Pictured: Brian Houston of Hillsong Church in Australia
During Sunday’s message, I referred to the pastor of a very popular church in Australia who, it was reported, had come out in favor of gay marriage. I said then that it continues to be such a disappointment when churches fall to the desire to stay relevant, rather than stand firm beside the Word of God.
Today, I read some great news. In a new article, dated October 18, Hillsong’s pastor Brian Houston was asked to clarify his position on the subject. The Christian Post reports that Brian says that the media just plain got it wrong, and that he and his church still stand by the Biblical definition of marriage.
“Nowhere in my answer did I diminish biblical truth or suggest that I or Hillsong Church supported gay marriage,” he adds. “I challenge people to read what I actually said, rather than what was reported that I said. My personal view on the subject of homosexuality would line up with most traditionally held Christian views. I believe the writings of Paul are clear on this subject.”
Traditionally, the church has always stood by the very repetitious Biblical definition, sanctioned by Jesus himself, as “one man, and one woman.” My favorite passage about the topic is found in Ephesians 5…
As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. -Ephesians 5:31-32
You can read the Christian Post article yourself right here, and even listen to audio from the press conference. This is great news, and we should applaud a high profile church standing for the truth. We should also always pray for The Church, that we will have the ability to keep that Belt of Truth fastened tightly around our waist at all times.
In case you were wondering where The Orchard Church stands on gay marriage, feel free to watch this quick video I made.