viva_la_malcriada Anonymous

Mmmm, can you say "hypocrisy and douche-baggery on parade?"

Rev. Simons: "Some of our people will be there at the memorial service...We tried to do the very best of our ability to express the love of Christ."

Yeah, and for every drop of rain, a flower grows...

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

concerned Anonymous

I agree w/ the churchs' decision to not hold the ceremony. If this man was so concerned w/ Christ & his church, then why was he blatantly & w/o regard living in such sin. not that everyone doesn't, but you have to repent & not repeat the sin, that's what Christ expects. Not only did this man continue to live such a sin, but the family wants to show off the sins in the house of God?! That's the most outrageous part of this story.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

DC Anonymous

Struggling...not...to...comment...

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

ty Anonymous

Guess what "concerned," being Gay is not a choice, we are real people who are different. So sorry that you don't know us well, we are worth knowing and not horrible people like your church tells you. We do not consider what we do sinning, we call it loving. If you think that Love is so bad, then you really need to get out more often!!

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

kirk Anonymous

When I saw the good pastor's photo, I thought the same thing, Rawlins.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Clay213 Anonymous

'His passion for souls is equal only to his passion for the Word of God'

Gary Simons... Taking Mortal Kombat a little.. too seriously.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

CastleHills Anonymous

Um, where's the part of the Bible where Jesus picks and chooses among hetero, non-sinning people? Gee, I just can't seem to find that chapter....

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

BETTY Anonymous

JESUS ATE WITH SINNER WHEN THE LEADERS OF THE CHURHC WOULD NOT. JESUS TOUCHED THE LEPPARED WHEN THE LEADERS OF THE CHURCH WOULD NOT. JESUS FORGAVE AND REMEMBERS NOT THE SINS OF ALL OF US WHEN CHURCH LEADERS CAN NOT. ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALLEN SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD. PASTOR GARY SIMONS YOU TO ARE STILL A SINNER AND YOU LEAD THIS CHURCH OF SINNERS SO WHY CAN'T A MAN WHO YOU SAY IS A SINNER HAVE HIS FUNERAL AT YOUR CHURCH.IS HIS SIN GREATER THEN THE ONES YOU DO DAILY?

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

interestedcitizen Anonymous

To Castle Hills and Betty:

Yes, Jesus touched the rejected and the unlovable, but he looked deeply into the root of their problem, and he healed them. To the woman at the well, he said, "go and sin no more." When the question was asked concerning the blind man, "did this man sin that he was born blind," Jesus healed the man's blindness. For the woman with an issue of blood, he said, "your faith has made you well." The real point of many of Jesus' miracles was not so much the miracle itself, but to point out the hypocrisy of those who blame people for causing their own genetic defects and diseases. Notice, Jesus didn't leave them as they were. He changed them. The woman at the well repented and changed. The blind man was healed and testified about his faith.

There is more to Jesus than just a story about a man who went around loving people and forgiving their sin. While he confronted people like the woman at the well with her sin, and while he drove the money changers from the temple, he also said, "narrow is the way and straight is the gate that leads to eternal life." He said, "blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." Sin is not a lightweight matter for Christ. He calls us to look at ourselves, realize how rebellious and stubborn we are, repent of our sin, and flee to Christ.

People who die, having arrogantly flaunted their sin, even to the point of insisting they were born with a proclivity to reject natural design and to use the human body parts in a manner contrary to nature, prove how rebellious and unrepentent they were to the end. Were they living, they would need to be confronted, like the woman at the well. When they die in their sin, not repentent over their sin, but flaunting it, all I see is tragedy and waste. That's all a pastor could say in such a situation. I could see a call to repentence, but not a life celebration.

It is the manner in which the family chose to celebrate the sinful aspects of the man's life that caused the problem. Had the family admitted the man died, having never repented of his gross sin and error, and let the man's death serve as a warning and an object lesson to those who do likewise, then there might have been some kind of funeral service for the man.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

cewyattjr Anonymous

Looking at "Concerned" comments about "Living in Sin." I have a question -- who did Jesus reject from his table? Who is to put himself equal with God to be able to label the lives of others as "in Sin." IMHO, Jesus was about Love not about rejection at the time of need.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

rhperez Anonymous

I am sure High Point has never had any "spiritual" conflict in accepting Mr. Sinclair's donations to the church! I hope he or his family hadn't been members, getting that 'love of christ' smile every time they walked through the door, only to be rejected in the end.

Is it really so that if you wish to be buried by a church, and they judge you to be a 'sinner'...they decide whether you can have a funeral or not? Hmm, or is this just the rule if you are a gay sinner? Because I am certain without a doubt there is not one single person sitting in church pews today that is not a 'sinner' according to the religions of man...including Mr. Simons.

I am sickened once again to see religion in action trump humanity once again! Let him without sin cast the first stone...

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

DC Anonymous

Oh, man, if not for 'pasteurization' that pic is either an advert for airbrushing or Botox Cosmetic if I ever saw one.

