It was not the intent of the original Church to have so many denominations, with so many varied viewpoints on something clearly defined in scripture, as we do now. This seems especially true on issues that dominate our society, facilitated by the laws of man, spurred on by the Left.
Rather than follow the Truth in God’s Word, some have begun to follow the avowed enemy of God: Satan, who enslaves people with sin.
Jesus on the other hand brings freedom. Satan hates freedom brought through redemption; and loves it when a false gospel such as “grace is a license to sin” is taught. Satan hates people; knowing his fate; he wants to keep enslaved in sin, many, while he still can. On the other hand, Jesus loves people; but hates sin. Sin goes against His Word; His Father’s authority as Almighty God. Jesus wants to free people, which is why he laid down his life for us—so people can live righteously, forever. He gave his Holy Spirit to Yoke us to Him, to help us in all temptation. “My yoke is easy…Abide in Me; and I in you, and you will bear much fruit.”
Our Good Shepherd assigned other shepherds to watch over his sheep until He returns. The first apostles were shepherds, planting seeds and churches—many of these in hostile-to-God territory (Gentile paganism).
Paul, an apostle of Jesus, who helped plant the first CHURCH in Corinth, eventually wrote, “I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you…” (1 Cor 4:17-6:20). In that letter, he addressed only one type of sexual-sin, as based on the Torah. In the same section of Leviticus, appears another sexual-sin: homosexuality.
As the previous blog, defined according to the Word of God, that sin was called in many scriptures, “vile, wickedness, evil, and abominable.” The definition comes from the unchangeable Word of God; yet, some churches have changed the definition and true concept.
Below is a quick list of pro-LGBT+ church denominations, along with some of their policies on that issue. The policies researched to date vary as to: advocacy & support, acceptance into membership, church participation, clergy ordination, and same-sex marriages. Any variances are duly noted if they occur within the sub-groups of denominations. Yes, not only do we have an abundance of denominations, but sub-groups within those!
Notably, things have changed dramatically since 2000; and this 2023 list might be soon outdated; so ask your pastor if there is pending legislation within the church to change their current position on this issue. If you don’t see your church listed on the first list, count yourself fortunate—for now (although I could have missed some information in my research).
If you DO see your denomination (or sub-group) on the church list—and disagree with the denomination; and care to address it from within—first double check my research, before doing so.
This is limited research, accessed from three sources: 6/6/23, from: Hrc.org, the denomination’s own websites; and coupled with the book USA Denominations:
*Episcopal (stems from the Angelican Orthodox Church). Openly accept LGBT+ into membership.
*Disciples of Christ accepts LGBTQ+ lifestyles, in all aspects of church life: members, ordination, service.
*Friends/Quakers differ (having no central ruling authority). Accept as equals, fights for LGBTQ+ rights & the right for same-sex marriage. The Illinois branch fought to remove state’s anti-Sodomy laws (i.e. make homosexuality not a ‘sin’).
*The ELCA (stems s from the Lutheran churches). Openly accepts membership, service roles, ordination of practicing LGB+, and marriage of same-sex couples.
*Methodist have differing views since pre ‘85; in 2005 they revoked the license of outed gay clergy; over-all they accept into membership under ‘human rights’; but not if the the lifestyle behavior continues.
*Morvian since ‘74 has accepted LGBT into membership & into lower service positions; in 2014 accepted them into clergy; and recently married openly gay clergy.
*Two branches of Pentecostals support LGBT+: The Anthem branch (from the Pentecostal) has merged with ELCA (see those policies above). Another branch, The Gay Apostolic Pentecostal, who, as the name suggests fully accepts, in all aspects, LGBTQIA+.
*Presbyterians have been divided over this issue since ‘02. (The Orthodox largely disagree with the policies now performed by their other sub-branches.) Over-all, the denomination claims to be the first in the US to perform some LGB+ marriages. They have some gay clergy; and so, obviously accept LGBT+ into membership and service.
*Roman Catholic has 10 sub-groups that fully support LGBT+ appearing on the first list; the orthodox do not—yet.
*Swedenborgian, as early as 1997 proposed a measure regarding gay clergy; other items are up for debate; including the issue of same-sex marriages. They took no official stance until 2022 when it was asserted that “in a changing world” we must “fully accept and support them”.
