The LGBT issue is beginning to cause difficulties among conservative evangelicals. All say they stand on the Bible and agree that homosexual acts are forbidden by Scripture. Yet two camps are sadly emerging – especially on the back of a US conference called ‘ReVoice’ which took place recently.
There are those who feel that same-sex attraction is something unsought by many. It is not their fault and therefore, while not expressing their attractions outwardly, they must live with it, as it were making a truce with their condition. Others feel that this position involves a compromise. All that does not conform to God’s righteous ways is to be repented of and fought, whether or not we feel it was a deliberate choice on our part. This issue was addressed directly and helpfully at the UK conference of the Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, by ex-football star Gavin Peacock, who is now a pastor in Canada.
Fighting inward sin
The conference took place at The Angel Church in London on Saturday 29 September and Gavin gave five lessons from the epistle of Jude on contending for the faith in the context of contemporary society, with its fluid approach to gender issues. Quoting Augustine and others, he explained that sin is never seen in Scripture as simply a matter of outward behaviour. Sin has to be fought continually in the heart. We cannot make a truce with any temptation.
The epithet ‘Gay Christian’ is never to be used or find acceptance among us, any more than, for example, ‘Greedy Christian’ or ‘Angry Christian.’ We are ‘Christians’ – full stop. Our identity is found ‘in Christ alone’ with no additions of any kind.
He went on to say that as politicians bring the LGBT agenda into legislation then, sadly, faithful Christians could be increasingly viewed as ‘enemies of the state’. This has historically always been the justification used for Christians suffering at the hands of the authorities. Those present found Gavin’s arguments clear and compelling.
John Benton began the day with a message based in the early chapters of Genesis under the title ‘Atheism, Gender and Self-harm.’ This seemed to resonate with many people at the conference involved in contemporary pastoral ministry among young people.
