The speed at which homosexuality has been publicly accepted and endorsed by society is remarkable; in the generation since homosexual activity has been legalised it has moved from a position of ridicule and contempt, to one of acceptance, and ultimately on to a position of high esteem. The media is replete with LGBT related news items, homosexual storylines pervade most television programmes, and pride parades throughout the country are attended by tens of thousands of people, with children and infants bedecked in the colours of the pride flag. What is evident in all of this is that the evangelical church is losing the battle on the issue of homosexuality. The apostate denominations have long given up the battle and, in many cases, have become active promoters of the homosexual lifestyle. Yet conservative denominations and churches, which continue to oppose homosexuality, and denounce it as sin, are failing to impact society on this matter. I believe that the reason for this is that our response to homosexuality has been lacking in numerous areas.
Lack of concern
Are evangelicals truly concerned about the issue of homosexuality? The immediate answer given by most people will be affirmative; they recognise it as the defining moral issue of our generation, and one which poses great dangers and challenges for our children and grandchildren. Yet true concern over any issue results in tangible action, and in the case of homosexuality this often appears to be lacking. As thousands of homosexuals and their supporters march through our streets at pride parades, how few will stand in opposition to it, often no more than a handful mounting a small witness and protest. Are we truly concerned about the matter if we sit at home and fail to confront it, regardless of how objectionable that task may be? Are we really so concerned about the seemingly unassailable tide of the LGBT movement if prayer meetings are not full, God's people earnestly seeking the Lord in prayer for our land? Is not our general inactivity a sign that our concern is not as real as it ought to be? How much greater a witness would it be if, rather than fifty standing in witness at a pride parade, there were a thousand. If we truly are concerned at what we see around us, then let that be evidenced by what we do.
Lack of courage
There is no doubt that the issue of homosexuality is one of the most difficult issues to oppose, for in voicing the slightest disagreement we go against the overwhelming opinion of society, with the inevitable accusation of homophobia. Courage is required to stand for the Lord on any issue, and surely the failure to mount effective opposition to homosexuality is partly due to the paucity of men with the courage to raise a strong voice in opposition. In 2017 Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron, when questioned on the matter, stated that he did not believe homosexuality to be sin. Some time later, having resigned as party leader, he retracted this statement, citing internal pressure from his party as the reason for his initial answer. How illustrative that is of the difficulty of the task, and the courage that is required to oppose homosexuality, when all around us are waving its flag and threatening any who will oppose it. Christian politicians are rarely willing to speak out on homosexuality without the backing of their party, yet many churches are also silent on the matter. Is there a lack of courage, and concern over the consequences; will they lose members, become pariahs in their community, with parents refusing to send children to their Sunday Schools because of their stance? Courage from the Lord is required if we are to effectively oppose the LGBT agenda, not counting the cost of faithfulness to Christ.
Lack of conviction
What is the basis of our opposition to homosexuality? For some their opposition is based purely on bigotry and hatred. For others it is disgust at the actions of homosexuals. Yet neither of these will provide an effective ground for continued, effective opposition to the homosexual agenda. Opposition to homosexuality based on bigotry will not withstand the crescendo of calls for tolerance, respect and equality. Equally an opposition based only on disgust will fade as we are desensitised by the ever increasing normalisation and prevalence of the homosexual lifestyle. Only where we have a strong bible based conviction that homosexuality is sin, and that its consequences are eternally disastrous, will we be able to make an effective and consistent witness against it. Do we simply think that homosexuality is sin, do we even believe it to be so, or rather, are we completely convinced from scripture that this is the case? Conviction based on scripture is the only sure foundation for a biblical opposition to homosexuality.
Lack of coherence
Too often in this battle we lack a coherent argument against the issue of homosexuality. A vague declaration that we support biblical marriage is not sufficient if we fail to provide an articulate argument for why same sex marriage is wrong. Shouting that certain practices are wrong will not have any impact unless we explain the reasons why they are so. Statements such as 'God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve' may be amusing soundbites, and not untrue, but will be mere provocation rather than convincing argument. The evangelical church has to a great extent failed to deal with the issue articulately and has not provided a coherent informed response which can be heard above the shouting. It is essential not only that we properly articulate the biblical view on the issue to those who are personally entangled in the sin of Sodom, but also to those within the our churches; that we educate believers on what the bible actually says on the issue, and also what it does not say, refuting the false interpretations often placed on scripture.
