This is a MODERATED Forum. Your post may have to be approved before it is posted. In order to post a new topic, you must be registered and logged in. The links to register or log in are at the bottom of any page on this website. Although we often allow controversial topics to be posted, we urge you to follow the spirit of Matthew 5:23-25, Matthew 18:15-22, and Ephesians 4:29-32. We reserve the right to remove posts we feel are offensive.
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
| Author |
| |
Messages |
Sort: |
|
| New to Town (guest) |
|
Posted:09/20/2006 9:34 PM |
|
Hey Dave
Thank you so much for responding. its good to hear that I am not just crazy or paranoid.
I did visit tonight service (Wed). I did enjoy it very much. I can't say that i was treated really one way or the other. Cause no one really spoke to me, excpet for when I was handed the bulletin thing. I am planning on attending the Saturday service, I was going to come Sunday, but I have to work. So... I hope you enjoy your experience.
|
|
| OutOfTowner (guest) |
|
Posted:09/21/2006 12:36 PM |
|
I'm visiting from out of town. I heard an ad on the radio for the church and took a look here to see what it was like. I have to say, there are some really surprising things being written here. I don't understand why the gay individuals who have posted here feel a need to change. If they're gay, why not embrace that aspect of your life as a God-given quality? No one's being hurt by it, right? If all sins are equal, isn't wearing a cotton/poly blend shirt just as "sinful" as being gay? And people do that everyday (even inside churches!) without batting an eyelash. I mean, give me a break, you've only got one life, be happy!
The churches where I come from are much more "Christian" in their acceptance of people. This is unbelievable. Are most of you also opposed to allowing others (who are not necessarily of the same faith/belief system) live their life as they choose? eg, are you all opposed to gay marriage?
If this is an example of standard TX attitudes, I'd certainly think long and hard about wanting to live here and surround myself with people who don't get the basic message - enjoy life, love others.
OutOfTowner
|
|
gfike
Posts:249
|
|
Posted:09/21/2006 3:36 PM |
|
Being homosexual is not a God-given gift; it is a dysfunctional response to a deep emotional wound. Homosexuality is a recovery issue because it is compulsive and addictive. As with other addictions, active homosexuality is self-destructive for the individual and has potential to destroy segments of our society (as gay activism is influencing the education of our children and young adults to legitimize its practice). Without being graphic, homosexual activity violates the obvious design of the human body, resulting in a multitude of disease processes. On top of the physical pathology, mental & emotional illness is well above the norm in the homosexual population - even in the Netherlands where it has been accepted for a number of years.
Happiness is an extremely conditional state. God is much more concerned for our holiness than our happiness. He loves us too much to allow us to be happy in our broken state. It is a misconception that God "just wants me to be happy." I've known people with that mindset who suddenly found no reason to love God when a significant loved one died. The only way to find fulfillment in life is to seek God and enter into a loving relationship with Him. But it means loving Him more than we love our sins. We will always struggle with our sins, but we dare not celebrate them.
|
|
| OutOfTowner (guest) |
|
Posted:09/21/2006 5:27 PM |
|
I think everyone here would be well off to read some informative (and factual) material about homosexuality, because there's obviously a lot of misinformation. Hearing something from a bigoted announcer, or reading something on the web doesn't make something true (like the false research alluded to above). However, the APA (a reputable source of information about human psychology, to be sure) has some great information up: http://www.apa.org/topics/orientation.html
For the individuals concerned about acceptance at a church, I recommend a church like the UCC, which truly values the Christian concept of acceptance and celebration of the Christian faith. Or the Unitarian Universalists, or virtually any church in an open-minded community. I have my doubts that this is such a place.
The concept of the BRCC is interesting, and I was intrigued by the radio ads (which means that they work). However, I feel that the environment might be a bit stiffling.