Otherwise, I am so trying to stay in the 21st century here...

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

saabatical Anonymous

More of supporting the troops. I wonder how many of those 42 and under parishioners have signed up like Mr Sinclair did, and how many of those church members who support GW have told their children not to sign up. I know a few. The hypocrites of the evangelical right strike again. If we judge we are to be judged. How many times did Christ talk about Gays. ZERO.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

interestedcitizen Anonymous

cewyattjr: who did Jesus exclude from his table?

How about the rich young ruler? Remember? He asked Jesus what he must to be saved. Jesus told him to love the Lord with all his heart, soul, and mind, and his neighbor as himself. In his own estimation, the rich young ruler said he had done it. Then Jesus said, "sell what you have and give it to the poor." Then the rich young ruler went away unchanged and condemned to an eternal hell, because he loved the world more than he loved Christ.

The lesson is clear, when people take the position that as long as their good outweighs their bad they merit heaven, they will never see heaven. The only people who will see heaven, as Jesus said clearly on the Sermon on the Mount, is those who mourn over their sin. That is, they see themselves as sinners, eternally lost. Death, the final enemy, has passed upon all of us. Funerals should not be so much a celebration of a life of self indulgence, perversion, or even good works. Instead, they should be reminders that we all face the judgment seat. Do we put our hope in what we have done to merit heaven, or do we put our hope solely and exclusively in the shed blood of Christ?

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

cewyattjr Anonymous

"Funerals should be reminders that we all face the judgment seat?"

Sorry, my God is a God of love and forgiveness, of welcome and inclusion, not one of judgment, rejection, and condemnation.

What was the greater sin? For Mr. Sinclair to love another man, for for High Point church to deny his family a place to mourn in their hour of need. Instead of welcoming and supporting his family, they basically threw stones. Were Mr. Sinclair's family and friends tax collectors or "young rich rulers?" I take it these folks were familiar in the High Point church -- "worldly" and "rich" institution by all material measures!

Now was it that Jesus said about sin and throwing stones?

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

CastleHills Anonymous

I would sure hate to be Mr Simons when he's on his deathbed. Instead of giving a man who fought for his country the benefit of the doubt, and letting God judge the man, Mr. Simons stepped in and did the judging. And we all know what Jesus thought of that.

The way Jerry Falwell died (on the floor, all alone) is telling and should be a warning to all the Simons' of the world....

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Scott Anonymous

Interestedcitizen,

You state that, "the rich young ruler went away unchanged and condemned to an eternal hell, because he loved the world more than he loved Christ" (Matt. 19:20-24). I assume this is the same "eternal hell" you believe unrepentant homosexuals will inhabit.

So, would it then be necessary for a pastor to refuse to allow a service for an unrepentant rich man? If not, would the service have to make the man an object lesson (e.g., camels through the eyes of needles, the parable of Lazarus and Dives, etc.), regardless of whatever good he may have done in his life?

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

jmh76133 Anonymous

This is a personal letter that I will mail this afternoon to Pastor Simons, but I wished to share it with a wider forum so I am posting it here as well.

Dear Mr. Simons:

I feel very saddened when I find instances of un-Christian behavior on the parts of a few self-righteous persons who wish to condemn anyone for being who God created them to be. There is overwhelming scientific evidence these days that indicates same-sex attraction is not a choice but simply a variation among who we humans are.

When I first heard Sunday morning that your church had retracted its offer to host the funeral of a brother of one your own employees simply because the family wished to acknowledge that the deceased was a gay man and that, horror of horrors, a picture(s) of his kissing another man might be screened in your sanctuary, I was mortified. How cruel! How misinformed!

The Bible actually says very little about homosexual acts and absolutely nothing about living in a committed gay relationship. Contrary to what you wish to see, the world is becoming a better place for LGBT people these days than when I was young and felt ultimately condemned to hell simply because I knew I was attracted to males.

I am happy to say that as I matured, I found out how I had been lied to and also came to know men and women of God in a number of Christian denominations who were better informed than I was and who helped me discover that God loves all of His/Her children.

Unlike many of my peers, I have never given up on the larger church, though I have had to search a bit to find a church home sometimes because there are bigots among us who play God. I presently belong to a United Church of Christ in Fort Worth, where I am happy to say I feel I belong and where I am able to worship weekly and to feel that God wants me just as I am not as someone else wants me to pretend to be.

It is attitudes like yours that have driven so many from the church. Some of them had very deep roots in our churches and church-related universities. I could name more than one, but it is up to each of them to reveal him/herself.

Again, I praise God that I have had the chance to meet men and women of the cloth who disagree with your assertions and who would welcome me openly into their churches without condemnation. Shame on you!

Sincerely, J. Michael Herrington

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

interestedcitizen Anonymous

cewyatt, jr.

