Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
In an effort to faithfully serve as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the current socio-political climate that promotes “marriage equality,” I have adopted three principles of ministry.
Continue reading “As You Defend the Faith, Do Not Neglect Compassion”
The LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) political movement is no friend to traditional Christianity. There is little doubt that in order to promote their political movement, the LGBT radicals have no compunction in denying to Christians the rights of free exercise of religion and free speech. I have read many of their articles and listened to their arguments. Their narrative is that because Christians view their sexual preference/activity as immoral, Christianity is a religion of hate.
Continue reading “Should You Bake the Cake?”
If we are to properly understand the biblical text it must be interpreted through the lens of the Incarnation. So, what would Jesus say about same-sex marriage? What would Jesus say to homosexuals?
Continue reading “What would Jesus Say?”
I have read Phil Robertson’s remarks. I have watched the subsequent responses from A&E and the gay community.
The truth is that crude language about sexuality is common. People tend to refer to themselves in an “earthy” way. Phil talks like my dad and granddad did. My reading of the prophets reveals that even they, under divine inspiration, spoke with crude words to emphasize the depths of Israel’s sin. Too often our proper English translations of the Scriptures rob the inspired words of their intended grit. That is the language which is being suppressed. How dare we speak of one’s sexuality as sinful! How dare Phil Robertson associate homosexuality with bestiality? How dare we define marriage as a civil covenant between one man and one woman?
Continue reading “Words from a Bearded Man”
I have served as a pastor for more than thirty years. The most difficult issues I have faced have been matters of love. Time after time I have talked with people who have been deeply hurt by the people they love and trust most. These issues of love, devotion, affection, attraction, and sexuality are the dirty secrets that have consumed a great deal of my time as a shepherd of God’s people. Love may be bliss, but it is fraught with difficulty and pain. Consider the many painful situations associated with love and sex:
Too often our PASSION about righteousness turns to ANGER and our anger gives way to HATE. May God help us to be passionate about LOVE so that we may be PATIENT, KIND, and GENTLE.
I posted the above quote on Facebook this week in response to the myriad of posts regarding the Chick-fil-A controversy. I support the free speech of Dan Cathy and of the hundreds of thousands who offered a peaceful protest by eating at Chick-fil-A. I also support the free speech of those who are opposed to my view. After all, free speech is reciprocal. If we are going to have a serious civic conversation, then we must be willing to allow all sides to be engaged in the discussion.
Continue reading “Chick-fil-A, Sex, and Pastoral Care”
I’ve learned some things about sin: (1) all have sinned; (2) we are often happy to talk about someone else’s sin; (3) those sins that directly affect us tend to get overlooked, or excused; and (4) eventually we stop talking about sin because we are uncomfortable with our sinfulness, and we don’t want to be accused of being judgmental toward others. This is especially true when it comes to sexual sin. However, the truth remains that sin is the condition of humanity – all of us. And, there is a remedy for sin.
Continue reading “Grace for Sexual Sin”