First, please consider the following Scripture inspired by our Maker:

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

That homosexuality is listed among sins which will result in being cut off from the kingdom of God should be the beginning and end of any serious debate on whether or not it is a sin. But, the question then becomes, “What should we do about those who are living in this sin?”

Let us first be clear that we are not interested in political agendas that swirl around us. Our aim is to please God. Some may find what we must say is too hard, others too soft. But, our primary concern is to stay true to God’s word.

Therefore, we will teach that homosexual conduct is indeed sinful, and it must consequently be avoided by those who put on Christ because as Paul writes, “How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:2). Our purpose in preaching against sin is to bring people closer to God by putting off the things that would separate us from Him. With regard to homosexuals, we want to be able to say, like Paul, “Such were some of you” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Some may ask, “But, aren’t you asking a homosexual to stop doing what he or she feels is natural to do? Aren’t you asking them to be something they are not?” Absolutely! That is what God asks of us all! We do not come to God because we are just fine and would like to be part of a nice social group. We come because we are miserable, lost in our sins, and need transformation. At Pepper Road we are all people who have admitted that need. We do not defend our own sins, even those that feel “natural” to some, whether they are drunkenness, gossip, greed, sexual sins of any type, and so forth (Galatians 5:19-21). We look to the One who can take them away.

Others may ask, “But, how do you treat homosexuals?” I should hope we treat them with the same love and compassion as anyone else we meet. We strive to be lights through our words and conduct, but to be blunt – we will not alter the truth. The truth is the most compassionate thing we have to offer, even if it is initially difficult to accept or causes godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:8-10; Galatians 4:16). However, all those who are willing to accept God’s Word and repent will be gladly accepted. Would you rather be part of a group that will accept you as does the world that is passing away, or would you rather join a group that will help you be accepted by our eternal Judge and Savior? Whom do you serve?