Hillsong Church pastor Brian Houston feel his church needs to stay relevant, and must review its stand on homosexuality.
The news report came after Houston brought up the topics of homosexuality and same-sex marriage at a press conference held on Thursday with New York City media, on the occasion of Hillsong Conference being held at Madison Square Garden.
The question that resulted in Houston’s remarks on homosexuality centered on how his church tries to remain relevant. In his response, the Hillsong pastor offered homosexual marriage as an issue that is a challenge for some churches. Traditional Christian teachings define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
“I think with the church, the message is sacred but the methods have to change for the church to stay relevant,” said Houston. “And it’s challenging. It’s challenging to stay relevant. I mean, if we go to the one big hot topic maybe for churches … now with homosexual marriage legalized, and churches for generations, they hold a set of beliefs around what they believe the Word of God, the Bible says. All of a sudden in many circles the church can look like a pariah, because to many people it’s so irrelevant now … So staying relevant is a big challenge. I think it’s more than just singing more contemporary songs and the colors you paint your walls or whatever.”
After seeing how the media reported from this Press Conference, Brian Huston felt a need for issue a correction:
“I encourage people not to assume a media headline accurately represents what I said at a recent press conferenceNowhere in my answer did I diminish biblical truth or suggest that I or Hillsong Church supported gay marriage,” he adds. “I challenge people to read what I actually said, rather than what was reported that I said. My personal view on the subject of homosexuality would line up with most traditionally held Christian views. I believe the writings of Paul are clear on this subject.”
Source: Christian Post
My comment:
We can worship God by singing hymns, and even jump up and down with joy. Or we can fall down on our knees, and pray. But most importantly, we worship Jesus the Messiah by doing the will of the Father. We have to obey the Word of God, and stand up for the truth.
If Hillsong have “relevance” as their benchmark for worship, this movement will succeed as long as they act politically correct. The youth who comes to Houston’s pulpit, just need to be fed with the message that “everything is ok”. God loves you, and he will take care of you.
John 14:21
Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Bryan Houston knows that thousands of the youth who gathers in Hillsong, got tired of classical Christian teaching about sin and repentance in their parents congregations.
Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men
Jude 1:7
In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire
Some of the worship music of Hillsong is surely great, and large crowds will be gathered. But the dangers in this place, are linked to the cool messages of Houston, a gospel that itches in the ears of the youth. The Hillsong team convince people that it is possible to fulfill the commandment of God by doing praise and worship. The youth are told that loving Jesus, is to sing a song in His name, and have fun.
The moment pastor Houston tells the crowd, that it is sin that separates man from God, and repentance is needed to re-conect, the large group will be astonished. Few are truly interested in knowing that a selfish, materialistic lifestyle amount to friendship with the World. And that if a man do not repent from his life in sin, he will continue to be an enemy of God of the Bible.
All men must be lead by the spirit of God, into a process of santicfication, into a walk of holiness. If a man do not want to, his salvation will be at risk. Regardless of the “feel good factor”, that follows, when the praise and worship team use their keyboard and play their guitars.
Repent, or perish
Written by Ivar
Banjara Origin News 
Romans 1.26-7: The Bible
‘Says’ Homosexuality Is a
Sin
I am the one who saw death threats for publishing a testimony of my classmate who is known as the pen name Dan Willow because how graphic he was. Look if Homosexuals want to seek out God there is one thing that dies; the lusting of strange flesh as in they go looking for a person who has the same organs as their own.
It’s not “I fuck the way I want to fuck” like that rapper Deadlee screams in the lyrics of “Suck Muy Gun;” as a straight man and a Conservative I am standing strong on this one. I wrote out my testimony as a full length book and the reason I have a very hard time finding a church is because I am unrestrained on reality and very real about being human; there is honesty in being broken. I am sorry I don’t find anything honest about doing that to another because I see man fucking another man is vile as fucking one’s own mother.
I am waiting for someone to scream in the congregation, “I fucked a sheep, I fucked a goat.”
Or do you not know that
wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex
with men
If this is the group I am thinking of, I do like a couple of their songs. But unfortunately, just as Lucifer started (and no doubt continues), the music is so borderline. Simply calling a song ‘Christian’ does not make it so. We must be vigilant, not only as parents, but as Christ’s followers and believers in God’s Truth.
