Comments

Really, the issue isn't whether he's attracted to men, but what he's doing about it.

The Blade article addresses this:

He and Carol Boltz remain close (their divorce was finalized early this year). ... Boltz declines to go into specifics about the first time he was with a man, but says he has been dating and lives “a normal gay life” now.

“If you were to hold up the rule book and go, ‘Here are all the rules Christians must live by,’ did I follow every one of those rules all that time? Not at all, you know, because I kind of rejected a lot of things, but I’ve grown some even since then. I guess I felt that the church, that they had it wrong about how I felt with being gay all these years, so maybe they had it wrong about a lot of other things.”

As he sorted out his faith, Boltz began building a new life for himself. He took some graphic design courses. He found he could be almost completely anonymous in Ft. Lauderdale. The mullet he’d sported in the ’80s was long gone and CCM had always been a somewhat insular community.

What can be said? We are known by the fruit we bear. So, being a great musician and exalting the Lord is not enough. Repentance is necessary. We read about a man who committed sexual sin in 1 Corinthians-the church was to reject him until he repented. Likewise, Ray should be ignored but welcomed back whenever he truly repents.

Good for Ray! And may God richly use him to bring peace and comfort to other gays and lesbians who are trying to reconcile their faith in Christ with their sexuality. In Christ, Amen.

Thanks, Ted, for clarifying that; the original story does not indicate that the couple is divorced.

One might also add that the story in the Washington Blade article is well researched and tastefully written.

I'm not going to criticize Ray Boltz.I've talked to a few gay people. They said they had these feelings from their earliest memories. If that's the case, why are they so persecuted? Especially when there are other things bearing down on the nation, like joblessness, a political system that practices the politics of personal gain. This is what's really harming the country.The issue of greed which the ancients regarded as the mother of all sins is constantly ignored.

It's sad when people resort to blaming God, parents, hurricanes, or anything else that keeps them from taking responsibility for themselves. God didnt make me an alcohalic, He didnt make the man down the street a pedophile. These are results of the decisions we make. We are all predisposed to sin. It's our choice to fight the good fight, or blame someone else for our state.

This saddens me but we all know how deeply sin has affected our world. What's really happened here is that he's given up the fight against sin. No doubt the struggle was extremely difficult, but knowing Christ is worth the price every time. I hope many will pray for Ray Boltz.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect. But I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

How pathetically sad.

I really hate to hear this news about Ray Boltz.Ray and his family need much prayer from the Christians from all over the world to get through this horrible news.So many folks are decieved in thinking that God created them to be homosexual which is totally false.God creates us with a free will to choose life through him or death through the lust of the flesh and the pride of life.This lifestyle is merely a choice and nothing more.I assume Ray has read the scriptures that states in Romans 1st chapter 32nd verse,Who knowing the judgement of God,that they which commit such things are worthy of death not only do the same,but have pleasure in them that do them.You can't ignore this verse of scripture.I am not here to judge Ray or anyone else who so called "comes out of the closet".That isn't my job to judge,but it's my job to tell those that choose this lifestyle that Jesus wants them to turn from their wicked ways and repent.The judgement of God Paul says is according to truth against them that commit such things.I'm sure Ray has read this scripture and obviously turned from the truth of the word that Paul spoke, and it's really ashame.I have one more comment,I wish folks would stop using the word gay to describe the homosexual lifestyle.The defenition of the word gay is Merry,Bright,Lively.Not one of these words describes homosexuals.

Along the same lines as Ted's comment is this:

He and Carol Boltz remain close (their divorce was finalized early this year). ... Boltz declines to go into specifics about the first time he was with a man, but says he has been dating and lives “a normal gay life” now.

If Boltz maintains that he is a Christian, does this statement mean he has been 'intimate' and if it does, wouldn't that go against the Christian principle of abstinence outside of marriage? Even if you are one who believes God okays the Gay lifestyle, do you also believe he allows promiscuity?

Obviously, I'm not condoning this at all. I'm just making an observation that if he has reasoned away his old "guilt" then how does that work with the scriptural command of purity outside of marriage?

Let’s see…

1. If we accept gay lifestyle, why not also accept polygamist or adulterer lifestyle? What about pedophilia and bestiality? The list could go on.

Some of these people really feel God created them that way. What would Ray Boltz and his Metropolitan Community Church say to them?

2. More and more Christian men are coming out of the closet with porn problem. Some men feel that this is how God created them, and thus they do not have a choice but continue their practice. If Ray Boltz is consistent with his view, he should also promote the idea that people—who cannot stop committing physical or mental adultery—must be allowed to enjoy themselves, since they feel that is how God created them.

3. It boils down to one premise: We Christians reject gay lifestyle (as much as we reject adultery) because it is sinful. Now, if the premise is false, then we may have to reconsider whether or not to accept gay lifestyle or any other lifestyle.

The Scripture, however, is clear and compelling that homosexuality is sinful. Someone says, “God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.” Reason tells us that the body parts do not fit. Same-sex sex, among humans at least, does not and cannot produce children.

Ray did the right thing-he was honest with himself and others. Naturally, he will never be accepted or looked at the same way by the vast majority of "evangelicals" and that's too bad. Maybe fifty years from now he might-just like "evangelicals" now recognize racism is wrong.

Bring on the right-wing authoritarian followers comments.....I've heard them all before.

My heart is crying for Ray Boltz. I too have things that I have struggled with since I was little, like anger. I too went through a period of self hatred over my sins. It wasn't until I learned that I have the authority over Satan and all his schemes to try to bring me down did I receive victory over these things. Do I still struggle sometimes, of course but as soon as I reconginize that I am walking in sin and repent THEN rebuke the enemy from my life I get closer and closer to God. It isn't a matter of I can't fight this anymore so I'll just accept it and embrace it instead. We will all have struggles until we are in the presence of our Father in Heaven but we can fight them rather easily by the authority we have been given by Jesus's death on the cross and the power in his name. I pray that Ray will see that he has been deeply deceived, just as I was when I believed that anger was protecting my self and my children from others and not anger at all. Was I wrong, you bet I was but I truly beleived I was doing no wrong. Just because I beleived I was doing no wrong didn't make it right, it was still wrong and I still needed to be reconciled with the my Father in Heaven. I will pray that Ray Boltz will also realize that the Bible is the truth and everything in it is the truth. It isn't a pick and choose what fits me best option. It is the truth and the actual words of our Heavenly Father.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

By the reasoning of Ray Boltz, I suppose we can all go eat all the doughnuts we want (cause that is sure how God made me!!), and just do what ever we want to do. All addictions should now be indulged since that's how God made them!?!? No restraint, just do what we each think is right because it feels good. God never removed the thorn from Paul's side for a reason. It was his to endure for the Glory of God!!Is it any wonder Ray doesn't want to get into any Scriptural debates!!

Have you heard? Ray Boltz has announced he is a sinner! He has had a problem with deception for over 30 years. You should know, before entering into condemnation, that he was born this way.

Of course, he does (wrongly) conflate that truth into the notion that God created him this way, and he seems to have forgotten that in sin did his mother conceive him. However, this little self deception is understandable because his drive to lie is built into him as a child of this world, and he cannot be expected to do otherwise. We should all pity a man in this tortured state.

For thirty years, Ray has been living a lie, and now he has decided to tell the truth for a change. The life of a hypocrite has taken its toll, and he is relieved to finally announce his struggle to the world and inform his fans that he is no longer struggling. He is accepting who he was born to be. Of course, this isn’t the biggest sin that Ray has struggled with.

There is another, far more insidious, sin that has plagued him for his entire life. It is the same sin for which God destroyed Sodom, and it is the same sin that will destroy every single person that is caught up in its grasp. Ezekiel states it most clearly, “Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” (Ezekiel 16:49 )

Let all beware of self-deception and pride...

Romans 1:24-32
(24) Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,
(25) because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
(26) For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature;
(27) and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
(28) And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
(29) They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
(30) slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
(31) foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
(32) Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

I can understand why Mr. Boltz does not want to debate the Scriptures -- if I were a homosexual, I'd want to ignore them as well. The fact is that the Bible strongly condemns sodomy, and Mr. Boltz has chosen to embrace his flesh and this sinful life choice and ignore God. If he is a believer, I pray that the Spirit of God will give him no rest or peace until he repents and confesses his sin to God. If he is not saved, I pray that the Gospel will take root in his heart and remove the blindness that sin causes.

"Boltz also told The Blade that he doesn’t want to get into debates about Scripture..."

It appears he does not want to come in contact with the very thing (Scripture) that brings conviction of his sin (1 Cor. 6:9; Rom. 1:26-28) and the power from on high (Rom. 6) to be freed from the power of it over him.

Sad!

LM

It's a sad story. Boltz and his family will be in my prayers.

Good on you Ray! As someone involved in Christian music once said: If they took all of the music off Christian book store shelves that was written and sung by Christians who were gay, and removed all gay music leaders from the church, both Christian book stores and churches would have to close their doors. Perhaps by someone high profile like you coming out will spark the many that are still closeted in the Christian music field to take a stand for Jesus and be true to themselves. Don't for a minute feel that your sexual orientation is an illness. As I once replied to a man who asked why God didn't heal him of his homosexuality? God does not heal he who is not sick.

When we were fighting for our right to marry in Canada we were attacked by the mainline churches daily. We never gave up because we knew it was God's battle to win, and win it He did. Because of that battle Canada has become a far better place to live. We pray with all our hearts that soon our friends in America may wed the person they love. Thanks Ray for helping us topple the dominoes. You are a "Star."

Lloyd and Bob Peacock

Vancouver, B.C.

What a great relief it must be to Mr. Boltz to finally come clean. While it is true that the Bible condemns homosexuality, the Bible also condones the practice of slavery. I hope Mr. Boltz has the wisdom and strength eventually to admit that Christianity itself is a giant falsehood.

I have no doubt from reading the article that Ray has read, reread and struggled with all of the passages listed here and many others. I doubt the refusal to debate has anything to do with guilt, fear of refusal to accept the authority of scripture. What it does have to do with is knowing what battles are yours and which are not. He has waged a personal battle his whole life. I'm sure he knows he has to answer to God and that quibbling with folks who haven't had this struggle is a practice in futility. Good luck Ray, God Bless.

***Posted by: non-metaphysical stephen at September 12, 2008:
Good for Ray! And may God richly use him to bring peace and comfort to other gays and lesbians who are trying to reconcile their faith in Christ with their sexuality. In Christ, Amen.

***REPLY to non-metaphysical stephen:
Why not say the same to the polygamist, adulterer, or even the pedophile?—unless, you do not believe homosexuality is sinful. Then the burden of proof is for you to debunk that Romans 1:18-32 means homosexuality is sinful.

Then again, maybe you do not believe Scripture. In that case, I must ask you: What authority do you go by with your claim that being gay is okay? What the society dictates? Well, in that case, then what if the society dictates pedophilia is acceptable? Would you go for that, too?

Please reply back.

***Posted by: John at September 13, 2008:
Ray did the right thing-he was honest with himself and others. Naturally, he will never be accepted or looked at the same way by the vast majority of "evangelicals" and that's too bad. Maybe fifty years from now he might-just like "evangelicals" now recognize racism is wrong.
Bring on the right-wing authoritarian followers comments.....I've heard them all before.

***REPLY to John:
So, you’ve heard them all…

Let me ask you: If fifty years from now—polygamy, adultery, bestiality, or even pedophilia—will be recognized as ‘OKAY,’ would you go for it? (That is, if you’re still alive, of course.)

Maybe you do not believe homosexuality is sinful. In that case, unless you do not believe the inerrant/inspired Scripture, what is your take on Romans 1:18-32?

Please reply back.

Here' what stood out to me: "Boltz, 55, told the magazine. "I became a Christian, I thought that was the way to deal with this and I prayed hard and tried for 30-some years..."

We hear none of the faith that demonstrates the impartation of a new life but "I became a Christian." Like it's something we can just 'become.' When I was saved it wasn't something I just 'became.' People all the time would say, "Oh you 'became a Christian,' how nice." I had to tell them, "No, I didn't become one, He saved me, He changed me. I couldn't do it. I was born again. I didn't 'become a Christian.' " We can become many things; artists, writers, mechanics, welders, even Presidents but becoming a Christian isn't something we can become. Someone else has to make me a Christian by His almighty power and grace.

And listen to the will of man as he says further, "I thought that's the way to deal with this." He sounds like someone who thought he could use Christianity as a salve for the guilt he felt from his sin. Here was a man who hurt and said, "Let me use this religious medicine to cure me." Christ didn't ever save him, Boltz ever tried to save himself.

We hear even more self will when he says he "tried for 30- some years..." Believers don't 'try,' its "not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God, who shows mercy." If you have to 'try' then you don't get it. Or better we should say Christ didn't get him. 'I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longed I who live, but Christ lives in me and life which I now live I live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.' No 'trying' there. He did the 'trying by dying' and I believe. Sadly Ray did not.

For those of you that use the example of pedophilia and besiality, and alcoholism, etc... you are all absured. Do you realize that homosexuality is not just about sex just as heterosexuality is not just about sex. It is your make-up emotionally, mentally, and yes, spiritually. How many of your straight, marries christians have sex with your spouces out of lust? Are all of your intimate times with your spouce out of 100% selflessness to only please your spouse or to bear children? I think not.

Remember what the bible says about lust? All kinds of lust is sin!! If that is the case, then any type of sexual activity in heterosexual marriage should be to bear children or to love and please your wife or husband. What if God told you to never engage in gratifying yourself through the sexual union and to only allow your spouce to reach satisfaction. Would you do it? Could you do it? Gay intimacy is not necessarily lustful just as heterosexuality is not necessarily lustful. It depends on the individual. You choose whether you act in lust or not.

And the scriptures you all use to condemn homosexuality? Do your research. Study the culture. Read between the lines. The sexual acts were done out of worshipping of idols and strictly selfish lust. Many heterosexual sexual acts were performed out of lust as well.

It's funny. Jesus talked about divorce- to re marry is adultry. Period. So, shouldn't all christians that are in a second or third marriage repent and go back to their original spouse? If their original spouse wont take them back, then they should lead a celibate life. BUT christians have always twisted Jesus teachings concerning divorce and have found all kinds of biblical interpretations to justify divorce and re marriage. Such hypocracy.

God bless Ray Boltz for coming out and staying true to his worship of Jesus Christ. I am a christian that has struggled for years with my homosexuality. I, like Boltz, have prayed, cried, went through christian counceling, excorsisim, you name it. No peace!! Then coming out? Peace! Peace with Jesus Christ at our side.

Very, very sad. Selfish, prideful and very, very sad....

I am just sickened to hear this. I have tried to type several things here and I just cant. My Spirit is disturbed and my mind is just a jumble of words that are trying to express how I feel.
My husband asked me last night, with no prior knowledge of this, to sing "The Anchor Holds" tomorrow at church....I just dont know if I can.....
I guess the only thing I can really say is that there is going to be alot of people surprised when they are turned away from heaven and cast into hell.
To my brothers and sisters in Christ - keep fighting the good fight. Do the best you can to spread the gospel and let the Lord take care of the rest. Remember that we do not fight against flesh and blood.

I prefer to remain anonymous, but will say that I have a number of similarities with Ray Boltz. I'm also a Scripture-believing Christian, consider myself a homosexual (greatly against my will), and like Ray, have felt that after coming out to my family and select friends, also feel much closer to God because I no longer hate myself.

There's a very good article on those who consider themselves to be both gay and Christian, written by a Spirit-filled blogger named Caroline Ferdinandsen. She writes for Conversant Life based in Fresno, and drafted the piece a number of months ago.

In it, she refers to a 'dear Christian friend' which is actually me. We've known each other since church youth group 27 years ago (I'm now 45), and she knows the subject material well, based on our longstanding relationship and some background information on the matter that I supplied for her.

Caroline herself is a very happily married mother of three, and I believe anyone reading her thoughts will see that she possesses a keen understanding of this complex issue. You can read her blog at:
http://tinyurl.com/6c4gtv

The bottom line (at least in my opinion) is that no one would want to be gay if faced with the choice. As someone who's lived with a self-stigma all of his life like Ray Boltz and many, many others, I've simply tried to please God the best way I know how. This has been the case even when the burden never went away after years of prayer, counseling and asking our Heavenly Father 'why'.

That said, I'd like to kindly suggest that the best thing fellow followers of Christ can do is to sincerely love people the way they are - as I believe Jesus did. We always hear that it's not for us to judge why people are the way they are, but to treat them with kindness and compassion, talk to them about their concerns, and encourage them in a way that our Messiah did. After all, He's placed us here for an express purpose, and wants us to act as His hands, feet and voice here on earth.

God's blessings on all of you, and may the Lord be your sustenance and strength in the years ahead.

So sad. To describe a cave-in to one's flesh as honesty is dishonest & dishonoring. What a slap in his wife & kids & God's face. May God grant repentance.

I gather from many of the comments on this page that Our Lord has decided to delegate the function of judging mortals to other mortals. Odd that I never noticed that in the Bible, even when I taught a graduate course entitled, "The Bible as Literature."

The ignorance displayed by some commenters is appalling — as is the hate. Call it what you will, this veteran English professor knows how to read and decode subtext just fine and there's enough hate expressed on this page to fuel the fires of Hell itself. I guess I also missed that part of the New Testament in which Jesus instructed us to hate our neighbors. Perhaps I didn't deserve that Ph.D. in English and American Literature after all.

As for this compulsive scripture quoting (it's very easy to cut and paste quotes), I recall many reminders from the priests I taught with at a leading Catholic university (one that grants REAL degrees in REAL academic disciplines, right up to the Ph.D. and D.A, not some cobbled together "Bible Studies" courses impersonating an true major field of study) that Satan can quote Scripture to serve his purposes. I guess he's still doing it.

Regardless of where one stands on this issue - this is a well written and emotionally powerful story by the Washington Blade. My hat's off to them. And Ray you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have to be honest, this story has made Ray's songs seem all the more real to me. And Ray really sought to be faithful to God in his marriage and life for all these years. So let's be a little less judgemental Christianity Today readers.

I write nothing here out of a judgmental spirit.

Ray was in a battle for his heart, as we all are. The Enemy of our soul uses different tactics to take us out. For one it's bitterness and gossip, for another it's drugs or alcohol, for yet another it's apathy and passivity, and yes, for some it's sexual passion way outside the boundaries of God's Words.

We all need someone to watch our back and to run interference for us when the Enemy takes a pot shot, to take us out of the line of fire when we are not able to do it on our own. Unfortunately, Ray is convinced this is from God. This proves how well the bait hides the hook.

My advice is this: Ray should not be accepted by the Christian community in a "business as usual" way, as if he told us something insignificant. However, there is no excuse for fellow believers to be mean and nasty. We must not give Ray any excuse for not returning to his former circles. Love, grace, mercy, and prayer - these are the things that befit a follower of Jesus.

