Sermon Part 8: “The Church of Jesus Christ Is Called To Walk on Higher Ground!”
THIS MESSAGE IS RATED “R.” ONLY THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD SHOULD READ IT. PARENTAL GUIDANCE IS SUGGESTED IF UNDER AGE 17. THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD KNOW THEY ARE NOT WHAT THEY USE TO BE, THEY ARE WHO GOD HAS MADE THEM TO BE.
Good Morning and Happy Sunday Saints!
Introduction
There is an old hymnal we use to sing entitled, “I’m Pressing on the Upward Way.” Here are the Lyrics:
I’m pressing on the upward way
New heights I’m gaining every day
Still praying as I onward bound
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith on heaven’s tableland
A higher plane than I have found
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay
Though some may dwell where those abound
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground
So Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith on heaven’s tableland
A higher plane than I have found
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground
I want to live above the world
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled
For faith has caught a joyful sound
The song of saints on higher ground
So Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith on heaven’s tableland
A higher plane than I have found
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground
So Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith on heaven’s tableland
A higher plane than I have found
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground
In particular, it’s the chorus of the song I want to focus on today. The Songwriter requests, “Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” What a humble and beautiful prayer request. And, for every born-again Christian within the Body of Christ, God has already placed our feet on higher ground, as He has quickened and gathered us all together and made us all sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Eph.2:1-6)
Truly Saints, there is no higher spiritual and moral plain we can be raised to, than to be seated together in Christ Jesus at the right-hand throne of God the Father. In Christ, we have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Eph.1:3) Thus, as born-again Christians living in America and around the world, we have been called to live by an “exceedingly higher standard” than the people of the world who do not know God. We are in this world, but not of this world. We are to let our lights so shine before men that they may see our good behavior and works and glorify God our Father who is in Heaven. (Matt. 5:16)
Seated together in Christ, we are Commanded to love every person on earth, just as Jesus loved us. In keeping the Love Commandment, we are mandated from our regenerated hearts to see every person forgiven of all sin, holy, useful for God’s Divine Purpose, and worthy of unending deeds of kindness. Glory be to God! This is the mark of the prize of the high-calling in Christ that the Apostle Paul stated he was exerting all spiritual might to reach forth to attain. (Php.3:14)
Every Church, denomination, and born-again Christian individually must know that this Christian journey is a race set before us, to become more and more like Jesus Christ in Character, Behavior, and Performance. It’s a race to strive to attain to the excellence of loving all people as Jesus loved us.
Let me emphasize this Truth with a bull-horn:
–We are to love, forgive, and be kind towards our enemies. Say Amen.
–We are to love, forgive, and be kind towards the sinner man (our neighbor in all directions). Say and Amen.
–We are to love, forgive, and be kind towards one another within the Body of Christ; regardless of Church-affiliation, race, or gender identity. Say Amen.
The love of God established in our hearts never fails; never ceases to love the brethren. (I Cor.13:8) At Matthew 18:21-22, Peter came to Jesus Christ and asked “how many times shall my brother sin against me and I forgive; seven-times?” Jesus replied to Peter, “not seven-times, but 70 times seven.” Meaning we are to forgive our brothers and sisters an unlimited number of times. Jesus requires that forgiveness be “continuous” regardless of how many times a brother or sister has wronged you. Thus, we are to always be ready to forgive the offenses of each other.
Oh, why then can’t Churches, denominations, and Christians individually be forgiving of one another when they have differences in doctrine, practices, and traditions? Why can’t we all be faithful friends like Jesus, and stick closer to one another than our own human family members; with fellow Christians even who commit and practice sin? The Bible says love covers a multitude of sins. (I Pet. 4:8)
Why can’t we live up to, and stand in, our calling to love one another above all of our differences? In Christ, our love for each other is greater than our differences. In fact, much of the Body of Christ appears not to understand that our “differences” are tests from God to prove our Love for God and each other! Whatever God Commands us to do, He always brings to us tests to examine the motives and intents of our hearts, to strengthen us spiritually and morally so that we may bear His image in the earth and be pleasing in His sight.
At Deuteronomy 12:1-3, (ESV, emphasis added) God speaking through Moses declared: “For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
This Passage suggests that love, especially love for God and others, is meant to be tested, not just to reveal its genuineness, but also to grow and deepen through challenges. No doubt about it Saints; it’s very challenging for many Churches and denominations to come together and agree on theological perspectives, doctrinal beliefs, worship styles and traditions, as well as on contemporary social issues that impact the Church today in America and around the world.