The problem with most churches nowadays is that God’s Word which includes sin, repentance, homosexuality is wrong , etc., ISN’T being taught. Too bad if people don’t want to hear about these things. The Bible isn’t politically correct (and I refuse to be PC).
Like David once said Many of those who once
were so passionately in
love with Christ now run
about pursuing their own
interests. They’re burdened down with stress and problems, chasing after riches and the things of this world.
Ivar I have had the terrible misfortune of coming across your site today and every article I have read has made me sick. Rest assured I plan to never return. How can you call yourself a Christian and yet preach such hatred whether it be against Catholics, Arabs, homosexuals, etc.?
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly too remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV)
I pray for you and anyone that your misguided, uninformed, hate filled teachings may have led astray. Good day.
Dear Jeremy
Shalom, and love in Jesus.
I have no arguments with people who do not respect the absolute authority of the Bible, in all matters of faith.
Let all men be liars, and the word of God the truth. No need to argu with me. Please take your arguments to a debate with Jesus the Messiah, the author of the Words that convicts man about sin.
Jesus the Messiah brought us teachings of compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and the Heavenly Father’s love. The twisting of his words by monsters like you have brought about suffering, persecution, and death for countless people over the last two millennia.
Dear Jeremy
Shalom, and love in Jesus.
In stead of condeming Bible beliving Christians, you should argu your case by using Scriptures. I want to challenge you to explain to us from where in the Bible you have read, that homosexuality is not sin.
If you can not give us a Bible verse, be sure, there are people on this site who can guide you to the verses that explain that homosexuality is sin and a perversion.
This is typical Liberal speak. If someone (or a group of someone’s) doesn’t agree with them, them we are called haters and they quote the Bible out of context. We are allowed to have an opinion so long as it agrees with them; so in fact they – the Liberals- are really the haters. Deep down they are really, really angry at God or don’t want to give up control of their lives to Him and live according to His Word. Your reply was excellent.
Dear jesusdidntgiveuponme
Shalom and love in Jesus.
Thanks for blessing me.
The liberals often say that the “Bible has to be made relevant” today. Its like saying that God of the Bible is outdated, out of fashion, or simply passed down in history. Today’s people consider them selves to be much smarter than a God who tried to communicate with people living more than 2.000 years ago.
Fools, that is what they are. They do not have a relationship with the living God, and do not understand the the scriptures are alive. The eternal God never changes. Neither do His promises and words. Like the fact that Sin is sin. Today and forver.
I see so very, very much narcissism in people today. They believe they are God unto themselves and they do no wrong (do not sin) and don’t have to answer to anyone. How DARE someone (Christian) tell them that they (Emperor/King) have no clothes (they are wrong/sin, make mistakes).
Jeremy, please do not buy into the lie. It is a lie from the devil that God is all rainbows and flowers. Psalm 90: 11 says about God “Who knoweth the power of thine anger? Even according to thy fear, so is Thy wrath.” In Isaiah 9: 19, “Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire” is just another example.
The bible commands us to call out people who are in error.
2 Tim 4:2- ”To preach God’s message. Do it willingly, even if it isn’t the popular thing to do. You must correct people and point out their sins.”
1 Tim 5:20- ”Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.”
Titus 2:15- ”These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority.”
Proverbs 17:15 – He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.
Titus 1:13- ”Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith”
Lev. 19:17- “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him.”
Jesus Himself says “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:19
Love is not watching someone headed straight to eternal damnation, forever and ever, in hell, and not warning them. If someone is in a burning house you do not just smile at them in the name of a false tolerance. That is not love.
”When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.” Ezekiel 3:18.
Yes, God is a loving, merciful God. But we easily forget that He is also a righteous God, and that His wrath is just. Remember that ”It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Heb. 10: 31.
Grace and peace.
Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39. There is plenty of scripture in the Bible to back up any argument if you look hard enough. But the message of the Gospels is very clear: love one another, do good turns, forgive each other and you will be forgiven and have a place in heaven at Christ’s side. Even as he died our saviour forgave a criminal who had been condemned to die, just as he will forgive me for my shortcomings and you for yours. Don’t you see? It’s not about hate mongering and condemning others. Jesus knows that we are human (imperfect) and loves us anyways. All he asks is that we open our hearts to him and try to be as good to each other as we can in our own imperfect fashion.
Dear Jeremy
Shalom, and love in Jesus.
You wrote:
Jesus knows that we are human (imperfect) and loves us anyways.
