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Post by Rev. Jim Cunningham on Nov 19, 2008 2:37:54 GMT -5
om: sbaptist (Original Message) Sent: 11/30/2004 8:58 AM I resently admitted to myself my sexual attraction to the same sex. It is a tough road and I am getting mixed responses from my church friends and family. I feel rejected and belittled. I work at the church doing sound on Sundays and have an appointment with my pastor this morning. I have found some wonderful sites that have helped me, but currently have my sister as my only support system.
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Post by Rev. Jim Cunningham on Nov 19, 2008 2:38:21 GMT -5
From: KeeperofTime-TEX1 Sent: 11/30/2004 10:10 AM Greetings to you
Hello, im also from the Baptist denomination, and understand the viewpoint of their interpretation and understanding of anti homosexual verses. Look at the Rev. Jims coimments on it as well.
I have read MEL WHITES book..Stranger at the Gate. also, Dr. TRULUCKS..Steps to Recovery from Bible abuse.., is a good one. Try to look at Ist Samuel and the story of David and Johnathan...the Centurion and slave boy, Jesus met in the Gospels are also some pro gay..views of the Bible.
Hope your pastor doesnt disown you and condemn , hate, and rant against homosexualitykl..but he probably will if hes a hard toe Baptist... It is difficult i know., however i am not OUT to anyone in my family or religious affiliations...i live in rural East Texas.
God bless u brother/ or sister? John
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Post by Rev. Jim Cunningham on Nov 19, 2008 2:38:33 GMT -5
From: Manager Rev. Jim Sent: 11/30/2004 4:27 PM Sbaptist, Welcome to Gay Christian Survivors. Thank you for sharing with us. I know the difficult road ahead of you. There are many thousands of gay Christians who are going through - or who have gone through - what you are experiencing now; so please do not feel alone and secluded. We are here for you with any support you need, whether it be counseling, prayer, advice, encouragement, or just a shoulder to cry on or a sounding board to just let it all out. When you have some time, take a look at some of the information that I have presented on our website. This will give you some solid biblical support in favor of your homosexuality, and will help prepare you for discussions on this topic with your pastor and other Christians. You are also free to print out anything from this website if it would be helpful and convenient for you. Be prepared for strong opposition, and brace yourself. The church tends to show its true colors when a Christian comes out of the closet, and they can suddenly turn from being a loving people to being a cruel and vicious mob. The Bible grants certain rights to you as a believer in the church, but it also grants certain powers to the church authorities. Here are a few of them, to help you know where you and your pastor stand: According to the Epistles of Paul.... The pastor of a Christian church has power to excommunicate habitual fornicators and adulterers. If a believer is single and not engaging in fornication - regardless of his sexual identity - or, if he only engages in sex within in a covenant relationship (a life mate), it is NOT within a pastor's power to excommunicate a believer from the church or to remove him from ministerial duties. It is a pastor's responsibility and duty to confront and persuade a believer to abandon things which he biblically perceives to be ungodly. It is a believer's responsibility and duty to respect his church elders and to obey them; however, a believer is not bound to honor the views of elders which he feels are contrary to the Word of God. It is not within a pastor's power to berate or belittle or humiliate a believer under any circumstance. Above all, set your heart and your mind upon the Lord Jesus and rely on Him. When Man fails you, He will never let you down. Stand stong in His Spirit and in the power of His might, and He will lead you where you should be.
Here for you,
Rev. Jim Cunningham
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