments and disagreements address my stance on same-sex marriage.
I’m not singling out Stephen. His responses are publicly posted on this site. He has been kind, considerate, and often complimentary. For the benefit of all readers, I want to answer some of his questions.
“Could you talk about “cherry picking” Scripture?” Stephen asked. Continue reading
Filed under Bible, Homosexuality
ThePreachersWord 