don't forget, you can help support www.ginkworld.net with the green stuff - [click here]

what about gays in the church?

let me start by saying this - no matter what I write I will offend someone, and I am certain I will receive tons of email on this one - but I believe just because a question may offend some, and may not be politically correct - we should not shy away from it.  we must stand firm on the scripture and the teaching of God - it's just that simple.  with that said, here goes.

I firmly believe homosexuality is not an acceptable life style in the eyes of God.  there are too many scriptures that tell us that, romans 1:26-27; 1 timothy 1:10.  God's plan is for males and females to maintain sexual relationships with each other.  for me, it's just that simple - God does not approve of homosexuality - but what of them in the church?

I believe God welcomes all people into the church - all people.  there is nothing in scripture that tells us to keep them out of the church.  If we truly see homosexuality as a sin, we must place it with all other sins.  we would never think of kicking out a people who is living in a sinful relationship out of the church - or at least we should not desire to kick people like that out, because church would be a very lonely place - it would be empty.

the key is not to knick people out who are living in sin, the key is to help them find a relationship with God and in turn change their lives for Him.  Welcome the gay and lesbian into the church.  let them see what a God filled relationship is about.  don't close the door to them, because their lives will not change if we are not willing to welcome them in and pray the transforming grace of Christ upon them.

with all that said, I must add that a practicing homosexual can not hold office in the church.  just as a practicing alcoholic, or a person who purchases porn, or a person who is having an affair can not serve as a leader in the church.  leaders must meet the requirements found in scripture.  while no one is perfect, using that as an excuse to elect practicing homosexuals to the church board is ignoring God's will in the church.