How come some churches permit homosexual preachers? What does the Bible say about homosexuality? Pt. 1

Dear Reader,

        The next series of articles that follow this one will be on homosexuality. Let me make it very clear that I am not condemning anyone who practices homosexuality; I am simply answering these questions from a biblical perspective. I choose to follow the Bible and it is my duty to inform the men and women of this world of the good news that God has offered to every sinner. God’s offer to forgive, cleanse, and restore us to the divine image is the most wonderful love ever displayed. Men and their governments may lead men unwittinly into wrong paths. History is replete with examples of this. 

        As a pastor for the Lord I sworn to do all in my power to uplift God’s morality and God’s guide for humanity. This is the great commission that God has given every pastor and godly individual. We find this in Matthew 29:19, 20; and Ezekiel 33:8. These are very solem commissions which one cannot neglect and be unaccountable. I therefor ask your pardon if you feel insulted or hurt by these articles. My only desire is to lead you to the foot of the cross where there is forgiveness and restoration to the divine image. May God lead you there.

The Bible makes it very clear that homosexuality is a sin. And all who practise it are condemned by God if they do not stop their activity. 

        God loves everyone, whether he is a homosexual or murderer that does not prevent God from loving him or her. However, God does not approve of their sins and commands all who practice these sins to stop and to trust in Him in order that they might live a new, clean life, and have eternal life. No deliberate sinner who continues in his or her sin will receive eternal life; they will be destroyed when Jesus comes to renew this earth and make it sin-free. Here is what the Bible says about these sins, (1 Cor 6:9 KJV) 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…shall inherit the kingdom of God. And again, (Lev 18:22 KJV) Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. The Bible calls homosexuality an abomination that will be destroyed.

        We also see this in (Lev 20:13 KJV), If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. God tells us that he has given us his law to show us what is right and what is wrong. When God’s Word shows us that our practices are wrong, then we are to correct the habit and repent so we can be in a right relationship with God through His grace. 

        Here is what Timothy tells us, (1 Tim 1:9,10 KJV), Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, (1 Tim 1:10) For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine. Yes, friends, the Bible presents homosexuality as an abominable sin and says that all who practise it must stop or they will be destroyed when Jesus returns to this earth. It behooves us, therefore, to follow the commands of our Creator God so as not to jeopardise our hope of eternal life.

        Those churches that permit homosexual men or women to be preachers, or which do not condemn homosexuality, are misrepresenting God, and will be held accountable for deceiving the people. Governments that condone homosexuality, or pass laws that are favourable to homosexuality, are in grave danger of demoralizing their nations, and creating confusion and chaos in society. These leaders, together with the spiritual leaders that lead society astray will certainly be destroyed by God when He returns to this earth. 

        May God give us courage and wisdom to follow His Word, regardless of what others say to the contrary. Remember, friends, Christ is our sin bearer, He seeks to remove our sins if we will only turn them over to him. Failure to allow Him to do so will only endanger our hope of eternal life.    

Pastor Ron is a retired Adventist pastor. Reach him at ron.hende@gmail.com. with your comments.