Equality at the Cross

I have read the articles, listened to many conversations, and have seen the red equal sign on facebook. And to be quite honest with you...I'm tired of it. I'm tired of being labeled as a bigot because I believe in the biblical definition of marriage. I'm tired of being lumped together with the Westboro Baptist crowd. I'm tired of having to "cover the bases". And the sad part in all of this is that the people who want to label me because of my beliefs will not listen to my heart in the matter.

Matthew 4:4, "But He answered and said, 'It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'"

Rather than just give you my take on the whole controversy, I wanted to share with you a letter that says so much more than I ever could. This letter was sent to me from a friend. As far as I know the original letter was posted first by Hunter Baker. It will give you some incredible insight. In the end...I pray that we can see our equality at the Cross of Christ.

******************************

An Astonishing Message from a Gay Sister in Christ
(You must make it to the third paragraph in order to understand)

To the churches concerning homosexuals and lesbians:

Many of you believe that we do not exist within your walls, your schools, your neighborhoods. You believe that we are few and easily recognized. I tell you we are many. We are your teachers, doctors, accountants, high school athletes. We are all colors, shapes, sizes. We are single, married, mothers, fathers. We are your sons, your daughters, your nieces, your nephews, your grandchildren. We are in your Sunday School classes, pews, choirs, and pulpits. You choose not to see us out of ignorance or because it might upset your congregation. We ARE your congregation. We enter your doors weekly seeking guidance and some glimmer of hope that we can change. Like you, we have invited Jesus into our hearts. Like you, we want to be all that Christ wants us to be. Like you, we pray daily for guidance. Like you, we often fail.

When the word “homosexual” is mentioned in the church, we hold our breaths and sit in fear. Most often this word is followed with condemnation, laughter, hatred, or jokes. Rarely do we hear any words of hope. At least we recognize our sin. Does the church as a whole see theirs? Do you see the sin of pride, that you are better than or more acceptable to Jesus than we are? Have you been Christ-like in your relationships with us? Would you meet us at the well, or restaurant, for a cup of water, or coffee? Would you touch us even if we showed signs of leprosy, or aids? Would you call us down from our trees, as Christ did Zacchaeus, and invite yourself to be our guest? Would you allow us to sit at your table and break bread? Can you love us unconditionally and support us as Christ works in our lives, as He works in yours, to help us all to overcome?

To those of you who would change the church to accept the gay community and its lifestyle: you give us no hope at all. To those of us who know God’s word and will not dilute it to fit our desires, we ask you to read John’s letter to the church in Pergamum. “I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore!” You are willing to compromise the word of God to be politically correct. We are not deceived. If we accept your willingness to compromise, then we must also compromise. We must therefore accept your lying, your adultery, your lust, your idolatry, your addictions, YOUR sins. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

We do not ask for your acceptance of our sins any more than we accept yours. We simply ask for the same support, love, guidance, and most of all hope that is given to the rest of your congregation. We are your brothers and sisters in Christ. We are not what we shall be, but thank God, we are not what we were. Let us work together to see that we all arrive safely home.

A Sister in Christ

******************************

There's an old saying that is appropriate to end with: "The ground is level at the foot of the Cross."

In other words, there is equality at the Cross of Christ. It was there that God demonstrated His love for all for all mankind - once and for all. We are equally loved. We have equal access to the grace of God. We have an equal opportunity at the abundant life of Christ. You may not agree with my stance on the issues of the day anymore than I agree with yours, but I believe in HIS LOVE we have all our answers.