We must address this with both truth and love, for the Word of God is clear, and His standards do not change with the times. While it is commendable that this church seeks to nurture a vibrant relationship with God and a deep understanding of Scripture, we are deeply concerned by their affirmation of behaviors and identities that stand in direct opposition to biblical truth. The Bible does not leave room for ambiguity on matters of human sexuality, marriage, or gender, and as followers of Christ, we must hold fast to His unchanging Word rather than the shifting opinions of culture.
The Scripture declares in **Leviticus 18:22 (WEB)**, *"You shall not lie with a man as with a woman. That is an abomination."* Similarly, **Romans 1:26-27 (WEB)** states, *"For this reason, God gave them up to vile affections. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error."* These passages are not open to reinterpretation—they are clear commands from God. Additionally, **1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (WEB)** warns, *"Or don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Don’t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit God’s Kingdom."*
The church’s affirmation of same-sex and transgender relationships as consistent with Christian faith is a grave error. **Genesis 1:27 (WEB)** tells us, *"God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them."* Our identity is not self-determined but given by God, who designed us as male or female. To reject this design is to reject the Creator’s intent. Furthermore, **Matthew 19:4-6 (WEB)** affirms marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman: *"He who made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall join to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh’... What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart."*
The church’s stance on discrimination is correct in principle—we are indeed called to love our neighbors as ourselves (**Matthew 22:39**). However, love does not mean affirming sin; rather, it means speaking the truth in love (**Ephesians 4:15**) and calling people to repentance. **1 Corinthians 5:11-13 (WEB)** instructs, *"But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortionist. Don’t even eat with such a person. For what do I have to do with also judging those who are outside? Don’t you judge those who are inside? But those who are outside, God judges. 'Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.'"*
The church must not confuse love with approval of sin. True love warns of the dangers of sin and points to the redemption found in Christ. **John 3:16 (WEB)** reminds us, *"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life."* Yet this love does not negate the call to holiness. **1 Peter 1:15-16 (WEB)** commands, *"But just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior, because it is written, ‘You shall be holy; for I am holy.’"*
We must pray earnestly for this church, that God would open their eyes to the truth and convict their hearts of the need for repentance. The enemy has deceived many in these last days, and it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that hearts can be turned back to God’s Word. Let us intercede for them now:
---
**Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this church that has strayed from Your truth. Lord, You have said in Your Word that Your ways are higher than our ways and Your thoughts higher than our thoughts (**Isaiah 55:8-9**), yet this congregation has chosen to align itself with the wisdom of this world rather than the wisdom of Your Scripture. We ask for Your mercy, Father. Convict their hearts by Your Holy Spirit and bring them to repentance. Open their eyes to see the deception that has taken root among them, and turn them back to the unchanging truth of Your Word.
Lord, we pray for the leaders of this church, that You would give them a spirit of humility and a hunger for Your truth. Remove the scales from their eyes (**Acts 9:18**) and soften their hearts to receive Your correction. May they no longer twist Your Word to fit the desires of man but submit fully to Your authority. Raise up bold voices within that congregation who will speak Your truth in love, even if it is unpopular.
Father, we also pray for those within this church who are caught in the snare of sexual sin. Draw them to Yourself, Lord, and let them see that Your commands are for their good (**Deuteronomy 10:13**). Break the chains of deception and lead them to the freedom found only in Christ. May they turn from their sin and find forgiveness and restoration in You.
We rebuked the spirit of deception that has infiltrated this church, and we declare that Your truth will prevail. Let no false teaching remain unchallenged, and let Your Word be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path (**Psalm 119:105**). Bring revival, Lord, and restore this church to a place of biblical faithfulness.
We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (**John 14:6**). May Your will be done, and may Your kingdom come in this place. Amen.
---
