Scripture, Sexual Morality and the Ministry of
GateWay City Church
GateWay City Church is committed to speaking clearly and boldly
(1) about sexual issues while maintaining a posture of love and respect
for the dignity of people (2). We are committed to absolute moral truth
as revealed through a sound interpretation of Scripture. At the same
time, we commit to conducting ourselves in a kindness that is
consistent with our belief that God loves all people
(3).
God has set absolute and unchanging standards for sexual purity in
Scripture. Sex is a God-given pleasure to be enjoyed only between
one man and one woman who live in the covenant of marriage
(4).
Homosexual behavior is contrary to God’s plan for sexuality
(5), as is
sex outside of marriage (fornication) (6), lust and pornography
(7),
incest (8), pedophilia
(9), adultery
(10), prostitution (11), and polygamy
(12).
GateWay’s people are accountable before God to live in sexual purity
according the Scripture. When we fall short of that, personal
repentance is in order. Judgment begins with God’s people first
(13),
and those who point to the sins of others must be sure that they
have first cleared themselves (14). At the same time, our imperfections
must not keep us from confronting sin (15). We are bound as the church
to be salt and light in society, and we must speak the truth in love
to those who are willing to listen (16).
We advocate principles compatible with Scripture and traditional
morality in law, education, and entertainment. We gladly acknowledge
that in our free society, each person has the right to choose
obedience or disobedience to Scripture. At the same time, we stand
in opposition to laws (17), cultural expressions
(18) , or educational
programs (19) that intrude upon time-honored institutions or encourage
immoral behavior.
We believe that all people, including homosexuals, can be freed from
the control of sexual sin through the power of the Holy Spirit
(20).
Though this can happen miraculously and instantaneously, more often
this transformation requires a process of strong prayer, repentance,
faith in the Word of God (21), and the support of a loving family and
church community (22).
For that reason, GateWay City Church welcomes all who desire a
righteous relationship with God. In His kindness, Jesus came into
the world to save people, not condemn them
(23). In that spirit, we seek
to encourage anyone who desires to move away from a life of sin and
toward a life of holiness (24). We call on all men and women to live in
right standing with God through a personal relationship with Jesus
Christ as evidenced by a lifestyle of personal repentance and
obedience (25).
(1)
Proverbs 12:19
(2)
1 Peter 2:17
(3)
John 3:16-17
(4)
Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:18, 23-24, Mark 10:6-9, Ephesians 5:31
(5)
Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians
6:9-10, 1 Timothy 1:9-10
(6)
1 Corinthians 6:9
(7)
1 John 2:16
(8)
Leviticus 20:17
(9)
Matthew 18:6
(10)
Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 20:10
(11)
Leviticus 19:29, Proverbs 5:3-5
(12)
Deuteronomy 17:17
(13)
1 Peter 4:17
(14)
Matthew 7:5
(15)
2 Corinthians 4:5-7
(16)
2 Timothy 4:1-5
(17)
Matthew 5:17-18
(18)
Exodus 23:24, Daniel 1:5-8
(19)
Proverbs 22:6, Matthew 18:6
(20)
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
(21)
Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
(22)
Acts 20:35, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
(23)
John 3:17, John 12:47, Romans 10:13-14, 1 Timothy 1:15
(24)
Isaiah 53:6, 1 John 1:9
(25)
Acts 2:21, Romans 3:22-23, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Galatians 5:16-26
