I Prayed have prayed
Father, give us reform in Christ's Body. May our congregations hold to Your truth, letting go of the desires of the flesh. Restore Your truth surrounding marriage, inside and outside the Church.
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Homosexuality has proved to be an extremely divisive issue in the Body of Christ, tearing the United Methodist Church apart over the past few years. How do you think this will affect the denomination, evangelical Protestantism in general, and the American church as a whole?

From The Western Journal. Over the last few years, thousands of United Methodist congregations have voted to separate themselves from the United Methodist Church — with more than 5,000 doing so this year alone.

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The origins of this modern schism date back to January 2020, when leaders of the UMC announced the approval of a plan to permit the split of the church in a disagreement over same-sex marriage.

Progressive UMC leaders have begun to defy United Methodist teachings, with some endorsing the celebration of same-sex weddings and the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals, the U.K.’s Guardian reported last month. …

The number of congregations looking for the door has skyrocketed. According to UM News, in 2023 alone, 5,638 churches disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church.

The disaffiliation numbers have been trending upward since the 2020 vote. Only 57 churches were approved to leave in 2020. The number more than doubled to 123 in 2021 and then jumped to 1,827 in 2022. …

And while the schism continues to tear apart the United Methodist Church, it should instill both optimism and concern in the hearts of Americans.

The Bible unequivocally states that marriage is between one man and one woman. Jesus defines it as such in Matthew 19:4–6 and Mark 10:6–9. …

Notwithstanding, Americans should be optimistic that many United Methodist congregations have fought back against the denomination’s shift away from Christ and vowed to remain faithful to his teachings. It shows that biblical truth still means something to many Americans. …

It’s a cause for concern that religious leaders are deliberately leading their flock away from the doctrines of their faith. After all, the leaders of the United Methodist Church are supposed to guide their members toward God, not away from him. The idea of becoming more “tolerant” of sin will only serve to tear Christianity down. …

The beautiful thing about Christianity is that it is an objective truth — and an objective truth will not change because some people believe it should.

While it is comforting to know that no matter how hard they may try, they can never change the tenets of Christianity, a lot of damage can be done in the pursuit of change.

Many churches in all denominations are drifting from scriptural truth. Share prayers below for your own local congregation to remain fixed on God’s Word.

(Excerpt from The Western Journal. Photo Credit: rdegrie/Getty Images via Canva Pro)

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Ed
December 29, 2023

Changing God’s word has eternal consequences. We were warned. Embracing the South American Liberation Theology which incorporates New Age practices brought us here. Good for those who are leaving. Run!
”But even if we — or, for that matter, an angel from heaven! — were to announce to you some so-called “Good News” contrary to the Good News we did announce to you, let him be under a curse forever! We said it before, and I say it again: if anyone announces “Good News” contrary to what you received, let him be under a curse forever!“
‭‭Galatians (Gal)‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭CJB‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1275/gal.1.8-9.CJB

Thelma
December 27, 2023

When the truth isn’t accepted, it opens the door for satan!!! When they choose to live according to their thoughts, they pay the consequences. Only GOD can change a heart.

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LINDA RESLER
December 27, 2023

Lord,
It is utter insanity and the arrogance of man to even consider elevating man’s opinion over Your Word. As written in 1 Kings 18, ““How long will you waver between two opinions?”
Judgment begins in the house of God. We pray for those in positions of (Christian) leadership and influence who not only want to remain silent on LGBT but promote it – we pray that they would be cut to the heart over their compromise and betrayal of Your Word, and that they would repent while there is still time for them. Let the fear of the Lord be poured out wherever Your name is preached.
And in this nation where there is still the freedom to worship, we pray that you break off the passivity and lethargy on those who are being led astray, that they would be filled with zeal for You and the study of Your Word and give themselves to honor You wholeheartedly.

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Sharon Miller
December 27, 2023

I’m not part of man made denominations! But The Holy written Word of God! Inspired by God written!!! Yeshua Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their man-made traditions, said the blind, leading the blind into the ditch! The true body of Messiah the remnant!!! Will live by the Word for The Word! Yeshua is the Word of God, created all things for his glory, and for his purposes!!! That all things might bring him pleasure!!! Yes it is all about Him The Almighty King of Kings & He Reins & He Rules & yes all things will bow before Him !!! He is not concerned with man’s opinions they have no power!! His Word is Eternal, and never will fade away! In the word set with the word surf the word there is no eternity without him. Who is the word of God! HE CHANGES NOT!!! We must humble ourselves! Help us Lord and change our hearts to be in agreement with yours!!! Deliver us from our own ways that we may live unto you devoted to you completely!❣️

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Darlene Estlow
December 27, 2023

Father, strengthen your church to stand for your truth against what the world is doing inside its gates! Thank you for the stand many congregations are taking against the falsehood that has taken place in many denominations. May those congregations who are standing for truth in your word, be strengthened to continue.

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Doug
December 27, 2023

God cannot lie, His Word is true. It states unequivocally that He made a man and a woman, and they are joined through marriage. He also says that a same sex relationship is an abomination. His Word does not,and cannot change. God hates the sin, but loves the sinner. “While we were yet sinners He died for us.” Over the mellinia that has not changed.

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Mark
December 27, 2023

Lord Jesus I pray that your church may hold to the truth of your Word, no matter how unpopular that may be or become in our culture. We pray that people may turn to Biblical truth and at the same time turn away from not only false doctrine but also turn away from false teaching. May they see the error of their ways and choose the truth and light of Your Word.

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