Lev 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them

God condemns it. God would not make him this why as he claims.
he chooses to be this way.
It is a choice.
Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Rom 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Rom 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

It is easy to Blame God and make excuses.
Friends and peers don't matter.
It is what God says.
For by this Book we shall be judged!
It matters what God will say when you stand before him.
All excuses will be gone. Only the Truth will be left.
Then it will be too late.

Jesus Paid it All, All to Him I owe.

I pray that Ray will come to God and let Him wash him white as snow.
Only eternity will tell what we have done with Jesus.
What have you done with Jesus has he washed you whiter than snow.
Has he cleansed your heart and made you a new creature to live for Him. To honor Him, To server Him.
With out God YOU will be alive in Hell burning for all ETERNITY!
Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

I'm not arguing one way or the other. But maybe this will help you understand where Ray Boltz and so many other Gay Christians are coming from scripturally.

Side A: believes God condones same-sex committed, loving, monogomous relationships.
http://www.gaychristian.net/justins_view.php

Side B: believes that, while they identify themselves as gay, they should remain celebate.
http://www.gaychristian.net/rons_view.php

the bottom line is that God is love. I have yet to hear one of you christians sound like anything but loathsome, judgmental hypocrites. i don't believe jesus taught hatred or gave you the power to condemn people to hell. the day you realize that man wrote the bible and formed it into his own image to gain then maybe you will finally see the truth. i will pray for you all because god is love and that's what he taught.

AWESOME NEWS.

God works in mysterious ways. God makes each one of his children in his own image. Ray is one of his children. I have no idea why people would be sad at this news. Ray has been a homosexual his whole life, nothing has changed.

I pray for the people who have turned their backs on God through their judge-mental attitudes.

I pray that God will bless Ray with the strength he needs to go through this time. It is a time of celebration.

God is good :)

Thank you Christianity Today!!!!!

I am so glad that Ray Boltz has made this decision! And that the owners of this web site reported it. God is moving. This is so cool.

My heart has been so concerned for homosexuals for years. The Church has shunned them in so many ways. Jesus came not into the world to condemn the world, but that all through Him might be saved.

The attributes of God....Peace, Love, Long Suffering, ever present, all knowing....etc. I trust God when it comes to this issue and all the other issues that face my life.

Today I was drinking coffee with a couple of Evangelical friends. We were discussing this Ray Boltz announcement....one said Christian and Gay, that must be an oxymoron. The other said no, for she has been leading a Bible study with several lesbian women for over 3 years now. I thank God for this friend. She has taught me so much about God and about a relationship with Him.

Yes I am a lesbian and I continue to pray that God will work within the gay lifestyle. I pray for Ray and all those concerned. May God heal his heart and bless him as he ministers to the gay community.

Aaron Tuazon, The issue is not that Ray would not be "accepted", it is that he declares that doing what he "feels" like doing is not sin anymore because he decided it wasn't. He posts God to be the one who did this to him rather than admit a sinful bondage to the idolatry of his own gratification.

I've never understood people who cite and quote scriptures from the Bible as if it were fact and our lives should be dictated by every word. The Bible is no more fact than Harry Potter, because just like Harry Potter, the Bible was written by a person/people. You people are sad. But just to show you how foolish you are, here's one for you:

Deuteronomy 21:18-21 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)

18If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:

19Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;

20And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard.

21And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

Uh, huh! Just as I thought. None of you probably have let your church elders stone your children for being unruly. Quit handing out judgements! Leave people alone.

Keep your head up Ray. God loves you.

If only Ray DID admit that it was sin, and himself the sinner.

Unfortunately, he makes God out to be the punk who turned him into an uncontrollable robot without self control.

He makes the only Good and True God to be a cruel, disgustingly sarcastic god.

Yes, Ray needs our prayers.

Ray Boltz is gay. Ok. Well, new flash...he is still saved! You all use these scriptures from the the bible to condemn his actions yet Gods word is to give life, peace, joy, and love. What about when it says that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus? Leave it alone folks, you will see Mr. Boltz in heaven. Sin is Sin and your just as guilty as Ray Boltz. He's a sinner and so are you....thats why Jesus saved us. Lets try to be like Jesus and not pay attention to what Ray Boltz does with his life. Its not our business.

But of course...here comes the haters.

We are all sinners who get saved by Gods Grace! Arrogant self righteous and Judgmental Christianity is simply unchristian. Who are you oh man to Judge another? I have been working on a documentary film for almost over 2 years and I have interviewed many of the key players on both sides of this major divide with in The Christian Church and the gay community. Homosexuality is the Pink Elephant in the sanctuary and the one of great hippocracies within the church. The lies told about people who are still and will always be children of God is no longer in my opinion, acceptable. I cannot continue to play church with bullies who some how think and believe they are better than anyone else. The gay community has been excluded and exiled for far too long. It's time we open the doors of our churches and our hearts and let ALL of God's people IN! Ray Boltz is still a child of God. God bless him and his family. If you are perfect then please cast the first stone and continue quoting scriptures if you are not put down your rocks and show some love and Mercy in Christ’s name. You may need the same compassion one day. The gay community is a ripe harvest field ..STOP spiritually aborting these children of God. May the Lord have mercy on you for treating them so poorly.

DystopianSky: Homosexuality IS "personal gain." A homosexual act doesn't and cannot benefit anyone but the person engaged in the act.

As Princeton professor Robert George writes in his book, "The Clash of Orthodoxies," homosexual acts cannot be procreative and cannot unite people organically. These acts cannot be marital, which means relationship around them cannot be marriages. In contrast, marriage between one man and one woman is a procreative unit -- even between non-procreative couples. Their acts are reproductive even if they don't result in children. Only a man and a woman can become "one flesh." This is a biological impossibility between two men or two women. Therefore, homosexual acts are only acts and against the laws of nature.

The politics of "personal gain" of which you speak is precisely what drives the LBTG community.

As Christians I Find it amazing how we tend to eat one another alive! Some where in this whole picture I don't see the grace of God pouring forth here. Something is gravely gone wrong here. I fear that the Greater church today is becoming exactly what it was afraid of the most 40 years ago. I remember a passage of scripture that goes like this:
Galatians 6

1. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5. For every man shall bear his own burden.
6. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

What What Ray Stuggles with or Who Ray is, Is not my business, that is between Him and GOD ALONE! Stop playing Judge AMEN!

You know, growing up as a Christian, I've always had three viewpoints: 1) looking at other Christians and their reactions to teachings and issues, 2) what the Bible has told me about God's love and 3) what the Bible and church leaders have told me that as a Christian what my purpose should be, which ultimately is to go out and spread God's love.

And unfortunately, after reading all of the comments for this article, I've heard a lot of judgment and negativity. As Christians, we're supposed to be spreading Christ's love, God's love and too often, I hear "you are damned" language. How do you expect to save lost souls, if all you do is make them feel bad about themselves. If you want people to be like yourself, set an example of a kind person who loves unconditionally (see the Bible for "Jesus").

The amount of disgust you may find in the truth of Ray Boltz's sexuality, is the same amount of pity I have for you, many of whom call yourself a disciple of Christ.

If you spread hate, then you are working against God and siding with the devil. Now, consider that sin, brothers and sisters.

Christians defending homosexuality is ultimately disgusting.

Lev 18:22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.

Cannot argue with that.

The Bible is very Clear marriage is between one man and one woman...y would God create marriage as a holy thing and say that it is between 1 man and 1 woman with out creating us to naturally be attracted. In Laviticus i says that people who have unnatural relations should be stoned! JEsus Said love each other as I have loved u. It is not God that makes anyone feel this way. And He will give them over to their sinful desires and they will un natural relationships. God has given Ray extrodenary talent it is a travisty to see the Church unaversal take another hit like this. Hey Ray how does u thinking God gave u those feelings line up with the Bible. What about "I Surrender to the Lamb" That obviously oesn't mean everything to u does it Ray. The ible is very clear. I am very disapointed in u Ray this goes against everything you have been singing about for years i am very Upset.This is not Biblical at all

“If you were to hold up the rule book and go, ‘Here are all the rules Christians must live by,’ did I follow every one of those rules all that time? Not at all, you know, because I kind of rejected a lot of things"

I have no doubt in my mind that Ray decided to reject a lot of things that the Christians taught.. after all, Christians live by the Bible and the Bible is against homosexuality.. weird how that works Ray. Maybe instead of choosing which part of the Bible to reject or question you should work on following it as best as you can.

i'm just thankful to whomever you believe God to be that i wasn't born gay. man i'd hate to have been born with flaws. it's a good thing we're all born perfect with no chemical imbalances or quirky tendencies like all other known species in the world.

we might actually accomplish something as a species instead of relying on a supposed creator to save us, or judge us or give us hope or completely ignore us when we really are in emotional or physical pain. judgemental, hypocritical, self righteous christians. always quick to condemn, but usually blind to our own horrific faults.

Luke 6:37
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Romans 2:1
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things

Romans 14:10
You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat.

1 Corinthians 6:5
I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?

Within the "Christian" world that can carry almost any definition in our era, it appears we will eventually experience a Christian anarchy as each one does as he or she pleases.

Truth seems to be based upon your genetic makeup on how we are supposedly created. And God is to blame. No responsibility on my part or your part. Right and wrong is subjective in each persons eyes and soon our world is on a course towards imminent destruction.

Sin has become the norm of every day living and anyone who is opposed to sin is called abnormal. What ever happened to holiness?

Wow... there is a LOT of judgment on this board!! Growing up the son of a preacher, I'm QUITE familiar with it. 'Scuse me, but I don't see any of you sitting in the Judgment Seat. It's not your place.

WHY is it that people love to vomit up scripture references on things that don't really affect them?? OK, so you may be straight, & being gay may not be your struggle or cross to bear. But, yours is being an alcoholic or whatever else. Jesus said for us to show COMPASSION to the lepers, NOT THROW STONES at them! The church does STILL seem to love to kill it's wounded. WHY??

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU JUDGE... PAYBACK CAN BE HELL.

In every gay persons life, there comes a point of decision. They have to decide whether they are going to continue to wrestle and fight with the same sex attraction and be miserable for the rest of their life, or give into what they feel is natural for them and try to find some degree of happiness. People come to this decisive point at various times in their life. Ray enjoyed a great career and a fulfilling ministry during his struggle. He enjoyed the love of a family and the satisfaction of providing for them. But at the same time, he himself was not happy, not satisfied, not fulfilled, probably miserable with himself a lot of those times. So therefore he came to the decisive point at a later time in his life. I would imagine his love for his family and his ministry has postponed that decision up to this point. But now.....he has to be happy. He has to find some peace for himself.

So all you Bible thumpers, go ahead and blast him with your knowledge of scripture....trust me...I'm sure he knows them better than you do....

But until you have walked in his shoes, felt what he feels, and until you have fought the same fight he has fought......YOU REALLY SHOULD BE PRAYING FOR HIM TO FIND PEACE and accept the fact that maybe he has finally found it. NOONE knows the complexity of the fight unless you have fought it. Oh sure....most Christians just classify it as "sin" and easily suggests "turn it over to God", but "turning it over to God" doesn't make the attraction go away.

So if you people of superior Christian knowledge can change someone's sexual attraction.....Show us your stuff......If not...SHUT UP

Reading some of the comments here saddens me that there are still many within the Christian world who have not been able to move beyond, stereotypes, preconceived ideas and misconceptions about what it means to be gay or lesbian.

Ray should be congratulated for his honesty, which is course is an important Christian value. What maybe some haven’t realised is the enormous struggle one must go through to be honest, firstly with yourself, then to those who are close to you and finally to the wider world. And knowing of course that the honesty will possibly mean rejection or even hatred.

Coming out is a courageous step for anyone but to do it within some Christian circles today is, unfortunately, kamikaze.

Having had a similar journey to Ray it was unfortunate that no one told me early in life that I could be gay, live a moral life and be a person of faith. That message would have saved me years of torment and much heartache for my former wife and children.

How Christians respond to Ray’s honesty will determine if they belong to the genuine church of Jesus Christ that reflects unconditional love and compassion or a group of religious people who are more concerned with judgment and condemnation. My prayer is it will be the former not the latter.

Today I find myself constantly reminding people who want to judge me and make all sorts of wrong assumptions about the way I live my life because I’m gay that ‘my morality is a choice, my sexual orientation however isn’t’.

Thank you Christianity Today!!!!!

I am so glad that Ray Boltz has made this decision! And that the owners of this web site reported it. God is moving. This is so cool.

My heart has been so concerned for homosexuals for years. The Church has shunned them in so many ways. Jesus came not into the world to condemn the world, but that all through Him might be saved.

The attributes of God....Peace, Love, Long Suffering, ever present, all knowing....etc. I trust God when it comes to this issue and all the other issues that face my life.

Today I was drinking coffee with a couple of Evangelical friends. We were discussing this Ray Boltz announcement....one said Christian and Gay, that must be an oxymoron. The other said no, for she has been leading a Bible study with several lesbian women for over 3 years now. I thank God for this friend. She has taught me so much about God and about a relationship with Him.

Yes I am a lesbian and I continue to pray that God will work within the gay lifestyle. I pray for Ray and all those concerned. May God heal his heart and bless him as he ministers to the gay community.

Thank you Lord! It is just so cool to see Him working!
KB

Jesus had nothing to say on the subject. He did tell us not to lust, but I don't think this is lust. If God wanted Ray to change, he would change him. Repentence is not necessary because Jesus paid for our debt of sin on the cross, "It is Finished...". Now those who were fans of his will now hate him because of this. But you have to remember than none of us are better than he is. I'm sure if he could really love a woman in a romantic sense, he would because his life would be so much easier then. I do think his family needs our prayers to help them through this difficult time.

"Thank you" Ray. Be who you are. A Christian who happens to be gay. Continue to be a light.

A City On A Hill Ministries
Escondido, CA

I love How people automaticaly label us right wing athuoritarian for quoting scripture. I find it funny that people who call themselves Christian can openly defy the Word of God. it has been stated in these post all the scripture of the New Testament that shows that God thinks Homosexuality is wrong. Lets look at the science of this for a minute. What does homo mean what does hetro mean? Homo same throughout. Hetro a mixture a combination of different things. The Bible clearly teachs that in these last days people will be given over to their own desires. I am praying for Ray. I love him dearly as commanded to by God. The whole love ur neighbor as your self thing. But God is detested by the sin and so am I. No 1 sin is greater then another they are all horribly wrong in God's eyes. So Ray Boltz were really the same i have lied he thinks he is homosexual we would both be goin to hell. But their is one critical difference i have been for given and am saved by Grace

I love How people automaticaly label us right wing athuoritarian for quoting scripture. I find it funny that people who call themselves Christian can openly defy the Word of God. it has been stated in these post all the scripture of the New Testament that shows that God thinks Homosexuality is wrong. Lets look at the science of this for a minute. What does homo mean what does hetro mean? Homo same throughout. Hetro a mixture a combination of different things. The Bible clearly teachs that in these last days people will be given over to their own desires. I am praying for Ray. I love him dearly as commanded to by God. The whole love ur neighbor as your self thing. But God is detested by the sin and so am I. No 1 sin is greater then another they are all horribly wrong in God's eyes. So Ray Boltz were really the same i have lied he thinks he is homosexual we would both be goin to hell. But their is one critical difference i have been for given and am saved by Grace

Really? Lust? Sodomy? All the "Christians" in here need to read the true word of God. Not the ones that have been edited throughout the years by MAN! Ray living an honest life as a gay man has nothing to do with giving in to his lust! It has nothing to do with any other sin! It has to do with being honest with whom GOD made him! Just because you are gay does not mean that you are living a life of sin. Maybe he wants to live in truth and love! So if he marries another man he will be living in sin? Get some new scriptures to quote! Jesus never said anything about Homosexuals! The word Homosexual was added just 150 years ago! I am a christian gay man and believe it or not God uses my music to reach people for him! You the "Christian" Sing my songs in church to worship him weekly. WOW how can you actually be singing a gay man's songs to worship God? Because God does not care, Judge or hate! He only loves his people. THATS IT! Yes we all should strive to be Good people and love others as he does! That's the bottom line. So please before you cast judgement and feel sad for Ray. DONT. Ray should be happier than he has ever been. To have that guilt lifted off your shoulders is a gift from God. His family is happy for him. So lets all just lift Ray and his family up in prayer rather than feel sad and ashamed for him. He is going to reach far more people being honest about who he is than who he could reach being in the closet trying to make the "Christians" happy and comfortable. Ray loves all of you just as Jesus does!

“This is what it really comes down to,” he says. “If this is the way God made me, then this is the way I’m going to live. It’s not like God made me this way and he’ll send me to hell if I am who he created me to be … I really feel closer to God because I no longer hate myself.”

Can we just accept we are sinners, throw up our hands and say "oh, well" and live like sinners? Can I have lustful or murderous thoughts against someone and say "if this is the way God made me, then this is the way I'm going to live"?

Christ has told us that we NEED to hate ourselves in order to follow Him! If he feels closer to God as a result of living out his sin, I'm afraid he has either hardened his heart against the Spirit, or was never a child of God from the beginning. He may be one of those saying "Lord, Lord, did I not..."

Ok Ray Boltz has said he does not want to debate the issue and will no longer attend certain denomination churches. Very well. Mr Boltz has a christian background and has experienced the truth and a relationship with God. Mr Boltz has made his choice, he has chosen the path of deception and lies. It is his decision and his eternal life. We are witnessing the end days and the destruction of the church and the body of Christ. We need to hold up the world in prayer.

This story would be a lot less sad if so-called Christians would cease turning on their own as soon as they admit to struggling with sin. If Boltz had announced he was an alcoholic, or greedy, or committed adultery he could expect compassion, healing, and forgiveness from a large portion of Christ followers. Homosexuality (ewww, yucky!) it seems, is the new Unforgivable Sin.

I'm sorry, I didn't realize that being homosexual was worse than any other sin that everyone else commits. Even living the lifestyle of a homosexual is no worse or different than being a heterosexual who practices any type of sex outside of marriage, than being addicted to any controlled substance (be that caffeine or nicotine or cocaine), or than being a compulsive liar. There's only one sin that Jesus won't forgive and that's blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28-29). You can't say that one sin (other than the one just mentioned), or any lifestyle of sin is worse than any other. WE are the ones that put a rating system on sins... God doesn't. They're all equally sinful and forgiven in His eyes.

You also can't throw stones because you aren't Jesus. John 8:1-11.

NeoFundy outside of homosexuality you list could describe pretty much any church in America today. How do I feel about Gays, not sure, why, because I'm old enough to remember when the church ostracized divorces. Can you image that happening today? I don't think so.

It is not a sad story at all. It is a wonderful story of self acceptance, of keeping faith and moving on. It is a story of a man liberated in Christ able now to live fully in God's love.
I have found that most people that beleive sexual orientation is a choice also beleive in a 7 day creation or some similar notion.
All this sadness for a man that found his life. I don't get it.