In Christian Circles, the vast majority of the Body of Christ view our “differences” as something negative, a reason to separate, and impossible to overcome. We are quick to label our differences as unsolvable without taking the time to sharpen one another with the Word of God to reach agreement in the Scriptures. (Prov. 27:17) Saints, it’s not our “differences” that cause division, but our unwillingness to love, forgive, and be kind towards one another in spite of the differences that keeps us from standing together on the higher ground where God has planted our feet.
I pray the day will come when the entire Body of Christ views its “differences” as tests from God, to prove our love for God and one another, and that we “study-hall” together in the Word of God to pass each test. For example, within the Body of Christ, there are wide differences in beliefs regarding “water baptism.” The Pentecostals firmly believe that a person professing belief in Jesus Christ must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ in accordance with Acts 2:38. While other denominations, like the Baptist, earnestly hold to the belief that the Christian convert must be baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost in accordance with Matthew 28:19.
The difference in baptism by holy nomenclature among our Churches is not the devil’s work, rather its God testing the love of born-again Christians within these two denominations to work through their differences “together” in interpretation of Scriptures and come to a common understanding on baptism. No matter how long it takes, their love and fellowship with one another should remain constant, because the striving for unity in the faith is crucial to spiritual growth and maturity within the body of Christ.
This must be our approach to all theological differences and religious practices; we must keep working together in love, prayer, and study in the Holy Scriptures until we reach agreement. (Eph. 4:3-6) As we work in this manner, the Spirit of Unity will keep us bonded together in love and peace so that on earth our feet are planted on higher ground.
Satan only has room to enter into our thought-life and cause division when one or both denominations are tempted and yield to the voice of the enemy, and allow our differences to become magnified above the Love Commandment given to us by God. (Eph. 4:27) Such thoughts exalt themselves above the knowledge of God and must be casted down and made to obey the Love Commandment. (II Cor. 10:4-6) Churches, denominations, and Christians individually only deceive themselves when they think religious differences are legitimate reasons for not maintaining continual fellowship with other believers, while claiming to know and have an abiding relationship with God. (I John 4:20)
For the remainder of this Series we are going to consider three highly sensitive/hot-button/lightening-rod “social issues” that much of the Body of Christ has chosen to let divide itself over, and learn how to overcome the divisiveness. The three social issues are homosexuality, abortion, and racism.
All three issues are “sinful actions” and are not to have dominion over us. We are born of God and have been made overcomers, and are not to succumb to the works of the flesh. (I John 5:4) We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus who loved us. Oh yes Saints, we have the power of the Holy Ghost to triumph over all evil with good. (Rom. 8:37 & 12:21)
In the same manner that we work through religious differences, we must also be willing to work through differences on social issues; never letting any issue rise above the Love Command, because God has planted our feet on higher ground. Our Faithful Friend Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, who abide within our hearts are standing by to guide us into Complete Unity on every issue that confronts us. Today, let’s come together and get on one accord with what the Word of God has to say about “homosexuality.”
The World, and in particular our country and Nation’s capital, this weekend is celebrating “World Pride Day,” an event held every two-years to celebrate the homosexual life-style and to promote its acceptance. But, any exercise in “Pride” that does not exalt and make its boast solely in God Almighty and the Holy Bible, always goes before a fall. (Prov. 16:4)
The Body of Christ Is Conforming to the World’s View on Homosexuality, in America and Around the World
Homosexuality, and its unholy companion “Same sex Marriage,” I address first and for most because this act of sin seeks to violate the highest Divine Purpose and calling of God for Mankind. In our relationships with fellow believers, as well as non-Christians who are trapped in the bondage of homosexuality, the Body of Christ must hold firm and remain unwavering in the Biblical Truth that homosexuality is a “practice of sin turned into an iniquity” that every person engaged in needs deliverance from, by the precious blood of Jesus Christ and power of the Holy Ghost.