*Unitarian/Universalists were the first in the US to speak out against discrimination of LGBT community. As early as 1979 they ordained their first openly gay clergy. LGBTQ+ are accepted, with full equality under their value of diversity. This denomination also performs same-sex marriages.
*United Church of Christ are autonomous of one another; but in this they agree: They have a no discrimination clause, so in 1975 the LGBT+ were offered full membership. That resulted in ordaining some. In 2005 they openly affirmed equal rights for all to marry, and so perform same-sex marriages. Today they also offer gay “clubs” within the churches. Offering the soft gospel (“grace is a license to sin”; they do not define sin and repentance of sin, which is condemned by the disciples). As you notice, this one contains the most information, since most pro-LGBTQI+ groups hails them as the “most welcoming and affirming Christian Denomination.” “They offer an extravagant welcome.”
The apostles wished that all of their planted churches would remain as one; under One Shepherd. And that they would preach truth, and continue in the one true Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It begins with a Torah principle, “hear O Israel, the Lord our God is One”—respect the Almighty. And continues with “be baptised in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”—an interplay of very crucial aspects of the ONE for a Christian.
Jesus and the first apostles, including Paul are very clear to the CHURCH in Ephesus, “Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people…such a person will not inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. Don’t be fooled by those who TRY TO EXCUSE THESE SINS, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do” “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have the light (wisdom) from the Lord. So live in the Light!” (Eph 5:3-8).
Paul wrote much to CHURCHES—who had the added challenge of being sowed among the weeds of gentile pagans when the apostles branched out from Israel. They travelled deeper into pagan Gentile territories. Even within their lifetimes, they witnessed the pure gospel becoming warped.
Within a short amount of time, “grace” became for some “a license to sin.” Grace was an excuse for some people to remain in the darkness of their old lifestyle. Had they misunderstood freedom or did they have a false preacher? “What has such darkness to do with Light”? How could they claim the Light of the gospel, yet remain in darkness if they are true Jesus’ followers?
During the disciples’ lifetimes they heard reports of some of the churches who taught false gospels as they preached to itchy ears. As Paul predicted, so shall the End times be, “The time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itchy ears want to hear” (2 Tim 4:3).
Paul wrote to the leaders of the churches, “I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ; saving everyone who believes…God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness…they traded the truth for a lie; so God gave them over to their shameful lusts. Even the women who turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged with each other. And the men (likewise); they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved” (Romans 1:16-27).
Was Paul also writing to the Churches of today?
Paul wrote to the CHURCH in Galicia: “I am a shocked you are turning away so soon from God, who called you Himself through His loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that PRETENDS to be the Gospel, but is not the Gospel at all.” “You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ…Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives so you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves…When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality…lustful pleasures…” (Gal 1:6-7; 5:16,19).
Paul wrote to the CHURCH of Philippi. “I have told you before, and will say it again with tears in my eyes; there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Phil 3:18-19).
The apostles knew what Jesus said. Jesus who said He was the LIGHT of the WORLD, also said, “Not everyone who calls out to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter” (Matt 7:21).
Paul wrote something very specific to the youthful pastor, Timothy, who was overseeing the CHURCH in Ephesus, “The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality…” (1Tim 1:10).
The CHURCH at Ephesus had gone the path many “soft-grace” preachers today, who throw out the Laws of God, which are His black and white principles for right living in God’s Will for them. These were put in place to quickly discern SIN! Yet, some false preachers toss them aside as “outdated; and/or irrelevant”.
Jesus said, “not the slightest stroke of the pen of the Law will pass away.” (See the prior blog.)
The soft Gospel treads a wide path, devoid of heart-felt repentance—perhaps out of fear of making someone feel uncomfortable or condemned. But, right teaching is the truth of the Law, the principle of fearing God. “Fear” in that sense means to “respect” Him, and His Law. **Right teaching brings in Law to convict, and seasons it with grace.
While false preachers proclaim being washed from sin and given new birth—“for there is now, therefore no condemnation”—they fail to explain that this new life works in conjunction with surrender to the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). The false teachers speak half-truths when they suppress the truth of the Holy Spirit of God, who helps us fight temptation.