My reply:
Yes, we are humans. But those who claim Buddah or Krishna will save them, will not be “loved anyways”. They will have to change their ways. They have to renoucne their idolatry, and embrace God of the Bible. Jesus is not a god of vaccume, who will permit people to continue to live in a pit of sin. All of us will have to permit Him to change us, and start walking in holiness. Likewise, those who desire to copy Sodoma and Gomorrah with its sexual perversions, will ripe the same destrucctions as their ansestors. IF, they do not repent.
I never claimed that the bible doesn’t name homosexuality a sin nor do I condemn bible believing Christians. All I condemned was the hatred YOU spew on your site, the only reason I chose to comment on this article was because it was the most recent. I also never made any claims that followers of Buddha or Krishna would automatically be saved only that Jesus offers us salvation if we open our hearts to him. However I would point out that since Jesus’s death created the new covenant one could argue that a lot of the rules laid down in the old testament do not really apply although I’m sure you will still parrot them to me anyway.
Jeremy
Shalom, and love in Jesus.
I like your last comment. It was an invitation to debate.
It is true that Jesus the Messiah offers us a better convenant, than the first covenant, which is based on the Law of Moses. Simply because in the New Convenant, we do not have to sacrify bulls and dowes for the forgivness of sins, and keep on repeating the offering.
Think if all of us had to come to Church with blood of the firstborn animal for every feast or Sabbath? (Friday, Sunday, whatever). And ask the priests to stand in the gap, and ask for forgiveness?
The New Covement is based on an everlasting forgivness of sins, for all who are willing to repent. Because the blood of Jesus is enough, to cleanse us from sins, and redeem us.
Nevertheless, the death and ressurection of the Messiah is not a licens to sin, or to continue to live in lawlessness. The salvation we are offered in the Passover Lamb of God is rather an invitation from God, to let Him change us with His Holy spirit.
The 10 commandments are not abolished by the Messiah. The 10 commandments still makes us aware of sin, about our inability to fullfill the law and all righeousness. That we all are lost, and in need of a savior. The righteouss shall live by faith in Him, and in Him alone. Amen.
Dear Ivar,
Interesting conversation.
Two questions: 1) In your opinion. what do you think is the best way to minister to a homosexual? (Scriptural references are highly appreciated)
2) the act (or thought) of homosexuality is clearly a sin according to the scriptures. So is adultery and held (arguably) at the same level of pervertness. Jesus said, even if you have thought about adultery, you have committed and broken the law. I agree with you about repentance. We had been forgiven once and for all, yet we still ask forgiveness for our sins daily. I believe what Jeremy is saying is hat there are two approaches to sinful people. Because we ourselves were once indulged in sin, and still are imperfect, we can sympathize with those who are still still in the world and/or wrongly (and conveniently) use the bible to approve the things of this world. Through this compassion, we could address these people wih love like we we’re address by Jesus with love and an offer of forgiveness – if only we repent. The other approached, which Jeremy pointed out, is what seems to be more dominant in your comments: showing the anger and wrath towards those who are perverse and are in the world, and those who misuse scripture.
In your, biblically based, opinion what is the best approach, or perhaps there are other options?
Sincerely,
Sergio
dear Sergio
Shalom, and love in Jesus.
You asked:
Dear Ivar,
Interesting conversation.
Two questions: 1) In your opinion. what do you think is the best way to minister to a homosexual? (Scriptural references are highly appreciated)
2) the act (or thought) of homosexuality is clearly a sin according to the scriptures. So is adultery and held (arguably) at the same level of pervertness.
My reply:
(1). I do not have to defend God, nor defend the scriptures. The Bible is available to every child. They can read, and make up their mind in regards to sin. If they chose to rebell against God, they have a free will do do so. And will have to face the consequences.
(2.). Even if the Bible did not say so, homosexuality is a perversion. Just by using the ABC of botanic knowledge, you will know that any race will be instinct by such a practice. Since the Bible says homosexuality is a perversion, I do not need to mobilize any objections. Those who live in adulatry shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. This is true, beause the Bible says so. No lesser Hell for them.
Loving G-d and loving others before oneself does not mean that we must tolerate sin being thrown in our face.
Love is an action word, not a feeling…it means to do obedience to G-d, and to do good actions towards those you interact with, to put their needs as high as your own…not in place of your own.
Abba wants us to love ourselves as much as we love others too, and accepting every action in the world as necessary to please G-d actually goes against your obedience to G-d…to put Him first, and what He wants for you.