No, I don't have a "support the troops" sticker on my car. In fact, I've opposed an unconstitutional, undeclared war against an Islamic terrorist gang, without a chain of command originating from the head of a foreign state, from the beginning. I have opposed an undeclared war that finds justification in the violation by Iraq of a UN resolution, while the general public is led to believe it is in vindication of a 9/11 attack by Saudi Arabian citizens. I have never thought it was wise or effective to use military weapons to fight thugs and people who value life so cheaply they raise sons with the dream of committing suicide.

If the deceased were only a vet, I would not hold it against him that he was ordered into an undeclared war by his military superiors. If he were only a vet and a repentent sinner, I would honor him.

The pastor of this church has not judged this man's soul. He has simply said that he will not allow a life celebration to take place in his church that glorifies the homosexual lifestyle. If the matter were simply about putting the man in the ground, and telling the living that they too face death and judgment and that they should examine their souls in light of the very stark reality of the dead man lying before them, I would have no problem with the funeral of a gay man in a Christian church. The problem is that the family of the dead man wanted to glorify his homosexual lifestyle, in complete contradiction to what the church teaches about homosexuality.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

interestedcitizen Anonymous

cewyatt, jr:

You have made your own god in your image. He's a god of convenience, and that is the god of this age. This is not a god that supernaturally revealed himself. It is an imaginary man-made god so that people can feel good about themselves.

The God who revealed himself is a perfect God. Yes, he offers love and forgiveness, but only to those who repent. The Bible says, "a broken spirit and contrite heart, he will not despise." That's what it takes. Complete brokenness, an acknowledgement that we have no righteousness to commend our soul before a perfect God. There is no room for comparison of ourselves with others. If we are not broken, we cannot stand before a Holy God and beg his foregivenss.

Exclusion, inclusion. Yes, "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." What does it mean to truly believe? A lot of people utter the word, yet remain skeptical. True faith is a gift from God.

So, clearly, God is a god of inclusion, but he is also a God of exclusion, where he says, "I am the Way, The Truth, and The Life. No man comes the father but by me." Why would God exclude? Unrepentence and lack of brokenness. Isaiah 59:2 says, "your sins have separated between you and your God, so that he does not hear you."

I would never judge a man's soul. That is the province of God. Yet, part of telling the gospel is telling about the certainty of judgment following death. If that doesn't provoke a person to a soul searching self examination, a brokenness before the face of God, and at least a desire to turn from sin, even if the turning from sin isn't a complete turning, there is nothing I can do. However, that in no way means I should celebrate a sinful, hedonistic lifestyle that is clearly contrary to God's clear commands.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Lemastre Anonymous

The deceased will live on in the memories of his friends and comrades regardless of the posthumous ministrations of any church. Whatever service he rendered his country was obviously wasted on the crowd of bigots who patronize this particular Arlington church. Such people seem able to find only the parts of their holy books that support their petty narrow-mindedness.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

WhitneyTM Anonymous

This is sick. It's a quintessential example of the hypocrisy of most organized religion. What happened to "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?" I guess that means the good Rev. Simons' funeral won't be well-attended, if the church lets him have one at all (newsflash to Mrs. Simons...check your husband's laptop). It's apparent he's acting out of fear, not love.

The article in the DMN clearly states that the family was given no offer of compromise from the church - no chance to make the service fit with the church's needs - therefore the insinuation that the family desired to "glorify" the lifestyle is unfounded. One might go so far as to say that to lie or omit the truth about this man's life to suit the church would be a sin in and of itself.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

BodybyJR Anonymous

Hey! Since religious church types seem to always picket and protest our events (ie Gay Day Six Flaggs). Can we make signs and protest their church! People might learn more from the signs being held up with messages of love and compassion. and signs asking for christians to act christian. (or even signs asking the big questions like Did anyone eat shellfish?, wear wool with cotton?, stone their child to death when they disobeyed? carry a mortgage? these are also laws in the Bible that are an abomination to God!) than they may have ever learned inside from the close minded Pastor. Its time to get the glitter and glue out and buy some poster boars and head to arlington to have a real revival! in their front yard....

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

interestedcitizen Anonymous

tingthing:

I'm sure High Point would accept you when you become broken, lacking in pride, begging God's forgiveness, fully accepting the covering of Christ's blood as the atoning sacrifice for your sin, and begging the Holy Spirit to enable you to turn from your sin and plant within you the desire to pursue holiness daily in the face of God.

There have been numerous people who have lived sinful lifestyles, full of adultery, gluttony, drunkeness, self indulgence, materialism, violence, oppression of the poor, homosexuality, and any number of habits that originate in self adulation, pride, and arrogance. When these people have come to the end of themselves, and realized that a life of excessive pride and self love is meaningless and offers no true satisfaction, they, drawn by God's Spirit, and convinced of their sinful and lost state before God, have become broken in spirit, accepted God's offer of forgiveness by the atoning work of his son Jesus Christ, and have truly repented, they have become transformed. There are numerous examples of men and women who lived hedonistic lifestyles before being transformed by God's Holy Spirit. They have gone on to become excellent wives, mothers, husbands, and fathers. That doesn't mean they suddenly became perfect. That's why they have confession as part of the worship service. That is why the Bible says, "he that says he has no sin is a liar." We are all sinners.