Well I guess Ray thinks God was joking when He said homosexuality is an abomination before His eyes. If God is speaking the truth (and He does not lie) why would God "make" Ray a homosexual ? When people are in sin and chose to continue in that path they must always make up justifications in their mind to excuse or make their sin "acceptable" to thenselves. This is self deception.

For those who would condemn Ray Boltz who is simply being who God created him to be should read Matthew 7:1 and Romans 2:1. Also should read Matthew 10 where Jesus could have said somthing about homseuxlity but did not, because it was not an issue. Most of all people who condmen should be rminded of John 3:16-18 which is in simply terms Jesus plus nothing for salvation. Our walk into Heaven is not based upon our sexuality but based upon Jesus and Him alone. As of todate I am still waiting for the so-called Christians to debate me on this issue. Unfortantely Dr. Jerry Farwell and Dr. James Kennedy are both gone and others still have not reponded such as Dr. James Dobson, Dr. Pat Robertson, and others in their circle. It would be nice to debate the issue, because too many people who come out of the closet such as Ray Boltz are condemened when Scripture says nothing against Homosexuality. I want Ray to know that God is still there and his name is still in the Book of Life. Amen (Rom. 8:38-39).

Go read the testimony of Dennis Jernigan at www.dennisjernigan.com There is a way out of this, unless of course he wants to remain in his sin :( He has clearly exchanged the truth of God for a lie!

I do not condone what has been done here. However, it takes great courage to admit something like that, especially in the Christian community, because we expect a certain standard to be upheld, and rightly so. Is it my place to judge? Certainly not! To go along with several other comments, we all make sinful choices and when they are reconciled to God, we can begin the process of forgiving ourselves and allowing God to use them for good. Did God create me to be abused for many years, to self-injure and attempt suicide more times than I can count?? Those are things that happened, some by the choices of others whose lives are led by Satan and some of my own decisions. I still struggle with some of these things today, and healing will not be complete until I'm in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Still, I have made some awful choices, but they were forgiven centuries before I existed. They can be used because of my choice to give them to God. That doesn't mean I have shifted responsibility for the things caused by my own hand. It means that I exercised specific sins for years and still struggle at times, but I have accepted the grace God extends so I can go on with life. The freedom is in knowing God will use it all.
These experiences and feelings can open the doors for others to receive healing just because that's how our just but merciful and gracious God works. He can certainly do so with this entire matter of Ray Boltz, but he has to choose to let God to work through itt, not excuse the clear authority of Scripture. Once again, it's not my place to judge, and I can never fill that role without dishonoring God. This is just a sad reminder of the sin we constantly find ourselves in. Christians are not immune to sinful pleasures. Jesus died for the sins of all men, and that is freeing, but not so in a manner as to allow sinful practices to be continued. The freedom is from bondage. Ultimately, this is an issue that will end with Ray Boltz and God, not the media, the church or the Christian community in general. We need to pray for this reconciliation with God as he continues to struggle with this. Pray for peace and courage to do what is right according to Scripture. Perhaps we also need to pray that he will be graciously received. After all, how different is the sin of the homosexual lifestyle from that of stealing a dime from the offering plate?? Sin is sin...

How terribly sickening! I guess God should apologize to Sodom for destroying them because of His misplaced disapproval of their being honest with themselves about their wicked desires for the same sex.. All SAVED people should condemn this behaviour because a holy God does. READ THE BIBLE.

"Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;) That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God." (Leviticus 18:22-30)

"If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you. And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast." (Leviticus 20:13-15)

Some of you should be ashamed of yourselves. There but for the grace of God go YOU.

1) Bestiality and pedophilia are psychological illnesses that have NOTHING to do with homosexuality. They are by and large the result of extremely abusive or dysfunctional childhood environments and people who suffer from these diseases are CREATED, not born as such. I suggest cracking open a copy of "Psychology For Dummies" for clarity. Actually, watch any show on TruTV and you'll get the gist. Also note that homosexuality has not been listed as a deviant psychological behavior for nearly thirty years now.

2) Adultery and polygamy are indeed choices. Duh. But neither have anything to do with homosexuality. To imply so is nothing but sheer ignorance. Again...crack a book other than your Bible and broaden your horizons a little.

3) Scientific studies are proving more and more every day that there are genes in our DNA that may predispose certain individuals to a homosexual life. But silly me...you people don't accept that evolution could even be a part of the creation process, even though it's SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN to be...so why would I think you would believe science when they are trying to tell you that homosexuals can indeed be born this way? Sorry. I spoke out of turn, there. Guess we have to erect a few hundred more dinosaur skeletons first. *slapping forehead*

4) Ray Boltz can no more CHOOSE to be gay than heterosexuals can CHOOSE to be straight. It just is. People...IT. JUST. IS. The only CHOICE he is making is to stop lying about it, stop making himself feel like he is a worthless piece of crap for having these feelings and reconciling himself to the FACT that God loves him STILL and REGARDLESS and JUST THE WAY HE WAS MADE.

5) I'm not even going to go into the whole Sodom thing. If you people would try and research the history of that time period along with your scriptures, I'm pretty sure you'd have one of Oprah's "Aha!" moments. I'm so sick of that story in the Bible being misused and abused to promote hate that I want to vomit.

6) The Bible commands a woman be stoned to death for commiting adultery. We don't do that anymore because we realize that it's inhumane and just plain wrong. When is the church going to realize that its treatment of homosexuals is also inhumane and wrong and start embracing with love, as Jesus commanded us to and did Himself? And don't tell me for one second that you can "love" someone and yet shun them from society. Wrong answer.

I was always raised to never be ashamed to say I'm a Christian. These days I am not ashamed to say I love Jesus...but I am most DEFINITELY ashamed to call myself a Christian, when today's Christians stand for nothing but judgement, hatred and intolerance. I'll proudly label myself a FAITHFUL HERETIC, thank you very much. I'm pretty sure Jesus is cool with it. I mean...the dude was quite the radical hippy, after all.

To Mr. Boltz (because I am QUITE sure he is reading this): Be strong and courageous. Know that you are loved, know that you are a divine creation in the eyes of God and that your legacy on this earth is one of beauty and honor. Know that there are plenty of other GAY CHRISTIANS in this world and that it's no one's decision as to whether or not you are a child of God but HIS and YOURS. May you be blessed and enjoy contentment of heart for the rest of your days, living in your truth.

MAY WE ALL.

Sincerely,
Darci Monet
Professional Vocalist, Songwriter, Vocal Coach, Faithful Heretic and Recovered (and Repentent) Gay-Hater

Chad wrote, "I can understand why Mr. Boltz does not want to debate the Scriptures -- if I were a homosexual, I'd want to ignore them as well. The fact is that the Bible strongly condemns sodomy, and Mr. Boltz has chosen to embrace his flesh and this sinful life choice and ignore God. If he is a believer, I pray that the Spirit of God will give him no rest or peace until he repents and confesses his sin to God. If he is not saved, I pray that the Gospel will take root in his heart and remove the blindness that sin causes."

Well said, with the right balance.

LM

Very sad, that bad theology can invade and destroy a life like this. Mr. Boltz, I pray that you turn back to God - He will receive you!

Homosexuality is a SIN. Some people struggle with pornography, some with drinking or adultry. That is temptation. God is not wishy-washy. He does not say "Don't be a homosexual" and then goes and creates someone to be gay. Its sad that this man has convinced himself that homosexuality is okay when countless scriptures say differently.

my heart aches for your struggle, and I have to disagree with you, that God made you this way, this is a sin many people struggle with, just as drunkenness and adultery are sins people struggle with, but God tells us, just as He told the woman caught in adultery "Go and Sin no more."

God tells us to flee temptation, not run into it's arms, as you say you are doing.

God did not tell us the Christian walk would be easy, but says it will be difficult, because we constantly struggle against the desires of the flesh. The lies of the devil that once you become a Christian everything will change for you and that you will no longer struggle, is just that a lie, and I wish Pastors would quit lying to people about that.

I trust you know what God says, do not be deceived that God made you this way, so therefore you must live this way, that is totally contrary to what Scripture teaches. May Christ work in your heart to really know Him and what His word teaches.

I'm sure Jesus is simply thrilled with all the love being shown in this thread. Straw-man arguments and slippery slope logical fallacies...yeah, that's what Jesus is about.

Someone mentioned bearing fruit. From what I can see, God has produced tons of good fruit through Ray Boltz over the years, despite the orientation he was created with. I know his music has touched my life and many others. Seems like good fruit to me, and if a tree produces good fruit, it is a good tree. It's almost as if orientation doesn't matter...

As for Romans 1, check out the five verses preceding v26 for a little context, and note the BECAUSE at the start of v26. I know context can really mess up a self-righteous argument, but I don't believe Ray Boltz is engaging in fertility cult worship.

God bless Ray Boltz, just as he is, and may he continue to glorify God by bearing good fruit.

I am a Christian, and a Lesbian. God loves and accepts me and Ray and all His children, exactly as He created us. It's too bad that the folks quoting Scripture are pulling it out of context and have never researched that Jesus never said one word about homosexuality and that the word Translated homosexuality in the N.T. was not included until the 1940's. the OT Scriptures were not translated correclty as homosexual either. So, I pray for Ray and his family that the misunderstanding of those who claim to know the Scripture will not damage him further! God is a good God...and the only thing we need to know is that He loves and accepts each one of us. Homosexuality is not a Sin, or a choice and to lump it in with other decisions of life that are a choice, is just another miscariage of Justice. Praise God that Ray has taken steps to be identified for who he is, not what he does!

Thank You, Ray, for coming out.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Would Jesus Discriminate?
www.mccchurch.org

I'm disturbed by some of the mean-spiritedness of these comments. While I don't agree with the direction Mr. Boltz has chosen for his life, we do need to understand that same-sex attraction is not a simple thing to overcome. Those who are so affected -- particularly within the Christian community -- often suffer in secret, unable to tell their pastors or Christian friends what they are struggling with. Once they do tell, they often face condemnation and ostracism, even if they are actively struggling against the attraction.

Believing that we were not designed for same-gender sexual relationships, does not have to mean that we speak about this with smug self-righteousness and sarcasm, as is the case with many (not all) of these comments.

This man is our brother. Many of us have enjoyed and been inspired by his songs these many years. Why would we now speak of him with contempt?

If you would like to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem, how about offering friendship, grace and comfort to someone with a same-sex attraction -- whether they are acting on it or not? As the friendship develops, you might find that you have wisdom to share -- or not. Perhaps your gay friend has some wisdom to share with you.

We are all broken. Let us not forget this. When we single out one aspect of brokenness (which, conveniently, WE don't struggle with), and throw stones at people who do suffer in this way, it is better that a millstone be hung about our necks.

Brent Hobbs said "How pathetically sad."

Not any more pathetically sad then YOUR sins Brent. Yes he needs to repent but so do you for your judgemental attitude.

Chad, the Bible condemns lying, and yet, you have lied repeatedly.

"I can understand why Mr. Boltz does not want to debate the Scriptures -- if I were a homosexual, I'd want to ignore them as well. The fact is that the Bible strongly condemns sodomy, "

As a Gay Christian, I have no need to ignore the Scripture, and enjoy debating it. It is easy to prove that the mainstream, homophobic theology 'homosexuality is sin' is heresy of the rankest kind. The Bible does not condemn same-sex sexual intimacy, nor does it condemn the sexual acts like oral sex and anal sex currently included in the term sodomy.

You raped Paul's text, taking it out of context, for Paul is condemning idolatry, not homosexuality. Homosexuality is innate, claims that it chosen are instantations of bearing false witness, sin. And because homosexuality is innate, homosexuals do not exchange or give up one sexual attraction for another.

Others here have quoted from 1st Corinthians, relying on a fraudulent translation to falsely accuse millions of human beings. While greek of Paul's time and culture had two words for the concept homosexual or men who have sex with men, Paul did not use either one (erestes and eranamos). Instead he used a common insult for men failed in business, were cowards in war, or tried too hard to please their wives, malakoi; and Paul made up a word. The true sin is the assumption that the loving, unitive, spiritual lovemaking between two people of the same gender, is somehow comparable to murder and stealin and adultery.

There is grievious sin here, but it isn't homosexuality or lovemaking between two people of the same gender. The sin is in the vile and degrading assumptions made by self-righteous hets who assume that Ray's experience of God, and that of every GLBTQ Christian, is automatically wrong because it doesn't fit the mainstream prejudice.

Chad, you quoted Romans 1 - have you the integrity to see that verses 29-31 accurately depict not only the anti-gay posts here, but conservative Christians response to the existence and witness of GLBTQ people for centuries?

It is sad, indeed. I can understand someone having sinful tendencies. We ALL have them. However, we are to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ. The easy thing to do is to give in to the feelings we have. Whether they be feelings to steal, murder, commit adultery, abuse a child or whatever. I'm certainly not saying that being gay is like committing murder, I am only stating that just because one "feels" a certain way, it doesn't give them license to give in to the feelings. That is what makes us different than animals. Animals have a stimulus and they respond out of instinct. Humans are quite different. We have the choice to respond resist.

I pray blessings on Ray Boltz, but I do not accept his excuse for his sin. He made a decision to give in to the lifestyle and not to resist it, plain and simple. I wish for him no ill will, but I do pray that his eyes would be open to the truth that feelings are NOT the gauge for truth. I do not believe that God's makes one gay.

Ray did not say he wanted to avoid the scripture. He said he did not wish to debate it with others. I do not blame him. It is exhausting to debate with people whose minds are already made up, who have no intention of true discussion, who only want to beat you up with their particular interpretation of scripture, and then say with mock innocence, "It's not interpretation. I am just saying what the Bible says." They pretend that it is even possible to translate from ancient languages into modern English without making interpretations and guesses. They pretend that culture and context have no importance when trying to get at the heart of an ancient writing. Ray Boltz has spoken his truth. He has shared his understanding of God. I commend him for his faith and his faithfulness and his honesty, traits which most modern Bible-thumpers lack in abundance. Peace.

There's no substitute for experience. I believe we shouldn't comment on things we've never dealt with. God and orientation aren't for the unwise/uneducated/ill-informed to discuss.

May God bless all his children and all his children love passionately one another - the way He would have it to be!

My heart and prayers go out to Ray for encouragement during these trying and discriminating/hurtful days ahead.

I feel for him in his struggle with this sin. But the argument that "God hasn't taken it away from me, so it must be OK" is a fundamental misunderstanding of sanctification and the "flesh". We all will have to fight against sin by the Spirit until the Adoption, that is, the redemption (changing) of these bodies. I sure wish God would ZAP me and take away any and every desire to look at pretty naked women. Unfortunately that won't change 'til later, but for now I must mortify those desires. And if I don't..and happen to habitually engage in immoral behavior..no matter how "saved" I think I am..I am heading for eternal condemnation. The warnings in Scripture against his (and our) sexual abberations should sober us, cause us to spiritually take a whif of the fire and brimstone of eternal punishment and, either, spur us on perseverance by grace and faith, or forshadow the regretable and irreversible fate that awaits "workers of iniquity." Sad, but true.

In a day and age that we claim to be so smart, so with it, so technologically advanced, yet as a society and world, we spend so much time on who is 'right' and who is 'wrong' and who is living their life according to somebody else's rules.

For the record, the bible was written a LONG time ago... and changed many, many, many times according to the agenda of those in power, to thrust upon ideas and guidance and direction for society. It's not right or wrong... just think about it. Who is to gain by the rules of the bible?

Who gains from teaching others from a fear based stance? What do you get from telling others what is right or wrong based on a book? Who is to say what God wants for us?

Isn't the relationship between a human's God and a human between the God and the human?

Who are we, to say, how God loves us or not? Who we are to love or not? or whether or not they are to be the same sex as we are or not?

We can put a man on the moon for how many years now...? And yet, sexual choice, similarities and differences still stumps us as if WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO TELL OTHERS WHAT THEY CAN AND CANNOT DO IN RELATION TO LOVING ONE ANOTHER...

Where did any of us get the idea that we have the RIGHT to tell others how to live and love? That is NOT in the bible I grew up on.

God, my God(Creator, however you want to say it) LOVES ME. How do I know? Because I was born and I get to live my life as I choose with an inner voice and guideline of human kindness.

My personal choice of partner is a man. I am a woman. I have been told by women who were 'straight' who at some point in their lives, fell in love with women, that their love falls in love with a person, not the sex of a person. Love loves love. Love doesn't love just because a person is male or female. I admire the ability to love another human being and it not being about the sex of the other person. That concept just amazes me.

My mother is gay yet, for the first 11 years of my life, and how I got here, she was married to my father and had male partners. Do I love my mother(or gay friends~ I've also been in the cosmetology business for years) any less than she deserves? Absolutely not. Do I or have I ever had the urge to tell her how to live her life? Absolutely not. Do I feel I have the right to? F-ck no, I don't.

And with that, I cannot for the best of me, understand why anyone feels they have the right to dictate and determine the path of another human being and to boot, base it on a book written by humans in relation to an agenda.

Since our society does not spend much time announcing this information... if you were to study homosexuality, you would find out that it's existed as long as humans have been on the planet. There are cultures that choose it as a form of birth control. There are also animals that practice it. Since Christianity is only a mere 2,000 years old(or so) I challenge anyone in question to study the Greeks, who's society is 4-5,000 years old, where homosexual behavior has been acceptable for twice as LONG as Christianity has even existed. Just go to Greece(I have) to find out more.

Our society assumes that what we know today is how it's always been. It is a pompous way to think... and does not serve us as a culture or world. If you are curious, study the history of homosexuality BEFORE church and state and other's opinions got involved.

Now, before whoever is reading this, gets their panties in a bunch, I was raised Roman Catholic(including schooling) and participated in youth group and studies until I graduated highschool. My involvement in church for years following was disappointing for me in that mass became a place for the priests to push an agenda(anti divorce, anti abortion, ills of the world) and through a series of events, I joined an Episcople church. I have found in New York, Stratford Upon Avon, England... at different Episcople churchs, a warm and inviting atmosphere.

There is an openness which has earned the title, "Catholic light". All are welcome to practice and mass typically is about how to be a better person, to be a better neighbor, to deal with your own emotions,etc. I have not found masses ever to be a political pulpit of judgement and fear. In Episcople mass, I find it to be truly what I believe all religions to be based on, brotherhood, love, charity and support.

Now that you know a bit of my history, back to the issue of criticizing a person for the path his life is meant to be on....

Each one of us, so it's been said... in that book, you know, the bible... that we are created in the image of God. I believe that each one of us is perfect, perfectly us. The feeling of imperfection comes from the desire to compare ourselves to others. How can we feel our Divinity and personal perfection if we EVER compare ourselves to others? It's impossible.