According to Yeshua and to the commandments He told us to follow, we are not to accept evil as the price for being comfortable. People that love God, and obey Him will be hated, even as they hated Yeshua, but being hated should not stop us from doing right. Certainly we can speak and act gently where possible, but gentleness still has to be very firmly kept.
Always being kind and tolerant of evils is very un-Yeshua-like…Yeshua used harsh words to the hypocritical Pharisees, and whipped the Bankers out of the Temple.
We Believers in Yeshua must be prepared to stand up for what G-d has told us to do…to hate the sin, and love the sinner. So we must speak against the sins, and not against the people…that is all.
Inviting homosexuals to a church is right…telling them that homosexuality is okay with G-d is not. If they have lust, let them stomp on it as all single people must do, and let them not pursue their lusts. Not easy, but straight people deal with the problem of lust all the time, however imperfectly.
Sha’ul said that if you burn with lust, marry, and be comforted by your opposite sex spouse. We know it was opposite sex marriage only, because marriage never included same sex unions until 4-1-2001, in the Netherlands. A civil law got changed, but G-d did not change, and neither did His teachings.
So, if the one you love is not of the opposite sex, your love will have to be satisfied with chastity, or be married to a member of the opposite sex.
Marrying a same sex partner has not yet been approved by G-d, despite His great love for humans.
As for Hillsong…Houston needs to be careful not to be misunderstood. He said nothing wrong, but the press used his words against him, making a headline out of a few words he said out of context.
This reminds us that the ten commands where Jesus said: IF YOU LOVE ME< Keep my comandments and my sheepe hears my voice and follows ME. Where also the women at the well, no one could condem her as we are all sinners saved by grace, BUT HE forgave her BUT told her. go and sin NO MORE. we are told who will NOT enter the Kingdom of Heaven. and in REVELATION John the Revelator said: where G-d tells us, I would rather have you cold or hot, but because you are luke warm, I will vomit you out of my mouth. to twist the commands of G-d makes acursed. and I might add too that HE is the same yesterday today and tomorrow. HE tells us HE hollowed the SABBATH DAY and we are to keep it HOLY. the catholic dhanged the day to Sunday, the sun god day. does anyone see blasphemy in this fact. Yeshua said the Sabbath would NEVER change , no shadow of turning. For me, I believe every HOLY SPIRIT Breathed word of G-d. HE said it, I bleieve it and that settlles it. HE IS THE WAY and HE tells us that it is better to believe G-d than man..Take HEED that the wolves in the church that HE warned of would chage HIS Word to NONE EFFECT..we are so close to HIS coming and today HE tells us is the day for salvation. don't disapoint us..remember HE says IF you love ME, keep my commandments shalom
I truly admire your thoughtful comment. The the Commandments are sometimes taken for granted because most only think of the ones that matter to them. It is important that we remember that there are ten and not pick only what we agree with. Sabbath is the divider that will divide in the last days. His will follow the others will not. It really is that simple. Thank you for keeping that very important focus.
Jeremy,
Our Lord Jesus requires us to be soft of heart and hard of head (thus the “helmet of salvation”). Further, we are told to be “innocent as doves and shrewd as serpents”. It is soft-headed to believe that to love an individual requires us to approve of the sin in his/her life. Did Jesus do that? Loving the Lord means that we will obey His word and live our lives by the Truth that sets us free. Yes, the “law of love”–that of loving God and loving our fellow men is obligatory but Our Lord NEVER once approved of sin of any kind and that is what the homosexual community is prepared to demand of us. What will happen when the unbelievers require us to approve of theft, adultery and murder?
Islam demands its adherents approve of murder and they are using the soft-headed “love” of Westerners against us to pervert our faith into the monstrosity that is “Chrislam”. Homosexual activists are not above using intimidation and confiscatory “fines” against Christians who refuse to approve of their perverted lifestyles. The Bible is the only foundation for the practice of the faith–the WHOLE Bible. We are not to pick and choose the parts of it that agree with our own personal philosophies. Our Lord Himself said that the OT is to be accepted in its entirety and cannot be set aside (John 10:35). The Old Testament is very clear on its teaching about homosexuality and so is the New Testament. But that doesn’t mean that we cannot love the homosexual enough to tell him the truth–that unless he repents and follows the teachings of Scripture, that his someday destination will be hell.