Yes, funerals are for the living. They are an object lesson that death is a reality. They should be a reminder that we all face death some day. They should draw us to examine our souls in the face of a perfectly righteous God. Baby dedications should also remind us to examine our souls. The serving of communion should call us to examine our souls in the face of a Holy and righteous God. Weddings of a man and woman, which serve as an example of the perfect love of God for his bride the Church, should call us to soul searching self examination.

God is Holy, Just, Righteous, and altogether good. Yes, he is full of mercy and forgiveness. He demands a broken spirit and a contrite heart. Sin is a barrier between God and man, though. Christ alone and nothing less, is the means by which that barrier is breached. No one can come to Christ, unless he comes utterly and completely broken of a stubborn, selfish will.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

CastleHills Anonymous

Now I know why I never go to church.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

smurfett Anonymous

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

1 year ago

interestedcitizen Anonymous

BodybyJR: It has never occurred to me as a Christian to picket in front of a gay church and to say ugly things in front of the gay church about what homosexuals do that is offensive to God. That would be to profane the Sabbath, a day when Christians should be assembled with fellow believers worshipping and praising God instead of harrassing sinners. I am unaware of any church group that would do such a thing in front of a gay church. Why, then, would you do such a cruel and heartless thing in front of a church that has never done a similar thing to you and your church?

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

DC Anonymous

Could we please get a 5 comma per sentence limit on this thread?

The lines about the photos of the son murdering someone are really over the top...

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

dcwill Anonymous

To All; I am a member of High Point, however what Im about to say is not views of the church. These view are my own. I believe that God gave us free will, and we are free to chose who we are what do and so on, High Point is a Bible Based Evengelistic church, I take to heart what I've learned under Pastor Simon's leadership, I fully support Pastor Simon's as well as High Point Church position to pull the services. because they were under the oppression that they were planning a funeral that "promoted" homosexuality, As a member I go to church to worship my god, and we believe that our church is a house of god and the holy spirit has a very strong presence in the church. If this funeral had taken place in our church, I feel personally that would have grieved the holy spirit, and my heart would not be in the place it should of, I also feel that as a church body it would of drawn us away from the presence of our Lord, which my goal every week is glorify my god and draw closer to him. High Point is not your average dominational church where you stand up sing #264 from the hymnal, When we worship our god we do it with conviction cause that is what the bible tell us to do, unfortunately we live in a "casual christian society", our church teaches us to live a higher standard in all that we do, and we are taught to do things not only to better ourselves but to glorify our Lord. in no way are we saying we are perfect cause ALL OF US have their faults, and in no way am I is saying I hate people who are homosexual, In fact, I family and friends who are homosexual and who I love dearly, but the bible sayes that THE ACT ITSELF is an "abomination" which means it sickens The Lord, and I am not going to judge this man for what choices he made cause that is not my job. but I feel the church did make the correct decision on doing this.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Lyndsel Anonymous

I agree with the church's decision to not "host" an openly gay wedding because there were church members who would be present that do not approve of homosexuality. I do not go around topless because there is a law against it-not because I want to wear clothes. I believe that gay men and women have the right to do what they want inside their own homes - but to present it to the world is the same as nudity on a beach -- I dont want to see it -- or be a part of it - that is why we have laws that stop people from walking around nude --people who want to present themselves in public as gay - are just looking for attention -- I dont care what your sexual preference is and I know you dont want to know about mine! A funeral should be about the person - not their sex life.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Curtisls7 Anonymous

The High Point Church of Arlington has hit a Low Point. Using the grieving of a family to drive home the message that High Point hates Gays is inappropriate. If this is another "Hate the Sin but Love the Sinner" message, where is the Love? Shame on Pastor Gary Simons and the leadership of High Point for passing up one more opportunity to have the last say in judgment and condemnation against a gay man at his funeral. Isn't that what they were doing in refusing to do the service?

Would Jesus Discriminate? What Would Jesus Do? Nowhere in the Gospels of Christ is there condemnation against Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals or Transgender people. There is however, plenty of condemnation against religious hierarchies that put upon others to make them feel less than human. Jesus taught to love God and to love our neighbors. Love even our Gay neighbors and their grieving families?

Trinity Metropolitan Community Church of Arlington, TX, offers our heartfelt condolences to Cecil Sinclair's mourning family and friends. We are praying for you in your loss. We are proud of you for not allowing this bigoted group (disguised as Christians) to sully the cherished memories of your beloved Cecil. You may need a sympathetic ear or friend in the future to help you in your loss. We want to be available to you where you will be loved not judged. The memory of Cecil will be honored not tarnished. You can expect dignity given to his name not disparaging remarks.

Trinity MCC is a member of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, a worldwide fellowship of Christian churches with a special outreach to the world’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. We are also located in the same community as our neighbors High Point Church. Instead of excluding LGBT people we encourage High Point to exclude unjust, unkind and self-righteous behaviors.

