This article is in response to the fact that same sex "marriage" was made legal by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 26, 2015. As Christians, we waited in anticipation to see how they would rule, but the waiting ended in disappointment for those supportive of biblical marriage.

Same-sex marriage is not a political issue. It is a spiritual issue and a moral issue! Therefore, as a church, we cannot just stand by and remain quiet. Where does God and His Holy Word stand on the issue of same- sex marriage?

Marriage is God’s idea from the beginning. He created it. We have no right to redefine it (Genesis 2:21-24; Ephesians 5:31). With all due respect to Judges and other leaders, God’s Word, the Bible, upon which this very nation was built, states clearly that a man will leave his father and mother and be joined with his wife….not his partner...not his lover...not his significant other...a man will be united with his wife. There is no confusion or ambiguity. Marriage is clearly reserved for a man and woman. And if we disobey the Word of God, make no mistake about it...we will face the judgment of God. This may not be politically correct, but God did not call us, as Christians, to be politically correct. He called us to be obedient to His Word. We cannot, as followers of Christ, go through life determining right and wrong based on who’s for it or against it...God has given us one measuring stick…His Holy Word, the Bible!

God does not create homosexuals. Homosexuality is a choice. The Bible clearly teaches in Romans 1:24-27 that the people who choose this lifestyle do so because their sinful nature and desires. A person may be born with a greater propensity to homosexuality just as some people are born with a propensity to violence and other sins. That does not excuse the individual choosing to sin by giving into those sinful desires. If a person is born with a greater propensity to anger/rage, does that make it right for him to give in to those desires? Absolutely not! The same is true with homosexuality.

However, the Bible does not describe this lifestyle as a “greater” sin than any other. All sin is offensive to God. Homosexuality is just one of the numerous sins listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. According to the Bible, God’s forgiveness is just as available to a homosexual as it is to an adulterer, idol worshipper, murderer, thief, etc. God also promises the strength for victory over sin, including homosexuality, to all those who will believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation. Same- sex marriage is sinful and God never blesses sin. However, the good news is, God is full of grace and mercy and if you, as an individual, or if we, as a nation, will turn to Him, He will forgive us our sin and heal us. Proverbs 28:13

Make no mistake about it; FBCO loves homosexuals. We love lesbians. God loves homosexuals. God loves lesbians. We love drunks, murderers, thieves, drug addicts, etc. and so does God. However, God does not approve of those lifestyles, so neither can we.  We realize no one is perfect, but God loves us too much to leave us the way He found us. Every time homosexuality is addressed in the Bible it is condemned. But, if you are struggling in this area, hear me clearly...God deeply loves you and so do we. You are welcome to attend this church. However, in this church, you are going to hear the truth in love because the Word says that you know the truth and the truth will set you free!!!                                                                 

It is a blessing to serve this church. Do not ever hesitate to call me for anything.

Bro. Larry Gipson, Pastor
Oneonta First Baptist Church