United Methodists will again debate LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings

My whole thing is this. I am a religious person and I truly belive in the bible. It states in several places but especially in Jude and Revelation the following. "Jude 1:7 Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. Revelations 22: 14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood."

I believe that those who see it a a sin against God and repent of said sin and accept Jesus as their savior will not have eternal punishment. But they have to see it as a sin and turn from it. We all have that choice as God has given us free will to accept or not. Those that live homosexual lifestyles and believe that it is not a sin cannot be in the presence of God. just like any other sin that we commit...it is not greater or any less. Sin is sin but living that life knowing that it is wrong or accepting it as right is a sin.

Now, that is my belief and it is my sincere hope and prayer that all those that do not know God will come and repent to Him and accept Him. That is why I stand firm on my belief. I am not condemning anyone to anything as others state. I just state my belief and let the chips fall where they may. Each has to make up their own mind.

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth - Good evening Colonel, I debated for a few seconds before commenting back to you. But a comment this well thought out, and filled with obvious conviction deserves a reply. Especially in that there are at least two things we agree completely on. Those would be your last two lines. "...let the chips fall where they may." And: " Each has to make up their own mind." Your Biblical Knowledge is off the charts (my knowledge is somewhat limited, probably because I grew up Catholic.) There is no doubt in my mind those scriptures exist. But your beliefs may, or may not be mine. And in my experience that is where the challenges present themselves. I don't expect others to follow my beliefs. And I don't judge them (Well not often anyway) for not holding those beliefs. I do appreciate both candor and deep thinking, so even though I can't completely agree with you...you deserve a reply. You have a great day.

SGT Kevin Hughes Thanks for the awesome response...it is appreciated. I am expecting some here on RP to come at me with both guns...I have been called the Christian Taliban, Christian narcissist, bible thumper et al and your reponse was a welcome breath of fresh air. We will not always agree but we can respectfully disagree and make our points and move on...some on here can't do that. Again, thanks for replying and have a great day.

Hey Colonel, Thank you for the kind words. It makes me sad when Veteran's don't take the time to listen. My Sister is a lot like you, they call her a " Shiite Catholic" from one of our favorite Comedians (Jim Gaffigan). Like you, she is smart, educated, and dedicated...and even though we disagree, we have loved each other since childhood. So I guess I grew up around folks who had strong feelings about their Faith, and it didn't bother me at all. I saw what my Mother's Faith did for her, she survived 14 births (two stillborn) lost two children to tragedy, my brother being wounded in Vietnam, and my Dad being gone for the duration during World War II...and through it all, kept a smile on her face and a belief that it will all make sense someday. That isn't my journey, but I will never deny the power of belief, or the miracles it provides. And that is as long winded as I will ever get on this subject. LOL