This means that born-again Christians must become Faithful Friends of homosexuals to show them the love and compassion of Christ through preaching, teaching, praying, and listening to those who struggle with this sin. Always remembering that once we are born-again and citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are not to continue in the practice of any sin; as it only works to stymy our stand and walk on higher ground with Jesus Christ. (Heb.12:1)
In this regard, the Apostle Paul asked and answered this question at Romans 6:1-2. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” The Body of Christ, the Church must ask itself, if we accept and embrace homosexuality and same sex marriage to its continuance, will we also then allow other iniquitous works such as lying, stealing, murdering, fornication, adultery, and covetousness abound too? God forbid!
Homosexuality and Same Sex Marriage seeks to exalt itself above the Knowledge of God. The evil tandem seeks to turn Mankind totally against God, His Wisdom, and Call and Commandment for procreation. To the Body of Christ, I call your attention to God’s first thoughts, plans, and actions toward Mankind as He recreated the earth, recorded at Genesis 1:26-28.
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
God’s Word makes clear that man and woman, male and female, are to union to procreate in the sanctity of marriage.
This is God’s ordained pathway for Mankind; to enter into holy matrimony and enjoy sexual relations; the male with the female. Mutual attraction, romance, courtship, marriage, and sexual intercourse to fulfillment between a man and woman is God’s idea and what He has blessed.
All other sexual activity outside of marriage is immoral: fornication, adultery, homosexuality, and same sex marriage are not sanctioned nor blessed, but are objectionable to God. Engaging in sexual activity outside of the marriage covenant proves harmful to Mankind spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
The first marriage took place in the Garden of Eden, between Adam and Eve, a male and female, and no man is to put the marriage covenant asunder. (Gen. 2: 21-25) Furthermore, at Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus Christ said that from the beginning God made two genders, “male and female; and for this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh. What therefore God has joined together; let no man put asunder.”
Not surprising, however, the people of America and around the world who do not know God have flouted God’s plan for the natural use of the human body. Choosing instead to enter into all sorts of immoral acts: fornication, adultery, homosexuality, transgenderism, and same sex marriage. The rise in “acceptance” of homosexuality by people in the United States, and in many other countries around the world has been dramatic over the last two decades.
According to a Pew Research Center report, the percentage of people in America “accepting” homosexuality rose from, 51- percent in 2002, to 72-percent in 2019. (Pew Research Center, June 25, 2020) Double-digit increases in the proportion of people saying they accept homosexuality were also reported in countries, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Japan, South Africa, and India. The rise in homosexuality, and its acceptance, has sparked widespread debate across the landscape of American politics, the courts, education, sports, community, families, and sadly even among Christian Churches and denominations.
Here me now Saints, today almost all Christian groups across Church-affiliations and denominations are growing more “accepting” of homosexuality. According to studies, about “half” of Christian Churches within the United States report acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. (LGBTQ is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning.)
The Body of Christ must pay very close attention to the words we use. The definition of “acceptance” means “a willingness to allow or approval of something or someone, or to consider something normal.” Every Church, denomination, and Christian individually must examine/question their thinking and determine whether in the Body of Christ the practice of homosexuality and same sex marriage should be considered “normal;” and whether such practices are acceptable in light of God’s Word, and Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost that dwells within their heart? The answer is of course not.
But, according to Pew, surveys conducted from 2007 and 2014, showed double-digit increases in “acceptance” of homosexuality among Churches. Amongst the largest denominations’ memberships there is growing and widespread acceptance, such as the Catholic Church (58-70%), Mainline Protestant (56-66%), Orthodox Christian (48 to 62%), Historically Black Protestant (39-51%), Mormon, and Evangelical Protestant (24-36%). The Jehovah’s Witness group membership experienced increase to lesser extent (12-16%). (Pew Research Center, Landscape Surveys, Sept. 2014)
The Pew data show clearly that large proportions of Christians within the Body of Christ are shifting and conforming to the world’s view on acceptance of homosexuality. This, in spite of the Apostle Paul’s admonishment that the Church is not to conform to the world’s values and ways of doing things, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds with the Word of God. (Rom.12:1-2) The Word of God has not changed, so why are we obliged to move away from the Truth of God’s Word?
I should acknowledge that the Pew Survey also reported that several denominational groups, while accepting (welcoming) homosexuals into their congregations, they continue to preach and teach against such practices. These denominations are employing the Biblical concept of “love the sinner, and hate the sin.” This is the right thing to do as the Church is the House of Prayer for all people. (Matt.21:13)
However, while we are to welcome all people to worship with us, we must ensure that we maintain our stance against the practice of all kinds of sin, including homosexuality and same sex marriage. Churches that claim to accept homosexuality, while continuing to preach and teach against such practices, should be seeing the lives of many Christians who practice homosexuality changed to repent and forsake such activity.