Why is it that when we see newborn babies, we stare at them and marvel at the perfection of God's miracle? The eyelashes, the fingers, toes, nose, cute tushy, the skin, the scent... everything about a baby is perfect and God's perfect miracle(and our hope for the future) yet, as adults, it's said that, "Nobody's perfect". Well, if we all started out as God's miracle and perfect, when did each of us, fall from Grace?

The fact is, we have not. It is the opinion of others, the creates a sense of imperfection.

I could go on and I believe in the intelligence and heart of anyone who will cross this bulletin board and read it. This is not about casting stones... it is about honoring the blessing of life in each of us and all of our brothers and sisters in our human family. Honoring the heart, feelings and mind of each of us. The wonder and the differences that make us who we are. It is through this behavior, that tolerance, patience and love will win out.

For darkness cannot exist in the presence of light. If you've read this, you cannot ever forget that you did. I believe that this posting may piss you off or not and it might just create a more tolerant world, one by one in honor of Ray Boltz and all of those who came out before him.

Hi Christianity Today many of us have poted blogs that have not shown up in support of Ray and his family. We are Christians and would like for our blogs to post as well Thank you! I'm wondering if there will be fair and accurate postings for everyones thoughts and feelings? I hope so! Thanks! Lisa Darden

Hey Ray! You or I are not a lable. I am a Southern Baptist Preacher's kid age 44 and came out to a few friends 4 years ago and my parents 2 years ago. Like you, I could not live in the dark any more and being in the light is so much more freeing and I have been blessed more now in my life through blessings from God than when I hid in a damn closet. We are beatiful creations that God created in His own image. I pray that you have a truly fulfilled life doing whatever you chose and a blessed relationship. Thanks for standing for yourself and being true to yourself. Live!

Acts 16: 30And he brought them out [of the dungeon] and said, Men, what is it necessary for me to do that I may be saved?

31And they answered, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ [[a]give yourself up to Him, [b] take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping] and you will be saved, [and this applies both to] you and your household as well.
---------------------------------------------------------------
End of story...there is no condemnation for those in Christ

I look forward to the day when we Christians as a body can hear such news and not resort to citing scriptural "proof" against gays or knee-jerk dismissals of a so-called "lifestyle." It's striking how people can mention references supposedly against homosexuality as we understand it today and yet recognize a more nuanced view that passages, often mere paragraphs away, which tell women not to cut their hair, tell people how to treat their slaves, or require people not to charge interest on loans must be viewed in the proper historical context. And how deplorable to see loving another human being compared to pedophilia or alcoholism. I do see hope in the changing attitudes of the younger generations, however, who are much more likely to have been exposed to LGBT people in general and even LGBT believers and have realized they are not the Devil and have a faith in Jesus as vibrant, wonderful, complex, and genuine as anyone else's.

No wonder Ray Boltz doesn't wish to debate scripture with people who've already made up their minds anyway instead of trying to put themselves in another believer's shoes and possibly consider the incredibly personal and prayerful Christ-centered journey that many LGBT Christians have led. At least the ones who haven't been driven away from the Church in great part due to the unfathomably unloving and close-minded attitudes of other Christians.

Congratulations to Ray; may he be a light to the many LGBT Christians (closeted and otherwise...and with reactions like those above, no wonder so many are afraid to come out), but more importantly, to the Body as a whole. Christ be praised!

Fellow believers,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's law. I have learned a great deal from you, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.

When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. How should I deal with this?

I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as it suggests in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

Lev. 25:44 states that I may buy slaves from the nations that are around us. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans but not Canadians. Can you clarify?

I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 10:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

Lev. 20:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear prescription glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Good for Ray! It's sad it's taken him this long to be at peace with who he IS and has ALWAYS been. God doesn't make junk!

For anyone who compares a homosexual to besitality or pedophiles is simply IGNORANT! They are forms of abuse where both parties are not consensual. In the Bible, when it talks about "sodomy" (which has wrongly been translated to 'homosexual'. The term 'homosexual' wasn't even derived until the 1940's), the Bible is NEVER talking about consensual love between same-sex people, but forms of rape and abuse. How do you compare this to a loving, committed, relationship?

We are all souls having a physical experience. The genitals between our legs don't mean anything to God! What God cares about is the essence of our being - and if we're lucky and blessed enough in life to find another soul to love and partner with - BLESS GOD! LOVE is the answer - period.

Ray will write many more songs - more powerful than ever - because he will finally be writing FREE - because the TRUTH has set him FREE indeed.

God bless him!

Debate scripture? That's pretty delusional.

God Almighty said it and meant it. I don't believe I'll change His mind with shallow debate.

I was 17 or 18 years old when I attended my first Ray Boltz concert. I can remember watching the hundreds of folks come forward during the alter call. The mothers and grandmothers, husbands and even teens touched that night by this man's anointed message. In the late 90's Ray's music was everywhere. His songs were among the most poignant and yet simple presentation of the gospel ever penned. Who here can not listen to “watch the lamb” and be transported to the day of Christ's crucifixion or listen to “Shepard boy” and feel the sense of God's call on their ordinary lives. I suspect there are few in the evangelical community who have not been ministered to by Ray's powerful yet ever so simple message of God's love.

How quickly we turn into a bunch of stuck up elitist hypocritical judges.

Can someone please tell me what's the difference between some of these comments and the condemnations of the pharisees and the Sadducee? Cause I can't see it. Rather then listening to the man's heart you cast your stones at him “in the name of love.”

In the interview he's told us of his struggle...what more do you want from a fellow human being. Isn't that enough. Can you not at least be satisfied that he has come to a place in his life where he can be honest with God and with his fellow man?

You chastise him for his “deception.”

What deception?

His deception of telling the world that we all need a savior?

His deception of telling the world that God loves them no matter what they are going through?

We talk of revival and we play our oh soo spiritual games, yet when one of us tells us that maybe our way of thinking needs to change a little, why they must have “boughten a lie.”

You want revival?

How about letting your heart break over his struggle and for a church that made it impossible for him to be who it was that he felt god made him to be.

How about a little humility and putting down your stones and letting his story break your heart until you are able to look into the eyes of a gay relative, friend or co-worker and be able to love them like Jesus loves them, unconditional and with out your religious piety.

I am so tired of this debate over how to handle someone's perceived sin. When you can show me the nail prints in your hands then you can talk and preach and condemn.

But until then sin is God's business..not yours.

Your business..the churches business... is to simply love.

But that's harder then throwing stones isn't it.

It's much easier to start spewing our dusty Victorian interpretation of six or seven bible versus then it is to understand the whole of scripture....

“For God so loved the world...”

Maybe one of these days or hearts will break and our love will flow..but obviously from the words I read on this board, It won't be today.

And yes, I too am gay.

And for the record, when I came out 15 years ago as a confused young man who had struggled his whole life with the issue, it was Ray's music that helped me to understand just how simple the gospel message really is.

To him I say “Thank you.”

This is very grieving, its clearly mentioned in the Bible! how can there be something like LGBT? and how can a Church welcome such things? is Sodom and Gomorrah back again? i should say its much worse than that coz a Church that already knows GOD is supporting these things, what is happening to today's generation we are removing GOD in every area of our life disobeying his word, may GOD have mercy on this generation!!!

Ray will be in my prayers!!!

This is very grieving, its clearly mentioned in the Bible! how can there be something like LGBT? and how can a Church welcome such things? is Sodom and Gomorrah back again? i should say its much worse than that coz a Church that already knows GOD is supporting these things, what is happening to today's generation we are removing GOD in every area of our life disobeying his word, may GOD have mercy on this generation!!!

Ray will be in my prayers!!!

I don't find this to be a sad story. I find this to be a human story. So many Christians live in such dire black & white, in an "us vs. them" mentality it's heartbreaking. "They" are human beings. Until you walk in their shoes, you don't have a clue. A friend didn't tell me she had an abortion for three months afterwards because she knows I'm pro-life. She was a wreck emotionally and had no one to talk to... I bet a majority of you reading this have already judged her. Seriously, who do we think we are? We point fingers because it's something we don't understand so it's easy to be vocal about it.

Live your life out of love not fear. It's amazing... you DO become closer to God when you stop hating yourself. People always talk about being deceived by Satan. We are deceived. But deceived that God doesn't expect us to be human. The real reason why God cries...

Just live your lives, people. If he didn't struggle with such darkness for years- that he wasn't good enough for God, that He was only a sinner, homosexuality being his defining characteristic... imagine the joy and love he would have really brought people. If you feel it on the inside, you project it on the outside. I truly believe that's what God desires of us. Being who he created us to be.

I'm sure all you "Sad" people don't realize that the word "homosexual" wasn't added to the English translation until 150yrs ago. Just keep twisting the Bible to make it what you want "Christians". Truth WILL set you free and thankfully Ray found his Truth! RAY, thanks for being a TRUE example of love in this world full of cookie cutter literal Bible readers.

I too am a Christian. The Bible had been used for so long to oppress people who God made different. The Scripture says the truth will set you free and Ray has been set free. You dissect scripture which was not originally broken down by verses and put and choose to prove your points. Leviticus and Romans were both talking about idol worship and not Homosexuality as we know it today. Sodom's sin was inhospitality not homosexuality as you would believe. Homosexuality is not a choice and soon the medical field will prove this just like scientist proved the earth was round despite what the Bible says. I praise Ray and his courage and I know God loves me despite what you Pharisees seem to teach,I am now closer to God than ever before and this is my prayer.
Dear God,

I have come to you today,
Because, well, you know, I am gay.
The world thinks that this is my choice,
So they refuse to hear my voice.

I have been told that you hate me,
Can this really be a possibility?
They say that I am damned to an eternal hell,
But if I act, as if I am not what I am, all will be well.

But God you know I have tried,
You know how many times I have cried.
You know that I have pleaded for a change,
That my life you would take and rearrange.

But no matter how hard I tried,
No matter how many tears I cried,
Everything inside of me has remained the same,
So I ask you now, who should I blame?

Do I blame the society who is unaware?
Do I blame the people who just do not care?
Do I blame those who sit by and shake their head?
Proclaiming that I would be better off dead.

We have become the lepers of today,
And everything that goes wrong is blamed on those who are gay.
However, I know that I am who I am today,
Because it was you, who made me this way.

I did not choose to purposely disobey,
I did not choose to turn away,
But I have chosen to be who I am,
Without shame and not living a sham.

I have chosen to embrace the gift of love,
For surely, this was the gift from above.
So God, now I ask you take me by the hand,
And help me make others understand.

Remove the blindfolds from their eyes,
Remove their shackles and disapproving cries,
Awaken in them the spirit of love so true,
And let them know that being gay…came from you.

Mac McClure August 28, 2005

This is so sad and shows just how far we as a society have fallen. Sin is Sin! Ray made the choice to leave his wife and children and to be gay, not God and he has to repent. We all sin, but it is our choice and we all have to repent and take responsibility for our sin. If Ray does not change he will burn in Hell. This is not me judging, but a fact from God. We all have free will and WE make choices every day. Ray does not want to talk about scriptures because he knows He is wrong and He can't dispute what the bible says. Sin is Sin and Lust is Lust and Homosexuality is a Sin. Divorce is a Sin. I pray for Ray and his family.

This does not shock this vessel for the spirit of the tongues has been bound concerning the campaign to elect who is God's Choice in revealed from the concealed. And the tongue of TRUTH PURE TRUTH was released only to speak to know the heart of man and women all intents to make it clear. Praise God, that prayer went ALL THE WAY out even to Ray Boltz heart in conviction, for much was bound in Jesus Name of Nazareth. HalleluYah. Ray Boltz has been unfair to his brothers and sisters over 30 years singing the songs of worship... even the accuser of the brother is well versed in these! In this hour this vessel leaves Ray Boltz in The Hands of The Living God, God of Israel, we pray America's destiny and ALL FLESH. He was wrong to not tell people when He first came out... after all their support. It shows you how satan REALLY deceives well and is an angel of light perverting the righteous way as written in Acts 13-9-10. This vessel will stand with God of Israel in His Written Word in Romans 1:32. I ask mercy for his soul and ways, in forgiveness even now, in Jesus Name of Nazareth. Many of us still today goes through THE FIRE to keep the fragrance of flesh burning in The Living God's Nostrils... for HE LOVES THE SMELL OF BURNING FLESH... it doesn't take YEARS to get to the brazen lavarn (sp). It's a free will choice, period. Praising God for the PURIFIED and CONVICTING TRUTH. HalleluYah. Praying for Carol and that she is healed quickly in Jesus Name of Nazareth. Amazingly, this vessel was going to purchase a CD a while back but The Father held me back??? NOW I KNOW WHY. He will never fail us. Praise God. Ray Boltz through allowing the adversary his way and bowing to the father of lies deceived not only himself, but many, many others. Help us, Holy Spirit in Jesus Name of Nazareth, in mercy. We repent Holy Father for any type of association that lured us in, cleanse us and forgive us immediately, we declare The Holy Blood of The Lamb who bought this moment, EVEN FOR RAY in Jesus Name of Nazareth. Decreed, SEALED, AMEN.

Romans Chapter 1 paints a picture of how this is clearly sin. Sadly, it is incredibly likely that Ray is a false convert. The Bible says that certain people have been given over to a deluding influence, having their foolish hearts darkened. These people not only do these acts, but take pleasure in others that do them. God is not mocked, and will in no wise clear the guilty. After coming to knowledge of the truth and turning from it, there remains no longer a sacrifice for sin. I may have fleshly desires as old as my memory can track to be an adulterer, a thief, a blasphemer, a liar, a murderer (or even one who hates his brother), but it makes no sence to say, "it's okay, God made me this way and even though HE appears to say it is sin, He wants me to be me". He does not. He wants us to be transformed - to be like Christ.

SCIENCE proves that some people are genetically made to be homosexual??? Some think—this follows that God MUST BE THE CULPRIT.

What if someday science proves that some people are genetically made up to be polygamist (in fact, there are some 'scientific proofs' out there for this) or pedophile? This follows, then, that God CREATED them as polygamists and pedophiles. Something ain't right about this.

For people who think—being gay is okay—the debate is simply that, not whether some people 'FEEL' it's okay.

Let us be VERY, VERY careful with this... If the Christian community (Evangelicals, Roman Catholics, etc.) say yea is okay to be gay, then we must be ready to also consider whether or not—-polygamy, pedophilia, bestiality… the list goes on—-is okay.

God help us!

Should we continue in sin so that grace may abound? Certainly not!

The Word of God clearly states unnatural relations (man with man and women with women) is an abomination. There is no way we can misunderstand that, whether you are a "Christian" or not. We as a society need to take some responsibility for our actions and stop making everything acceptable to make us feel better. You can not call yourself a Chrisitian and live in this type of lifestyle. We as CHristians need to love everyone, but hate the sin. And if you can't see this as sin, then you need to repent as well. My prayer is that he and everyone else in this situation will see their sin for what it is and repent (turn away) and seek God's guidance.

There are only two states of being: love and fear. Joy and peace are forms of love; anger, hate and judgement are all fear. When you are sickened, when you are so deeply disturbed by news like this, you must look at what you are afraid of. This means looking within, not without.

You cling to scripture that is as old as humanity itself. You quote what you want from it and discard the rest. You point the finger at others because you see yourself in them. "I thank God that his lie is worse than mine." You are searching among your own fear, your own lies, for the ultimate truth -- just as Ray did.

But you are also afraid you will find the truth, so you look only far enough to create some kind of shield around you -- a shield that makes the Bible, your minister and your political leaders responsible for what you believe. If you can put your beliefs in something tangible outside of yourself, you are not responsible for them. You think this will bring you love, but it only creates more fear because you are not in control of your heart.

The ultimate fear that Christians have is that everything we believe will turn out to be wrong. So much of it already has. There are enough examples of this in the Bible alone to completely dismantle the Christian paradigm. As Ray learned, the truth is within each of us. God is in each one of us -- he or she does not exist in a human book, a man-made temple, or an organized religion. God has nothing to do with any of these. Once that is discovered -- and it is not easy, given our conditioning -- there is peace. There is love, and there is no more fear. The search ends and heaven on earth begins.

Ray Boltz is a pioneer, just as you are a pioneer. Seek and you will find the truth -- but only in yourself.

With all the inspirational music he has given us over the years we need to remember that the devil works the hardest on those who are doing the will of God. We need to pray for him and his family.

I was at Ray's concert last night, at Jesus Metropolitan Community Church in Indianapolis, and if those of you who speak out against a gay life-style had ANY clue what presence the Spirit had last night, you would all be ashamed... we who are gay and live to serve Christ bear a special calling, and last night, Ray stepped up to that calling at a new level. And trust me, his music will continue to minister and break through to lives that need transformation.

Finding reconciliation with the person we love and our GREATER love for Christ is a journey I hope you never have to travel. But I will tell you this... I wouldn't trade it or give it back for anything. My journey in the Body of Christ has seen mountain-tops I would have otherwise not seen. Seeing lives transformed and love for God abound and multiply is the single most amazing thing to be witness to in the Kingdom of God... and last night, Ray's presence, performance, and testimony to perserverance were nothing less than testament to the Work God does in each of His children. God Bless you, Ray, Carol, and family! And thank you for choosing us to begin your new era of ministry with!!! Go Forth in your NEW DIRECTION!

Sin is sin. God loves everyone.

But he doesn't love or accept their sin.

God loves Ray Boltz, but not his sin of homosexuality. Just as he loves me and not my selfishness.

I will admit that this news is shocking and disturbing. Only because he is promoting the idea that God creates homosexuals, along with many people on this board. Whether you call it homosexuality or not, it is a sin against God.

To Sean: "Truth WILL set you free and thankfully Ray found his Truth!" If the Truth has set you free, you will be free indeed. I'm not sure you realize that this Truth is Jesus Christ, Son of God...not coming out of the closet.

No, Ray did not find truth. There is no such thing as "his truth" or "our truth." JESUS is the Truth! Ray has actually bought satan's lie, that he is a homosexual and nothing he does or says can change that--he bought the lie that satan is greater than God and what He can do! God has set many people free from this sin, from this abomination. He got weary and gave up. Perhaps he was supposed to be a powerful witness of the pain and suffering that he would be willing to endure by not giving in to the lie and the sin, for all those others who suffer as well. He could have been God's heart and hands on this earth, by giving others encouragement and help and support through their own struggle. God lost with Ray. Satan won. But the battle is not over, because there are many people who pray, as I do daily, for those who suffer with this affliction. We reject the lie, especially for those who have grown weary as Ray did, and we know that God does indeed set people free. God bless and heal all those who suffer with this affliction!

