Truly our prayers are extended to the families who lost loved ones in the recent and senseless terrorist attacks in Orlando. We stand with God against violence of this sort/murder (Rom. 1:29). However, we do not stand with the homosexual community because we stand with God against transgression of this sort/sin (Rom. 1:24-27).
Christians are slowly and deliberately being coerced into keeping quiet and accepting the sexual sin/lust of homosexuality as normal. Anything negatively said against the LGBT community is quickly becoming viewed as hate. Some have even ignorantly charged the bible as hateful because it is completely against this sin. Society continues to change while God and his word stands firm (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8; Jas. 1:17). Homosexuality is still condemned throughout the pages of Holy Scripture under every dispensation of man (Gen. 19:1-28; Lev. 18:22; 20:13; 1 Cor. 6:9). God loves the individual but hates iniquity (Rev. 2:6,15; 3:19). And, since the bible is no longer revered by the masses as the sole authority of directing life, God’s love is no longer reciprocated (John 14:15; 15:14), neither is his guidance heeded (Ps. 119:104-105; 2 Tim. 3:15-17).
As a result, homosexuality and other transgressions are thriving under the protection of our biblically ignorant laws. As a nation, we have become our own worst enemies (Pr. 14:34). From the White House to Congress, from court judges to activists, from Hollywood to ESPN, from universities to city hall, from daytime TV to living rooms; U.S. citizens are being plummeted into submission into yielding to this abnormal way of life as an acceptable standard. Yes it is abnormal since it is contrary to God’s natural order of things; male and female (Gen. 1:27; Matt. 19:4; cf. Rom. 1:24-27).
The LGBT community has used this period of sadness not only as a time to mourn but also as a means of galvanizing support and sympathy for the homosexual movement. They have flooded cities and the media with gay pride parades, gay candlelight vigils, gay solidarity rallies, and so forth. Shall we not stand with God and equally use this time to proclaim his soul saving truth in love (Eph. 4:15)? Only Jesus and his word can spiritually make one free (John 8:32,36; 17:17). “If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus” (Eph. 4:21). Therefore, my brethren, it is imperative that we continue to stand with God in prayer and in the proclamation of his truth for the salvation of others. No one can go to heaven in sin/transgression (1 John 3:4; 5:17). Homosexuality is transgression.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (hinder) the truth in unrighteousness” (Rom. 1:18).
May God continue to bless us all!
Richard Stevens, III
Minister of the Beckley Heights church of Christ
Consideration:
To those who may feel I am insensitive with this article, please consider: I waited before saying something—the homosexual community did not. Second, I didn’t mention the victims or where they were (Eph. 5:12). Third, I affirmed it was senseless violence condemned by God/murder (Rom. 1:29). I prayed for the families and mentioned that first (1 Tim. 2:4). Fifth, I wrote against the homosexual community, not the victims, because the LGBT have been very active in using this tragedy to further their cause. Sixth, as Christians we stand with God against all sin, not just homosexuality. Finally, we teach the truth hoping to save souls. -RSIII
