APOLOGETIC EVANGELISM: Pastor Blasts Supreme Court’s Gay Wedding Cake Case In Unhinged Rant

Article from huffingtonpost.com

A conservative pastor known for producing controversial Facebook videos is back with a blistering defense of Christian businesses who turn away same-sex couples.

Pastor Greg Locke of Tennessee’s Global Vision Bible Church tackled the case of Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission in a jaw-dropping clip posted to Facebook Dec. 6, a day after the Supreme Court began hearing arguments. The ruling, which is expected in spring 2018, will determine whether or not baker Jack Phillips was illegally discriminating against a same-sex couple or just exercising his right to religious freedom when he refused to create a cake for a wedding ceremony he viewed as sacrilegious.

No stranger to controversial declarations, Locke made it clear he was very much on Masterpiece Cakeshop’s side, saying the case is “an absolute, positive target” on “evangelicals with actual convictions.”

“The LGBTABCDEFG – whatever the foolish acronym is at this particular point ― they’ve gone overboard. They have fake outrage, selective drama,” he says in the clip, which can be viewed above. “Why don’t they get up and go try that nonsense at a Muslim bakery? See if they get their tails thrown out in the street and see what happens then. They wouldn’t be suing them.”

He continues, “I don’t really give the flip of a wooden nickel who you have sex with,” he says. “But I do care when you cram it down my kid’s throats in public school. I do care when every sitcom, every late night talk show host, every comedian, every song, every movie coming out has to push, push, push, push, push, push the agenda.”

Before delving into a response to the Huffington Post article and the rant by this pastor; let us address the greater issue here. While the pastor may be biblically correct, his over the top, hyperbolic, extremely offensive approach in expressing his biblical views is contrary to the way Jesus Christ, the apostle Paul, Peter and other New Testament authors and evangelists apologetically evangelized. Evangelizing is like throwing a medicine ball. You can throw it so hard that it is not catchable or you can toss it so that it is catchable. This pastor is shooting the medicine ball out of a canon. He is like the Pharisees of Jesus day, who like the front and center of everything as self-righteous attention seekers.

Understanding the Biblical View of Homosexuality

The Bible speaks clearly and directly about sexual behavior, defining it within the context of God’s original design. In Genesis 1:27-28, it states that humans were created in God’s image as “male and female,” intended to “be fruitful and multiply.” This foundational truth establishes that sexual relations were designed for the marital union of one man and one woman. Homosexual conduct falls outside this design and is explicitly condemned in Scripture.

Leviticus 18:22 articulates this divine prohibition: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” Similarly, Romans 1:26-27 describes same-sex relationships as “dishonorable passions,” adding that those engaging in such behavior are acting contrary to nature. The apostle Paul elaborates in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, listing homosexual conduct among practices that disqualify individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God unless they repent.

It is essential to note that the Bible does not single out homosexuality as uniquely sinful but places it within the broader category of sexual immorality (Greek: porneia). This term encompasses adultery, fornication, prostitution, and other unlawful sexual practices, as indicated in Galatians 5:19-21 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5.

The Creation Account and Human Sexuality

The biblical account of creation in Genesis not only outlines God’s design for marriage but underscores the complementarity of male and female. Genesis 2:24 declares, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Jesus reaffirmed this teaching in Matthew 19:4-6, emphasizing the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital bond between a man and a woman. Same-sex relationships, by their very nature, deviate from this divine pattern.

Addressing the Claim of Genetic Predisposition

While modern science has proposed various theories regarding the genetic or biological basis of homosexuality, the Bible offers a different perspective. Romans 5:12 explains that sin entered the world through Adam, resulting in a fallen human nature. This inherited imperfection manifests in various ways, including predispositions toward sinful behavior. However, genetic predisposition does not absolve individuals of personal responsibility. Just as individuals with a predisposition toward anger or substance abuse are expected to exercise self-control, so are those with same-sex attractions.

The Bible emphasizes the transformative power of God’s Word and Spirit in helping individuals overcome sinful tendencies. 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures believers: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

The Christian Response to Homosexuality

Love and Compassion

Christians are called to love their neighbors, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. This love does not equate to condoning sin but involves demonstrating kindness and respect while upholding biblical truth. 1 Peter 3:15 advises believers to “always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

Rejecting Prejudice

Christians must reject hatred and prejudice against individuals who identify as homosexual. Romans 12:18 commands, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” This peaceable conduct reflects the character of Christ, who showed compassion to sinners without compromising truth.

Proclaiming the Gospel

The ultimate goal of Christian outreach is to lead individuals to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This transformation is available to all who turn to Christ, regardless of their past sins.

Misinterpretations of Christian Teaching

Some critics accuse Christians of promoting hatred or intolerance toward the LGBTQ+ community. However, these accusations often stem from misunderstandings of biblical teaching. True Christians distinguish between rejecting sinful behavior and loving the individuals involved. As Ephesians 4:15 instructs, believers are to “speak the truth in love.”

Responding to Accusations of Homophobia

The term “homophobia” is often used to label any disapproval of homosexuality as irrational or hateful. Christians must clarify that their stance is rooted in adherence to Scripture, not fear or hatred. They should echo the sentiment of Psalm 119:46: “I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame.”

Addressing Contemporary Issues

Legal and Social Implications

Cases like Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission highlight the tension between religious freedom and societal acceptance of homosexuality. Christians must navigate these challenges with wisdom, balancing their commitment to biblical principles with respect for others.

The Role of the Church

The church must remain a beacon of truth, offering hope and guidance to those struggling with same-sex attractions. Galatians 6:1 encourages believers to “restore him in a spirit of gentleness” when addressing a fellow Christian caught in sin.

Conclusion

The Bible’s teachings on homosexuality are clear and consistent. While it unequivocally condemns same-sex relations, it extends grace and forgiveness to all who repent and turn to God. Christians must embody this grace, demonstrating love and compassion while remaining steadfast in their commitment to biblical truth. In doing so, they reflect the character of Christ, who came “not to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17).

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored more than 220 books and is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).