THE EDITOR, Sir:
CONTROVERSY IS growing among the members of a particular church group due to the ordination of a gay bishop. Those who did the ordination are at fault. There is a drive to water down the gospel, but we need to be aware that sin is sin and righteousness is righteousness.
Nestled in Paul's first epistle to Timothy, the third chapter, are criteria Paul sets out for those who wish to hold the office of bishop or church leader. Paul said, "Those who desire this office desireth a good work. A bishop should therefore be blameless, husband of one wife." Note that a man cannot be a wife.
Continuing, Paul said, "The bishop must be vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not given to wine, no striker, not guilty of filthy lucre, patient, not a brawler, not covetous, one that ruleth well his own house."
God destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of the type of behaviour they were displaying (Genesis 19:1-25). There is nowhere in the word of God which tells us that God changes his stance towards this type of behaviour.
What can a leader who practises this type of behaviour tell his congregation? Apparently, some people believe that they can do any and any thing and still remain a part of the Church, not so.
The Church is a divine organism purchased by the pure undiluted blood of Jesus Christ. The Church needs to take its stand and to stand up for righteousness and holiness. We cannot condone these types of behaviour coming from church leaders. The congregation will be led astray. Let the Church be the Church. The Church is called to holy living.
Holiness unto the Lord is our watch word and song. Holiness unto the Lord as we march along. Sing it, shout it, loud and long. Holiness unto the Lord now and forever.
I am, etc.,
DR. DONALD A. JOHNSON
J.P. D.D.
Overseer Grace
Temple Apostolic Church
