Straight Talk

We closed-out the PureSex series today with a message called "Straight Talk". Pat did an incredible job handling the topic of homosexuality. It was incredible for me to realize this morning as Pat was opening up the timing of this message today as homosexuality was thrust back into the loud speaker of culture with the controversy that happened in the NBA this week.

I remember a couple of months ago as we planning and wrestling with this series. Several of the concepts and ideas for the series we took from previous experience or other churches. What was interesting, we really didn’t see much where other churches have tackled this subject. So, I believe with some guts we took on this topic because we believed the world was saying a lot about it, the church was reacting many times in way that drove people away, and we wanted to present God’s heart on this subject.

Listening this morning, I am thankful to be a Christ-follower, convinced once again (as I am daily) that God’s Word is incredible, and proud of my pastor. I have felt for a long-time that we as Christ-followers do not know how to approach this subject with truth and grace in the balance. It is hard and I must admit I have made many mistakes in the past. As Pat said this morning and I echo:

• we must hate sin
• homosexuality is a sin just as pride, anger, greed,idolatry, lying, envy, etc. are (1 Corinthians 6)
• we must extend love, friendship, and kindness (Pat’s Point: connect) before we can offer them truth (Pat’s Point: challenge)
• we need to offer hope and the invitation to the Body of Christ not picketing, hate, and exclusion
• being holy is offering love, acceptance, and kindness to others just as much as having firm convictions is (even those struggling with homosexuality)
• we as the church can and should do better, including me

This is a definite watch or listen to message.