OutOfTowner
|
|
gfike
Posts:249
|
|
Posted:09/21/2006 7:12 PM |
|
Having checked out your website, I would still lean
on the documented health risks by medical researchers rather than the
opinions of the APA and their suspect agenda. (I note their
recommended resources are largely from gay activist groups.) I
highly recommend the book Homosexuality: The Use of Scientific Research in the Church's Moral Debate by Jones and Yarhouse which examines the more current research. I also have a paper by Dr. Timothy Dailey entitled The Negative Heath Effects of Homosexuality which outlines the risks and statistics of hazardous sexual practices. A few other websites that outline these risks are:
http://www.narth.com/docs/risks.html
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/feb/05021811.html
You may note that the first website is not against homosexual practice,
but they are keenly aware of the dangers involved. Whereas the
APA page quoted in the previous reply says sexual orientation cannot be
changed, we know from individuals here at BRCC that is certainly false.
If you desire to find freedom, you can find help at
http://www.exodus-international.org/ and
http://www.bebroken.com/bbm/resources/index.shtml
And let me reiterate, you are MORE than welcome to join us, the broken
and bruised, for worship here at BRCC. And I personally invite
you to come dialogue with me in person this coming Saturday (9/23)
after the 5 pm service. I'll be standing by at Guest
Services. Just ask for Pastor George.
|
|
| New to Town (guest) |
|
Posted:09/21/2006 9:19 PM |
|
Although I appreciate "out of towners" concern. this is something i have to work out between me and my God. Just as each person does. I know the research on both sides. But thank you for offering a different oppinion.
Pastor George, thank you for the invitation on Saturday. I have every of intention of meeting you.
Dave, if you could make it to the Saturdays service. It would be nice if you could come then.. That way we could meet Pastor George together.
|
|
| ohiogirl (guest) |
|
Posted:09/21/2006 10:28 PM |
|
This string is really bothering me....
Yes, it states in the Bible that homosexuality is a sin. The Bible also states:
Don't cut the hair on the sides of your head or the the edges of your beard.
Don't put tattoos on your body
Don't go to mediums or fortune tellers
You may eat any animal that has split hooves, completely divided and chews the cud-no pork
You must not wear clothing made from 2 different kinds of material
If you touch a woman who is on her monthly period, you will be unclean till evening (no hugging or kissing the wife for a week)
Sunday is a day of rest (no lawn mowing...laundry...cleaning)
Tithe*
I could go on and on, but, hopefully the point is coming across.
We are all sinners. The majority of the congregation at BRCC doesn't look in the crowd for 2 girls or 2 guys holding hands. BRCC has people in the seats with GED's and PHD's.
*No one has any right to judge another person, only God.*
I joined BRCC because everyone made me feel welcome. No one cares what you are wearing or if you "don't fit the mold".
Take care and God Bless.
|
|
johncanalesusa
Posts:52
|
|
Posted:09/22/2006 1:44 AM |
|
Hey brother, my friends and I, including my fiancee, have a bible study
that's all about weaving God into our Journey through life. One of the
biggest safe areas we have is accepting people for who they are, and
where they are on their journey. Sharing our hearts and faith. If you
are interested check us out... thursday at 10pm- 12am. It's a late
bible study. we have a myspace page. www.myspace.com/thenewrebellion_sa
Much love my brother,
John Canales
|
|
gfike
Posts:249
|
|
Posted:09/22/2006 5:57 AM |
|
I hope you're not too greatly distressed, ohiogirl. There is a
distinction made in the NT between the OT ceremonial laws that have
passed away (e.g., Acts 10) and the NT commandments about sin against your
own body:
"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside
his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do
you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in
you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
The whole point of this conversation is that we accept everyone with
their struggles, but let's not treat our shackles like different flavors
of ice cream. Let's wrestle with hard truths and overcome "everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." Hebrews 12:1
|
|
| DavidJ (guest) |
|
Posted:09/23/2006 11:33 AM |
|
New To Town:
I will be able to attend the Saturday evening service this weekend. If you get a chance, send me an email at tx_mini_me@yahoo.com.