The Apostle James wrote,“Temptation comes from our own desires, which lead to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, gives birth to death.” James was a son of Mary and Joseph, and grew up with Jesus. He served as a faithful leader of the Jerusalem CHURCH.
James adds: “Don’t be mislead. God chose to give birth to us by giving us His true Word.” In the Word is Wisdom for any given divisive issue. James told his congregants that if they lacked wisdom, to ask God for it, and God would provide Truth. James did not want his congregants to be undecided (like the Luke-warm church of Revelation). “Their loyalty is divided between God and the world.” (James 1:8,14,18).
Wisdom regarding this LGBT+ issue is in God’s Word, which tells us in Genesis that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for their sins: specifically the men who wanted to have sex the man who entered into Lot’s house. In the unchanging Word of God, he calls it “Wickedness” (Gen 19:4-7). Will people come away from false preachers and respect God’s Word?
Time and again, the Word of God makes it clear that continuing in the LGBT+ lifestyle is not acceptable behavior in God’s eyes. For instance, Moses officially calls out homosexuality as “detestable sin” (Lev 18:22; Lev 20:13). Judges 19:22 tells us about men who demanded, “Bring out the man who is staying with you so that we may have sex with him”—homosexuality was called a “shameful thing” there.
Any true preacher of the Gospel must include the full truth: Jesus died for our sins; and we are called to the Light, we must step away from the darkness of our deeds. Me must abide in Him and He in us—not return to that repeated sin!
Jesus said to take His Yoke upon us, and to learn of Him. By surrendering to His Holy Yoke, He joins us in our process of plowing away in new life. Wearing the Holy Yoke, who would in right conscience repeatedly drag the Holy One into a den of wickedness? Yet, today, as in the gentile-pagan world, sexual sin is very prevalent. It is clear from the apostle’s letters to the CHURCHES, that sin is not to be part of God’s Church. But the useless shepherds are mostly to blame.
To the CHURCH in Thessalonika, Paul wrote, “God’s will is to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin—not in lustful passions like the pagans who do not know God and His ways.” “Stay away from every kind of evil”(1Thess 4:3-5; 5:22).
Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, assigned His Holy Spirit to embody His people; and His faithful shepherds of his flock are to be faithful to God’s Word. They are held accountable (Hebrews 13:17,20).
Since God is “the same yesterday, today and tomorrow”; no church should change His Word to make allowances, “for an ever changing world”; yet some do.
Likewise, shepherds need a true definition of Repentance (turning towards God’s Way of thinking and doing), since many do not fully understand. That definition is also unchanging, and unalterable: “God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: ‘The LORD knows who are His’ and ‘All who belong to the LORD must turn from evil’” (2 Tim 2:19).
The Word of God points to His Truth, His Will; His principles to live by. These were given out of LOVE for His creation. No one should oppose God, as if they are gods to themselves, ”’God opposes the PROUD but gives grace to the humble.’ So resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:6-7; Prov 3:34; 1 Peter 5:5).
Everyone is vulnerable to sin; but believers are not to repeatedly live in any particular sin. “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life” (James 3:13). “If you lack wisdom; ask Him and He will not judge, but give to you in abundance!” Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you and “learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and will give you rest for your souls” (Matt 11:39). The Holy yoke is your Power to guide you, and help you “Get rid of all evil behavior” (1 Peter 2:1).
“For the Son of Man will come with His angels, in the glory of his Father and will judge everyone according to their *DEEDS” (Matt 16:27). Deeds, as used here in the New Testament uses the Greek word Strong’s #4234, which is from #4238; rather than #2041. While both are verbs, the meaning former is that people will be rewarded by “what they: practice, perform regularly, do well repeatedly, habitually”. The latter is also an action word but has a singular concept—such as one-time believing, or placing trust in Him. Both of those Greek verbs: to believe & trust, and then to repeatedly practice what God calls good, should be all-important to the life of a Christian.
No one is perfect, and everyone sins, but abiding in the Lord means the Holy Spirit of God helps us overcome temptation to sin. God would do nothing to tempt. emptying comes only from the enemy, Satan. Sin begins with temptation and is outside of God’s Will for our lives; it is breaking God’s law (for all sin is contrary to the Holy God). But temptation doesn’t have to end in the action of sinning.