Sadly though, over the last several decades, in America and in many other countries, participation in Christianity and Church attendance has been declining, while homosexuality is growing in popularity and acceptance. Thus, it appears that deliverance efforts in our Churches has largely been ineffective in curbing the practice of homosexuality within its hallowed walls.
Also important to note, studies suggest that in addition to about 7-percent of the total American population who “openly” identify themselves as homosexuals, there are many more people in America, and around the world, who are secretly practicing homosexuality: lesbians, gay, and bisexual individuals, and are referred to as the “global closet.” So the total number of people who are practicing homosexuality in our country are unknown, but studies say about 83-percent of homosexuals remain a part of the global closet.
No doubt, with Christianity still remaining the most popular religion in America, there are many of our brothers and sisters in Christ sitting in pews struggling with homosexuality, and practicing sex-sins in secret. Proverbs 28:13 states that the person who conceals their sins will not prosper, but the person who confesses and forsakes their sins God will have mercy on them. There is no need in glorifying homosexuality by turning a blind eye to it, or being afraid to discuss it within the Church.
The Body of Christ must think soberly about what it calls “acceptable” and “normal” among men and women who claim to be born-again Christians. The practice of homosexuality involves individuals engaging in a variety of sexual activities, including oral, anal, vaginal sex. Homosexual individuals also express affection and intimacy of physical touching, like holding hands, kissing, hugging, and cuddling; just like heterosexual individuals.
Daily, we see same sex couples in television commercials, movies, and print media exhibiting these unnatural behaviors. Can we truthfully say that the commission of these acts among Christians are showing God honor in their bodies and spirits, which belong to God? (I Cor. 6:12) Can the Body of Christ say its “ok” for couples of the same sex to come into our churches holding hands, hugging each other, and so forth and referring to each other as romantic partners or spouses?
Can we say its “ok” for singles of the same sex to continually engage in oral and anal sex; that they are free to practice such Scripturally- unlawful actions within Church of the Living God?
In order for the Body of Christ to help those trapped in homosexuality, we must first league together to resolve the problem of homosexuality within our own ranks. We must all come together in agreement that homosexuality and same sex marriage is sinful behavior that must be repented and departed from. (II Tim. 2:19) If instead, we choose “acceptance” and embrace the practice homosexuality and same sex marriage within the Church, then what makes us any different from the sinning world? If the Body of Christ accepts homosexuality, then we become akin to Sodom and Gomorra; completely void of spiritual power over Satan and the kingdom of darkness; and destined for the eternal fires of hell. (Rev. 21:8)
Jesus Christ is expecting and waiting for Church leadership to come together and stand up, and for, that which is right in the sight of the Lord, and help those struggling with homosexuality to experience breakthrough. We must not forsake the Purpose of the Holy Bible, but use the Holy Scriptures in love and truth to reprove, correct, and instruct those struggling with homosexuality to depart from iniquity. II Timothy 3:16-17 states:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
The Higher Ground Stance against Homosexuality
As stated earlier, the issue of homosexuality and its place in the Church of Jesus Christ has become one of the most contentious topics within modern Christianity. As society increasingly accepts and even celebrates same-sex relationships, many Churches face pressure to conform to these cultural shifts.
As the days grow more evil and perilous, the Body of Christ must understand that it will be challenged to buckle under and fold to comply with the social orders of the world that are under Satanic stronghold, such as homosexuality and same sex marriage. For its stance against such evils, the Body of Christ will suffer great persecutions by governmental authorities, entities, and people who do not know God. The Holy Bible, however provides clear guidance, some of which I have already discussed, for those who hold to the “Authority of Scripture.”
All Churches “must” hold to the Authority of Scripture and defend the faith, with no exceptions. We must stand against ungodly rulers and people of today and decree that “we ought to obey God rather than man.” (Acts 5:29)
The Body of Christ is to remember and hold to Jesus Christ’s prayer with God the Father in which He said, “Thy Word is Truth,” and He petitioned that we all be sanctified in the Word. (John17:17) Yes, the Church of Jesus Christ is holy and set apart from the world. Jesus also affirmed that Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the Word of God shall not pass away. (Matt. 24:35) Jesus said, “Till heaven and earth pass away, not one dot or tittle of the Word shall pass away.” (Matt. 5:18)
The Word of God does not change to suit our thinking, emotions, and desires. Rather, as Christ followers we are to change to line up our lives in accordance with the Word of God.