Ray,
I hope you are reading this. I have to say THANK YOU ....for giving to the Lord.....I am a life that was changed....at one of your concerts in 1997 I gave my life to Christ. God saved my soul that night. I now pastor a small church of about 120 people. We prayed for you yesterday at our church. I am praying daily that God will use you in a way like he has never before. Brother...Yes you are still my brother.....Don't listen to all these people on here who want to condemn you. Hold your head up high and keep loving Jesus. Half of my congregation comes in every Sunday morning with all kinds of issues in their life. But they keep coming back to church cause they find something that helps them get from one day to the next. We are all sinners.....but I rest in the knowledge of the unconditional love of Christ.

If you ever are in my area, I will bring my church people to hear you....whether you are in an MCC church or the First Baptist.

Pastor Richard

The facts as we know them are this, God loves sinnersw all sinners, including myself anf Ray Boltz. What God has written in this Word is our standard. The standard for all of us. The Bibles calls adultery sin. The Bible calls lust sin. The Bible calols men with men and women with women sin. I doesn't matter who commits the sin, Ray Boltz or myself or Billy Graham or chuck Swindoll, a sin described in the Bible should be repented of by all of us who commit whatever sin is in our lives. So, repentance is what is needed for Ray Boltz, and it will never be right what he is doing regardless of who says it is if it contradicts the Bible. He is still lovbed by God and so is every sinner but sin must be confessed.

Dude, the Bible has always been translated into contemporary language. Just because the phrase didn't exist in the English language until a few hundred years ago, doesn't mean the practice wasn't clearly referred to in Scripture.

I have loved Ray Boltz for a long time and will continue to love him. In fact, because I love him, I pray that God will not give him a moment's rest until he repents and turns back to Him. Those of us who care do not want to see him lost for eternity because he has embraced what God calls sin. I trust that God will not turn him over to his false sense of peace while living in sin.

Along with others, I will continue to battle my own grievous sins. May there never come a day when I embrace and excuse them in the name of "honesty" but may we all continue to battle the prince of darkness and his lies.

Below are the words of King Jesus, the Judge.
Mark 10:6-8
"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.'7'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one.

Now, even for the not so strong Bible reading Christians up here where is the slightest indication that a man and man or female and female can be one flesh. Never!!
I like Ted Olsen's post up here, because for the true believer Ray is to be treated like an unbeliever. He is still loved, prayed for with tears but is NOT to be treated as in the body of Christ.
We can all make up our teaching and have our opinions but Jesus said "Heaven and Earth may pass away but my words will not pass away" For further scripture reading Romans 1:21-18 pretty much explains everything. No deep thought necessary on these scriptures.
BTW mandi how much of an example of LOVE do you want to be and compromise the truth. Our life depends on the truth. Truly, if Ray dies do you think his opinion matters before the Judge. Christianity is not bunch of rules, live-in-peace with ourselves faith. It is war 24X7 against our own unbelief when measured up against the Word of God.

I saw Raw in concert last night, FANTASTIC

"If this is the way God made me, then this is the way I’m going to live."

Translation: If God made me a sinner, why shouldn't I just surrender to it?

Ray, that's what separates us from the other animals.

We have to be very careful. Just because someone claims to be a Christian and can speak eloquent words of Christ does not make it so. It is one thing to be honest in admitting that you struggle with a particular sin (hating the sin) and to seek help from the body of Christ, and the Holy Sprint. It is quite another to state what I am doing is not sin and justify your actions by creating a false God and a false Christ created in your own image. Right now it appears that Ray is pedaling a false gospel and bearing the fruit thereof, otherwise where is the repentance? We have to question whether there ever was a true conversation to Christ and regeneration. Ray does need our prayers that the true Christ would be his Lord. Otherwise if he continues to mislead the young causing them to stumble, a millstone will be placed around his neck. This is not a time for rejoicing, but for our somber earnest prayers on Ray’s behalf.

A few thing:

First off, people are pointing out versus in scripture to say that "yes" indeed homosexuality is a sin. That is the point no one is judging but in fact calling sin what it is, and some of you are right there are many sins that we all struggle with but to call sin "not sin" is the issue.

Second, Jesus came into the world to save it's true, but he did that through calling people to repentance, he's didn't come to "love" everyone into the kingdom but to offer himself as a sacrifice for our "sins" to those who will bend their knee.

Third "Sin" is a big deal. It cost Christ his Life, so dismiss it is to count Christ's Sacrifice as nothing. We all deserve hell, but Christ to save us from this fate.

Fourth, forgiveness is good and we are willing to offer it but you never grant forgiveness to an unrepentant heart. Christ never overlooked sin, it is a big deal to him, he offers forgiveness but on his terms not ours. As he always said "repent"

And Finally, calling someone on their sin is not being hateful but in a christian worldiew is very loving in order that that brother can be restored. Leaving someone in their sin and pretending that everything is okay is the bigger crime.

Honestly, I like this Jesus who makes me feel closer to him provided I give a valid reason for my sin. Looks like "God made me that way" is already taken and an exclusive right of a particular group backed by scientific studies. But the rest of us can appeal to "love" which always stumps this Jesus.

Mary
We do not need Ray or some other big singer to tell us how great the Gospel is. The Gospel is already great. True Christians evaluate and correct only because there is love but not with the intent to be judgemental or mean.
The authority is the scripture we have. Imagine someone coming up tomorrow and saying "I feel my dog and I have a sexual relationship and I feel God made me this way because I have no one my dog to trust in" Would we then say dont judge just love but not talk about God's word at all. You might say this is weird, maybe, then what about polygamy or incest.

Your ministry has touched many lives and many people have come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus, through your efforts, I myself have sung a number of your inspired songs. The Anchor Holds, is one of my favorites, it really works on my sin when I'm by myself, worshiping with this tract. I don't understand your struggle, but I do understand sin, its always their and our next breath just waiting to destroy us, I will pray for you Ray, for your Wife, and especially your children, funny thing about sin, it just doesn't affect the person committing it. All of us sin, and all need prayers, Remember sin has many forms, may the Lord release all from whatever sin we are dealing with.

Uh, the verse needs to be read to the end, and in context. It goes..

"There is now, therefore, no condemnation to those that are in Christ, WHO WALK NOT AFTER THE FLESH, BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT.

People who defend God's holiness by defending what is clearly written in His Word are not mad at Ray, we are not judging him. We are warning him and others that they are in error, in a most dangerous way.

Sean, The practice of homosexuality (monogamous or otherwise) has always been condemned by the Scriptures, including the Old Testament. Yes, the English word "homosexual" has been included in more recent translations. But the underlying Hebrew and Greek words all meant "homosexual."

Once again, I think it is people who attack the ones defending what God's word says about this SIN, who are making knee-jerk statements.

There is a person who went to my church who just "came out." I cannot in good conscience say "way-to-go." I feel it is my resposibility to love him. To pray for him. But I have to do what Scripture says and seperate from him if he does not repent. That doesn't mean that I hate him, or am condemning him. But I do want to warn him, that this is a serious situation.

The bible is clear. It will not change for any of us, so we need not judge the man, after all HE has a GOD, just like we all do. There are better things in life to focus on. Example: Ministering and restoring such a one!!!!! When you know the truth, that is what will make us free. Maybe the Lord is working this all out. God hates sin, not the sinners. HE is a just GOD and if the poor soul repents, HE will be forgiven. We all face junk, maybe not being gay, but some people just HATE, and that too is a sin. Love the sinner, but hate the sin. The Word of God is written and my friends the ink is dry!!!!!!!!!!! You must not judge or you will be judged. We are told we'd know them by the fruit, but it did not say that we had the right to inspect the fruit, just that we'd be able to recognize it!!!!! The Lord was clear when He wrote the WORD through Holy men of old. So let us all use this opportunity to pray for them while we do a SELF CHECK on our own closets, sweep our own door steps, dig up our own bones from the backyard!! When we take time to point out others sins we fail to do what the book of Proverbs says...keep our mouths shut. Why in the world would people print garbage when there are better things to write about!?!? This article is not helping the KINGDOM but it hurts it!! I hope we all repent and draw closer to GOD!!!!

Because of sin in this world, we are all prone to be mired in any number of addictions (sins). We are all prone to one addiction or another: alcohol, drugs gambling, sexual perversions, etc. Homosexuality is one of these. Too bad that Ray Boltz is deceived into thinking that since he "feels" this way, it must be how God wants him to be. It is how Satan wants him to be, so that he can nullify Ray's message as a christian. How very sad. And it should be a warning to the rest of us, that Satan wants tangle all of us in his web of deceit, and enslave us to our passions and addictions,making us useless vessels for God. Don't start the day without the armor of God. I pray that Ray returns to his first love once again. Jesus is very forgiving.

Why is it that the gay community thinks that they are the only ones who struggle with their sexuality? I'm not gay, don't understand that attraction. However, as a straight male, I do understand sexual attraction to women! I've been faithfully married for 25 years and I have to struggle almost every day with maintaining my thought life, my physical attraction to women, my emotional faithfulness, my thought life...did I say my thought life? I'm really tired of the gay community trying to own sexual frustration and expecting us all to feel sorry for them when they finally cave to the struggle. No, your sin is no worse than anyone elses sin, no I don't think I'm better than you because I'm not gay...but for petes sake...quit wearing your moral failure out on your sleeve. I'm attracted to women...I was born this way....I think I'll give up my frustration and act on it....God doesn't want me to be at war with myself....please...give us all a break...I don't judge you...just get your sin out of my face and quit judging me if I don't accept your world view on sin. I won't make excuses for my struggle if you'll stop making excuses for yours.

--Truth WILL set you free and thankfully Ray found his Truth!--

I think that summed it up well.

Boltz found 'his' truth. Not 'THE' truth, but 'his' version of the truth.

Which 'truth' allowed him to leave his wife and enter a God-dishonoring sexual lifestyle.

And what's sadder, is how many people like you are supporting him. Instead of feeling sorrow at one who has fallen.

As Paul said, love "does not rejoice in iniquity, but in the truth'. The truth is, God did not make Boltz this way, he is this way through his own choices, and for him to look to God as an excuse is cop-out.

And you who 'rejoice in iniquity' in this case cannot really love him

I'm sorry, can one of you tell me where the list of sins from least to greatest is? We all fall short, every one of us. Even those who quote scripture and put on a perfect face uh...facade. Only God knows why each one of us are given the challenges we are given. I do know that Ray is a child of God and loves him. Let the first without sin throw the first stone. This is exactly why Christians give Christianity a bad name. Such judgement. You all should be
ashamed. I don't recall Jesus hanging out with all the "perfect" people. Why do you need Christ anyway ?....since you don't need him with your perfection.

This is so sad and shows just how far we as a society have fallen. Sin is Sin! Ray made the choice to leave his wife and children and to be gay, not God and he has to repent. We all sin, but it is our choice and we all have to repent and take responsibility for our sin. If Ray does not change he will burn in Hell. This is not me judging, but a fact from God. We all have free will and WE make choices every day. Ray does not want to talk about scriptures because he knows He is wrong and He can't dispute what the bible says. Sin is Sin and Lust is Lust and Homosexuality is a Sin. Divorce is a Sin. I pray for Ray and his family.

As I read the comments here I am reminded of who I use to be. I personally sat in judgement of homosexuals. I never considered that my sin was just the same as their's in the eyes of God. Do we not realize that we are all born into this fallen world with a sin nature? I am still being humbled before the Lord for the way I use to judge others. The beginning of this process began when my son told he was gay. Please don't go down the self righteous path of forcing God to reveal things to you and humble you! We focus on so many things and forget that the ONE thing Christ speaks to the most is LOVE...I need so much mercy and grace and forgivness...I must ask Christ to make me see everyone as he does. Remember when we turn our backs on homosexual's we are saying....my sin is forgivable but their's is not.
May the Lord bring HIS peace to Ray and his family.

Your is NOT the only religion in the world people. There are others that have been on this earth for far longer. Only yours is one that you now base on Hatred and Superiority. I'm SOOOO glad that I don't practice this kind of myth. NO I won't see you in HELL. That's where you people go, NOT ME!

I attended Ray's church (2 of them) in Muncie, Indiana...and nobody...NOBODY reached out to him. He battled depression, suicidal tendencies and other demons....and yet...nobody was there for him. The larger church he attended was so happy to brag that "Ray Boltz goes to our church"....but did nothing to lift him up. They offer an "impressive" counceling department...and, still, nothing. This man suffered alone and who can blame him for taking his heart and his darkness elsewhere.

Let us all learn a lesson for this...we need to reach out to each other...to fight for one another...to stop acting so SHOCKED at sin and start tearing down strongholds together.

Ray's tragedy...his family's tragedy...is our own as well.

God bless you, Ray...you are dearly loved.

Ray, gave up his the figh, folks...well let us cheer the weary pilgrim...Ray come on man...it's wrong not because i said so..because God said so!
I know i'm a sinner just like you, i also have desires that are soo wrong..i'd never would seriously contemplate of giving in on those..but i struggle daily...and just the fact that i experience a struggle/battle means i'm still fighting/resisting it! But i can't do it alone...and that's where my Savior comes in...my reinforcement, my fortress, my haven of rest!!! I will pray for Ray.

Duke

How sad. As a true Christian, he should fight against the temptation to live in this type of sin!

I am only 18 years old, yet it grieves me to see how the body of Christ has turned on one of its own. While I do not agree with his lifestyle, he is certainly welcome at my home because I am called to love him just as Christ loves me. If you read the gospels you will see what Christ went through because he loves me, even when I was his enemy. Because of the love shown to me, I am to love liars, alcoholics, porn addicts, thieves, prostitutes, murderers, and oh why yes – even those who are attracted to their own gender! I’ll let you in on a little secret. Ready? Ray’s heart…is a temple of God.

See, Ray is not simply “a homosexual”; he is a child of God. He is fearfully and wonderfully made. He is a citizen of heaven… thank God our identity does not come from the world, but from our father in heaven.

Homosexuals have it hard. They feel like outcasts especially in Christian circles. This is one of the greatest tragedies in Christianity today. We don’t need to scrutinize everyone’s sin, but instead let them know that they matter, that they are welcome and that they don’t need to change in order to be accepted. Pray that Ray will find a place where love abounds where he can be encouraged to make things right with God.

To the woman who doesn’t know if she can bear to sing Ray’s songs, please think about this: David wrote beautiful songs, yet he was an adulterer and a murderer. Your worship leader’s sins are equally guilty. Amazing Grace was written by the captain of a slave ship. Paul felt like he was the worst in God’s kingdom, yet God used him to write much of the Old Testament. Boltz wrote many songs that have touched people’s hearts and to cast him to the side because he has struggles is something that I refuse to do.

Please take the planks out of your eyes before you cast your stones.

Ray Boltz can deceive himself all he wants. There is no fellowship with darkness when you walk in the light. What is very sad is that his sinful choie has affected his wife and children. Not only has he divorced wife (see 1 Cor 7:11), but his testimony as a Christian has been tarnished. Are we commanded to love him, absolutely. Do I condone his choice, absolutely not.

Personally all the money he made as a Christian musician should be returned to those who bought his music or saw a concert. If he was living a lie, as he states, then he deceived people of their hard earned money. Nobody would have bought his music or saw him in concert as a gqay Christian.

So Mr. Boltz, are you going to do the right thing and give back all the money you earned?

As a Christian, I look at lifestyle choices through the lens of the Bible.

But let's say we look at it from a non-Christian point of view. What if everyone decided to be gay? It's just _not_ how things are supposed to be. If the first humans decided they were born gay, humans wouldn't have gotten too far, in other words.

Shocked and angered that Ray would go down that destructive path. There is no good that will come out of this, only misery, disease, and hell unless he repents. Our whole culture has become so sexually crazed! Whatever happened to celibacy if your marriage does not work out or you feel you "were born gay?" I've been celibate for 5 years now because my marriage did not work out. I have already determined in my heart that I will NOT commit adultery. I believe God honors that, because personally I don't have those desires any more.

Praying for Ray, but unless he repents, he will end up in hell. Jesus said that no homosexuals will enter the kingdom of heaven. Can't get any plainer than that!

Gotta admit, that was a pretty gay song.

I am not going to throw sticks. Just a comment. We are blessed everyday we wake up with a new day to teach and share. To love our neighbor. To help the sick. In the end the truth is everywhere. You nor I will be able to help him. Only he can help himself. The book is written. and in that book is the names or not of the ones that shall enter his kingdom. Someday he and he alone will face the judgment of God. And only he can answer to the choices he has made.

We are all guilty of sin. What happened to "love the sinner, hate the sin"? Scripture has too much to say about homosexuality for me to believe God created men and women as homosexual and just let them go.

To the woman caught in adultery, He said, "Neither do I condemn thee. Go and SIN NO MORE". In other words, I've set you free from this sin...don't fall back into its enslavement.

We need to stop bashing our brother Ray and lifting him, and others like him, in prayer. And if you don't like me praying that God deliver you from your sin, TOO BAD. It's what I do.

Just because Ray claims to be homosexual does not negate his salvation. No more than someone claiming to be an alcoholic, or a liar, or a thief negates their salvation.

We are saved by grace, through faith...a free gift of God that cost Him His Son, and once accepted, changes our identity. If our brother Ray chooses to identify himself with something outside of Christ, he needs prayer, not bashing.

Stand firm...just not on our brother's back.

I am not going to throw sticks. Just a comment. We are blessed everyday we wake up with a new day to teach and share. To love our neighbor. To help the sick. In the end the truth is everywhere. You nor I will be able to help him. Only he can help himself. The book is written. and in that book is the names or not of the ones that shall enter his kingdom. Someday he and he alone will face the judgment of God. And only he can answer to the choices he has made.

I find it interesting that just a few minutes ago I read what Leviticus 19 has to say about men having sex with men, and the punishment for it. It's not about whether or not people accept it, GOD doesn't accept it.

No one should ignore the reality of the struggle that some people encounter when it comes to sexual behavior and struggles with homosexual desires and one should not expect people like Ray Boltz to turn it off like a switch.
Whether one is born with homosexual tendencies or not is a non-issue, even if one has no control about sexual desires, one has control over they act on it or not. This is the freedom given in Christ and the whole point of John 8:36 “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
Some would reply and say that Jesus did not deem necessary to condemn homosexual sex (let us leave sexual orientation out of the picture).
The question is why?
Even a cursory knowledge of Judaism as practiced in Biblical time shows that Jews unanimously condemned a variety of sexual vices (i.e. everything outside marriage) and that starting with the prohibition of Lev 18:22 and Lev 20:13 which lists homosexuality along with various forms of incest, adultery, and bestiality, Israelite law was clear on sexual ethics.
This emphasis became even greater after the exile when Israel was “cured” of Idolatry and sought to live in moral purity in the midst of pagan nations surrounding them.
Jesus who ministered almost exclusively to the Jews (that did not have to address a non-issue that was unanimously condemned across the land, no more than he addressed idolatry in the gospels.
The same attitude is reflected in Jewish writings
The Mishnah teaches that R. Judah forbade two bachelors from sleeping under the same blanket, for fear that this would lead to homosexual temptation (Mishnah Qiddushin. 4:14). However, the sages permitted it (ibid.) because homosexuality was so rare among Jews that such preventive legislation was considered unnecessary (Babylonian Talmud Qiddushin. 82a) ( from The encyclopedia of Judaism 5:2141)

Paul instead ministered to gentiles and understood the difference in ethics between the two groups
Galatians 2:15 “We are Jews by nature and not sinners from among the Gentiles.” He was not claiming that Jews did not sin but that they did not practice the sins the gentiles were known for.
This is why his reinforcement of the need for sexual purity is addressed to gentiles who did not have the same sexual ethic
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
Paul is making the same point that Jesus made, in Christ one is free from the slavery of sin, including sexual sin and homosexual sex.
The loving thing to do is not to affirm the sinner in sinful practices, but it is to proclaim the need to walk victoriously and live free from sin.
We do not have to act “holier than thou”, but biblical love does not include ignoring sin or calling a wrong right.

