Do We Need a 'Call' to Go to the Nations?

"The missionary call is not like a prison dog that tracks us down, sniffs us out, and hog-ties us for the nations. That is silly-talk and really bad theology. Nowhere in Scripture is a mysterious (supernatural) call a prerequisite before we can respond to the Great Commission. The opposite is actually true."

- David Platt, 'Don't Complicate the Missionary Call' - Check out the link to read the whole article. Really thought-provoking!

Salvation for Homosexuals

Since homosexuality was legalised in 1974, the church has been under increasing pressure to sanction or at least tolerate the practice. The culture has quickly assumed an outwardly positive attitude towards homosexuality be it in the courtroom, the classroom or the cinema. Clearly the church cannot afford to ignore such a relevant issue but should provide a far more open atmosphere in which to discuss it.

This brings us to the question, what does the Bible teach about homosexual practice? It will surprise many to know that the Bible has less than 10 specific references to homosexuality. And these only say that same-sex practice is sinful.

The foundation for a theology of sexuality is in Genesis 1-3: “Male and female [God] created them.” The relationship is made absolutely clear as referring to marriage (2:24). Anything outside of God’s pattern of heterosexual marriage is sinful.

Leviticus 18:22 picks up on the Genesis theme in its specific command against homosexual practice. But why is this any more detestable to God than the eating of pork and wearing of mixed-fibres in the same group of commandments? Surely this is just selective reading says the Christian homosexual lobby. But remember, Jesus came to fulfil the law and not to abolish it. Sometimes he moved the interpretation along – as when he said all food was clean in Mark 7:17 or said sacrifice was no longer necessary in Hebrews.

But when the New Testament talks about marriage and sexuality it goes right back to Genesis 1-3. In Matthew 19, Jesus speaks to the Pharisees about God’s joining of husband and wife through marriage. They are ‘united’ in a mysterious way that belongs to no other human relationship. Ephesians 5 affirms this in comparing the relationship to that of Christ with his church.

In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, God clearly condemns those who practise homosexuality. Yet look at the sins it’s listed by: greed, drunkenness and slander. The undeniable meaning of this text has often been used to beat homosexuals over the head. But verse 11 instead gives a great sense of hope for change – “such were you”. How often have we been able to say this to people in the church? Or would it shock us all if a homosexual even turned up?

The final question that must be asked is this: what hope does the gospel bring to those who struggle with this issue? For starters, there is good news of a new beginning for in Christ, “you are a new creation.” There is no more promise for a changed orientation than there is for the end of heterosexual lust, but that does not undermine how radical a new beginning this is. The individual is declared righteous and freed from captivity to sin. As with every believer, every day of life must be submitted to Christ and sanctified by the Holy Spirit through the washing with the Word.

Next up is the good news of a new community. Adoption papers were signed. You’re in God’s family now. So no matter your past sins or present struggles there should be acceptance, love, support, understanding and deep friendship. Sadly many gay people have had a very bad experience of churches.

Practical steps a church should take include a declared break with homophobia, embarrassment or plain ignorance. Those who struggle in this area within the church must feel accepted and this will be aided through good teaching on singleness and marriage.

Finally, the good news of a new world brings hope to every sinner. Yet none of us should have an over-realised eschatology. People who are homosexually oriented may not be transformed to the degree that they can marry, but they will be new people in a new world. That is the hope held out for every Christian who loves Jesus, fights sin and seeks holiness with all their heart.