The Bible tells us that in the last days there would be those who would love and follow teaching that is not sound Biblically. Central Ave UM Church in Toledo, Ohio has "come out" seeking to up the ante and increase the dialogue. In preaching and teaching such error they threaten the United Methodist Connection that is found in West Ohio United Methodism. They are attacking the Church and giving Christ and Christians a "black eye". The pastor said in the interview when asked about the Leviticus passage forbiding homosexuality that the passage was taken out of context... it is the pastor who is out of context...he should not be a pastor or allowed to return to this or any other UM pulpit. But that is in a world where Church Discipline is practiced. Unfortunately, not much Church Discipline is practiced in the UM Church. Bishops practice "correct politi-speak" instead of spiritual leadership on these matters. The uncertain trumpet of the Bishops undermines and shipwrecks the faith of young Christians and is chasing more mature believers away as well. Even in the first day after this tragic announcement and campaign I have younger believers wrestling with what their future place is in the UM Church. There are many pastors and lay people who are committed to stay in the UM Church and stay at the table as missionaries in these times where the Church is under attack and is being co-opted by the Reconciling Movement. But missionaries must speak the truth and speak to power or else they may find themselves joining in the sin and tolerating evil and that is something that Jesus frowns on...(see Jesus' letters to the churches in John's Revelation). The United Methodist Church has made tolerance an idol to be worshipped. Let the Church be the Church of truth. Proclaim God's Word boldly that God does not tolerate nor accept sin. Let me make this perfectly clear...God loves the homosexual but he does not tolerate nor accept homosexuality. There are many places in the Bible that tell us exactly what God thinks on the matter. God calls all to sexual purity...heterosexuals and homosexuals alike. The sexually immoral will not enter heaven. Those are not my words, they are the words of scripture. God meets us exactly where we are without any strings attached but He does not accept us as we are, He longs to change us one and all...heterosexual and homosexual alike. He never leaves the sinner in the condition that He finds us. He does not accept nor tolerate homosexuality. He does not tolerate nor accept homosexuals who determine to remain in their sin and say that "God made me this way...no need to change." Let me make this perfectly clear, He does not allow the heterosexual to remain in their sin and stay the same either, unrepentant and unreconciled. He won't and does not tolerate it. God is an equal opportunity God who can change and transform. God calls us all to holiness, without which no one will see God. It is not our holiness but the holiness of Christ. But He calls us to put off the "old man" and the "flesh" to put on Christ as "new creation".
This campaign by Central Ave. Unied Methodist Church and their "pastor" is an abomination to God. They are calling evil...good, and wrong...right...they are calling right...wrong. They are calling sin, homosexuality..."not sin"...but a good and valid grace gift...it is not, cannot and will never be honored or accepted by God and should not be by the Church.
Are homosexuals welcome in the Church...yes...as are all sinners in need of redemption. Come, hear and be transformed. Let the Church speak the truth in love and hold this Church accountable before God. If Church Discipline does not occur in this situation it makes the larger Chruch a willing accomplice. I will not be that. And I hope you will not be either. Blessings.
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