In Christian Love,

Curtis L. Smith Pastor Trinity MCC, Arlington 1846 W. Division, Suite 305 Arlington, TX 76103 817-265-5454

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

DC Anonymous

Besides the extremely disturbing content, please try to take the comma thing seriously.

This is getting un-readable on several levels.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

SH Anonymous

I have to say I agree with Pastor Gary Simons on this one. I am a Christian AND I also believe that Homesexuality is wrong, the lifestyle. I don't hate the person. We are to love the Person, as God does, but the act of sin that they are in is wrong and can not be condoned by the "Church" or Believers. We have to pray that they will feel conviction and repent of their sin. God loves everyone, the thief, the liar, the Murderer, and yes, even a Gay Person! I am in total agreement with High Pointe Church in his decision to decline the Funeral Service. If they went a head with it, then that would makes us Christians, Hypocrites! We preach against it, so why condone it? Makes sense to me. If the Gay community can be open with their lifestyle, then why can't the Christian community be open with our beliefs & lifestyle? There are so many Churches out there that give us "Christians" a bad name! Too many feel good churches that believe in the word of God, give mix messages to the Gay Community & ALL Sinners, in general. Christians Should stand their ground and not compromise their Faith! It's when we the Church/Christians start compromising God's word, that this happens. So many people out there are so lost and confused thanks to some Churches out there that are afraid to speak God's word and tell it like it is- In the mean time misled people/church goers are living a lie. Jesus loves the Sinners, NOT the Sin. If anyone has Sin in their life, they WILL NOT spend eternity with God. It's that simple! I don't think Gary Simons was uncompassionate in any way about this matter. He just knew this was the right thing to do. We all were not there when all this happened, so we can not judge by just going by what we read and hear from the press (Skeptics!) The main reason we are really here on this earth is to win souls to the Lord & that's what we are trying to do. No one's perfect, only God.

I pray for your deliverence & salvation!, If you've never asked Jesus to be Lord of your life . . You can! Just say, " Jesus, I know I'm a sinner and have sinned in the eyes of you. I ask that you come into my heart and wash me clean white as snow and forgive me of my sins. I believe you died and shed your blood for me on the cross. I believe that it's by Faith and your grace that I AM SAVED & set Free! Thank You For Loving Me and Saving me . . . in Jesus's Presious name, AMEN!

But, you still have to believe that God's word is true and let the past be the past! You're a new creature in him. Old things are passed away, behold all things are new!

Genesis 19:4-11… Sodom’s Depravity 4 Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally.” 6 So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him, 7 and said, “Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly! 8 See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof.” 9 And they said, “Stand back!” Then they said, “This one came in to stay here, and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them.” So they pressed hard against the man Lot, and came near to break down the door. 10 But the men reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. 11 And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door.

Romans 1:27 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,[c] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

deeteegee Anonymous

I agree with the church's decision. The pastor is not judging this man. He based his decision on the lifestyle this man CHOSE to lead & an attempt by his family & friends to glorify this CHOSEN lifestyle in the church God gave him to lead. Gary Simons did what he thought was in line with God's word & what he thought was best for his church, which God holds him responsible for. I pray that the Spirit lead him in this decision. As far as the criticism, anytime you stand for Christ, you should expect criticism. Jesus tells the disciples in the book of John that "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first." In Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13, God tells us that "A man shall not lay with another man as he would lay with a woman". This is detestable" Isn't that a main factor in homosexuality? Sure we're all sinners, but that doesn't mean you should be allowed to come in a church and be given an opportunity to glorify sin. If a person wants to live a homosexual lifestyle, that's their CHOICE. I'm heterosexual, not by CHOICE but by NATURE. I won't be forced into accepting homosexuality. I don't buy the comparisons of homosexuality to racism. A person can hide their gay or lesbian lifestyle, people of color can't hide their color. People of color have to put up with the treatment that comes with their skin color from day one, as opposed to homosexuals who can keep their CHOICE under wraps until they reach a desired goal, whether it be career-wise, financial, athletic, whatever. I'm not going to shove my heterosexuality down your throat, and you're not going to shove your homosexuality down my throat. There are churches in this area that promote the gay & lesbian lifestyle. Is there any reason why Mr. Sinclair's family & friends didn't or couldn't go to any of those churches & have the services? Surely HighPoint Church isn't the only church around here. In my opinion, where this funeral was held isn't the most important issue. The most important issue is was Mr. Sinclair's heart right with the Lord? Jesus judges people, but we as believers can judge right & wrong based on The Word. I'd rather face man's wrath anyday over God's wrath.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Scott Anonymous

Dcwill,

You write that, "the bible sayes that THE ACT ITSELF is an 'abomination' which means it sickens The Lord."

