C3 CHURCHES RESPOND - "Gay" Issue
Posted by: prophetic <prophetic@...>
by Andrew Strom
Just for the record, my big concern in this was that homosexuals
were being welcomed right into actual Pentecostal 'fellowship' -
with no sign that it was being called "sin" at all. In fact, complete
"acceptance" of homosexuals 'just as they are'. I personally have
no problem with reaching out in love toward homosexual people
for the sake of their salvation and cleansing through Jesus. I do
believe in compassion for the sinner. But this is very different.
This is total "acceptance" of Homosexuals into actual Pentecostal
fellowship. Where is the repentance? Where is the stand on what
God calls "SIN"? That was my big concern.
I am delighted to say that the overall C3 church has now issued
a firm response concerning this issue. However, there are still real
question marks, as we shall see. But first- their response. Here it is-
"Dear ********
Thank you for your email and expression of your concerns
regarding this issue. We wanted you to know our position on this
matter so there is no confusion regarding our beliefs. Below is a
short statement that we trust will help clarify our stance.
C3 Churches hold to the historic Judeo-Christian view of sexual
union being between a man and a woman in marriage. We do not
recognise the practice of homosexuality as biblically valid for a
follower of Christ, nor do we promote it. We do however promote
and expect God´s great love and grace to be shown to all,
regardless of their orientation.
Also we wanted you to know that Ps Buckingham has removed
his blog at our request as it does not reflect our beliefs.
Kind Regards,
C3 Church Global"
ANDREW AGAIN: An excellent response, and I am very happy
that the C3 movement has been so clear about it. However, it is
not actually true that Rob Buckingham has removed his blog post.
In fact, the worst two are still up, including - "Is Jesus Anti-Gay?"
and 'The Acceptance Controversy'. And his comment is still
there for all to see-
"As a Christian, and pastor of a church, I sometimes find the
attitudes of fellow Christians embarrassing. We have a number
of gay men and women in our church and they are accepted
just the way they are - just like everyone else is."
Here is the link so you can see for yourself-
http://www.baysidechurch.com.au/content/view/231/243/
The C3 statement said that Rob Buckingham had already
removed the blog post concerned. But actually none of them
have been removed yet at all. And Bayside's Youtube video -
"Real Christianity is Accepting" is also still up for all the world to see.
And anyway, even if they do take them down at some point,
does that mean Rob Buckingham's attitude has truly changed?
He is the pastor of thousands of C3 people, after all.
If you want to clarify if and when any of this stuff will be removed,
you can contact C3 - info@myc3church.net
And in the meantime, I have received a great deal of confirmation
that mainstream Baptist churches in both New Zealand and
Australia are also preaching or practising "Homosexual
Acceptance" and no longer treating it as 'sin'. This is a crisis.
The walls are down. Is it already too late?
-PLEASE COMMENT on this topic at our website below-
Yours in Christ - Andrew Strom ( prophetic@revivalschool.com )