This disease has plauqed our society for a long time. This way of thought. This way of act has been one of the main issues of dicussions and Forums around the world. However, tough everyone seems to be talking about it, there is nothing done about it. Moreover, we have these infected persons want to enter into marriage that was ordained by God. We fight and argue about republicans and the conservatives because of taxes and money. Because of this we as Afro-Americans vote democrat because it seems as if they do more for us. However, when it comes to moral issues such as Homosexuality and abortion the republicans are the only ones not affraid to take a stand. I want to Get some feed back from the Great Doctors and see where we as a people and church stand. And use this board to develop plans and ways to fight this disease in a chirstian way. Its Time that we move on from politics and gossip. We must get up and be about our father's buisness. Lets stop treating the symptoms and lets cure the disease.

-- Anonymous, February 17, 2004

Answers

Recently my church had a number of homosexuals visit. None have returned as of yet, but it caused our leadership to discuss how we'd deal with the situation.

Our decision: Homosexuality is sin, and must be treated like any other sin. The person's real problem is their need of salvation, and we need to offer that to the homosexual like any other sinner.

Now suppose they get saved, but still suffer from homosexual tendencies. We look at it like a Christian who still struggles with any sin. We counsel them on it, and pray with them about it. If needed we seek further help. The individual MUST however acknowlege it is wrong though.

Often the ones who hate a sin the most are the ones committing it. They want freedom, but haven't received it yet. As long as they admit it's wrong and are working toward deliverance we'll allow them fellowship, membership, even a place in our ministries as long as it's a position where their sin is not a factor. Example: We'd allow a homosexual to be an usher, but not a children's worker.

Now as far as the vote...what does it take to cause a person to compromise their morality in the voting booth? The individual who posted this mentioned taxes. We can add welfare policy and other programs, but it all adds up to mammon. With others it may be affirmative action, and with others unforgiveness for past wrongs.

Those who vote for pro-abortion and pro-homosexual candidates when others are available share in the guilt of these offenders. What price your soul?

-- Anonymous, February 17, 2004

My goodness Pastor/Student homosexuality like any of the other sexual "sins" has been around since forever. But you know it wasn't the liberal democrats that brought this to the fore, it the Reagan/Bush 41 Supreme Court. They are the ones that struck down the sodomy laws and opened the door to the equal protection argument.

As as the church is concerned, surely you know that homosexuals have been a part of the church for many many years. In the black church for the most part it has been do not ask and do not tell. So they can counsel from sun up to sun down but if they do not accept your interpretation RP or your diagnosis PS what would cause them to change.

I believe both of you would do well to remember the song And they'll know we are Christians by our Love. And remember this Wait on the Lord, Be of good courage and wait on the Lord and the Lord will direct your path. Wait, I say on the Lord.

-- Anonymous, February 19, 2004

Bro.Gibson: It seems as if you are in agreement with it. Is Homesexuality not wrong. I do agree to approach this situation with love. However, not baby them. We as christians have done a horrible job in teaching. The main problem is we trying to counsel what the mothers used to cast out. That is a spirit not of God. It sounds good and it looks good. Like paul told tim preach in season and out of season. He also said theres going to come a time where they will turn their ears away from sound doctrine. Paul knows more than any one. In pauls time he had to deal with all these things. However, we must hold true to the word of God. It might make you uncomfortable but thats what its supposed to do.

-- Anonymous, February 19, 2004

Pastor/Student: Whether or not I agree with it is not the issue. My argument to those who speak against homosexuality and other topics abortion, etc. is that we not forget that behind the homosexual activity, behavior and lifestyle there is a soul that needs to hear that God loves them and God loves them just as they are. Once they accept God's love, then the Holy Spirit can move in their lives and turn them away from sin. I will not cast stones at one based on sin because I too have sinned and only by God's grace am I saved. So your little sarcastic comment in your last post only shows me that you need to go back and read John 8:6-8. May God's word truly take root in your heart my brother or my sister.

-- Anonymous, February 19, 2004

But even as we love and accept them as a child of God we still need to insist they repent of homosexuality and every other sin, right Harold? They should battle their homosexual tendencies, right?

-- Anonymous, February 19, 2004

Romans 1:18-32

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2004

So Harold, how would you propose we lead a person trapped in homosexuality to freedom? I agree we love them and offer fellowship, but surely we don't want them to remain in sin.

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2004

Ron and Rp: Take care of yourself and you will not have time to take care of anyone else.

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2004

Reverand Paris,

What you suggest is unacceptable. Imagine our condition if those who came before us in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, spent their time concentrated on themselves. Do you not remember the parable of the servant who buried his talent in the ground? Many would have Christians to pretend to not know what the Lord has said. Silence, by Christians in such matters is what has given rise to apostasy in our churches and comfort to those who are perishing - to our shame. STAND UP! Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Deny yourself and TAKE UP HIS CROSS and follow!

Sincerely, In Love, In Christ, Yours Truly,

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2004

The Christian's job is to invade planet earth with the Gospel, not adopt a survivalist mentality of minding my own business. We are to change the world one individual at a time. This includes setting people free from the demonic bondages that enslave them. Salvation is really just the first step in that process.

So my question and challenge remains: How would you lead a homosexual to freedom? Or would you accept the status quo? Would you actually call it God's will for them?

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2004

You folks never cease to amaze me. Everyone should be introduced to the love and compassion of God. Everyone should understand that God considers idolatry a horrific sin, please check the prophets, and that anything we do or we honor that replaces the primacy of God in our lives is reprehensible in his sight. But why would we want to do it? God has been so good and so loving. He has and he will forgive those who seek it and whether they be homosexuals or heterosexuals given to wanton fornication, God will forgive their sin but better than that, is that God will forgive those who are so utterly concerned with the splinters in the eyes of others that those planks in their eyes go untreated and that is the greatest gift that God gives us all.

