February 7, 2023 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John
Guest Author/"But then it started to rain…"
“They were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage…but then it started to rain.” (Luke 17:27)
While homosexuality has become perhaps the most controversial social issue of our time, often resulting in a host of challenging, if not divisive questions, it is also an undeniable fact the homosexual community, through a masterful plan, has achieved monumental results in a very, very short period of time. There is no doubt that homosexuality (an identity based on sexual preference) is a multi-dimensional phenomenon.
Today, the homosexual agenda continues its march from state to state and nation to nation. Education systems have become much more tolerant and sensitive to LGBT students with false pro-homosexual lessons being taught through health education curriculum. Religious institutions have and continue to revise the historic teachings on homosexual practice by caving to social trends in order to accommodate active homosexuals. There is no question as to the media and movies having become pulpits relentlessly promoting homosexual practice often without question, challenge or debate. Compounding the crisis and continuing to fuel the phenomenon is the reluctance, if not total disregard by scientific organizations and churches, to allow any discussion about the causes and the resolving of unwanted same-sex attraction.
No doubt, the pinnacle of success for the homosexual community has been the legalization of same-sex marriage. The homosexual community successfully and dramatically blurred the lines enough making “love” the ingredient, the quality which has the power to validate anything that is done in its name.
The homosexual community, though a relatively small segment of society, has nevertheless become extremely significant and influential. And, so it seems, the achievements and the power of the politically organized and active homosexual community has it all.
But is this really the case?
“…sin is fun for a season.” (Hebrews 11:25)
Beginning to surface more and more by both men and women practicing homosexuality, largely influenced, and generated by the accomplishments of the homosexual community, is a sense and questioning of true personal value, a true sense of being loved and accepted, and a sense (question) of living a meaningful life. In other words…
“Those of us that proudly proclaim to be gay-identified and now have the legal right to pursue what we deem ‘natural,’ free from any and all forms of discrimination based on orientation and/or behavior, free to be, free to do, free to go, socially accepted, and free to practice a sexual preference in a social environment free from prejudicial treatment even by those who find such behavior completely unacceptable, even free from religious establishments…”
“Why aren’t all these freedoms freeing?”
“Why am I still so empty?”
“Why isn’t this working for me?”
“…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
Homosexuality, rather than being a divine gift that needs to be celebrated, is now being seen as anything but ‘gay’ by many.
And, they will be turning to the Church in greater numbers.
Those making the decision to leave homosexual practice and the gay community will not just be abstaining from or abandoning sexual sin, they will be disconnecting from a whole network of support and an identity. Having made the right choice to say “No!” to homosexual practice, they will be arriving on our church doorsteps with absolutely nothing.
Will we, God’s people, celebrate the decision of the homosexual who has said “Yes” to God and “No” to homosexuality?
Will we, God’s people, be abundantly clear in affirming the biblical position that God loves all people, that homosexual practice is but one sin among many and that the Holy Spirit is available to transform all persons – including homosexual persons?
Will we, God’s people, minister to persons struggling with homosexuality, their families, and all others affected by homosexuality as partners in Christ’s work of healing?
Will we, God’s people, integrate all persons striving to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ into full membership in the local church?
“Indeed, it is raining but not just on the homosexual.”
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” (Acts 2:17)
All Christians are part of God’s overall plan for the redemption of the world. To say, “The Church is of God,” means that we are not part of some optional and respectable social club.
The Church is called by God “out of the world” in order to transform the world.
Each of us, then, is part of God’s plan.
“A much-needed later rain has begun.”
“Pastor, the homosexuals are coming, the homosexuals are coming!”
“Wonderful! They can have a seat next to the gossips, those having sex before marriage, the adulterers, the liars, those that drink excessively, the greedy…”
We, His Church, must stand for Jesus Christ and witness to His grace and power – to and for all people.
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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What would Jesus want me to do?
Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com
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