NONE OF THE ABOVE
A homosexual, like anyone else seeking church membership must acknowledge that what Scripture teaches is true.
They must renounce homosexuality as sinful and seek God's help in trying to turn from it. Homosexuality should not be treated differently than any other sin.
Brother and Sisters,
This is such a hot topic, and it should be. Because it is how we view sin. Therefore, it is how we view ourselves. How we live our lives.
You are right, they should repent. You are right it is a sin.
That being said, I would NOT marry them, I would NOT give them a place of authority of teaching without a proven (repentant) heart toward God.
Now understand, this should be applicable to all members and their sins!!! Those who commit adultery, sex outside of marriage. Lust over men or women, even by their thoughts, and it is known in the church. Those who are thieves. Those who are liars, bare false witness or gossip. They too should neither hold authority, teach or be married without repentance. So, if we ban all sinners who live in sin then, truly I ask you who is worthy to be in Church?
Now repentance prior to access to the church..., is that different? Before I was saved, I was a child in sin and flesh. A child who did not hear the word of God, I knew of God. I believed and prayed. I was gentle hearted, loving and kind. I was still unsaved.
God put a friend in my life, a boy that lives down the road who invited me to start going to church. There I heard the word. One night the alter call came and I heard the voice of God telling me go down in a soft whisper and I will be with you. I went, (short version), I was saved and the Holy Spirit came upon me and into me.
Do you understand, if people are not going out and preaching the Gospel, in a loving, great news way!! Then God cannot touch the heart of a sinner unless they are brought into the church!!
Where are they saved? On a street corner? Sometimes, very rare! Or in a church, or a church home (small group), where the sinner was invited too? Shown love in, them hearing the word, realized their ways of sin, repented, and then were saved? The church is not a place made for saints to come together and stroke each others egos with song and paise. It is a place where we should praise God, speak of God’s great deeds done in our lives as a testimony to those who know not God the Father! Or the Son!! Teach the GOSPEL OF the GOOD NEWS!!
For all have sinned and come short of The glory of God, if your church requires a sinner repent of their sin before they are welcome in, hear the gospel, are shown mercy and love prior. Then I would have nothing to do with that church of man... let each person decide for themselves.
For what comes first in Acts brother and sisters? The gospel and good news? Followed by repentance? Or repent, then we will tell you of the good news? You must seek what is right in God’s eyes, who sees all sin, and sinners as the same. To what mans eyes see and he judges by his flesh. To make themselves feel justified. Like the pharisees and sadducees did before, remember the story of the tax collector and be wise.
Love to you my brothers and sisters in Christ