Lack of consistency
The compromise of the apostasy on homosexuality has done significant damage to the ability of the church to oppose it, yet even within evangelicalism there has been a great failure to proclaim a consistent message. How can we expect the world to heed us on the issue of homosexuality when the evangelical church is failing to provide consistency on other sexual sins? Divorce and extra marital affairs are almost as common today within the evangelical church as they are within the world. Pre-marital sex and co-habiting are no longer as taboo as they once were, and Christians are content to be entertained by sexual immorality on television to such an extent that everything but Game of Thrones and Fifty Shades of Grey appear to be regarded as acceptable viewing. With such inconsistency how we expect the world to heed our message on homosexuality? It is vital that we remember that homosexuality is not the only sin in the eyes of God, nor is it the only sexual sin. The accusing finger of the world is all too easily pointed back at the church when we seek to confront the homosexual agenda and ignore other moral issues on our own doorstep. Judgment must begin at the house of the Lord, and it is perhaps time for the church to purify itself in order that it might save this current generation from another sexual revolution.
Lack of clarity
What is the issue at stake here; is it simply the matter of same sex marriage? This cannot be the case for there are those who accept homosexuality yet do not believe in same sex marriage. Is then the issue purely homosexual acts? The notion of 'gay but celibate' is increasing in popularity within evangelicalism, yet it is but the thin edge of the wedge towards a full acceptance of homosexuality. Matthew 5:28 makes it clear that the illicit sexual desires within the heart are just as sinful as the outward actions. We must make it abundantly clear that homosexual thoughts, desires and actions are all an abomination in the sight of the Lord, and that no believer can identify as homosexual, whether celibate or otherwise. Are we clear that homosexuality is a matter of sin within the heart, and not based on our DNA or some other explanation. We must also be clear that this is not a matter that can be dealt with by conversion therapies or counselling, but rather by faith and repentance in Jesus Christ. Clarity on all issues relating to homosexuality is essential, and we cannot allow the waters to be muddied on these issues, or little by little we will lose ground that must be held for the sake of the gospel.
Lack of compassion
In our opposition to homosexuality we must always ask ourselves the important question; have we compassion for these people and are we seeking to win them to Christ? The necessary denunciation of their sin must always be accompanied by an earnest effort to evangelise them. Do we truly care, have we the compassion to reach those in the deepest and vilest of sexual sins? Often we can fall into the thinking that the LGBT community is beyond the reach of the gospel, yet this is clearly not the case, for 1st Corinthians 6:11 reveals that some of the Corinthian church had themselves been involved in such sins, yet were now washed, sanctified and justified by the name of the Lord. Through the power of God's Holy Spirit homosexuals can be saved, as can any sinner, but have we the compassion to reach them? Has disgust and hatred totally eclipsed love? If we truly have compassion for their souls then we will not remain silent, but will take the gospel to homosexuals as to other sinners, in order that we might snatch them as a brands from the burning.
This is the challenge to the church today, that our response to the challenge facing us concerning homosexuality in as biblical as possible, that we might win a battle that we cannot afford to lose.
Lack of concern
Are evangelicals truly concerned about the issue of homosexuality? The immediate answer given by most people will be affirmative; they recognise it as the defining moral issue of our generation, and one which poses great dangers and challenges for our children and grandchildren. Yet true concern over any issue results in tangible action, and in the case of homosexuality this often appears to be lacking. As thousands of homosexuals and their supporters march through our streets at pride parades, how few will stand in opposition to it, often no more than a handful mounting a small witness and protest. Are we truly concerned about the matter if we sit at home and fail to confront it, regardless of how objectionable that task may be? Are we really so concerned about the seemingly unassailable tide of the LGBT movement if prayer meetings are not full, God's people earnestly seeking the Lord in prayer for our land? Is not our general inactivity a sign that our concern is not as real as it ought to be? How much greater a witness would it be if, rather than fifty standing in witness at a pride parade, there were a thousand. If we truly are concerned at what we see around us, then let that be evidenced by what we do.
Lack of courage
There is no doubt that the issue of homosexuality is one of the most difficult issues to oppose, for in voicing the slightest disagreement we go against the overwhelming opinion of society, with the inevitable accusation of homophobia. Courage is required to stand for the Lord on any issue, and surely the failure to mount effective opposition to homosexuality is partly due to the paucity of men with the courage to raise a strong voice in opposition. In 2017 Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron, when questioned on the matter, stated that he did not believe homosexuality to be sin. Some time later, having resigned as party leader, he retracted this statement, citing internal pressure from his party as the reason for his initial answer. How illustrative that is of the difficulty of the task, and the courage that is required to oppose homosexuality, when all around us are waving its flag and threatening any who will oppose it. Christian politicians are rarely willing to speak out on homosexuality without the backing of their party, yet many churches are also silent on the matter. Is there a lack of courage, and concern over the consequences; will they lose members, become pariahs in their community, with parents refusing to send children to their Sunday Schools because of their stance? Courage from the Lord is required if we are to effectively oppose the LGBT agenda, not counting the cost of faithfulness to Christ.