Thus, the “goal” of the Body of Christ must be to maintain a strong, biblically-based stance against the practice of homosexuality while simultaneously extending truth, love, and grace to members of the Body of Christ who are practicing homosexuality. We must stick together remembering that our commonality is at the foot of the cross of Christ, and strive to work through our differences on the topic of homosexuality and same sex marriage; without wavering in our commitment to love one another.
In this regard, I urge the Body of Christ and those participating in homosexuality, both openly and in secret, to view the topic as an opportunity for us all to draw nearer to God to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. We are the sons of God and each of us has weaknesses and faults that must be overcome. Let’s submit our whole-beings to Jesus Christ, our Faithful Friend, to do His perfect work in us to conform us into His glorious image.
Every believer’s goal in Christianity should be to become like Jesus; and not to live according to our own personal fleshy preferences, nor of the people of the world. With all humility I ask of you Saints: Was Jesus Christ in His Public Ministry a man who practiced sin: lying, adultery, idolatry, fornication, or homosexualtiy? No way, Jesus knew of no sin.
Since Christ Jesus is in us, neither should we continue to engage in the practice of any sin. The Apostle Paul admonished at Ephesians 5:3: But fornication (sexual immorality) and all uncleanness or covetousness, let them not once be named among you, as becometh saints.
As the sons of God, let us all remember Hebrews 12:6-7 which states:
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
For the sin we commit, let us all be ready and willing to receive the chastening of the Lord with humbleness of heart and happiness that God is our Father. The Holy Bible unequivocally condemns homosexuality as sinful. This is not a matter of cultural interpretation but a consistent biblical teaching throughout the Old and New Testaments. In addition to the Scriptures I presented earlier in Genesis and Matthew, within the Law of Moses at Leviticus 18:22, it states, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” (ESV). The term “abomination” in this context indicates something deeply offensive to God’s established order. As born-again Christians, we should never want to do anything that deeply offends God.
The Apostle Paul reiterates this stance in Romans 1:26-27, where he identifies homosexual acts as “dishonorable” and “contrary to nature.” These behaviors are, therefore, not only against God’s Commandments but also against His “natural” order. When we do things that are contrary to the natural order of God, we open ourselves up to the rewards of sin. (Rom.6:23) For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that men who engage in homosexuality can contract and transmit HIV, Monkey pox, Syphilis, Hepatitis B & C, Chlamydia and gonorrhea of the rectum and throat, and genital herpes.
The consistency of the Bible’s Message on homosexuality is further seen in I Corinthians 6:9-10, where Paul warns,
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (ESV).
Those who engage in unrepentant sin, including those who commit homosexual acts, are excluded from the inheritance promised to believers. The Churches’ correction of homosexual behavior should never be used as a tool to mock, hate, hurt, persecute, nor condemn a fellow believer. Rather, all correction should be administered in a way that assist in bringing the believer to the place of repentance of the sin so they may inherit all of the Covenant Promises of God made available to them as citizens of the Kingdom of God.
Chief among our spiritual inheritance is Spiritual Authority to “bind and lose” Heaven’s Divine Will on earth. (Math.18:18) Satan’s goal in tempting us to commit sex-sins, as well as all forms of iniquity, is to keep us from operating in our Spiritual Authority so that he can wreck-havoc in our lives, and of those who concern us. Homosexuality not only seeks to stop natural procreation and the family, but also to diminish and block the Spiritual Authority and power of the Church family.
Given the clarity of Scripture on this issue, the Church must not compromise on homosexuality. Accepting homosexuality among Church members, to the extent that we go along with such behaviors, is a direct challenge to the Authority of the Holy Bible. Allowing such behavior to go unchecked or “celebrated” within the Church undermines the Church’s witness to the world and distorts the Gospel. The Gospel calls all people to faith and repentance. God loves us, and His Commands are given in love. Faith accepts that and is content with Christ as Lord and living through us. (Gal. 2:20).
Church Leaders; Pastorships, elderships, deaconships, and other positions of authority require blamelessness and holiness. (Titus 1:6-9) Anyone who holds or aspires to be in such a role must be a person who is faithful to their spouse of the opposite sex. (I Tim. 3:2,12) Practicing homosexuals are thus disqualified from holding leadership roles in the Church, and no Church should allow those who are homosexuals to continue in such roles until they have completely forsaken such behavior and been restored.
