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Today, many prefer to continue hiding their heads in the sand, hoping the whole issue will just go away. Others have bought into the politically-correct “tolerance” mode by welcoming unrepentant gays and lesbians into fellowship completely unchallenged. Some churches now perform gay marriages and some denominations are ordaining practicing homosexuals.

In all fairness, the Church has a history of reacting badly towards homosexual men and women and homosexuality itself. People struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction heard jokes about gay people from the pulpit, asked to leave the Church, and at times, told they could never be saved. It is an undeniable fact that the harshness and ridicule from the Church has driven many away.

“They pile up back-breaking burdens and lay them on other men’s shoulders – yet they themselves will not raise a finger to move them.” (Matthew 23:4)

Right now, there are powerful forces at work with regard to homosexuality and related issues. There can be no doubt to the accomplishments of the enemy with his divide and conquer techniques. Today, many are now worshipping a man-created Jesus that requires absolutely no sacrifice, makes no demands of any kind or type of obedience and is completely silent with regard to sexual sin. Does this not qualify as a pagan religion?

Admittedly, we are all in the process of becoming more Christ-like. A process that will continue in each of our lives until we either go home to be with Jesus or He comes back to get us. That said, I am convinced to be Christ-like requires that you and I be willing to enter into the realm of not compromising godly love or Scriptural truth. It means holding to a Biblical position with regard to homosexual practice but doing it in a Christ-like way.

Personally, with each passing day, I become more and more concerned largely due to many giving into the acceptance of both sin and sinner. Today, many are just finding it easier to swing to the extreme left or right, rather than commit to the time and effort to find a Biblical resolution to this problem. This has contributed to a huge divide in the Church.

Go with me here for just a second. Suppose you are the one having battled unwanted same-sex attraction for years. You have spent years in shame and fear hoping you would just snap out of “the condition.” Then, you hear there is a whole community out there of people just like you. They get it; you are not alone. You can be yourself there. You can be open about your sexuality. There are clubs and churches for people just like you. Finally, you decide, “Here I go!”

The sense of connection and camaraderie is huge and compelling. Consuming to the point of, “I finally belong to somebody,” which carries with it the fragrant power of being wanted. I fully understand and agree completely that the conclusion one must surrender and resign oneself to the gay identity and culture is all wrong, but I equally understand the forces and power of having arrived at such a conclusion.

The Apostle Paul has given us every reason for hope with regard to homosexuality in 1st Corinthians, Chapter 6, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed…sanctified…justified…by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11)

Many remain very vocal in their proclamation that God can do the impossible. Do we still believe that? Especially, when it comes to the brokenness of same-sex attraction? Is it any wonder the man or woman struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction is completely confused about the Christian viewpoint?

I, for one, refuse to lower the bar on the Biblical fact and reality that God continues to do what the world considers impossible. God continues to offer new life to all who are willing to receive it.

When Nehemiah was told that Jerusalem was in ruins, he was devastated. Ultimately, he went there, surveyed the damage to the city and wept over what he saw. He gathered allies around himself and said, “We have to rebuild.”

This is a time for all men and women with unwanted same-sex attraction to have allies. Someone they can talk to; a friend, counselor, pastor, a church – someone that will be with them. A compassionate individual that need not be an expert on the topic of homosexuality. The Church remains God’s instrument in helping those afflicted with same-sex attractions to become comfortable and sound in their true God-given roles.

We, the Church, have gotten too far off track regarding homosexuality. It’s time to rebuild. You and I have experienced the trials and difficulties of this world so that we will be qualified to help others.

“God who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in ‘any trouble’ with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4)

I am completely convinced that God is asking His Church to change and rebuild our own walls by opening our hearts to the sexually broken. Those who struggle with same-sex attraction need to be loved, to be embraced in fellowship, and to be known for who they truly are, not based solely on their sexuality.

Change and the redemption road can often be unpleasant and difficult. However, it is a journey always worth taking. Homosexuals are being asked to change and rebuild the walls of their lives. How about we, The Church, rebuilding some of our own walls?

How we oppose homosexuality is as important as opposing it.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

His Way Out has been faithfully ministering to men and women seeking a way out of sexually broken lifestyles since 1994. We could not do it without the support of Christians like you. Every dollar that you give to His Way Out Ministries helps to further this vital ministry. Won’t you take a minute to prayerfully consider a monthly donation to His Way Out? Please consider making a one-time donation or set up a secure monthly PayPal contribution on our donation page at https://www.hiswayout.com/donate/. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee

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