Heritage
Free Will Baptist
12th & Gardner
P.O. Box 912
Poplar
Bluff, MO 63901
Phone
(573) 686-4122
Email Us |
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| Issue #3 Gays,Lesbians, & Homosexuality |
 God
is very specific in condemning the practice of homosexuality:
("Thou shalt not lie with mankind,
as with womankind, it is abomination." Exodus 18:22)
also ("For this cause God gave them up unto vile
affections: for even their women did exchange the natural
use for that which is against nature: and likewise also
the men leaving the natural use of the woman, burned
hi lust one toward another, men with men working that
which is unseemly, and receiving hi themselves that recompense
of their error which was fitting." Romans 1:26-27),
and ("Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not
inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither
fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate,
nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves,
nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians
6:9-10). Despite these warnings our Nation, mostly
through decisions of our judiciary, is encouraging,
promoting,
and protecting homosexuality. Such decisions thereafter
have the force of law by a practice called precedent.
At all levels of government, court decisions, and even
some legislation have provided encouragement, protection,
and concessions to those practicing homosexual life
styles, such as insurance coverage on a homosexual
partner's
insurance policy at work, and other rights usually
reserved only for a spouse or a child. Now many of
our denominational
churches are performing same sex ceremonies, akin to
weddings, and recognizing same sex unions. Some are
even ordaining practicing homosexual individuals as
pastors
and priests. The courts of several states have ruled
in favor of same sex marriages and several local government
bodies have issued marriage licenses to homosexual
couples. God clearly states that the practice of homosexuality
is a SIN. We do not imply that the practice of homosexuality
is greater than any other sin. hi the Book of  James
we are told that if we sin in only one thing, we might
as
well have sinned in all, (paraphrased). There is no
degree of sin. What makes the practice of homosexuality
such
an insidious sin is the insistence by many of its practitioners,
that homosexuality is NOT a sin, even those who are
ordained to an office by a church. We do not in anyway
believe
that those practicing homosexuality should not be in
church, quite the contrary, however we do believe that
practicing homosexuals, like the rest of us sinners,
should be in church, spiritually supporting each other
and being supported. We do believe that practicing
homosexuals, just as the rest of us, must confess their
sin, repent,
and seek God's forgiveness for that sin, as well as
any other sins they may have committed. Then by God's
grace,
and with the help of the Holy Spirit, seek to overcome
and forsake the bondage of all sin, including the sin
of homosexuality. The sin of homosexuality, or any
other sin, should not be brought into and accepted
by the church.
To deny the truth of God's word, and by weight of numbers,
as by a vote of any number of people, seek to set aside
God's commandment, and admonition is futile, and very,
very dangerous. Remember, God has catastrophically
destroyed an entire city, (Sodom) and has brought about
the fall
of nations for this very sin. We as a nation are being
very vain and foolish to believe that our nation will
avoid disaster when we are condoning this practice.
God's word says that he who serves sin, is the slave
of sin.
If any one reading this is a slave of the sin of homosexuality,
or any other sin, and wishes desperately to be set
free just remember God's word, the Bible, tells us
("If
we confess our sins God is faithful and just to forgive
us of our sins." 1 John 1:9). If such a one seeking
freedom from such slavery will contact us we will offer
any help that we are able. Only God can forgive sins,
and this only through faith in Jesus, His crucified
and resurrected Son. However we can perhaps guide you
in
the scriptures, pray for you, and with you. If you
wish us to do this feel free to contact us on our internet
site, of at our address, or if local, by phone, all
listed
herein. We do not need to know your name, or if you
choose to reveal it, we will hold it in strict confidence
if
you wish. To all others we urge you to vote against,
and speak out against the sin of homosexuality, not
in condemnation, but in Christian love and concern
for those
enmeshed in this sin, and all other sin. |
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