Could you explicate the theology/physiology of a God that can be "sickened"? I have a tough time seeing how the God of traditional Christian theology--omniscient, incorporeal, eternal, unchanging, and impassible--can be "sickened," in any sense.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

DC Anonymous

DTG: How come your sexuality is based on "NATURE" and everyone else's is based on "CHOICE?" (again with the punctuation and capitalization on this thread) Just looking for some clarification here.

In the meantime, I wonder how Morren is liking having all these new members.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

dcwill Anonymous

Pastor Smith, I do not think High Point Church had any intention on "Using the grieving of a family to drive home the message that High Point hates Gays" It wanted to help the family originally by facilitator for Mr Sinclair's Funeral, When it came to the attention that there was even a "slight" chance that the Mr Sinclair's funeral would "promote" homosexuality, is when High Point told the family to move the funeral to another location. I do not believe High Point or a lot of evangelical based churches would hold a funeral if they there would be a chance that "it would promote an "abominational sin" in its house. My friend, Why did The Lord destory Sodom and Gomorrah, Genesis 19. Leviticus 19:13 should say it all if it sayes anything, you being a pastor should know this. You are correct in saying Jesus loves everyone but does Jesus really consider someone being "saved" knowing he is going to willingly be apart of homosexual acts, I do not think so. Our God is an awesome God and he loves us like you just dont know, but he is our heavenly father, and father's not only love their children, but they teach them whats right from wrong, and when we are wrong or we do something that does not go by what he teaches us(through the bible) then we must face Judgement for our actions. I am only saying what has already been said in the bible. Too many churches take the "God is great approach"(and he is) and if only believe in jesus thats the way to eternal life which is only a meniscul(spelling) ,It is no way like this its not just green pastures after we accept Jesus. Too many Pastor's dont even teach the way of The Lord anymore. They give remedy that doesnt even make sense half the time. Your right in saying god taught us to love our neighbor, but are we forced to love our "neighbors acts"? I did not see that anywhere in the bible. Why dont you do a sermon on how god loves you but how he hates sin?

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

dcwill Anonymous

Scott,

Abomination; has the following definations:

-Abhorrence; disgust. -A cause of abhorrence or disgust.

now if you want I can look up discuss but I already know that means to make sick.

NOW I am not going to go in a whole deep faith discussion on what our God is and is not, due to the fact I do not have the patience.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Scott Anonymous

Dcwill,

You don't have the patience to discuss the nature of God? Well then, don't let me hold you up from the more pressing task of uncritically anthropomorphizing Him by projecting a knee-jerk homophobia heavenward.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

FargoBB Anonymous

This is one of the things I do not miss about living in the Dallas area; bigoted, hypocrites who call themselves Christians. Go back and read your Bible; then go to a real Christian church, like the Methodist church. We love our neighbors like we love God. Shame on you.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

dcwill Anonymous

Scott; Leviticus 18:22 (The Lord to Moses) "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination."(NKJV) -

-Im not about to pick a fight, because you want me explain what the lord is or isnt, and thats off topic to the subject at hand.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

pduffy76 Anonymous

Mr. Simmons looks a little light in the loafers, if you ask me. He is wearing more make-up than my mother. Please remember this article to juxtapose with his future gay meth-head prostitute scandal.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

dcwill Anonymous

FargoBB can you elaborate where or what in the Bible do you speak of please? If your saying we dont our neighbor's then that is completely false, We do, Do you love it when your neighbor performs homosexual acts?

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

hobbes Anonymous

I'm not going to get into the homosexual vs. heterosexual debate. There is enough of that on this blog. But allow me to present a different scenario. Suppose a non-church attendee was an alcoholic who died. A church offers its facilities to host a memorial service. But during the preparations, the pictures for the video presentation contained the person in bars, drinking beer, etc. And in addition, the family/friends wanted to celebrate the "party life" of the deceased - drinks, toasts, open mike included AND the service emceed by a local bartender. What would YOUR church do??? Would it allow a beer bash in its facilities for someone's memorial service? Would it offer to pay for the facilities of another location to move the service? If so, let me know the name of your church. I have a few friends who may want to use your facilities "to let the good times roll" one more time while we are rolling their coffins out.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

dcwill Anonymous

If your saying we dont "LOVE" our neighbor's EDIT

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

robbie Anonymous

I believe God's word to be true. I also believe what Pastor Simons did was right. God said give no place to the devil. You cannot compromise with the devil. If Pastor Simons had agreed to follow through with the prior arrangements, this with have opened the door for the devil to come in and cause many problems for the church and its members.

I am not here to condemn anyone, God's word has already condemn the gay lifestyle. There is no such thing as a gay Christian. You either accept God's word and be saved or face eternal damnation. The doors to the church should always be open to those who are seeking God's forgiveness and His everlasting love just as Jesus did but never to promote the gay lifestyle.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

TheRedPoodle Anonymous

"Loving" does not automatically mean "agreeing."

