However, where we have to make the distinction is where we stay as sinners. It is one thing to know I’m a sinner and give it over to Jesus. It’s a whole other ball game when I know that I’m a sinner and don’t address the sin in my life, thinking that it’s ok to live any way I so choose because of God’s mercy.

Even then, though, what better place to get well than in a hospital? That’s the issue: how do we view the church? A club for the justified or a hospital for all sinners. I am not, in any way, advocating the embracing all lifestyle choices as acceptable in the eyes of God. I am, though, in favor of embracing all people (regardless of current lifestyle choices) and compassionately leading them into the presence of God so that He can work in their lives as He so chooses just like He works in mine.

Point of clarification: As you brought up the “H” word (LOL), I want to point out that when I say lifestyle choices, I am not entering into the debate as to whether homosexuality is a choice or not (as we could just as easily be talking about gossip, gluttony, or any other sinful lifestyle). Whether or not orientation is a choice, all people have the same responsibility to live their lives according to God’s standard of sexual responsibility and purity (whether homo or hetero). Therefore, regardless of the sexual orientation, the “choice” lies in what one does with their sexual desires. In the same way that my non-married heterosexual friends are called to a life of purity, so are my homosexual friends called to the same standard of sexual purity.

Thanks so much for the comment.