Just recently, I had an opportunity to watch a speech on YouTube which was given by a man who I understand has been a special assistant, or advisor, to the world president of my church. The speaker has been a famous evangelist in the church and is now semi-retired, it seems, although he's still working hard. The talk was labelled as being about LGBTQ+ issues, and the main point seemed to be to discredit same-sex marriage--even though the speaker wanted to be as kind and compassionate as possible, he said.
Would like to respectfully say that I agree with his views for MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH. We don't want to have any compromise; and if people see me failing at any time, they can feel free to correct me....
The speaker also said something to the effect that the church can have a conforming influence on the world, rather than vice versa. He quoted Romans 12:2, from the Bible -- "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." KJV. And again, I agree with this text for CHURCH MEMBERS!
Is the church honestly meant to change, or influence, the sexual behaviour of people in the world--people outside the church, the non-believers? I have to respond that I haven't found any Bible passages which state that.
If I may say, we are to preach the gospel--the "good news...!" "I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works." Psalm 145:5. And "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.
We need to do good works and show the love of Jesus in our lives. Then, if and when people become interested in our faith, we can explain the finer details of our moral standards! Isn't that fair?
NOTE: For this blog post, I partially received some information and inspiration from a small book called "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing" [about the Sermon on the Mount, by Jesus], by Ellen G. White, who was one of the founders of my church.
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