Lack of conviction
What is the basis of our opposition to homosexuality? For some their opposition is based purely on bigotry and hatred. For others it is disgust at the actions of homosexuals. Yet neither of these will provide an effective ground for continued, effective opposition to the homosexual agenda. Opposition to homosexuality based on bigotry will not withstand the crescendo of calls for tolerance, respect and equality. Equally an opposition based only on disgust will fade as we are desensitised by the ever increasing normalisation and prevalence of the homosexual lifestyle. Only where we have a strong bible based conviction that homosexuality is sin, and that its consequences are eternally disastrous, will we be able to make an effective and consistent witness against it. Do we simply think that homosexuality is sin, do we even believe it to be so, or rather, are we completely convinced from scripture that this is the case? Conviction based on scripture is the only sure foundation for a biblical opposition to homosexuality.
Lack of coherence
Too often in this battle we lack a coherent argument against the issue of homosexuality. A vague declaration that we support biblical marriage is not sufficient if we fail to provide an articulate argument for why same sex marriage is wrong. Shouting that certain practices are wrong will not have any impact unless we explain the reasons why they are so. Statements such as 'God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve' may be amusing soundbites, and not untrue, but will be mere provocation rather than convincing argument. The evangelical church has to a great extent failed to deal with the issue articulately and has not provided a coherent informed response which can be heard above the shouting. It is essential not only that we properly articulate the biblical view on the issue to those who are personally entangled in the sin of Sodom, but also to those within the our churches; that we educate believers on what the bible actually says on the issue, and also what it does not say, refuting the false interpretations often placed on scripture.
Lack of consistency
The compromise of the apostasy on homosexuality has done significant damage to the ability of the church to oppose it, yet even within evangelicalism there has been a great failure to proclaim a consistent message. How can we expect the world to heed us on the issue of homosexuality when the evangelical church is failing to provide consistency on other sexual sins? Divorce and extra marital affairs are almost as common today within the evangelical church as they are within the world. Pre-marital sex and co-habiting are no longer as taboo as they once were, and Christians are content to be entertained by sexual immorality on television to such an extent that everything but Game of Thrones and Fifty Shades of Grey appear to be regarded as acceptable viewing. With such inconsistency how we expect the world to heed our message on homosexuality? It is vital that we remember that homosexuality is not the only sin in the eyes of God, nor is it the only sexual sin. The accusing finger of the world is all too easily pointed back at the church when we seek to confront the homosexual agenda and ignore other moral issues on our own doorstep. Judgment must begin at the house of the Lord, and it is perhaps time for the church to purify itself in order that it might save this current generation from another sexual revolution.
Lack of clarity
What is the issue at stake here; is it simply the matter of same sex marriage? This cannot be the case for there are those who accept homosexuality yet do not believe in same sex marriage. Is then the issue purely homosexual acts? The notion of 'gay but celibate' is increasing in popularity within evangelicalism, yet it is but the thin edge of the wedge towards a full acceptance of homosexuality. Matthew 5:28 makes it clear that the illicit sexual desires within the heart are just as sinful as the outward actions. We must make it abundantly clear that homosexual thoughts, desires and actions are all an abomination in the sight of the Lord, and that no believer can identify as homosexual, whether celibate or otherwise. Are we clear that homosexuality is a matter of sin within the heart, and not based on our DNA or some other explanation. We must also be clear that this is not a matter that can be dealt with by conversion therapies or counselling, but rather by faith and repentance in Jesus Christ. Clarity on all issues relating to homosexuality is essential, and we cannot allow the waters to be muddied on these issues, or little by little we will lose ground that must be held for the sake of the gospel.
Lack of compassion
In our opposition to homosexuality we must always ask ourselves the important question; have we compassion for these people and are we seeking to win them to Christ? The necessary denunciation of their sin must always be accompanied by an earnest effort to evangelise them. Do we truly care, have we the compassion to reach those in the deepest and vilest of sexual sins? Often we can fall into the thinking that the LGBT community is beyond the reach of the gospel, yet this is clearly not the case, for 1st Corinthians 6:11 reveals that some of the Corinthian church had themselves been involved in such sins, yet were now washed, sanctified and justified by the name of the Lord. Through the power of God's Holy Spirit homosexuals can be saved, as can any sinner, but have we the compassion to reach them? Has disgust and hatred totally eclipsed love? If we truly have compassion for their souls then we will not remain silent, but will take the gospel to homosexuals as to other sinners, in order that we might snatch them as a brands from the burning.
This is the challenge to the church today, that our response to the challenge facing us concerning homosexuality in as biblical as possible, that we might win a battle that we cannot afford to lose.
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