Lastly, it is essential to distinguish between the sin practice of homosexuality, and the individuals who struggle with “same-sex attraction.” Christians who struggle with thoughts of attraction to the same sex should be encouraged by Church leadership and fellow Christians to “openly” discuss their weaknesses and struggles, and receive counseling and prayer for strength to resist such temptations. This is what we need to see more of in the Church, these are the images we need to see in commercials on television, movie theaters, and print media; people confessing and forsaking their sins, including the practice of homosexuality.
James 5:16, instructs us to confess our faults one to another and to pray for each other, as the prayers of the righteous yield much power. Additionally, the Church must teach believers who struggle with temptations of attraction to the same sex to examine their thought-life, and cast down all thoughts of sexual immortality. (II Cor. 10:4) Christians must learn to replace all evil thoughts with Scripture that stands against homosexuality and continually confess God’s promises of blessings for right relationships, which will work to keep them in perfect peace. (Is.26:3)
All born-again Christians must remain on guard, watch, and pray for the devil roams the earth seeking whom he may devour with temptations to sin. (I Pet. 5:8) There is no sinful action that can be committed unless we first have taken an evil thought and decided to yield to it. Moreover, if we sin, we don’t have to continue to practice it! Through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ, our Faithful Friend, He extends to us mercy and grace to help in time of need. (Heb.4:16)
Jesus Christ is our Advocate forever before God and pleads our case and intercedes for us, and desires only to offer support and strength when we sin or struggle. (I John 2:1) Praise God, with Jesus, we never have to stay down, because we are the righteousness of God in Christ. We may fall seven times, and yet again we rise, and stand again. (Prov.24:16)
In closing, the Body of Christ, must affirm and hold steadfast to the Biblical teaching that homosexuality is sinful and incompatible with Christian life while also extending grace to those entangled in this sin. The Apostle Paul wrote at Galatians 6:1, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (ESV).
Our goal in correcting believers who practice homosexuality is always “restoration,” not condemnation. Our efforts are not to remove homosexuals from the Church, but through love and the power of the preaching of the Gospel to deliver them from the snare-trap of Satan so they may inherit with us the Kingdom of God.
To this end, the Church must emphasize the power of the Gospel to transform lives. I Corinthians 6:11 follows Paul’s list of sins that exclude people from the Kingdom of God with a powerful statement: “Such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (ESV)
Some of the Corinthian believers had once been involved in the sins that Paul condemns, including homosexuality. But through the power of Christ, they were changed. The Church, therefore, must offer this hope to all sinners, including those struggling with homosexuality and same sex marriage within its hallowed walls. Given the epidemic America and the World is facing with homosexuality, we must coordinate and cooperate with all Churches and denominations to pool resources for preaching and teaching the Gospel, provide health supports, crisis hotlines, and counseling services.
What a great witness the Body of Christ could be to the world if we banded together and trusted in God and His Holy Word, and stood our ground against the practice of homosexuality and same sex marriage in our Churches. No matter the social pressure and persecution that would arise against the Church, if God be for us who can stand against us? (Rom. 8:31) The Church of Jesus Christ must never be ashamed, nor intimidated to preach the Gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who would believe.
How wonderful it would be for restored Christians to be able to tell their stories and witness their faith to fellow Christians and Non-Christians trapped in homosexuality and other sex sins; how the power of God delivered them from the bondage of sex sin. Jesus Christ said, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36) Paul wrote at Romans 12:9, “Let love be without dissimulation (genuine and free from hypocrisy).” Let’s help every person in bondage to homosexuality live in truth and liberty.
We do not condemn the person practicing homosexuality or same sex marriage, but we call them to the altar of God to acknowledge, confess, and repent of their sins, and to receive forgiveness for their sins purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. Together, with every homosexual practicing Christian and Non-Christian, we must be willing to pray earnestly for their deliverance from the stronghold of same sex relations and attractions. With their repentance, just as Jesus Christ forgave the woman caught in adultery, we then say, “we find no fault in you, “sin no more.” (John 8:11) Through such actions of love we stand on higher ground and grow deeper in our walk with Christ Jesus on earth. Amen, and thanks be unto God for the Preaching of the Word of the Living God.
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