The Gay Divide Is Taking Out Churches; Is Yours Next? by Shane Idleman

     Since this excellent article written by Shane Idleman and published on the Charisma News website  illustrates and confirms what I, in my inept way, was trying to say in yesterday's blog, I thought I would draw your attention to it.  It is a great rebuttal to those who consider speaking the truth as judging.  I'm posting part of the article here.  Be sure to click on the link which will take you to the website to read the rest of it.

The Gay Divide Is Taking Out Churches; Is Yours Next?    Shane Idleman

In light of Justin Hoke being removed as pastor of Trinity Bible Presbyterian Church for posting the following: "Bruce Jenner is still a man. Homosexuality is still sin. The culture may change; the Bible does not," I thought it was appropriate and timely to re-release this article:

With pastors stepping down, best-selling Christian authors remaining silent and popular worship leaders showing support for gay marriage, many are left baffled and confused. These points may help us better understand the great divide:

1. The definition of love is misunderstood. To truly "love" others, we must first love God and His truth; that's the foundation (see Matt. 22:36-40). Does loving someone mean we approve of their lifestyle? Or does it mean we love them enough to share the truth? If a person is more worried about being liked than being truthful, do they really love those caught in sin more than those who are willing to speak the truth in love? The answer is obvious: Authentic Christians love the truth and others to the degree that they are willing to risk the consequences of confrontation in order to help others. This is genuine love, not hatred. The greatest gift parents can give to their children is love and truth rather than reinforcing a destructive lifestyle.

How can one person review Bible verses dealing with this topic and come to the conclusion that gay marriage is biblical while others come to the opposite conclusion? It's very simple: The first group looks through the lens of opinion; the second group through the lens of genuine love and absolute truth. Listen to my one- hour interview on Fox News that will better illustrate the differences: youtu.be/tUH1aL33Dz8.

Dr. Michael Brown recently remarked, "One reason people support gay marriage is because their gay friends are really nice and some seem to be committed Christians. They say their spiritual lives came alive when they realized they could be gay and Christian at the same time."

I believe that they came alive because someone validated their lifestyle. This is no different than people who say they feel alive and renewed even though they are caught in adultery. Sin feels good for a season—that's the deception. But these seasons of sexual fulfillment are often short-lived—"Be not deceived: God it not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that will he also reap" (Gal. 6:7). True freedom comes from true repentance.

2. Is the Bible clear or vague? Recent polls show that less than 50 percent of believers even read their Bible, let alone practice it. And, as we know, to read truth without practicing it leads to deception. No wonder there's confusion. Additionally, many of the proponents are embracing the views of liberal authors. They value the words of Matthew Vines more than the Gospel of Matthew.

When Christians believe God has given them the authority to change truth in order to keep it relevant, they are departing from God.  (continue reading)