“Jesus came to take away our sins”—He is the only One worthy to save, for “there is no sin in him.” Therefore, “Those who say they “live in God (i.e abide in him) will live as Jesus did” (1John 3:4; 1:6). They will surrender to His loving Power and care, and be yoked to Him, as they walk alongside together, plowing away in life’s process.
Below are church denominations not on the first list of LGBT+ advocates. Those on the list below believe that Jesus and his apostles taught well (as outlined in the prior blog), and they do like wise—for now. Continued membership for all of them is, as Paul wrote in the 1st Corinthian letter: to be rid of the sexual-sin lifestyle (for this issue: the LGBTQ+ must surrender their lifestyle). If abstinence is not practiced, they will be put out by those in the list below. Also noted is that many church denominations on this second (limited) list, condemn the lifestyle, without respect to the “orientation/ desire” from which it stems; two do not.
This second list varies somewhat (duly noted), but overall these are CHURCHES that maintain right doctrine. While no church denomination, to my knowledge, excludes the LBGTQ+ community into their pews; they do seem to vary somewhat on their policy regarding becoming members &/or service positions—as long as they are abstinent.
*The New Apostolic Church gives rights to LGBT+ as far as membership; but condemns the lifestyle, and stress abstinence. To remain in membership, they must turn away from sin and repent. (They hold to the original church’s definition, as explained in the prior post.) Those who repent and abstain from the LGBT+ lifestyle can be clergy, teach and serve—but only if they remain abstinent from the sinful lifestyle.
*Roman Catholic Church overall, and the LDS church agree that “sexual orientation” is separate from “sexual-sin”; (orientation, they say is “being born that way”). As noted in the first list, (per the sometimes unreliable Wikipedia) the Roman Catholic has 10 sub-groups that fully support LGBT+.
*Lutherans: The Missouri Synod and Wisconsin Synod stand firm in the teachings of the original Christian’s—unlike the ELCA of their ranks, which appears on the first list.
*The Pentecosts comprise about 25% of the world’s Christians, and overall, adamantly condemns sexual-sins without respect to “orientation/predestination” thereof—unlike two of their sub-groups on the first list.
Regarding advocacy and support, the churches on this second limited list seem to not encourage LGBTQ+ behavior by attending parades and events. Viewed as along with other sinful behaviors, sin is sin is sin; and all sin is an enemy of God’s Word and Jesus Christ, whom they follow.
Faithful stewards of the Word will receives their due rewards in the End. As it is written, “The time is coming when the dead will rise; and those who have ‘DONE WELL’ will rise to experience eternal life” (John 5:28-29). The Greek word combination here combines Strong’s #4160 with #18. The first is to “abide (in), agree (with), bring forth, commit (to), continue (in), hold (onto). It is combined with the noun, a “benefit; good thing”.
The earliest apostles were very optimistic that those coming to Christ came with right repentance; and from their repentance accepted the free gift of grace. This should bring forth such gratitude that they willing take on the Holy Yoke. Together they can produce good fruit, naturally until the End. A true believer who has surrendered to His Holy Spirit has an easy, light burden. With such a yoke, they are led by the Holy Spirit—unless the people suppress Him to go their own way.
The unwise who go their own way, often back into a life of sin, are unknowing people with “false teachers”. These false shepherds, blind guides—Peter calls, “unthinking animals…their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done” (2 Peter 2:12-13). All teachers would be wise to reexamine to whom they give their allegiance. Are they blind leading the blind; so they both fall into the pit? As shepherds, they are held most accountable, since they have a great responsibility to discern sin rightly; and convey this to the congregation.
Paul firmly told the Corinthian CHURCH: “It isn’t my responsibility to judge OUTSIDERS, but it certainly is YOUR responsibility to judge those INSIDE the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the OUTSIDE; but as the scriptures say, ‘YOU must remove the evil person among you’” (1Cor 5:12-13). Again, Paul spoke of a sexual sin, as mentioned in the Torah, in the same section as homosexuality. And that church was PROUD of their acceptance of the sin!
A shepherd called into the service of God and Christ must make it a practice to responsibly judge those with blatant sin within their own churches. Paul judged according to the Word of Truth; and so should they.
