As the battle rages between the church and militant homosexuals concerning whether or not same sex marriage should be allowed and the lack of backbone that some churches have concerning holding a standard of conduct for those in leadership I found this story refreshing. The man who is talked about in this story did not seek to have his lifestyle or attraction justified or accepted but instead allowed God to start changing him from the inside out.
Dean is an important member of his local church. He is a deacon, and says he sometimes gets so busy with ministry that he has to shut off his phone so he can rest and not take any calls. Dean is also a former homosexual, who says sanctification – the process by which Christians are increasingly set apart for Christ through obedience – is a process that lasts a lifetime.
Dean, who is in his mid-40s and has been celibate for nearly eight years, agreed to speak with The Christian Post on Saturday on the condition of anonymity (his name has been changed) because of professional and social concerns.
“I no longer consider myself gay. I consider myself someone who has same-sex attraction,” he said.
source: http://www.christianpost.com/news/ex-gay-becomes-deacon-at-local-church-72112/
I find this to be a heart warming story and one where I applaud the man for the progress he has made. Now if we can just pray that his attraction changes as well. Nevertheless, I find it honorable that he has renounced his former lifestyle and is living a celibate life instead. This story is proof that homosexuality is a choice of behavior. You do not have to be homosexual.
Dean is further quoted as saying
One of the biggest misunderstandings people have, he says, is that Jesus “zaps” a gay person the moment they become a Christian and instantly makes them happy, healthy and heterosexual. Sanctification, he says, is a gradual process for everyone, and it can take time for individuals to overcome any number of sins in their lives, so they should not be discouraged while God is still working on them.
source: http://www.christianpost.com/news/ex-gay-becomes-deacon-at-local-church-72112/
I couldn’t agree more! So instead of picketing the homosexuals, and pointing fingers at them, how about reaching out, listening, praying, and trusting God to do a work from the inside out!
Pastor Duke
About the Author:
Pastor Duke Taber has been a believer in Jesus for 33 years. He has been a pastor for over 20 years currently serving at the Vineyard church in Pine Haven Wyoming and was formerly the secretary treasurer of White Pine County Ministerial Association. He is an alumnus of LIFE Bible College and Multnomah Biblical Seminary. He is a syndicated blogger at The Christian Post and Believe.com You can connect with Pastor Duke on Google+, Twitter, or on Facebook
PastorDuke – who has written 728 posts on Taber's Truths Christian Living Magazine.
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I agree with your reasoned approach. Personally, I would feel that this brother could be helped further with some deliverance ministry and counseling, but for some Christians that may be too much for them to accept. ( though still very biblical) BUT, i wholeheartedly endorse the “don’t point, don’t condemn” strategy for those “sinners” who are seeking the redemption that we all need. That is why the Father sent a Saviour..we don’t just need good counseling,preaching or teaching. There are scriptures that speak of former homosexuals becoming saved,redeemed, graced, and changed. God designed our bodies to work one way only. And the biggest shame lies NOT with the gay redeemed sinner, but those who claim Christ but bless lifestyles, and “marriages” that are an affront to what God has ordained from the beginning of creation.
http://www.wayfarersquest-rsctt.blogspot.com