Yesterday, I discussed an article in the Peoria Journal Star published on 5/6/06, page D7 entitled “Do’s and don’ts for finding a church.”  I pointed out the obvious as presented in the Bible.  We don’t find a church.  We become part of the church when we become a Christian.  The church is the body of CHRIST.  The head of the church is CHRIST.  There is only one church.  (See the post on 5/24/06 for the references from the Bible.)    


Tonight, I want to discuss one “Do” that Mr. Isom, the author of the article, suggests.  “Churches that fight racism, sexism and homophobia as well are even better.  Go for churches that stress diversity, not the ones where everyone is just like you.” (5/6/06, page D7)  Remember first of all, that Mr. Isom’s approach is completely incorrect.  We, as Christians, do not find a church.  All Christians together are the church—the called out.

Second, in this quote he proceeds as almost all libertines do.  He defines anyone who believes that homosexual activity is a sin as homophobic.  This is interesting.  My dictionary, the Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, has only one definition for homophobia.  That definition says “irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals.” (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.A.; © 1995; page 556.)  Guess when the word homophobia first came into common usage.  My suspicion is that you weren’t able to.  According to my dictionary, it was in 1969—the height of the countercultural “anything goes” era.  Why isn’t that surprising.


The problem with labeling those who believe homosexual activity is a sin as homophobic is monumental.  The Bible in at least twenty-five passages in the New Testament identifies homosexual activity as a sin.  Therefore, if Christians are homophobic; then so is GOD if the Bible is the Word of GOD (and the Bible is indeed the Word of GOD).  If GOD is homophobic and HE is not because GOD is never irrational, then being a homophobic is good because GOD is good and Christians are being obedient to GOD’S good and perfect will.  Mr. Isom, it seems, either does not accept the Word of GOD in relation to homosexual activity or he believes that God is homophobic.


“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.  And that is what some of you were.  But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (I Corinthians 6: 9-11)


All Christians were at one time unrepentant sinners.  However, we were changed by GOD when we became Christians.  Each of us believed that JESUS is GOD’S SON and is our LORD and SAVIOR.  Each of us repented of our sins.  Each of us confessed that JESUS is our LORD and SAVIOR.  Each of us was baptized for the removal of sin.  Each of us became part of the body of CHRIST—part of the church.  Each of us gave our lives to GOD in obedience to HIS will.  If we did not, we are still in our sins; we are not Christians; and we are not in the church.  


As I stated, Mr. Isom also declares “Go for churches that stress diversity, not the ones where everyone is just like you.”  He does not define what he means by “stress diversity” but this I am certain of: everyone in the church is just like me!  Everyone who is in the church (not attends at the church building, but in the church) is a Christian.  Therefore, everyone is just like me.  GOD does not support or accept diversity of belief.  WE are either a Christian or we are not a Christian.  Only Christians are in the body; only Christians are in the church.  One can not get any less diverse than that and that is exactly GOD’S will!!!