Many upon the first list (the pro-LGBT+ list) have clearly failed to judge sin by God’s Word. They have sided with those who are PROUD of their sin—as seen in some Pride Parade videos & blogs—rather than the Word of Truth. They themselves are proud of their stance on this issue—which IS NOT up for debate in God’s Eyes. In those parades and events, are they simply blind-guides, hoping to preach to itchy ears? Do they ever tell their congregants the full truth of the faith process to free them; or do they preach a different gospel: one that takes “grace as a license to sin”? Doubtful, as evidenced by the fruits of their works.
A false shepherd is proven false by his fruit; and will be held accountable. “The blind lead the blind,” as Jesus said, “and they fall into a pit together.” Indeed, blind guides, false shepherds will lead others into the pit. To maintain falsehood, they even ordain openly outed people—who teach others falsehood. Those CHURCHES show their approval of (what God calls) “sin” by marrying same-sex couples, who undoubtedly will not remain abstinent.
The Apostle Peter wrote, “Many will follow these false teachers (false prophets/ blind guides) and their evil teaching and shameful immorality.” But “God did not spare even the angels who sinned, but threw them into hell.” “He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned them into ash heaps. He made an example of what will happen to ungodly people; but He rescued Lot, a righteous man, sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. Lot was tormented in his soul by the the wickedness he saw and heard day after day” (2 Peter 2:2,4, 6-8).
“The Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who oppose authority. These people are PROUD and arrogant” (2 Peter 2:8-11).
Jesus was clear; as are the Law and Prophets; likewise, the Apostles were clear. We are in the Last Days, as evidenced by this: “In the last days will come people boastful and PROUD, scoffing at God…they will consider nothing sacred…puffed up with PRIDE; lovers of pleasure rather than God. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Tim 3:2).
Paul writes, “(they) have violated their consciences; as a result their faith has been shipwrecked.” “In the last days some will turn from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teaching that comes from demons…hypocrites and liars, their consciences are dead” (1 Tim 1:19; 4:1).
These last days are reminiscent of the weeds sown by the enemy, allowed to grow alongside the wheat until the End Day, when ONLY the wheat will be harvested and saved, stored in heaven’s storehouse (see the prior blog).
We who have the NERVE to present the truth are wheat; often critiqued by others who say we ‘cherry pick’ scriptures. (But they cherry pick and twist scripture, as evidenced by the Queen James version of the Bible translation.)
God’s Word gives clear direction of His Will for His wheat. It’s safe to say that a 3500 year history of like-ripe cherries upon this cherry tree, concerning this topic of LGBT+ issues, makes it abundantly clear from start to finish that the lifestyle simply is NOT God’s Will for their lives. (But some people with blind guides will remain ignorant of God’s Word because they are led by false shepherds who teach them they are obeying God’s Word, when they are not.)
Those False preachers depend on itchy ears that are too lazy to read and/or research any topic of Truth in God’s pure, unchangeable Word—especially this one, it seems which is so abundant on the cherry tree of scripture! That is why the false gospel without repentance version goes so well received in their churches, as “gospel truth”.
This particular topic for these two blogs starts in the very beginning of God’s Word when He created them man and woman. Call it what you will, but it is quite clear that God made only two genders. The Hebrew words used, #2145 5347 ( נקבה & זכר ) are clearly defined as male and female. (But a blind guide does not want his blinded sheep to know that fact; and so, ill-fated preaching continues.)
God’s Word was written through many pens; but all was “inspired by God and useful for teaching what is true. It makes us realize what is wrong with our lives; and corrects us when we are wrong. It teaches us to do what is right” (2Tim 3:16).
That is…it is useful, if their shepherd is not a false one, a blind guide. They will be held most accountable to the Lord. They should teach truth as Jesus, the Law & the Prophets, and the Apostle taught the truth about following Messiah.
Paul wrote to the CHURCH, “Timothy will remind you of how to follow Christ Jesus; just as I teach ALL the churches wherever I go. Some of you have become arrogant; thinking I will not visit you again…shall I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with you love and a gentle spirit? I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you” (1 Cor 4:17-6:20). What would Paul write today?
The letters to the CHURCHES in the End, dictated to John in Revelation, were also very clear, “Repent and turn to me again.” “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to what the Spirit says and understand what He’s saying to the churches” (Rev. 2:7, 17, 29; Rev 3:6, 13, 22). @achadpeace
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