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2004

I am still amazed at "Resurrection Powers" suggestion that at his church that they would "allow a homosexual to be an usher, but not a children's worker." So now homosexuality automatically makes you a pedifile. Amazine. Let's start saying not only "what would Jesus do" but "what would Jesus think and Say". God bless you.

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2004

It is a common refrain by those with no fear of God before their eyes that all will be saved. It is not so. The Lord has said it. Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor 6:9-10) Enough with being afraid of speaking the truth. Enough with accusers silencing the children of God for fear of being thought of as one that judges. Enough with the lukewarm, half-hearted, free-grace seekers who perish because the Word is hushed in the mouths of the saints. You were purchased at a price and I for one will not stand idly by while those who profess to be HIS, do little more than accuse the children of light in defense of wickedness. ENOUGH. GOD IS JUST. Judge rightly and you will have nothing to fear from the Lord.

Sincerely, In Love, In Christ, Yours Truly,

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creature here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2004

Ron I must say your posts are a breath of fresh air. Everyone speaks of love, but very few on this board speak much of repentance. They seem to believe it's ok to remain in sin and that's love.

Love does NOT include saying sin is ok. It involves offering an answer and offering freedom.

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2004

There is a statement that I've adopted for some time. Saints and other sinners. We are all sinners, saved by grace. Yes, homosexuality is a sin, however, so is cheating on your spouse, taking money from the finances of the church, slandering one's name and/or character, and I could run the list of things we as Christians have done or are doing. If we decide to rid ourselves of the sinners in the church were do we begin and the truth of the matter, we would have NO ONE in the church. Remember, saints and other sinners. Some one asked WWJD? Is this not where the curing of the disease begins... How did Jesus treat those who sinned? Look at the woman at the well, how about Matthew, Zaccheus, or the men and the woman caught in adultry. Love makes the difference! Secondly, what is the church's purpose? Answering these two questions may be the beginning of the cure.

-- Anonymous, February 22, 2004

Jesus did indeed accept every sinner with love, then firmly told them to go and sin no more.

Churches should hospitals full of sin-sick people receiving ministry. When the issue of building a bar near our church came up in the city council our church had no objections. We hoped a few of the drunks would make their way across the parking lot into our church.

What disturbs me about many on this board is the seeming acceptance of sinners with no call for repentance. I agree completely sinners must be accepted with love and that we all struggle with areas of sin.

But we must wage war relentlessly against them. The idea being communicated by too many on this board is acceptance with no demand for change. This is a false doctrine from hell.

-- Anonymous, February 22, 2004

Clarification: Wage war against the areas of sin.

-- Anonymous, February 22, 2004

Dearest Brother Scott,

You may make no distinction between the Saints and other sinners, but the LORD does. You have been led astray and are under the spell of a powerful delusion, unable to distinguish between the children of light and the children of darkness. "The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness comprehended it not." Do you assert that those who are born of the Spirit, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, predestined of God to be conformed to the image of His Son, baptized and sanctified by the Blood of Lamb, foreknown and called by the Lord God Almighty, do the same things as the unregenerated? God forbid!! You are right in one thing, when the harvest comes and the sons of God are revealed few of them will be found in the pews of the church. Here is a faithful saying, just because one claims to be a Christian does not give them a share in my Father's Kingdom. Just because one goes to church and sings psalms of praises does not mean that hell-fire is escaped. For you see, small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Sincerely, In Love, In Christ, Yours Truly,

2 Tim 3:1-5 And mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

-- Anonymous, February 22, 2004

For the record the AMEC is diametrically opposed to sam-sex marriages on both theological and moral grounds. Although our Zion does practice what Harold correctly describes as a policy of "don't ask, don't tell", it would be incorrect to conclude that the Bishops are pro-gay in their thinking. I am unabashedley heterosexual and my sincere desire is for every male to abandon same-sex carnal attractions and look to the many beautiful women who are available that can meet these biological necessities. The Bible is quite clear that marriage involves a man and a woman. There are no exceptions to this rule! The transmission of DNA to future generations comes thru ideally marriage and that serves as the gateway for sexual intercourse and children. I'm not a geneticist but I would think that the transmission of DNA for humans is exclusively an activity involving sex between a man and a woman. I understand there are some animals/insects which are capable of reproduction without the aid of a maale mate but these are the rarest of exceptions. However, the biggest challenge we face in our communities is not the problem of homosexuality but simply getting folks to do the simple things like stop LYING, STEALING & KILLING one another. If we can restore some sense of stability in our communities I would feel a lot better. QED

-- Anonymous, February 22, 2004

Whew! I'm glad to know the official position is not pro- homosexuality. No one would actually say it.

I agree too Bro Dickens that there are other sins more rampant than homosexuality. Preach against them all.

-- Anonymous, February 22, 2004

I have more of a question than answer. I was confronted by a young man when he found out I was a proud member of the A.M.E. Zion. He stated that we derived from the Episcopal church and we condonded gay marriages. Well, of course it caught me off gaurd. I didn't knpw how to respond because I hadn't been keeping up with the issue. I would like to know more information as the where did he get this crazy idea from and what to say when further confronted. thank you

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2004

Dearest Kourtni,

Just say no. If ever there was an opportunity to testify to the Truth, the situation you describe is perfect. Be bold, be loving, be kind and be a witness to the transforming power of the LORD. Recommend to the person that if they sought a loving and supportive church home where they could grow in the Spirit and walk with the saints, then seek a church where no thing that is enmity to God is condoned - like the A.M.E. Church for example.

Sincerely, In Love, In Christ, Yours Truly,

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2004