I recently heard the following statement, “Pastors should only preach on homosexuality as often as they do other sins such as gluttony.” Here are a few thoughts on this idea.
The statement carries some truth. Sadly many pastors have focused on homosexuality so much that they have developed their preaching ministry into weekly gay-bashing sessions from the pulpit. No wonder the lost world associates the word “evangelicals” with the term “gay-haters.” This is why ministers should never misuse the pulpit by harping on certain sins and ignoring others. Instead of shutting a possible door of ministry by radiating a spirit of condemnation, the Church must find a way to leave the door of ministry open by speaking the truth in love.
However, the statement also is seriously flawed. In light of the cultural shift I do believe it is vital that pastors preach on homosexuality more often than gluttony because culture is not aggressively trying to convince society that gluttony is OK. Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig are quick to warn of the health risks associated with overeating. Culture understands overeating is not a good thing to embrace and frowns upon anyone who would see obesity as a positive life choice. This is in stark contrast to how our culture has responded to homosexuality. Culture says homosexuality is a good thing to accept. Society has increasingly demonstrated an attitude of tolerance and sees homosexuality as an accepted life choice. Yet this is the very reason why Christians must speak the truth in love. Because of direct attacks from social progressives on the Bible’s position on homosexuality, Christians must defend the truth of God’s Word. My purpose in preaching on homosexuality is not to condemn the sinner but to combat the cultural shift.
Pastor Eric Martin
Seventh Street Baptist Church, Cullman, Ala.
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