This just proves even more that Christianity is a completely pagan religion, where anything goes. All you need is to twist a few scriptures and one can justify any lifesyle one wants. Its homosexuality now, but 30 years from now it will be Pedifilia. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. Thats why I left the Christian Church and returned to the Hebraic roots of the faith before the Christian Church 'hyjacked' it. Perhaps it is ok with Jesus Christ to be a homosexual. But it certainly isn't ok with the true Messiah, Yahushua Ha Mashiach!!

Anon,

You appear to have an unbalanced conception of the love of God
You said while considering Ray a Christian (if he did not claim to be a Christian, this would be different)
“he is certainly welcome at my home because I am called to love him just as Christ loves me. If you read the gospels you will see what Christ went through because he loves me, even when I was his enemy.”
If he is indeed a Christ, our duty to love him not avoid church discipline but must be expressed by Church discipline following Christ teaching and Paul’s example
Matthew 18:15-17 "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have regained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you, so that at the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, treat him like a Gentile or a tax collector.
1 Corinthians 5:11-13 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls himself a Christian who is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idolater, or verbally abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. 12 For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 But God will judge those outside. Remove the evil person from among you.
What are you doing with those verses, are you going to contradicts Jesus Himself for the sake of you r concept of love?

You also said
“o the woman who doesn’t know if she can bear to sing Ray’s songs, please think about this: David wrote beautiful songs, yet he was an adulterer and a murderer. Your worship leader’s sins are equally guilty. Amazing Grace was written by the captain of a slave ship. Paul felt like he was the worst in God’s kingdom, yet God used him to write much of the Old Testament. Boltz wrote many songs that have touched people’s hearts and to cast him to the side because he has struggles is something that I refuse to do.”

The difference between David, Paul and Ray is that David, Paul were willing to repent and be corrected, they also turned away from their sin

Ray does not seem to be willing to do the same, hence the need for discipline
The issue is not whether or not is sins are greater that yours or mine, the issue is whether or not one has a repentant heart and is open to correction
We need to make sure that we do not become like Eli (1 Samuel 3), a loving father who because of his love overlooked the sins of his children and the way they blasphemed the name of God until he and his line were blotted away and removed from ever serving the Lord in the priesthood

Please, Christianity Today, consider taking homosexuality off the Hot Issues for Christians "list". . .What a gift it would be to many of God's children if CT began to make it very clear that God loves homosexual people as he loves heterosexual people. . .and He asks that we all study the life and words of Christ in making our behavioral decisions. We are called to work out God's purpose for our own lives. That goal is sufficiently difficult; we need not spend precious energy trying to dictate what we perceive to be God's will for another person's spiritual journey. . . .Please, CT. . .

YOU are right...don't judge. Read Scripture. If you can read Scripture and find where this "lifestyle" is acceptable...game on!

Praying for Ray...hope he's happy now cause later is coming.

I just wanted to say as a Christian man that Ray is loved and accepted just as he is. God loves him no matter what! What I can't believe after reading many of the comments is the hatred and judgement that comes out of "Christians" mouths. It really is the reason so many people hate Christians. If you guys want to turn someone against God just continue what you are doing. You think that people hate God now? Continue and see what happens. I know because I almost turned against God after the way I was treated by so-called "Christians." I only eventually learned to love myself and God when I discovered that what many "Christians" were doing was not really love! PLEASE for the sake of everything that is holy stop bashing people who don't believe what you believe and do the things that you do. Learn to love like Jesus did. God only gave us 2 major rules: LOVE GOD and LOVE OTHERS AS YOURSELVES!

Ray is a Christian and loves God as much as any of you. It would be nice if we could love and support him.

I will leave you with this:

If you are without sin cast the first stone.

If you speak in tongues of angels but have not love then you are a resounding gong or cymbal.

Please, Christianity Today, consider taking homosexuality off the Hot Issues for Christians "list". . .What a gift it would be to many of God's children if CT began to make it very clear that God loves homosexual people as he loves heterosexual people. . .and He asks that we all study the life and words of Christ in making our behavioral decisions. We are called to work out God's purpose for our own lives. That goal is sufficiently difficult; we need not spend precious energy trying to dictate what we perceive to be God's will for another person's spiritual journey. . . .Please, CT. . .

This news about Ray Boltz was especially troubling to me, personally, as indeed it must have been to many who’ve been inspired over the years by Ray’s powerful lyrics. But this announcement doesn’t change the truth that is God’s Word!

Especially troubling to me, also, are comments like those from Susan, “Good for Ray! And may God richly use him to bring peace and comfort to other gays and lesbians who are trying to reconcile their faith in Christ with their sexuality.” Because this is a sentiment that shows a complete lack of understanding as to the tragedy of what homosexuality really is.

As a man who has come through this reconciliation process myself, I can understand and even empathize with Ray. But having arrived at a much different conclusion (one based upon the truth), I can’t condone Ray’s final choice in the matter. The sad fact is that Ray has accepted this behavior as an identity, rather than trying to discover and work through the deeper issues (with God’s help and grace) that are causing him to believe he is “gay.” And there are indeed deeper issues there, I assure you.

We all have the assurance that God will never leave us or forsake us, and that a true believer cannot continue on in sin. And if, as I believe, the songs he’s written are any reflection of the Holy Spirit inside of Ray, then rest assured that God will not give Ray’s own spirit any rest, until he returns to the truth. Ray may have the support of the Metropolitan Community Church, but he’ll also have the Holy Spirit inside of him to contend with, too.

Please lift our brother up in prayer as he enters what is sure to become a troubling time in his life, and may God open his heart up to the truth, and to God’s grace that is sufficient, once again.

For more information about freedom from homosexual behavior, visit “Beyond the Shades of Gray,” at,

http://www.hometown.aol.com/pdeanbailey/Homosexuality.html

There are already SO many comments, I'm not sure there's much point to add another. But in case even one person may be helped, I'll do so...

Several responses reflect, even as some of them warn about pride or deception, a willful ignorance of the complexity of human sexuality and how that relates to the relatively little that Scripture illuminates that area. Some commenters presume to know one thing or another about how and why some people feel themselves to have been BORN with powerful, irreversible homosexual orientation. That type of homosexual person apparently feels the same way the majority of us feel about our heterosexual orientation. Besides taking them at their word, objective research (non-biased) into the biology behind it all does give us strong clues that the "God made me this way" feeling may well have genuine bodily basis beyond our control.... It is not always a matter of any kind of choice, or even of dysfunctional parenting, or of early conditioning from sexual abuse, tho these may be factors in some cases as well. We just know too little, especially those who've not taken time to research it some or at least talk at some length to a few gay people.

Thus we dare not lay on others with different biology and circumstances than us, what seems universal (or a law of God) from our limited perspective.

Reading this blog is interesting & sad. Folks, the number one root problem here is sin & the 2nd is deception. Our society is trying to tell us to throw out God's word and re-write it so that it becomes acceptable to us. If there was ever a word that needed to be heard today it is this: AGREE WITH GOD & DON'T TRY TO REARRANGE HIM TO FIT OUR OWN WHIMS. I pray God have mercy on us, but we are caving in to deception in this country both in society and in our churches. I am sobered by the words of Jesus who said, "In that day, many will come to me saying, "Lord Lord, did we not prophecy in your name, cast out devils & do many wonderful works?" Jesus said, "then will I say to them, depart from me you workers of iniquity, I never knew you!" Folks that is the scariest verse in the Bible because Jesus wasn't talking about 100 or so people claiming to be Christians,... He said MANY! It is also obvious that these people were probably CHURCH GOERS, with some Bible knowledge, by the descriptions they used to indicate ministry. There is so much deception in the world today that I fear we are facing a rude awakening on judgement day! The kind of thing Ray Boltz is promoting will not go lightly on judgement day & I say that in all humility. I'm not judging Ray Boltz, perhaps Jesus will extend mercy for his actions, or perhaps He won't, but no matter how you slice it, this kind of lifestyle is condemned by Holy Scripture.

Yet another Christian brother bites the dust. We are no longer a Christian nation. This is sick. So sad...

The Word of God clearly says: In 1Timothy 4:1 that in the last days some would depart from the faith being seduced by demonic spirits and teachings from evils spirits. Sadder than his personal rejection of Christ, is the welcome ammunition he gives to the homosexual crowd that is already attacking the church and plaguing our nation with sin like never before! But this changes nothing! The "Anchor" still holds Praise the Lord!

Ray Boltz has said that he has denied this ever since he was a kid and that is his justification for saying this is all right. If a kid has murderous intentions when he was a kid and comes out and murders someone and says, "I've had these since I was young. I guess this is how God made me" are we supposed to say that murder is not a sin anymore? The Bible is clear about whether homosexuality is a sin or not (Rom. 1:18-32, 1 Cor. 6:9-11). It's not that he should be hated because that would be un-Christlike. We need to bring Scripture to bear upon his life and pray that the Lord would cause him to repent of his sin.

Please, Christianity Today, consider taking homosexuality off the Hot Issues for Christians "list". . .What a gift it would be to many of God's children if CT began to make it very clear that God loves homosexual people as he loves heterosexual people. . .and He asks that we all study the life and words of Christ in making our behavioral decisions. We are called to work out God's purpose for our own lives. That goal is sufficiently difficult; we need not spend precious energy trying to determine God's will for another person's spiritual journey. . . .Please, CT. . .

DavidB wrote: " Why is it that the gay community thinks that they are the only ones who struggle with their sexuality? "

Please let me respond by saying Seriously? Do you really think that we are pity-ing ourselves? what on earth makes you think that we think we are the only ones who struggle with our sexualtiy? We struggle as do you. The difference is that you can hide yours behind the covenant of marriage and be accepted by society. We, on the other hand, can have the purest of heart, maintain monogomous relationships, NEVER participate in a lifestyle of sexual "looseness," and seek Christ daily and yet, on the day that our life-partner dies, not be allowed in their hospital room or even at their funeral... but don't make me turn this into a marriage debate... Congratulations to anyone on 25 years of marriage, whether it's backed by certificate or not! That is what lifetime commitment is all about!

I reiterate that Ray showed up with passion, a praising heart, and the presence of Christ. Praise God for a congregation like JMCC!

Lets assume for a minute that people of the same sex can have a lasting relationship and their "marriage"(I am thinking CA and NH states here) is ordained by God. I can understand, to an extent, the emotional relationship. But, the sexual relationship for mutual love/pleasure and for the purpose of having children biologically, no way!. There is no compatibility. You look at body parts they are the same!! Jesus said "God created male and female and two shall become one flesh". Nowhere does it say that male and male or female or female shall become one flesh. You can justify your behavior but we cannot change the word of God. It is His word. Like it or not the same Word will judge us one day. The male and female are so complementary that civilization depends on it. It feels so unnatural. You guys must out of your minds!! Even if we thought that homosexuality is not correctly intrepreted from the Bible, I, at least want to be safe than sorry before I die. When the day of reckoning comes we do not want to be "I was wrong on this one". Oh that we may tremble at His word.

We get to this point because.
WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO GIVE A FALSE REPRESENTATION OF OUR SELVES BECASUE WE WANT TO: SING, BE FAMOUS, BE ACKNOWLEDGED ETC. When we know the truth about who and what we really are.

We become disappointed in others because we 'the Church':
ARE MEN SEEKERS AND PLEASURE SEEKERS etc. When no one should be lifted up but God the Holy Spirit and Jesus.

If God is not enough for you, then you are on the broad path to destruction.

To the "18" year old who commented. I realize you are young, but understand, yes God loves us and gave his son for us, but it was because of vile sin like homosexuality that Christ had to pay such a high price to set us free! And I will let you in on something that is not a "secret" Christ didn't come to live with the sin in us, but to deliver us from it! (1Cor.6:9,10)Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

Since this is not news to God and no human being gets to actually decide what is or is not sin, it seems that coming out of a closet is really about social acceptance.

Make me wonder how much social acceptance or the lack there of
has to do with perpetuating a behavior.

In any evetnt, Ray Boltz has revealed his secret and embraced the behavior.

Now we each have a choice to make in how we respond.

Should we respond with a political debate?
Should we embrace his behavior too?
Should we pray for him? If so, how?
What behavior will we choose in response?

Perhaps we should first seek how God would have us respond.

Boy, nothing provides the opportunity for sinful fools to parade their self-glorifying idiocy like the internet.

The Body of Christ isn't turning on one of it's own. Ray lived in sin for 30 years and Christians don't live in sin...but the body of Christ with which he is so familiar needs to reach out to him urgently.

They need to tell him that he needs to repent of his sin, turn, face the truth of scriptures, recognize his horrid peril and run to Jesus Christ in faith to be saved from the coming wrath of God, soon to be eternally and unswervingly unleashed upon his rebelliousness. 1 second after Ray dies, he'll know the truth about ultimate reality, but it will be too late.

I don't want to see Ray experience just how wrong he is about ultimate reality. Don't run from the truth by hanging out with like minded sin-embracing people who tickle your ears and distract your conscience Ray; come to Christ.

How Spiritually sadden I am. God still calls it an abomination and God does not create us to be an abomination to him or for him. This is Spiritual Warfare and I pray Ray will pick up the armor once again and fight this temptation. I do not hate the sinner, just the sin. Tamey in Boaz, Alabama

It can be difficult as a gay Christian, Ray, as some of these replies attest. But I commend you on your courage and honesty to be true to your beautiful identity as one of God's gay children. Godspeed brother, Godspeed.

Grace, peace, and love.

I would like to know how anyone can call himself a Chrisian and break the heart of God. God's anger will only go on so long and then he will take action. What did God do to Sodom & Gomora? Did he allow homosexiality then? No he did not,and he will not allow it to go on now. I feel very sorry for Ray Boltz and how Satan has deceived him. Ray you are in my prayers for reconceliation back to Christ.

I just want to say that I love you in Christ....but let me ask this...if I am an adultress in the flesh, did God make me that way, and will it be okay to live that way, will I still go to Heaven..I think not, God gave me the choice to live in the flesh or the spirit.. if I go with the flesh, I will surely go to Hell.

No man is born gay. However, we are all born with a sinful nature. Satan is the culprit behind each sin that plagues our minds. Maybe a woman is lonely. The thought comes to her to sleep with a man who she is not married too. Maybe a faithful husband gets a pop up on the net inviting him to view porn. Maybe a teenager is beginning to have normal teenage feelings and is tempted to experiment. All these scenarios are planted by satan. Just as the seed of thinking that someone is born homosexual. The enemy knows our weaknesses. He preys upon the very areas we are weakest. In Ray's case, it obviously took many, many years of trying to live a normal life, with a wife and children to act upon the seeds that the enemy had planted. Again, we all have a sinful nature. It is up to us to resist the devil or give in to fleshly lusts. Love can be argued endlessly as an excuse for sin, but remember, no sin will enter in. That I am speaking to all of us no matter the sin. We must strive to enter heaven recognizing evil for evil. Repent means to turn away from something. Lot's wife looked back in Sodom and turned to a pillar of salt. This city was destroyed because of the evil it upheld. NO man can serve two masters. We need to make our calling and elections sure and choose this day whom we will serve.

If you're going to commit sin or abomination, just go ahead and own it instead of blaming it on God. Plain, old-fashioned horse-sense tells any thinking individual with one eye and half-a-brain that this queer life-style is not natural or that God made anyone that way. The easiest person in the world to blame is God. That started with Adam. When God confronted him with his sin, he tried to turn right around and put the blame back on God, as well as pass the buck to Eve, when he said to God, "...this woman that YOU (God) gave me...". Yes, we, the Church, must love Ray as well as all sinners and pray for them, but that does not mean we must condone his sin. In fact, we can't condone it and be in right standing with God. The thing is, when Jimmy Swaggart confessed his sin to the world, although he was caught, he still did not blame God and cry, "God made me this way". He confessed it for just what it was - SIN. I myself am about the same age as Ray and was in the Christian music world for a number of years as an artist and musician. He was a major influence on some of my own song writing. I was looking forward to working together with him in a concert, but that never came together. A friend of mine is a friend of Ray's and co-wrote one of Ray's most popular songs. I love you Ray, but man, you are wrong. Answer this question that was asked in another one of your biggest hits, "Does He still feel the nails...?" How can you "bear the thought of hurting Him"?

I look around the church and can easily spot several men and women who are gay. Whether they are living the "lifestyle" or not is between them and God.

However, I also look around the church and see many heterosexuals living in prosmiscuity, adultery, and sin...and heavily involved in ministry of some kind at the same time.

This doesn't stop me from going to church but my internal monologue is weighted by the hypocracy.

They key is to get close to Christ and hang-on as if your life depended on it...it does. The world is winding down and this story is just the tip of the ice-berg. Look for more prominent Christian Icons coming out of the closet in the very near future.

The responses above are not surprising...love them while their a rock star, hate / disown them when they fall. We humans are just so typical.

It's a good thing God loves all, enough to die for all of us so that no one may parish but all may have eternal life.

Beware your Icons...they will always dissappoint you.

I will not judge Ray because I am a sinner as he is. As for grading sins, there is no sliding scale, but it is still all Sin. Saying there is no sliding scale doesn't make the sin less sinful. It's all sinful.

When I read about Ray's church I had already figured that what was described was what happened. What I do consider incredibly sad and an indictment on the Church universal is that Ray and others like him don't feel free to talk about what their struggling with and more sad, that there is no one to hear them and face the struggle with them.

Ray has failed in the struggle, but the guilt lies on all of us.

It is my interpretation that you say homosexuality is not about sex, but those of you who are so "forgiving" so "loving", keep refering to his "lifestyle" as "sexual orientation". Let's get to the heart of the issue...it IS about sex.
Those of us who realize this is sin, is not from our judgement BUT from the very Word of God!
Comments from those giving warning are speaking true love for Ray and those caught in this lie. If I didn't love those who choose a sinful life, I would go about my business and let them go to hell.
You who say you love him, whether you agree or not, you LOVE yourself and it makes you feel good that others think like you...it justifies YOUR sin.
Bottom line...we will ALL stand before a Holy God and give an answer why or why not we obeyed His Word!
Get ready, HE is coming soon!

