Bill Taylor wrote: > I read this and could not get it out of mind; > it continues to shape my thinking in this area: > ... <snip> ...
I have no problem with the love and hug stuff, Bill, but I do have a problem with the idea of acceptance without rebuke. I have had similar experiences with homosexuals as you describe in this quote from Torrance. However, I also have had other experiences where it was prudent for me to make it clear to the homosexual that God does not accept him as he is. He commands homosexuals as well as other sinners to repent. There are too many homosexuals these days who think that God accepts them along with their homosexuality. The Metropolitan Community Church is one example, and look at how the Episcopals accept homosexual clergy. This acceptance doctrine is out of control. Repentance has become a foreign concept to this version of the gospel. Bill wrote: > Our job, it seems to me, as Christians is > not to convict people of their sins; that is > the work of the Holy Spirit. But the Holy Spirit also uses people to do his work. This is why "repentance" is part of the gospel message preached by Christ and his apostles. Notice the conviction that Felix experienced when Paul reasoned with him about righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come: Acts 24:25 (25) And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. Bill Taylor wrote: > Our job is to love them, to accept them, > to embrace them, as Roland did the young > man, sinners that they are, that they might > know the abounding grace and forgiveness > of their Lord. I hope Roland did not limit himself only to hugging the homosexual. The Scriptures teach us to do more than love, accept, and embrace sinners. It teaches us to reprove, rebuke and exhort with longsuffering and sound doctrine. Men of God do these things too. Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
