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Steve King - Parent and Missionary
3/6/2005, 9:09:45 a.m.
The issue at hand should not be a discussion about what is considered sin by the Bible and what is not. It should be on how Christians treat sinners, no matter what their sin. I'm surprised to read a so called theological defense of homosexuality in this joint article. Scripture is clear. One must look hard for a way to interpret Scripture differently.
In my theological training, this falls short of the mark. If you name Jesus as Lord, allow the Scriptures to stand for themselves. In this regard, I don't find myself feeling a need to defend God's position. It is printed for all to read. I must point out that there is a tendency in some arguments to excuse sin.
Why are many Christians speaking out against the sin of homosexuality today? It is not a matter of trying hide our faces from other sins, it is because the truth is not being challenged regarding these sins. For instance, when is the last time that you heard of a movement to remove the sin of "lying" from Scripture? When have we heard of a political movement challenging the veracity of Scripture in order to advocate for removing the stigma associated with "stealing". We haven't. Why? Because we accept what the Bible says about these acts and understand them as sin.
To the contrary, there is a political move to remove the sin stigma from homosexuality in the church today. Because of this, many Christians, such as myself, feel it necessary to speak out publicly against this shift from the truth of the Word of God. My wife and I are Southern Baptist missionaries among the Quichua people of Ecuador. We start churches. We teach the whole counsel of Scripture. We teach that homosexuality is a sin just as we teach that stealing, lying, evil words from one's mouth, bitterness, and so forth, are sins.
I would like to invite anyone who reads this article to reflect on the fact that Scripture says that homosexuality is sin. The sin of Sodom was twofold. It was homosexuality and it was inhospitality. Let's not misinterprete the Scripture in order to reverse what it says. My prayer for Mars Hill College is that, in the course of these open discussions, Christians will stand with the Word of God. Recognize homosexuality as a sin.
Also, and of great importance, show concern for the practicing homosexual. Love for another always deals in truth. Love for the homosexual would involve helping him or her to see that the homosexual lifestyle is contrary to the will of God. The Christian response should not be an affirmation of sin. It should be a loving hand to help homosexuals turn from the "unnatural" to the "natural". I pray that Mars Hill College will stand with the Scriptures. To part from Scripture and launch out into a world guided by the wisdom of men is a dangerous prospect.
Steve King - Missionary and Parent
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