|
|
| searching(guest) (guest) |
|
Posted:09/23/2006 4:15 PM |
|
| I'm so glad that I came across with this page because I'm searching for answers that will help me understand and accept. I have a friend who is homosexual and truly a wonderful person. For a brief time, there was a close friendship and sexual relationship. I was struggling for a long time because I know in my heart it's wrong and disobedient to God. I finally broke off the sexual relationship and continue to be friends. I'm struggling because I know my friend is struggling too with my decision. I feel strong and continue to pray everyday to give me courage to fight Satan attacks. Meditating the words of my Lord keep me going. There are moments I struggle and moments that I want to completely disengage from my friend because of the lifestyle. Like I said, my friend is a wonderful person and love God but continue to practice homosexuality. Should I continue to be a friend? |
|
|
|
|
| New to Town (guest) |
|
Posted:09/23/2006 11:29 PM |
|
Hi searching,
Honestly, I think only you can make the decision as to whether or not continue the friendship. It may be just a matter of readjusting the friendship. Finding new ways to spend time together. After me and my ex- of 4 and half years called it quits because of our beliefs. It was really hard to continue to be friends. At least healthy friends. The point cae where we cut ff almost all contact with each other. Now we might talk on the phone every month or so. It really just depends on you. It will be very hard to continue the friendship. if it is bringing you down and you are struggling, it might be best to pull away. you need to do what is best for you. And trust God that He will take care of her. Anyway thats my 2 cents.
|
|
| New to Town (guest) |
|
Posted:09/24/2006 9:34 PM |
|
hey john,
what is the age for this bible study?
|
|
| johncanalesusa (guest) |
|
Posted:09/25/2006 8:05 PM |
|
|
Posted By n/a on 09/24/2006 9:34 PM
hey john,
what is the age for this bible study?
Well
that's a good question, I'm glad you asked. Our age range right now (of
people that attend regularly) are 19-26yrs... But age is not
important... what is important is wanting to have a journey. This group
is tailored for a community of believers that want to be
journey-men/women. It is open for you to come.
we try to avoid being
click-ish or outcasting. We aren't psychologist or doctors, but we
listen to each othere's joys and concerns. Last week we had a
disscussion about the idea of truly believeing God can save us, and
what that looks like beyond our salvation. Before that we disscussed
the history of Annointing oil according to the bible. Worship during
our group is like a wednesday night service at brcc... but we try to
find new ways to worship God through prayer, the arts, journaling, and
poetry. Our focus is to rebel against the modern world and complacency
within christiany. We want to have a more holistic approach to christ.
We want him to be included in every part of our life.
If you want to rebel with us join our rebellion:
10:00 pm Thursday Nights
9821 camino villa apt 423 San Antonio, TX 78254.
"Bandera Crossings" Apartment complex one street-light down bandera from BRCC towards 1604.
John Canales
210.387.9975
Myspace website LINK: CLICK HERE
www.myspace.com/thenewrebellion_sa
|
|
| da' hil (guest) |
|
Posted:09/25/2006 11:34 PM |
|
I love this church. What a great place to talk about tough issues. One of my best friends in my late teens and early twenties, (I'm 27 now) was gay. He was one of the best friends I ever had. When we first started working together, he knew I was a christian and he was terrified of me. After a week or so, we we're already getting into some trouble b/c we were laughing to loud.
There were a few christians who gave me really bad advice. They thought I was wrong to develope a close relationship with someone who was gay. Needless to say, it kinda' threw me. But I decided to ignore them b/c I loved my friend to much. When we had become really close he disclosed to me that he had been sexually abused by a minister and then babysitter. What a mind job!
If I had listened to the idiots telling me not to be friends with him, I would have never known his pain. He broke my heart. Not only did a minister abuse him but now there were so-called christians judging him and just being mean. I understood why he was afraid of me at first and hated christians. I haven't heard from him in 3 years, but I hope and pray that one day I will see him healed and in heaven. I want more than anything that he gets the healing power of Jesus.
Jesus desires to heal and set people free from their pain and their addictions.
|
|
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
ActiveForums 3.0
|
|