How incredibly sad and disturbing. My heart goes out to Ray Boltz; surely he's been a tormented man for a good many years (and I dare say the tormenting will not end with his "coming out"). But my heart goes out to the Body of Christ as well. While we love the sinner and hate the sin, we also face an increasingly dark world that loves the selacious scuttlebut on all things Christian. Today we have a black eye. Afterall, there is nothing distinct or singular in the Body.

Lord have mercy.

ITS AMAZING HOW SINNERS TRY TO JUSTIFY THEIR SINS BY USING OTHERS SINS. IT'S ALL SIN AND WE NEED CHRIST TO PURIFY US. I KNOW GOD LOVES EVERYONE, BUT THERE WILL BE JUDGEMENT. WHICH SIDE DO YOU STAND ON. MINE IS WITH GOD. NOT FEELINGS. THERE HAS TO BE A REALIZATION OF SIN AND TRUE REPENTANCE AND GOD WILL FORGIVE. THE STRUGGLE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US.

In reading these messages about the news of Ray Boltz, I say, "Pray for him". The Bible is explicit on how God feels about Homosexuality. It is an abomination to Him. These are strong words, but even Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God because of their abomination of their homosexual lifestyle. It really doen't matter what we say, or we think....It's what God says, what He thinks and He expresses this in His Word. We can't change it, or dare to remove one word from it, or add anything to it, it's already esatblished and we have been told. In His Word are the keys to life and death. We must live by them if we say we are Christians and no other law book will substitute for the Bible. It's a life changing experience to know and accept Jesus Christ as Savior, Messiah. Ray did not just fall off the wagon yesterday....He apparently has been dabbling in and out of it and has fallen prey to its enticement. As Christians, We do have the right to judge. Judge the sin, it's deception, slyness, the death that it brings to a heart that once, knew the grace of sin forgiven. The entanglement of a sin that is so abhorrent to God, that He feels so strongly aginst this sin. But His grace is sufficient to forgive, clean away the sin and Ray Boltz be restored to a right relationship with the Lord.

Ray lied to people and milked them out of millions of dollars,and destroyed his children. I hope the sex is worth it.

To Lloyd/Bob Peacock and all... Read your Bible instead of misquoting it. The Bible does not condone slavery, it talks about slavery as what was happening at the time and it leads you to God in dealing with it, but it never condones it. Just because it happened doesn't mean God condoned it. Same with homosexuality...anyone who thinks He condones it is very very confused. Jesus loves everyone, but He never condoned sin. Jesus will never contradict Scripture. Even with the woman caught in adultery, He may have let her live, but He told her to "sin no more", not "oh that's okay, if you were made like that, feel free to keep doing it."Please stop trying to justify homosexuality or any other sin when it is clearly called an abomination in Scripture. God doesn't need to listen to us, we need to listen to Him. He makes Himself pretty clear on these issues. Ray needs to come back to Jesus and find his identity in Christ, not in himself or his sexual tendencies. He was made for much more than sexuality. I'm very happily married, yet I don't go around defining everything I do or everything I am, based on the fact that I am heterosexual. And another thing...a note to all the Christians who are struggling with these thoughts and feelings...there is nothing you can do to change it, just like every other sin, it is only when you give it up to Christ on a moment by moment basis when you start to see change, it is Him who changes you, so take the legalistic pressure off of yourself and know that God loves you and you need to love you too. God wants a moment by moment relationship with you, not your perfection. God bless.

I have read many of the comments...all I can say is, it does break my heart. I will pray, in Christian love, for Ray, his family, and whoever he is seeing...that God will comfort and heal...and that Ray's ears will be open to receive His words of reprimand before it's too late. I could say more but will stop.

This whole story makes me sick to my stomach! Here is a man that I thought was a godly person and followed God with his whole heart. I don't think that I will be able to listen to his music in the same way again. The Bible says to love the sinner and hate the sin. That is exactly the way I feel. Mr. Boltz is completely living in sin and all of you who feel otherwise is because you are trying to make yourselves feel better about your own sin. If you can justify it away, then it is okay!! That is wrong!!! I will be praying that God will get a hold of Mr. Boltz's heart and return him back to Him.

I am appalled by many of these comments approving of Mr. Boltz brutal decision!!

I hope to God that these people who are commenting and approving of this evil of Mr. Boltz are not christians but simply people posing as such!

This is horrific...the bible is black and white on this issue..Mr. Boltz needs to repent and come to Christ!!

We truly are living in the last days where evil is good and good is evil!

Keep Ray in your prayers saints....he is badly lost!

Hey Ray,

It truly sadens me and brakes my heart into pieces hearing of you're decision that you have made. I too am a Christian and know that no one is perfect, but one thing I do know is that gayity is a SIN. I continue to love the songs you sang, but I WILL NOT continue to love you're lifestyle. I am saddened of this news. Jill CHURCH

Glory to God for the posting of Aaron Tuazon Shel on September 13, 2008. Your comment stood out in a major way. In Jesus' name, I pray that Ray reads your comment as well as others speaking the real truth of the matter. Glory to God for you, Aaron. Godspeed to you. In Jesus' name, I pray the true love and mercy of God in spirit and in truth is made real to Ray before it's too late.

In Jesus' name,

Its sad how satan can make us believe lies.

Ray Boltz certainly made a difference in my life with his songs.

You CAN be a Christian and be gay. Being a Christian in first. Being gay is always second to me. I am a member of an awesome group of Pentecostals ( www.affirmingapostolics.com )

I attend church in Indianapolis at True Love Christian Fellowship. (www.trueloveindy.com )

I saw Ray in concert at the local Jesus MCC. It was wonderful. His songs have touched millions.

I too was once married and living a lie. I love my wife, ex wife now, with all my heart but just not sexually. The feelings were never there. I know what Ray and many are going thru as I have been there myself.

I felt once that lying was better than the truth but God impressed on my one night that being honest and being gay was acceptable but being a liar was definitely not.

After coming out and being cast out by my church, my family, and nearly everyone I called a friend, I still have God and a group of new friends that are truly my friend thru it all.

Revision to My Previous Comment:

I want to clarify which of Aaron's comments was really good: The one where he starts out saying: "Here' what stood out to me: "Boltz, 55, told the magazine. "I became a Christian, I thought that was the way to deal with this and I prayed hard and tried for 30-some years..."

My original posting:
Glory to God for the posting of Aaron Tuazon Shel at September 13, 2008. Your comment stood out in a major way. In Jesus' name, I pray that Ray reads your comment as well as others speaking the real truth of the matter. Glory to God for you, Aaron. Godspeed to you. In Jesus' name, I pray the true love and mercy of God in spirit and in truth is made real to Ray before it's too late.

In Jesus' name,

After years of struggle and trying to hide, this story inspires me to come out. I wasn't born monogamous. And if God made me amorous, how could he condemn me for expressing it? I've decided to enjoy the company of others who were born the same way. I don't want to get into a debate about what the Jesus or Bible says (and who knows what Jesus really said anyway). People like me are far more generous with their love than to restrict it to just one other person. God is not far more accepting than so-called Christians! And I also have a bridge I'd like to sell you.

The sadness I feel right now is so overwhelming. I've read the original article, and IMO it's so clear IMO that Ray is under serious deception. I wonder if three years, five years from now he will really have this elusive "Happiness" and "peace" that he believes he will have now. Or will he be still struggling with depression, etc. as he realizes that this was not the end-all solution to his problems?

But mostly I feel for his ex-wife and kids. Imagine how they must have felt when Ray gave them the news - the day after Christmas, 2004. Imagine how it must feel for someone to have their spouse drop this bomb on them, knowing that it means he's walking away from your 33 year marriage (and who claims that this is what he had to do to "be himself" when even now says their marriage was "largely happy" and that he loved her, didn't dislike intimacy with her, and they had a very full life together).

Best thing about all this is that not only is Ray Boltz free from the lies and that his announcement has revealed yet again the vile streak of self-righteousness (that's not God kiddies, that's your own human hate) that infects the "Bible believing Christian" but there should be a ton of Ray Boltz cds hitting e-bay because all of a sudden his songs are tainted. Y'all make me want to vomit.

For all of the so called "Gay Christians", please answer this simple question for me: After creating Adam, why did God create Eve?

(I'm not sure the spelling) - But do you all remember the story in the Bible about Saddam and Gomorra? Wake up folks...this life style is not of God. God didn't not intend for this to be a part of life. It's sad that people will become gay and blame it on God. I know the gay community hates to hear this over and over...but God created male and female to be together so they can replinish the earth. This was and is God's perfect plan. I don't hate gay people, I pray for them that God will open their eyes to the sin they are in. God destroyed a city because of stuff like this and one day He will do it again.

The previous comment talked about Kind David being an adulterer and a murderer. Here is some scripture about how David dealt with his sin.
When King David sinned and the prophet Nathan confronts him he replies “I have sinned against the LORD” See 2 Samuel

We also see in Psalm 51 how David repents of his sin

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,

This is true repentance from a great king in the Bible. Without repentance the meaning of forgiveness is lost. The true body of Christ never turns on its own, it chastises because it loves. If it does not chastise then the love is not genuine. It is willing to die for the sake of one lost sheep.

I was deeply distressed when I hear the news about Ray Boltz. I think he is an amazingly great song writer and singer.

Unfortunately, the post made by Anon is good, but if you are going to quote bible reference, you need to follow through on the rest of the story.

Yes David was an adulterer and murderer, but if your read your bible you will see David admitted his sin as sin and turned from it. Yes John Newton was a slave trader, but it was only after his conversion and a complete 180% turn from his sin did he pen the words to "Amazing Grace". Yes Paul, who was called Saul (He wrote the NT not the OT BTW)felt like he was the worse of sinners. Or as he puts it himself, "the chief of sinners". But he also had a conversion experience and made a 180% turn from his sin.

You see Anon and anyone else who may read this post. I do not feel that the church should turn their back upon Ray, but give me a break the man is confessing to the one sin that God Himself call an abomination.

Think of the millions of people who will look at his life and the testimony that he "lived", they will now wonder if all that he spoke was true or not.

Ray, God did not make you like this, to say that is to say that God created you an abomination unto Himself. Come on. How rediculous is that thinking.

He needs to call sin sin, repent and step down from ministry and be delivered.

It's time Christians start acting like the Christians in the book of Acts once again.

Just my thoughts.

Matthew 24:24-25 (KJV)
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
25 Behold, I have told you before.

Jesus paid for your freedom from sin, but He never wanted it to be used as a freedom to sin.

We love you Ray I we are praying for you. Please come back home my brother.

God bless,
Rob
RiverviewCOG@verizon.com

Well here's the deal. We are called to love him, but not his sin. That being said, I struggle with looking at women and having a feeling of attraction to them. This is plainly called lust in the Bible! It is a sin that i have stuggled with since I was very young, pre-hormonal. I am not excused from what i do with my eyes and the thoughts that go with that. It is sin. Sexual thoughts outside of a monogmous marrige relationship with someone of the opposite sex. His struggle with lusting after men is a normal thing. its called sin. He needs to enact self dicipline just like any other man lusting after women. It is all called fornication. That is the plain scripture. And to add to it he was married as i am, so every time we look, we are not just commiting fornication, but adultery(Mat. 5:27) These are the words of our Lord who made us. He he made us "this way" then He made us in sin, which is not the case!
These are the thorns, like Paul, that we as a fall human race have to deal with. Fight the good fight, run the race to the end and you will be saved. That is why those who endure to the end are the one who are promised to be saved, because they prove their salvation.
Lord give us all the strength and endurance to do just that!!!!

I don't know how we can get around what the Word of God says..we can please God or we can please man. I believe this is one of the clearest subjects addressed in the Bible. Romans 1:24-32 says it all for me. I am not judging but the Word of God does that.My heart is heavy because I love his music and he has always been one of my favorite singers. I still love him but not his sin. I will be praying the Holy Spirit will convict him and break him because we must be broken to be healed and made whole. My heart breaks for his children and wife as well.

I agree with all the scriptural statements about Ray. But I think thie once again shows the shallowness and emptiness of the Christian Music Industry. We only look at their TALENTS ECT and not bring them to live an accountable lifestyle. Too many as he indicates by his own admission, are not truuly SAVED but have made professions of a faith in order to obtain something other than true salvation. We have made it easy as well by syaing COme to Jesus as YOU ARE, but forget to say HE WILL NOT LEVE YOU AS YOU ARE BUT CHANGE YOU.
And again we see a rejection of the Word of God by those in high public christina positions. No wonder the church is suffering today.

The word of God is crystal clear on where the Lord stands in regards to homosexuality. From old to new testament God has called it a vile sin, and that won't change no matter who or how many known and unknown sinners and saints "come out of the closet!" I have no doubt that this will open the door for other well known so-called "believers" to do the same, so get ready for it! Ray claimed to be in a struggle for years with this sin. I believe that is true, but make no mistake, his struggle was not with God or the ability to get deliverance from the Lord. His struggle was with the flesh and his willingness to finally come to the point where he was willing to give up his sin totally! God won't take what we are not ready to give up! As long as we entertain it, and find fleshly pleasure in it we are not ready to be free of it. We must come to the place where we have a hatred for the sin and are no longer willing to live with it. At that point deliverance is easy, it takes just "one drop of blood" and Ray can still find it, but he must want it enough to crucify the flesh to have it!

Dear Ray: We as Christians are to love everyone with Christ's kind of love. We may hate the sin, but we do have to love the sinner. I don't think that we can love the gayness out of people, but we accept them as children of God. I come from a liberal church background (United Church of Christ) and I admit, in the current evangelical church I belong to, single sex relationship are frowned upon. I find nothing wrong with being gay, it is all about loving and being loved. Ray, I will continue to listen to your music, because you have a heart for God, which I wish more people had.

Well, here is the difference between Ray Boltz and myself. After thirty years of alledgedly denying who he was, he decided to publicly give himself over to the sin of homosexuality. He didn't do that when he was making money off of the Christian Community because they would not have bought his millions of records. And the difference between me and him is the fact that after thirty years in the homosexual life, I finally repented ten years ago and left the sin of homosexuality. I now am living completely obedient to the Lord and have no desire to go back to that sin at all. It is all a matter of priorities in this life and the next. My priority in this life is to completely give my heart, mind and soul over to the Lord Jesus Christ. That means I allowed the Holy Spirit to purge me of the sin of homosexuality and I am now forever free. And God will reward me with the crown of life as the word says in the Book of Revelation: The crown of life is given to those who overcome. Ray Boltz, on the other hand, sold out his public profession of Christ, at least the one he was making money off of in the music industry, to live the cheap, sinful life of homosexuality. He has chosen not to fight the good fight all the way to the death, the death of his homosexuality. Thus, he is not an overcomer and will not receive the crown of life. His priority in this life is to honor homosexuality rather than the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As the Bible teaches: some left the church because they were never really of us. The Bible also teaches that we submit ourselves to God, then we resist the devil and he will flee. It is clear that Ray Boltz was attacked by satan. Sadly, he did not choose the appropriate path of spiritual warfare, one of submitting to God, then resisting the demonic spirit of homosexuality, for then the devil would have left him so that he could have lived a life of purity and sanity.
My life testimony proves that Ray Boltz is without excuse.

Okay... I agree with Anon, I am also at a young age of 19 and yes we as a Christian community are to love the person and hate the sin. Personally the thing that bugs me is that Ray says that God created him this way. Now tell me why would a God that clearly states that homosexualtiy is wrong create someone to be a homosexual. Have we forgotten the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah?

I think the church has went down hill in the last few years and my thoughts are how long will God put up with all of this blasphemy? We are told in the Bible what is right and wrong but yet people want to distort what God has said and make it into their own lifestyle just so they can say they are Christians.

If you want to be a Christian then you need to accpet the truth and stop trying to make it your own. Yes I believe that The Trinity loves Ray and their hearts break for what has happened, however God is a just and righteouss God and how can we expect him to allow a homosexual into Heaven when he clearly states that it is wrong. Now if Ray sincerely repents and recommits his life to Christ then that is a different story, but for now....

Now I am not the judge so I am not giving a right or wrong because God is the ultimate judge so we will see when we get to Heaven what happens.....

Lets all remember to love Ray as he is going through this hard time but pray that he will come to the truth

While I am surprised by the news of Ray Boltz, I am also saddened. I am partly sad because of his "coming out" but I am also sad for this man who has obviously struggled for so many years. I do not agree with his lifestyle but I now view his songs in a different way. I don't think it is a negative thing, it is seeing that these songs were from the depth of his heart. He was earnestly searching for peace.
I cannot and will not judge his salvation. I pray for him and his family.

Perhaps the reason Ray was able to write great songs was because he was being taken through a wilderness experience. History tells of many great writings, music, etc. being done while the author was going through a terrible time of their life. As the stone sharpens iron, and as the fire purifies the gold. I wonder if we will have more inspiration from Ray since he has given up the struggle. Fight the good fight Ray!!!

My daer precious ones,
I lovingly submit to you that Satan himself has decieved you into believeing that you are born or that God has made you to be Homosexuals. First of all homosexuality is a sexual preference not a lifestyle and Jesus is the author of truth as he says that he is the truth, the way and te\he life. In his word Levitcus and Galations both state that homosexuality , those who practice this will not enter the kingdom of God. ( Heaven) 1Corintians 6:9-10 says it this way; Don't you know that those who do wrong will have no share in the kingdom of God? Don't fool your selves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, who are idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals,thieves,greedy people, drunkerds, abusers, and swindlers- none of these will have a share in the Kingdom of God. There are many scriptures that support the ones I have given you. Please do not misunderstand me I do not hate anyone. I do hate sin and so does God Almighty. Truth is truth whether one believes it or not. Just because one does not believe truth does not make it more or less true. There is an organization called N.A.R.T.H THEY ARE HIGHLY QUALIFED Doctors, scientisits, counselors and so on that were homosexuals and lesbiens and can answer all questions that one has about this lifestyle and why one feel that they were made that way. Becareful on going on feelings, feelings decieves us. We go on what is TRUE/RIGHTEOUS.That is the BIBLE. We were not created that way or we would not have male and females on this earth. God does say that He created them male and female. My heart is broken on this deception that Satan has created in the minds. I will pray for Ray Boltz and his family. N.A.R.T.H .com is an excellent organization. May reach you and love you
SUSAN

God instituted the Church as the Body of Christ and its purpose is to heal damaged souls. To "forsake the gathering of the brethren" risks spiritual gangrene.

As far as I am concerned, this is not up for debate. Healing may not happen in the church you attend, in your specific fellowship of Christ followers, but that does not negate the reality that healing is supposed to take place.In one telling line in the Washington Blade article, we read:

“I thought I hid it really well,” he says.

I submit to you it is that last line that throws me.

