Clarity on Homosexuality

Kevin DeYoung has written an excellent summary (and refutation) of sophisticated-sounding arguments in favor of the acceptance of homosexuality by the church and by Christians.  It is titled, "Not that Kind of Homosexuality" (click on the link to read it).
As this is ever more present in our culture; and as Christians are called to preach Christ to all (notice, we are nowhere called to "change" homosexuals, or push them back onto the closet, or any such thing; but to point them to Christ, who alone can redeem them and reconcile them to God); it seems to me that clarity is an essential part of our thinking about this.
DeYoung shows that to give moral affirmation to homosexuality is to say that biblical teaching is wrong; and that many (non-Christian) pro-homosexual writers agree. That is an important point.
Of course, there are a lot of people who, by their behavior, show that they think the Bible is wrong. Christians, myself included, all too often show by our sinful actions that we think, at least in the moment of disobeying it, that the Bible is wrong.  When I burst out in sinful anger, or covet what I don't have, to give only two examples, I am saying, "God says that if I do not do these things, I will be better off.  I differ with God on that point at this moment; I think I am better off for coveting, exploding in anger, etc."
Still, clarity on that point with regard to homosexual behavior is an important thing.  We do not (or ought not) despise another for disagreeing with God about something. For we know the only remedy is a work of God's Spirit in the human heart that comes through the gospel (Romans 10:9-17 comes to mind).
So the next time someone tries to tell you that the Bible really does not condemn homosexuality as practiced today, plead for clarity.  And plead for clarity in love (see 1 Peter 3:15-17), and take your licks for being "intolerant" with grace.  It's not about you; it is about the gospel.

What Can We Do about Events in Ferguson, MO?

This morning I received something from Ken Sande's blog.  (Ken Sande is the author of The Peacemaker, and is now focusing on the connection between the gospel and emotional intelligence)  This week he wrote a post on Ferguson, MO, the place where racial tensions have again escalated following the grand jury's decision not to press charges against the white police officer who shot an 18-year-old black youth in a police action.  I encourage you to read it.
Now I have prayed about this privately, but I did not pray about it in the pastoral prayer on Sunday.  As I read a letter Sande quotes from a 35-year-old black woman, I am convicted.  In my life I think I am fairly isolated from racial tensions; but then again, perhaps they are all around me, and I am just oblivious.  If you find the same is true for you, read Sande's blog post.  Even if you aren't isolated from that--read his blog post.  And let me know what else you have seen that addresses these matters well.