This past Sunday we discussed the polarizing issue of homosexuality. My sermon began with the assumption that the Bible is authoritative for our lives, meaning that our lives should be lived according to Scripture. I mentioned that this assumption is not shared by everyone and therefore what follows might not be shared by all.
After introducing this initial assumption, I discussed two biblical texts that point to homosexuality as a sin (1 Timothy 1:3-17 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). My second point drew from the same scriptures and stated that homosexuality is a sin like any other sin, no better or no worse. I compared homosexuality to lying, gossiping, and breaking a promise (all mentioned within the lists of sins from the two texts, alongside homosexuality). Finally I pointed out that if God's grace is sufficient to forgive us from our sins, then it is likewise sufficient to forgive a person of homosexuality or any other sin for that matter.
My sermon concluded with some application of these points, including my belief on the subject of homosexual persons attending church and becoming members. As far as attending church is concerned I pointed out that in the 1 Timothy passage the author asserts that Jesus Christ came to save sinners (v.15), and so if we consider someone a sinner then a place where they could encounter Christ is the BEST place for them. In respect to homosexuals becoming members of United Methodist Churches (or any churches) I reminded everyone that we are all sinners, and that part of joining the church is repenting of sin and accepting the forgiveness and freedom from sin offered to us through Jesus Christ. With this in mind, as long as a person is willing to repent of their sin, it is quite appropriate for them to join the church.
This topic is indeed controversial, and fraught with potential pitfalls for well meaning Christians from all sides of the issue, but what I tried to present was a view that does not deny the reality of sin, but also does not limit God's grace from forgiving that sin (whatever it may be). Feel free to post and even express your disagreement, I certainly encouraged that throughout my sermon this Sunday.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor John
Thank you Pastor John for reminding us that sin is what separates us from God. Throughout the ages people have tried to justify their behavior by choosing to do what they want no matter what God intends. However, what is even more important is that when we accept God's grace (His unmerited love) and allow it to work in us and through us we find there is grace for our broken lives, forgiveness for our many sins, repentance which allows for the absolution of our sins, confession of our sins that enables us to be free of those sins and confession of our faith which affirms the ever compassionate God.
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