Still a United Methodist

Every four years I wonder if I can remain a United Methodist.  I wait with baited breath to see if the General Conference will remain true to the scriptures or will give into the pressure of the relativists. I'm very happy to say that, God willing, I will be a part of the UMC for at least another four years.

I have said for twenty years that if the UMC ever changes it's stance on homosexuality, I'd would find some other place else to serve the Lord.  The real issue isn't homosexuality, but the authority of scripture.  Some have tried to twist the Bible's words around to their own meaning, when in fact what the Bible has to say is clear.  Thankful the majority of the delegates to the General Conference still hold to the authority of God's word and have defeated another assault on our church's beliefs.  United Methodist still believe that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.

That truth should not keep the church from reaching out to gay and lesbian individuals or allowing them to participate within the life of the church with some exclusions.  I believe that unmarried heterosexual couples who are living together are doing something which is incompatible with Christian teaching.  That hasn't prevented me from ministering to and with them with some exclusions.

The reason it is important for the UMC to retain it's stance about homosexuality, is because there are those who would discount the teachings of the scriptures and say what God calls sin isn't sin.  This must not happen.  Thanks be to God it hasn't and I get to stay a United Methodist. 

Comments

[Ronnie]

Very well stated. Indeed this whole debate centers on the authority of scripture.

While I'm encouraged that the delegates voted to uphold current UMC teachings, I'm worried about the election of new members to G.C., and about how many blogs express outrage, pain, disgust, etc. about the vote and how few (yours and IRD so far) are supportive of Biblical standards in the UMC. To top it all off, most of the blogs are younger delegates, i.e. future "leaders"....very scary indeed.

My question to most of them, when I've taken the time to post a comment on their blogs, is why they cannot feel God has clearly spoken on this issue for nearly 40 years of G.C. votes now. Scripture, tradition, and 40 years of experience are saying God is leading the UMC to clearly state and affirm it's position on homosexuality.

[Carey]

What other sins are on your list? Is there room for all of them that would keep you out of the UMC? Why just this one at this time in history? Surely GRACE does not come and go with the most popular bad guy of the present culture. Is GRACE limitable and still GRACE? I hope your personal sin is not next on the popularity list? Hope to see you every Sunday not mattter! All are elegible for benefits all the time no matter what! GTACE did its' work long ago.

[John B]

Carey,

My sin is definitely on the list. The difference is I call my sins, sins and don't try to deny it. This enables me to experience grace. There in lies the difference.

Those who deny their sin or say that what God calls sin really isn't cannot experience the wonderful grace you speak of.