This is in response to the article in the Religious Herald on Oct. 15 entitled, “Richmond church asked to withdraw from BGAV.”
I am extremely proud of the committee that asked this particular church to withdraw its membership. We live in a society today where there are no longer any absolutes. It’s all grey areas. If we as believers in the Word of God do not stand up for what is right, we will certainly be judged for this.
I am opposed to the gay lifestyle. I am not in any way saying this man who was ordained is not saved. I am saying that since he has chosen to continue to live in this lifestyle, he needs to go back and read God’s Word more thoroughly. A minister who is going to preach the Word of God needs to know what the Bible has to say on the subject of homosexuality. In 1 Timothy 1:8-11 it states that the law is good if it is used properly. We are not under the law anymore; we live under the blood of Jesus. Yes, we are forgiven for our sins, but it does not give us the right to continue to live in the same sinful nature day after day after day. In Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:18-32 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, it is clearly stated that homosexual behavior is a sin. Homosexuals believe that their desires are normal. We all have desires, whether normal or not, but God expects us to control those desires that go against his Word.
The funds that the Baptist General Association of Virginia will be losing is really not the issue here. Taking a stand for what is right in God’s sight is what this is all about. God tells us that if we do his work by the Bible, which is his way, he will bless us in all things. Remember, God’s bank is full!
In your article you stated that the BGAV had severed its ties with the University of Richmond and Averett University because of their homosexual views. Averett’s association has been restored. Did their beliefs, views or policies change?
If there are no provisions in our bylaws stating that churches can be asked to withdraw from the BGAV, it is now time to put it in them. I do not believe that it’s making up laws as you go along. We have to draw the line and now is the time. The executive committee has done the right thing in this matter. I shudder to think what will happen in our churches if we as good people do not do church his way.
God’s Word tells us to love and care for the sinner, help him or her heal, and be there for them as they turn from their sinful nature and return to him. His Word does not tell us anywhere to condone sinful lifestyles. When we are born, we are all born sinners. God gives us the choice to stay that way or choose his way.
Thank you for your article and keep up the wonderful work for Jesus.
Patricia B. Ellis is a member of Wilroy Baptist Church in Suffolk, Va.