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A Plea for Those in Churches Tolerating Homosexuality

Mark Roberts

Item: Gene Robinson is appointed as a bishop in the Episcopalian church, an ordination that is accompanied by nationwide media attention. Robinson is the first practicing homosexual to be ordained to a high office in a major mainline denomination.

Item: A jury of pastors acquits a lesbian Methodist pastor on charges stemming from her sexual orientation. Even though the Methodist Book of Discipline declares her homosexual practice to be “incompatible to Christian teachings” Karen Dammann will continue in her position and ministry.

Item: The Presbytery of Detroit has approved an overture calling on the 216th General Assembly (2004) to rescind the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s historic understanding that sex outside of marriage is sinful.

This is the reality of living in our times. Homosexuality has been accepted as normal and acceptable by people of no religions convictions for almost two decades now. What is particularly troubling in the last several years is the unrelentingly pressure upon religious groups to have homosexuality re-defined as righteous instead of sinful. More troubling is the success that pressure has had. What should members of religious groups now accepting homosexuality do?

As always, it is best to look to God’s Word. In 2 Chronicles 11:15 we read of Jeroboam setting up idols so that people of Israel who lived in the north would recognize his kingship and not journey to Jerusalem to worship. 2 Chronicles 11:13-16 tells us one result of this apostasy: “The priests and the Levites who were in all Israel took their stand with him [Rehoboam, the rightful king –mdr]. For the Levites left their commonlands and their possessions and came to Judah and Jerusalem . . . And after the Levites left, those from all the tribes of Israel, such as set their heart to seek the Lord God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the Lord.” What can we learn from this?

First, realize apostasy never backs up. What Jeroboam began with idols supposed to represent Jehovah soon became total Baal worship (see 1 Kings 18 for example). Once the floodgates are opened there seems to be no shutting them. The homosexual debate demonstrates this. Just ten years ago the big denominations were debating whether to accept practicing homosexuals as members. Now the debate is about making homosexuals priests and bishops! Can there be any doubt as more and more homosexuals are placed in office that there will necessarily be less and less teaching against homosexuality? Thus, more and more homosexuality will be taught and treated as completely normal and righteous. The freight train of apostasy, like in Jeroboam’s day, is careening downhill at ever increasing speed.

Second, the faithful won’t compromise, they will leave. When Jeroboam erected his idols the true servants of God knew exactly what that meant: they must move. This wasn’t something they could overlook or tolerate. Their worship to God had been compromised. This same issue faces thousands today. Can you worship God in a service officiated by someone living in flagrant violation of God’s law? Can you continue in a religious group that officially recognizes homosexuality as right and righteous? What will you do when you hear that homosexuality is right and the Bible is wrong from the pulpit? Remaining is, like it or not, an act that condones and endorses homosexuality. Would you hold membership in the Ku Klux Klan? Of course not — that group stands for hatred and racism. See the point? Membership means something! Membership in a group that accepts homosexuality must be unacceptable for the faithful. The Levites voted with their feet and those who want to serve God today will, sadly, have to do the same.

Thirdly, such isn’t easy because it comes at a high price. The Levites “left their common lands and their possessions.” How difficult and sad that move must have been! To be forced from their homes by idolatry and sin must have been terrible! Similarly, it is very difficult to leave the church one has been a part of for a long time. Friends are left behind. Explanations are not always accepted. Relationships can be strained. But for the person interested in serving God according to the Scripture an allegiance to truth must be more important than simply doing what has always been done, attending where you’ve always attended.

Perhaps this note will help in this difficult time. While fewer and fewer churches are interested in biblical Christianity today the Westside church of Christ remains fully committed to God’s word as just that: the inspired word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). You will not hear compromise in our pulpit or see political correctness shaping our agenda or work. Yes, that does mean some think we’re “too strict” (as if one can be too careful with the Bible!). Most importantly, it means we take following Jesus seriously and are determined to do what the Lord says. If the folks in the New Testament were approved of God in what they did and taught then why don’t we try to do those same things and likewise be approved of God? The Levites were fortunate to have a place to go when their world crumbled around them. If you are looking for a place where the people are simply trying to be New Testament Christians and follow the Scriptures you should give Westside a good look.

These are difficult days and hard choices must be made. We are praying that many will show the faith of the Levites long ago and arise to make a stand for righteousness!