Churches should be open to those who repent, and start living their lives according to the scriptures.
Using the term “homophobia” is exactly the wrong word.
“Churches should be open to those who repent, and start living their lives according to the scriptures.
“Using the term “homophobia” is exactly the wrong word.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Precisely. The slippery slope starts this way.
I think I need to make a distinction between “coming to church” and going out where the lost are.
Jesus ate with the worst sinners at parties where immoral people were present. He was the scandal of the religious folk. He was not afraid to be seen, and eat with, those in sin. In reaching out to people with this sin, I am not saying that we have to shun all contact with them.
I *am* saying that the time to do this is not in the gathering of the saints!
“Church” as we say it (it is a terrible thing that a building is called a “church”; WE are the Church, but that’s another post) is the coming together of those who know Christ. It is a time for US and CHRIST, not for evangelism specifically. It is for the sons of the Kingdom, not for those outside.
Yes, evangelism can and does happen “at church” and that is great. But that isn’t the reason we gather. We gather for Him and to be with each other.
Mohler’s argument suggests that the main reason for church is evangelism, and that all sinners are welcome. Jesus WENT TO THOSE IN SIN. He didn’t bring them into the Synagogue, and He didn’t try to change the Synagogue to be more accepting of them.
The Church needs to reach these people, but not by inviting them to the Children’s table. We are there to partake of Christ’s presence together. It is Family time, and it is not primarily about evangelism. It is about Him.
They say homophobia like it’s a bad thing.