Viral Faith

"You don't get to a place where you're never going to be tempted again." Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International “God created sexuality.  People create sexual identity” Dr. Jenel Williams Paris in The End Of Sexual Identity "Whatever you marginalize, you radicalize" Rick Warren (@RickWarren 1/15/13) So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.  (Colossians 2:10 NLT) Two things happened yesterday that colluded to produce this blog entry.  First, I participate in a wonderful email discussion with pastors and leaders that covers a variety of topics regarding life and faith.  Over the past several days, there has been significant discussion on the church's treatment of homosexuality in light of Pastor Lou Gigglio's removal from praying during the presidential inauguration due perceived anti-gay comments.  Secondly, a church member scheduled a meeting with me ...

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.  I John 2:9 "We must pray for Gays" Pastor Heritage Munyakuri, Yesterday, at the church where I have the privilege to pastor (www.newhopefree.org), one of my assistant pastors delivered the message.  The topic of the sermon was "The Power of Prayer".  In that sermon, Pastor Munyakuri encouraged the congregation to pray for others as prayer is effective means to blessing others.  As an example, Pastor Munyakuri, who is from Congo, discussed the controversial initiative in Uganda, where it has been proposed that people found in homosexual realtionships should be put to death.  Pastor Munyakuri denounced this policy and went on the encourage the congregation to pray for all people, including gays. Interestingly, because of the highly sensitive nature of sexuality in the church, many listeners understood the message to be about homosexuality as opposed to prayer as a means ...