God, the Church, and Homosexuality Seminar
March 24, 2010 by Brian Allred
Filed under Latest New Life News
Views differ as to what exactly Jesus means in Matthew 12:32 when he speaks of the “unforgivable sin”. Sadly, by the manner in which some segments of the church have addressed, and continue to address, the matter of sexual orientation, one might be tempted to conclude that Jesus is referring to homosexuality as the unforgivable sin.
However, it is clearly apparent from 1 Cor. 6:9-11 that this is not the case. In writing to the church in Corinth, Paul identifies the unrighteous ones who will not inherit the kingdom of God, a list which includes those who practice homosexuality. Immediately afterward, however, Paul states that some of the Corinthians were guilty of these very sins, yet he declares to them that “you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11 NIV). In other words, they were forgiven. Setting aside the question
of whether sexual sins are “worse” than other sins
(cf. 1 Cor. 6:18), it can be asserted on the basis of God’s Word that homosexuality is not unforgivable. Furthermore, it can be maintained that those struggling with homosexuality need precisely what we need in our struggle with sin: the transforming grace of Jesus Christ received by faith.
That being said, it is important to recognize that the church finds herself in the position of watching the traditional view of homosexuality as immoral give way to increasing acceptance and even celebration, both in the culture as a whole and in the church. In responding to this, the church’s tone has, at times, been unnecessarily harsh and abrasive, and even when it has not, the church’s position is easily misunderstood or mischaracterized. In the face of media endorsement in shows like Ellen, Will & Grace (and even in proposed Super Bowl ads), legal battles over same-sex marriage, as well as ongoing debates in several denominations, how can evangelicals defend the Biblical perspective that homosexual practice is
sinful and yet not sound hateful and not leave the impression that it is at the top of the
list of “worst sins”? Perhaps even more importantly, how can the church most effectively speak the message of the gospel to the gay and lesbian community?
New Life is hosting a conference entitled “God, the Church, and Homosexuality” to address these questions. The conference will begin on Friday evening, April 9 (7pm-9:30pm) and conclude on Saturday, April 10 (9am-noon). The conference consists of four addresses:
Speakers include Drew Stevenson and Kyle Keating (leaders in Campus Crusade for Christ at Ball State University) and Dr. Jim Spiegel (author and Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Taylor University).
The cost for attending the conference is: $5 for students, $7 per individual, and $10 per couple. This money will be used to cover the costs for refreshments and materials as well as provide funds for bringing in other seminar speakers in the future. It is important for Christians to have an informed, Biblical perspective on this issue so that they can navigate the current cultural climate with wisdom and sensitivity, speaking the truth without compromise and yet speaking that truth in a spirit of love and grace (Eph. 4:15). For these reasons, please consider attending.
In His Grace Abounding,
Brian
