You're right Lyn. Marriage is under attack in our culture, and sadly even some who call themselves "Christian" are failing to uphold the righteous banner. The church must be willing to meet the sins of homosexuality and divorce with the light of scripture and the love of God.

One of the things that stuck out to me in Steve Camp's post was his comment about church discipline. If the church will not deal with things inside it's own walls, how shall it be a beacon to those without?

I don't believe we should be in the business of condemning anyone, but at the same time I think we in the church should walk worthy of the calling with which we have been called.

I have often considered Paul's example in 1 Cor. 5 , which in turn acted to the benefit of the person trapped in sexual sin, as well as the church as a whole in 2 Cor. 2 . Individuals, being dust, will sometimes fall into things they should not, but while all are susceptible to the falling it does not mean the thing fallen into should be approved.

The standard for the Church is Christ. What is written in the Book is for our admonishment. I have never seen 1 Cor. 5 in practice, but I confess I have wondered what effect it's application would have with those who have left their spouses for others, or those involved in some other sexual sin. While I think anyone should be welcome to a church meeting, I have wondered what would happen if, instead of pretending that all was as it should be, those Christians choosing to live contrary to the scriptures were made to understand they could attend, but not participate with, or hold a place in, ministry? Might they not be encouraged to repentance and the restoration of their families? And in so doing better learn the voice of the Lord, and the joy of life with a clear conscience? Is the inaction on the part of church to approach those ensnared by sin in reality an unloving act that destines unrepentant individuals to hypocrisy while concurrently hindering church growth?

As I said, I have not seen it in practice but it worked for Paul. The man in question at that time was restored and the integrity of the church was intact.

A lighthouse both warns of danger, and shines as a point of safety. If our light is darkness we can do neither.