tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16413529.post8729320087084369147..comments2023-09-03T06:38:13.721-04:00Comments on Crocker Chronicle: A Better Way?scottmcrockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12443168472392620197noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16413529.post-63174361428417871872007-02-27T10:08:00.000-05:002007-02-27T10:08:00.000-05:00The issue of homosexuality is certainly one of the...The issue of homosexuality is certainly one of the prime issues of our day. There are debates as to the morality, origin, and societal safety of the homosexual lifestyle. There are reports that it is genetic and reports that there is no such evidence. Studies have shown that where legalized homosexual marriage has taken place the impact on traditional marriage has been disasterous. At the same time others argue, "what is the big deal?"<BR/><BR/>I lament that Tim Hardaway's comments have evoked a less than pleasing response from Christians and non-Christians alike. Sadly, when such comments are made non-believers automatically align the commentator with Christians. This is a sad commentary on Christians and our ineffectiveness in reaching our culture. <BR/><BR/>I can remember working with an employee who was quite open about his sexuality and jumped at every opportunity to inform people of his orientation. One night he disclosed his sexual preference to me. After this took place another co-worker said, "You must hate --- since he is gay." I said why would you think that. They replied because you are a Christian. I spent quite a bit of time explaining my thoughts and beliefs on the matter and how I did not think more or less of a person because of there sexuality. I wondered what the gay person thought my thoughts were on the matter.<BR/><BR/>I am perplexed as to how to minister the gospel to a person caught up in the homosexual lifestyle. Many homosexuals have decided that they would define themselves by their orientation. Unlike other sins such as lying, cheating, blasphemy, and the like, homosexuals have difficulty separating their lifestyle from their essence as a person (this has been my experience). They tend to think looking at homosexuality as a sin is like looking at being black as a sin. Hence, addressing the issue can be difficult. I suppose you could suspend the discussion on homosexuality and simply speak to sin in general and the Salvation that Christ brings. This would require that we trust in the work of the Spirit to convict and transform. As I write this I am remembering my own conversion experience. No one ran down the list of sins in my life and required that I confess and repent of them all. In fact, I simply asked for forgiveness and that Christ would come into my life. Shortly after the Spirit was hard at work. With little to no teaching or reading of the Bible I found certain beliefs changing. <BR/><BR/>Perhaps this is the better way. If true conversion takes place the Spirit will be at work in an individuals life. As Christians we should be prepared to help and assist our brothers and sisters as they seek healing from the ravages of sin. We do not have to confront every sin specifically to introduce people to Christ. How many of us would have been blocked from entering the Kingdom if we had to declare all right on the spot? <BR/><BR/>These are just some thoughts. The discussion has a great deal of room for improvement in methods and approaches. Let us pray that God would move in the hearts of His people to represent Him well and preach life to all who are in need regardless of what sin they are dealing with.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com