"The minister did not approve of his membership because the homosexual in question did not show repentance"
Okay, one last post. How many people who masturbate (I'm talking about church members) do you really think repent their conduct? I imagine there are very few. Most people don't think it's a big deal. But these same people (unrepentent sinners) are not denied membership in church. Why should unrepentent homosexuals be treated any differently? Are we rating sins of the flesh on a scale of 1 to 10? I just believe there's a lot of hypocrisy when it comes to sexual sins. This minister picked on one person to enforce this membership test. I believe his actions were wrong. I'm glad the vast majority of ministers agree with me.
How do you know the masturbaters aren't repentant? How does the minister know? The homosexual apparantly was telling members of the congregation he was in sin. He had no remorse for it. Did you read the quote from the UMC website?
We all sin. The Bible teaches that we are all going to do it, but as Christians we are taught "keepeth his commandents".
This word keep is a word that means to "direct your path" as in navigation by the stars. The eth means continually.
If you continually keep your path on God's word, you will steer clear of sin. We all falter, but we are assured that we can go back to the right path by steering towards God.
Is this homosexual willing to take the next step and come to repentance for his sin?
I have a way of praying that I'll share with you.
First I thank God for each day, I thank him for provision, I then ask for protection and good health for my family. Then I ask for protection of our troops, president, and our country. I pray for the church (all believers). I then ask God to forgive me when I fail him. I ask for forgiveness even though I know I am saved. I ask for forgiveness because I know I am weak.
It takes time, but I have slowly become a stronger Christian than I was before. This is what this Minister wants for this man and for his congregation. Open rebellion is not what the church is about.
How many "masturbators" would go up to other church members and brag about Jacking Off during the previous month. None. Because the're embarrassed and ashamed of it.
On the other hand, this particular "Rump Ranger" is proud of his activity and thinks there is nothing wrong with it, despite the clear and strong Biblical prohibitions against such behaviour.
This unrepentant Homosexual should be ministered to and Prayed for but should not be formally admitted into the Church Fellowship until such time that he Repents of his Sin and turns from his ways.