The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission | Needed: Broken-Hearted Prophets | Comments

Comment 1

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:28:53 CST

Your article is very timely, and yes there is a hugh disconnect. I think the disconnect is because there is a disconnect in our love. We do love our brothers and sisters in our fellowships and we love the upper seats, but we also find it very difficult to cross the road and minister to that one who has been beaten, robbed and manipulated by whatever,

Comment 2

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:41:50 CST

Yes this is a very difficult issue, not only for the SBC but for the Mennonite Church as well. We have lost several members because of this issue. I have no easy answers only questions. I praying for my church family that struggle with this and pray for wisdom on how to support and help them. It seems that all I have been able to do is reach out in love and be a listening ear. It is very important that we as Christains do not close the door on this issue.

Scott Yoder

Comment 3

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:47:33 CST

Sir:
This is a badly needed area of ministry and I believe that many pastors and Layman would come but we do not have the time to go to Dallas nor can we afford a round trip ticket plus hotel or take three or four days to drive there and then pay for hotels on the way. It is financially impossible for many to take advantage of this resource. Until you can offer this at least at the state level many of us can not participate.

Comment 4

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:04:01 CST

Mr. Stith writes..."The recent book UnChristian, by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons (Baker, 2007), shows that 91 percent of unchurched young adults think Christians are anti-homosexual. What is equally disturbing is that 80 percent of churched young adults agree.”

Why do you think that is?

With slogans like.."Love the sinner, Hate the Sin”, who can blame folks for thinking some Christians, especially those that foster notions like “Change is Possible” or “Finding Freedom in Christ”..it all sounds VERY anti-gay to me, the implication being that changing who you are is tantamount to acceptance in their club.

We are the only minority that has to become something we are not for the SBC to accept us. That’s not love, it’s the bully pulpit.

Comment 5

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:34:37 CST

What all must come to grips with is that the Bible does not change because the culture is adjusting its view of different behaviors. The Bible is still the infallible Word of God. All unrighteiousness is still sin no matter what our worldview may be.
One fact also remains unchanging, Jesus still saves. There is only one way out of sin, and that way is still Jesus Christ. Sympathy for the sinner, yes. Prayer for the sin-sick, yes. He who forgave the adulterous woman is still available today. He who saved the woman at the well is still the Living Water that flows today.
For the prodigal son to be reconciled, he first had to change his heart, leave the hog pen, and return to his father in humble submission. He simply fell back into his father’s loving arms. All who are caught in any sin need to simply cry to Jesus for mercy. Forget about political correctness.

Comment 6

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:14:14 CST

What an awesome article! I have also enjoyed reading the comments left by other readers. One thing that MUST be remembered if WE (SBC) want to share Christ with any “sinner” is that the goal is HOLINESS/RIGHTEOUSNESS! Our goal cannot be to “turn someone straight.” We are to point to way to Christ! We are to share the gospel! It is the Holy Spirit who brings someone to repentance not the SBC!

I have to admit that I have been a bit disapointed in the lack of information available to the local churchs’ congregations. I serve at a rather large church in our area and have been seeking information regarding ministry to the sexually broken community for quite some time. I think we are finally off to a good start, but it is very difficult to locate the adequate resources.

Thank you for the task force and the work that you are attempting to do.

Comment 7

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:02:12 CST

Thank you for bringing this issue to the forefront as it seems to increasingly touch my life both directly & indirectly. I have been asked tough questions. I have no trouble with the compassionate, loving aspect of me, however this complicates dealing with the truth part. It is difficult at best to lovingly tell someone they are dying & bound for hell. A non-believer simple takes this as hatred.
I have been praying for guidance to minister appropriately to this issue. I have very lovable, awesome people in my life who are living in the sin of homosexuality. While I want to simply love them which is less controversial if the issue is ignored, I do not want to be the watchman of Ezekiel 33 who did not sound the alarm as danger approached.
Further education of proper minstry in this area is tantamount, but the issue mentioned in an earlier posting (cost & availability) is definitely a stumblingblock.

Comment 8

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:48:18 CST

I have been looking for some resources dealing with this and other similar issues.
You might want to check out this web sight.
Close to home pastoral care pamphlets.
from Mennonite Church USA

http://www.mpn.net/closetohome

Scott Yoder

Comment 9

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:25:47 CST

Dreama writes.."It is difficult at best to lovingly tell someone they are dying & bound for hell.”

Perhaps you might consider leaving that judgment to God.

Often times the best way to draw one to Christ is to live a life that exemplifies Christian principles, in other words, people are drawn to love, so live a life of love and let God decide who and for what reason heaven and hell are appropriate.

That is not your burden, however, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, those ARE our burdens.