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

deeteegee Anonymous

DC, I say my heterosexuality is nature because my sexual organ has a compatible organ on the female. Males & females of most any living thing come together & procreate. Two men can't produce another human being. Two women can't produce another human being. Do we have gay dogs? Gay cats? If God didn't create these animals with a homosexual nature, why would he create man in the very image of Himself & give him a homosexual nature? If you want to be different, that your CHOICE. But don't implicate God in this. More importantly, God is true to his Word. He wouldn't declare something as sin & then give you that very nature to commit sin. Sin came into the world through Adam, not God. This "either you're with us or against us" attitude that the gay & lesbian community has taken is really getting tiresome. If you want to be gay, be gay. Why it is necessary for the whole world to agree with it? If that's what you believe in, more power to you. I don't believe in it. I'm not going to allow anyone to influence my children into thinking that homosexuality is acceptable. I'm not going to go along to get along. We can agree to disagree like adults, can't we? There is no need to go into detail about why I believe what I believe & no need for you to do it, either. All that's going to lead to is an argument, & I have far better ways to spend my time & energy.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

SH Anonymous

O.K. Sin is Sin, it's not in the eye of the beholder. . . it's in the eyes of God Almighty! Yes, I have read my Bible and it says in multiple scriptures that the act of Homesexuality is a SIN! I hate to say it, BUT "Adam & Eve" . . . people! Not Adam & Steve!- I can't believe I really said that, I feel like a kid, again . . BUT it is so true! I love the sinner, I just don't like the sin. AND no I'm not perfect, just forgiven! Pastor Gary Simon's reward in Heaven will be GREAT! Simons has a good heart. He stood on God's Word & didn't compromise . . . of course he does it in Love- That's what a true & honest Man Of God would do!He's just doing what he's Called to do. So let him be mocked & made fun of, he knows he's right with God AND that "NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST HIM, SHALL PROSPER!" (Isaiah 54:17) God is on his side in this matter AND I pray for him and his family and Church that they will be strenghened and that God will give Simons wisdom in all things, the devourer (Satan) is rebuked AND I pray God's Peace to saturate Him and his family & Church.

And This Too Shall Pass, God Is With Us, Always!:)

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

DC Anonymous

1) http://news.nationalgeographic.com/ne...

2)I think Rawlins is more concerned about when Morren is going to have the Law Reviewers do a commentary on LLM's pearl necklace than he is about the traffic as of late.

3) long sigh...

4) I hold my boobs http://www.doubleparker.com/shake/

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

SH Anonymous

dewill & deeteegee~

Good Stuff . . . Preach It! ;)

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

RR Anonymous

It is a shame that people are willing to call evil good and good evil. The Word of God is VERY clear on the position of homosexuality as well as a vast multitude of other sins. The question has been asked, What Would Jesus Do? Well the answer is in the Bible... Jesus would love the person but condemn the inappropriate behavior regardless of what that behavior is. I believe the Pastor made the right decision even though many do not agree. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. The church has stood on the principle of their beliefs, which is their right. It is my understanding that the church offered the use of their facilities but would not allow the propogation of homosexuality and the family refused to use the facilities unless the church would comply with their request. That would make the decision a mutual agreement. Many people say that the church is imposing their beliefs upon others when in fact they more often than not are merely defending their beliefs. It is in fact - the secular world attempting to impose their beliefs upon the church. FargoBB stated that we should be like the Methodist church and love our neighbor. It is ironic that the Methodist church is currently being sued in Massachusettes by a lesbian couple because the church refused to allow them to be married in a civil union ceremony in a Methodist owned facility. The fact is, as Christians we have a responsibility to support and defend the Word of God. We are all falliable, free moral individuals which means we do have a choice in sexual desires, beliefs, political persuasions, etc. It also means that we ALL make mistakes. God is clear in His Word that He will forgive those who ask but there is punishment for those who do not. God is Love but He is also Just and He is bound by His Word.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

legend500 Anonymous

The jewish "word of God" is very clear on homosexuality, yes. However, us followers of Christ should follow not what some ancient Jews said, which Jesus rebuked in Matthew, but follow what Jesus himself said...nothing at all. In fact quite the opposite, Jesus is clear that he will reward those in heaven who are persecuted falsely in his name. What is more false than condeming homosexuality when Jesus says nothing, only the "golden rule" which Christians seem to believe doesn't apply because it does not agree with their outdated beliefs.

God our Father created all, this is true. There is indisputable evidence of gay penguins, dogs, cats, bacteria, rhinoceri, molerats...and a multitude of his other creations including humanity itself. To Deny God's great creation because of what two lines of the fallible human translation of the Jewish (again not Christian) Bible is to deny God himself. That, more than anything else, rightfully leads to eternal punishment.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

RR Anonymous

Jesus himself stated that He came to fulfill the law, the "Jewish" law, the law of God, by fulfill he meant to uphold the law. Again all people have the choice to make their own decisions. However, when a decision is made, the one making the decision must be willing to deal with the consequences there of, whether they are good or bad. The pastor made the right decision according to the organizational structure of his church and his beliefs. That, nor any other, church are required by law to yield their facilities to the general public for such services. WWJD? First off, Jesus messed up EVERY funeral He attended because the deceased was brouht back to life. Second, Jesus disrupted the Temple because it was being defiled by money changers, beggars, thieves, etc. Why? Because The House of God is a place of worship to God and for God. No where in the Word of God is the pastor, preacher, shepherd, etc., called or commissioned to preach funerals or weddings. They are called and commissioned to preach the Gospel. Funerals and Weddings are services that the church provides as a service to the community. Many have asked where the compassion of this church is at - Do not confuse compassion with compromise. Again, everyone is entitled to make their own choices, just be mature enough to answer for your own actions instead of blaming everyone else. Jesus even said to let the dead bury the dead...(Matthew 8:22; Luke 9:60)

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

ch0 Anonymous

Jebus tush da leopard!

Mega-churches are shelters for tax-evading hypocrites who like to play badminton with the souls of the naive. Enjoy it while you can, fake Christians!

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

pm Anonymous

I very seldom blog but as a pastor I felt the need to respond to this one.

A point secular writers are missing or omitting is this, homosexuality is an act God declares wrong and the fact is our opinions do not matter, what matters is God’s position on a subject.

People have written columns and blogs stating this church is judging this man’s behavior as sin, but the church is only stating what God states, so really the disagreement is with God, not the church. If you think this church is judging this man allow me to ask you this, if you saw a shirt that was red and someone asked you about the shirt you saw and you stated it was red, which is the fact, are you judging? No. Like wise with this man and his homosexual partner who are in pictures of affection together and we identify them as sinners because of their homosexual activity that God calls sin, are we judging? No. We are stating the facts according to the word of God.

Again lets not give our views are opinions let’s see what the bible says. Allow me to give you a few scriptures; I included the first one to show God does not simply oppose homosexual sin but heterosexual immorality as well.

Leviticus 20:10

And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. KJV

Leviticus 20:13

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. KJV

Both of these were laws given to Israel and us to live by, they also included punishments that would be given through the civil law for breaking God’s moral law.

Most people right now want to go to say “well that was Old Testament and we are no longer under the law”, please take the time to study and find out which law was done away with; you see there are three categories of law in scripture and they are moral laws, ceremonial laws and civic laws. If you broke the moral or ceremonial laws, the civil law is what you were punished by. I guarantee you no change was made to God’s moral law.

Jesus (God in the flesh) did not discount the Old Testament but quoted from it over and over again.

Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ writes in Romans 1:18 – 28

18 For God's wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth,

19 since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them.

20 From the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse.

21 For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds

22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools

23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles.

24 Therefore God delivered them over in the cravings of their hearts to sexual impurity, so that their bodies were degraded among themselves.

25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie,) and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 This is why God delivered them over to degrading passions. For even their females exchanged natural sexual intercourse for what is unnatural.

27 The males in the same way also left natural sexual intercourse with females and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Males committed shameless acts with males and received in their own persons the appropriate penalty for their perversion.

28 And because they did not think it worthwhile to have God in their knowledge, God delivered them over to a worthless mind to do what is morally wrong.

The good news for all of us who have fallen short whether we are engaged in heterosexual or homosexual immorality is that we can repent, turning away from sin and turn to God.

Romans 10:9 states “if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

DC Anonymous

1) Just because I use 2 letters for my screen name, doesn't mean everyone else needs to as well.

2) Once per thread is enough with the Leviticus and Romans. Saying it twice or louder doesn't make it any more right nor wrong. I am impressed that the number of commas is coming down, though.

3) With all the sexual tension going on around here, I am starting to think what this town needs is a really huge orgy. Maybe like New Year's Eve 1999 style, seriously.

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Clay213 Anonymous

DC: Why would followers of Christ limit themselves to five commas when the bible knows no such limit!

PS: Is it just me, or does it seem like these christ commandos are talking to themselves?

1 year ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

thieveslikeus Anonymous

To quote deeteegee "Do we have gay dogs? Gay cats? If God didn't create these animals with a homosexual nature, why would he create man in the very image of Himself & give him a homosexual nature?"

Before you make a statement like this, you might want to check your facts. There are many documented instances of homosexual behavior amongst animals. The one that immediately comes to mind is a set of penguins at a zoo in New York City that have been a couple for several years now. They do all the things that heterosexual penguins do, including having sex with each other. So yes, it does happen in animals. Or are these "wicked" animals just choosing to fly in the face of morality and God's law?

Now for those of you that claim he made his choice, and that the family should be left to deal with it: how do you know that Mr. Sinclair did not ask God or Jesus to "cure" him of his alleged "wickedness"? You don't know this. He may have asked to be "cured" every day. We don't know. As such, you ARE judging the man. There is absolutely no way you can sugar-coat it, that is what you are doing.

The man served in the military, defending the very Constitution that gives us the right to have this debate. Now, we can't even be bothered to honor a commitment that was made to his family. Jesus would be so proud.

1 year ago (