He hid it.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

he his it because of a combination of fear and pride.

The Church is either a supernatural power in the universe or it isn't. There is no other option. If you believe in the latter, I can't force you to believe it one way or another, but I believe in the former.

And if Ray had come out to a loving family of Christ-followers, he may still be married and a father to his children today, but he tried to be a Lone Ranger and shipwrecked his faith.

I am truly sad.

The following is what God says about people who claim to be Christians. Pay particular attention to 1 John 2:4.

1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Christians should be grieved that this has overtaken a brother and pray that he will repent and be restored like David, Moses, etc.

This news was astonishing to hear today. I grew up on the songs Ray Boltz sang. I leaned what it meant to be willing to die for being a Christian through his song "I Pledge Allegience to the Lamb."
I realize he is human and I also realize that I am a sinner also. The difference between Ray Boltz and me is that I have recognized my sins and asked God to forgive me and continue to live according to God's Holy Word daily.
Ray Boltz choose to turn away from living a Biblical life for the conviences and pleasures of this world.
While you pray for Ray, remember his family. My heart goes out to the family that is the closest to him. My heart breaks to think about the thought of all of the sudden realizing that the father/husband that you had seen for the last 30 years as a strong Christian leader of the family give that up for the confusion of this world. Pray that they will remain close to God and draw closer to Him through this confusing and hurtful time.

The reality is this--God created us to be conformed into the image of His son Jesus Christ--and Christ was not gay!! We cannot say Oh well, It's just the way I feel--my emotions are telling me I like this guy or girl!!! The Word says that we are to live by faith--not by our feelings--Just say I woke up and didnt feel like a human--but I felt like a Donkey---well When I look in the Mirror -I'm still Human!! My point is You Can be used by God not even Know Him!! Jesus said depart from ye that work iniquity---I never knew You--
God used the devil to work out His own plans--look at Job--well enough said---we must love Ray and Pray that He would someday see the True Light---You can Be Religiously Right but Spiritually Wrong!!

Couple points: Hating the sin does not imply hatred for the sinner. In fact, Jesus commands us to correct our brother out of love for him.

Secondly, "homosexual" does not have to mean "practicing sodomite". A homosexual, if he remains celibate, is just as justified as a single hetereosexual man that does likewise.

I also do not believe that just because we quote Scripture that points out Ray's sin, that it means we hate him. I don't hate him, but I'm disappointed in him. Will I quit listening to his music? No! However, when I do listen to it, I will pray that he eventually sees the light of God and the error of his thinking and "lifestyle." I won't quote anymore Scripture than what has already been quoted because I think most of it has been covered here. However, in our efforts as Christians to not judge soemone, we sometime fall short ourselves. We must use some amount of "judgement" or we will fail to see the need to pray for someone in need and even to witness to that person. Just becauyse Ray has recorded many good songs and has a wonderful voice, doesn't mean he's right with God. However, even God said His word will not return void. I believe many people will still be reached by Ray's music. However, that doesn't mean he's right with God. Yes, we should continue to love Ray and hold him up in prayer. I would not say mean things to him or berate hime if I ever met him in person. In my opinion, that is just as wrong as what he's doing. However, just because I might dare to disagree with him doesn't brand me intolerant! If you want an intolerant group of people, go to a Muslim country! Do you know that Ray would be executed within hours after such a confession in a country/place where Islam is the ruling religion? And they consider us infidels! So, those of you who think America and Christians are intolerant, you haven't even seen intolerance yet! Do I approve of that? No, I don't, but don't be angry at me, and others here, who dare to speak our minds and quote Scripture that points out the sin of homosexuality

stop and listen to all of you. Yes no sin is greater than another sin. But sin is sin lets not sugar coat it. No one is born being gay. You see we were born into a fallen world remember.? IT is just a suggestion from satan or a thought that you decide to believe and then he has you. Remember in the garden how sublte he was to eve. The consequences of our sin is what we have to deal with. I pray for his family they have a lot to bare. I do not dislike ray boltz i dislike what he is doing and how he is making scripture say what he wants it to say. We can argue all we want but the bible is Gods word and he says about chaning one dot or one tittle of his word. well that is what they are doing. Ray please repent and rebuke satans lies. you were not born gay. You should get alone with God and ask him what to do.

What the Bible Says - And Doesn't Say - About Homosexuality

by Rev. Mel White, co-founder of Soulforce
Order

A Biblical response to the question people often ask... "How can you consider yourself a Christian when you are also gay?"

In this 24-page booklet, Mel White puts forward these eight premises:

1. Most people have not carefully and prayerfully researched the Biblical texts used by some people to condemn God's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender children.
2. Historically, people's misinterpretation of the Bible has left a trail of suffering, bloodshed, and death.
3. We should be open to new truth from Scripture. Even heroes of the Christian faith have changed their minds about the meaning of various Biblical texts.
4. The Bible is a book about God. The Bible is not a book about human sexuality.
5. We miss what these passages say about God when we spend so much time debating what they say about sex.
6. The Biblical authors are silent about homosexual orientation as we know it today. They neither approve it nor condemn it.
7. The prophets, Jesus, and the Biblical authors say nothing about homosexual orientation as we understand it today. But, they are clear about this one thing. As we search for truth, we are to "Love one another."
8. Whatever some people believe the Bible seems to say about homosexuality, they must not use that belief to deny homosexuals their basic civil rights. To discriminate against sexual or gender minorities is unjust and un-American.

Hi Ray....I still love you....But....I'm really pissed!
turn from your sin.....or burn with your friend!

"By the reasoning of Ray Boltz, I suppose we can all go eat all the doughnuts we want (cause that is sure how God made me!!), and just do what ever we want to do. All addictions should now be indulged since that's how God made them!?!? No restraint, just do what we each think is right because it feels good. God never removed the thorn from Paul's side for a reason. It was his to endure for the Glory of God!! Is it any wonder Ray doesn't want to get into any Scriptural debates!!"

By Ray Boltz's reasoning, I should be having sex with my neighbor's wife across the street, because I get hot everytime I see her, or think of her. I'm not even a pervert, but I practically get tears im my eyes over her nice perfect rumpadump and beautiful eyes, and I think how great it would be to just lay down with her and just have the wildest craziest sex ever. I mean, hey, that's how God made me. So what if she's married and I'm married? If that's how God made me, I need to pretend I'm an alley cat with no self-control. Or the girl at work with perfect big round breasts and sweetest face anyone will ever see. Sometimes I think it would just be fantastic to do it with her.

But then I think how much I love God, how much I love my wife, how much I have Christ's love for those people and how I know that I need to see them as God's children rather than objects for my own pleasure. When true love is the guide, hormonal feelings are easy to control.

Like Pope John Paul II said in his theology of the body teachings: We need to see people themselves as the ends, rather than a means to our own pleasure.

Patrick

I am appauled at some of the comments on here. You can love the sinner but hate the sin. I have seen many comments by christians that come across as if they are condoning sin. God clearly states how he feels about homosexuality- He is the only measuring stick there is. If he says that it is wrong - it is wrong- He is the God of the universe and what He says goes. To even try to compare homosexuality to racism??? Search the scriptures, please.

It's funny how many times I have heard the excuse, "I have had homosexual feelings ever since I could remember." My response to that is, "SO WHAT!?" There are many liars, murderers, pedophiles, etc. who have also claimed to have had feelings and thoughts of their respective sin since they were children also. We do not say it's okay to sin since you have thought that way for as long as you could remember, we say do whatever it takes to remove these thoughts and shun them! You either make these thoughts obsolete or you give into them. Ray Boltz gave into them. "What if they never go away" some might ask. But that is only an excuse to give in. Avoid sin at all costs, even if it takes a life time of struggling. We must "run the race" (Heb. 12:1) until the very end, so that upon our death God will tell us "well done, good and faithful servant." No, Ray, you are NOT created to sin.

I am only 19. I grew up listening to his music...and as I grew older began to realize how powerful some of his songs actually were. In a world full of filth and constant perversion, I liked to think back on the musicians like Ray Boltz who made pure, powerful, life-changing music. Now i am so incredibly disgusted by this man whom I thought to be such an example. Anything is possible with God, don't tell me about your 30 year struggle, God is not on the failing end, He never is, and if you believe it to be so, you do not know His power. Is there no one free from the corruption of this world? Is there no one left trying? The pathway of righteousness is a narrow one..but He has promised you will never walk alone. I cannot begin to describe my utter disappointment...

I am only 19. I grew up listening to his music...and as I grew older began to realize how powerful some of his songs actually were. In a world full of filth and constant perversion, I liked to think back on the musicians like Ray Boltz who made pure, powerful, life-changing music. Now i am so incredibly disgusted by this man whom I thought to be such an example. Anything is possible with God, don't tell me about your 30 year struggle, God is not on the failing end, He never is, and if you believe it to be so, you do not know His power. Is there no one free from the corruption of this world? Is there no one left trying? The pathway of righteousness is a narrow one..but He has promised you will never walk alone. I cannot begin to describe my utter disappointment...

I struggle with honesty, But I can't just say thats how God made me and go around being dishonest.

I don't understand how someone who believes that his attraction to the same sex is not good automatically has to "hate" himself. The decision to not act on homosexual desires is a logical one. Hatred is an emotion. They do not automatically go together. I have depression and panic disorder, which run in my family. I hold the position that staying in the house or in bed and not trying to have a life, would not be a good thing. Does that mean I "hate" myself? No! Hatred does NOT have to accompany conscious rejection of a natural inclination. Ray doesn't realize that he could have just stopped "hating" himself and left it at that.

I am really saddened by this news. Where was the body of Christ when he needed them. Unfortunately, by the tone of many of the comments above, I can tell where we were. We were too busy condemning to offer any help - just as many of us are now. What's really sad is that he obviously didn't feel comfortable talking to fellow believers about this until it was too late. And now many are responding the way that we would have if he HAD sought help.

I do not condone homosexual behavior, but what makes it worse than my sin - or your sin?

True love does not condemn. And, true love does not fail to warn those it loves of the serious consequences of disobedience of the God who is True Love and True Justice. If you truly love someone, you speak the truth to them, even when it hurts. I believe many here have spoken the truth in love so that others will hopefully not be condemned. Speaking truth and condemning are not necessarily the same thing. One should not be falsely judged as condemning simply because they speak the truth. If it is not true that the Bible condemns homosexual acts, then let the homosexual Bible scholars prove this to the rest of us. I've read the arguments. On the surface, some sound good. But, they seem to fall seriously flat under any serious Biblical scholarship.

Please note that the Romans 1 passage includes many sins, including "disobedient to parents". Additionally, the crescendo of the passage in verses 28-32 does not include homosexuality. Thus, we see that there are many designer lusts that consume mankind. Homosexuality is a grievous sin before God, as is backbiting, as is pride, as is pornography.

Years ago, my wife caught me in the sin of pornography. God granted her the grace to forgive me, and granted me the grace to fight my addiction (designer lust). I sinned grievously against my Holy God. Fortunately, Christ took my sin on the cross, and by grace through faith, I have been bought back from my sin.

I pray that Ray Boltz will run from his sin to Christ's open arms (repentance). He cannot accept both in his life. As a fellow sinner, I can report that repentance is humiliating, difficult, costly, BUT COMPLETELY WORTH IT! God gives freedom and peace, and I really don't feel that this is a hateful message. It is the message of the gospel. To embrace it is life. To reject it is eternal damnation, not from me, but from the Holy God of the Bible.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As you well know the Holy Bible is a spiritual book which comes alive to us the moment we are TRULY born again. It is futile to expect UNSAVED people to understand and accept the inspired Scriptures as they are written.(Remember how we thought and acted when we were spiritually dead) Instead let us pray for their true salvation in order for them to be able to join God's Kingdom. When that happens the Holy Spirit in them will convict them of their sin as He does with us. The Holy Spirit will also give them the strength to fight the good fight between their flesh and their spirit if they want to win.

I would also like to remind you that the Bible tells us that in the last days we would see certain signs before the Lord's return to pick up His bride. One of those signs if you recall is that many believers would fall away from the faith. It is possible Ray Bolts is one believer who has fallen away. Or maybe he was never a true follower of Jesus. Only God knows for sure. In any case we must pray for Ray, his precious family and all the people being deceived by his new message.

May the Lord have mercy on those of us who are holding on to Him and not allow us to fall away, but rather remain faithful until our last breath.

For those of you who still do not know the one true and living God whose name is Jesus, I would implore with you to ask Him to reveal himself to you. He will do so without a doubt!!!

I think the guys on American Family Radio's "Today's Issues" said it best and I'm paraphrasing here...

Ray's musical career has been truly annointed and today whether Ray has fallen in to confusion or outright rebellion it is our duties as Christians to pray for him.

The LORD didn't make anyone homosexual. Ray is unfortunately turned over to his own lust and has departed from the faith (an apostate) and lost - on his way to the lake of fire. THAT'S GOD'S JUDGMENT ON ALL HOMOS! If you don't like it argue with Him who is judge of all and repeatedly told us that homosexuality is sin and a damnable sin at that. I can hear it now "Who are you to judge?!" - IT'S NOT MY JUDGMENT - IT'S GOD! GET IN THE WORD AND STOP BEING SUCH A CRYING BABY! ;) www.SafeGuardYourSoul.com

This saddens me even more than when my ex-girlfriend of five years said she was gay. I just can't stop crying. I have looked to Ray's songs for many years for comfort and strength, and have looked up to him as being one of the Christian greats. And now I feel it was all a lie. I probably shouldn't feel that way, but I really don't know how i should feel. All I or anyone can do is pray for him, and those who can, direct him back onto the straight and narrow.

I look at the Ray Boltz situation and others like it and attribute it to ignorance. The church is way behind when it comes to addressing sex. It does not explain the demonic nature of sexual sin no matter what form it manifests itself as. For those who feel that they were born with homosexual desires do not understand the ways of satan. Anything that we cannot touch physically is part of the spirit realm. Therefore satan has access to our feelings and emotions. Scripture let's us know that a man born of a woman is here but a few days and already in trouble. Satan has no morals and will attack us at any age with inappropriate feelings, thoughts, and emotions. He is relentless and will continue to attack us until we truly seek God for deliverance. We should also realize that it is not us but satan's influence that provides sinful thoughts, feelings and emotions. Satan will keep after you,no matter what area you fall short in. He'll keep feeding you lies through feelings, thoughts, and emotions until you repent and ask God to rid you of whatever it is. We suffer because we really don't understand the devices and tactics of satan.

It seems sad to condemn Ray Bolts for believing that "God Made Him This Way". Is Downs Syndrome a sin, if they prayed about it would they be cured? Is spina bifida a sin, if they prayed would they be cured? Is infant blindness a sin, if they prayed, practiced a perfect christian life would they recieve sight. Is Muscular Dystrophy a sin? Those with these afflictions were "born that way." Jesus, never hated any man, any woman, regardless of any affliction, and he never hated a homosexual.

Here are the facts and I am not concerned about who likes it or not.

Jesus didn't address the sin of sodomy. He DIDN"T HAVE TO because He spoke 99.99% of the time to Jews who were steeped in the Law and knew how they had to live under the law. He didn't address screwing the pooch either or molesting children. You don't have to teach someone what they already know.

So go ahead, laugh, sneer, swear. It won't matter, because YOU ARE ALREADY JUDGED.

AMEN

Here are the facts and I am not concerned about who likes it or not.

Jesus didn't address the sin of sodomy. He DIDN"T HAVE TO because He spoke 99.99% of the time to Jews who were steeped in the Law and knew how they had to live under the law. He didn't address screwing the pooch either or molesting children. You don't have to teach someone what they already know.

Ray Boltz may have written a great song, but that doesn't make him a Christian. Eating at McDonalds won't make you a hamburger, either.

He is a liar and a fraud.

I promise: When he stands in front of a HOLY GOD, he won't even have time to make a pitiful excuse. The gaze of Holiness will shut his mouth forever.

So go ahead, laugh, sneer, swear. Call me unloving, unkind, un-anything you want to call me. It won't matter, because YOU ARE ALREADY JUDGED.

AMEN

You can be gay and a Christian. But you do not have to partake in the gay lifestyle. You can be celibate. The Bible clearly says in the original Hebrew and Greek languages that homosexual single straight and for gay Christians their responsibility is to stay celibate. Sex isn't a need it's a desire. A desire of the flesh. The Bible says we are not to live for the desires of the flesh but to live for Christ. I think that says it in a nutshell. Ray may know he's gay. That's what he's feeling. Fine. But that does not mean he has to participate in the lifestyle. He can be a non practicing gay just like a celibate heterosexual and still serve the Lord. Ray, prayers are going up for you. Stay strong in the Lord.

I am a mother and a Christian. While I believe the Scripture to be the inspired Word of God, my friends (including my best friend who is a gay man) would characterize me as a loving, caring, giving friend. Do my gay friends know what I believe about their homosexuality (that the Scripture teaches without error that it will lead to permanent and painful separation from God if not repented of)? Yes. Do they know that I truly love them and would take a bullet for them? Yes. For all of the obvious gay plants who are writing in, it's like this: As a parent, I love my children more than life itself--my friends know this. It is my desire to see them live healthy and successful lives. There are certain things in life that would interfere with that future--certain "truths" that can only be overridden by the author of truth. For example, the physics of the Creator apply unless He chooses to bless us with an individual and rare miracle. In other words, a child running into the path of a semi barreling down the road at 90 mph; drinking poison; jumping chuteless from the roof of a 32 story building, etc. will almost always be killed. Therefore, as a loving parent, I tell my children these earthly facts and do all within my power to help my children resist any impulse or inclination to do those things. Is it unloving that I wish to protect them from the consequences of those actions? Of course not. Indeed, it would be very unloving, abusive (even "hateful"--a term some try to co-opt and redefine) not to inform them, even inform them repeatedly, of these truths.

Christians, by definition believe in absolute truth that exists outside themselves and accept that God--not any individual or group--is the author of that truth. We believe we are as bound by it and answerable to it and as imperfect in following it as anyone, but because this truth is absolute, it logically follows that it is not up for debate. Those same Scriptures that Christians adhere to teach that God "is the same yesterday, today and forever", thus we accept that His nature and His truth do not change (no matter how inconvenient the truth may appear to some of us). We struggle with "the old man" and correct one another out of love. Just today I was corrected by a sister for a sin that I seek forgiveness for and will seek to overcome in Christ. It is a struggle, one I thought I had conquered, but I cannot cease the fight. I must overcome in His strength. I am grateful this lady had the courage and love to gently point out to me my failure--she cared enough about my spiritual well-being that she was willing to risk my condemnation or anger or even the severing of our friendship, and that is great love.

If I truly love any person, I owe them a sincere, caring warning if I see them stepping in front of a train. Indeed, I should throw myself in front of the train, dying myself if need be, to save them. That is love.

Many Christians in real life--which is rarely seen in any of these forums--are doing just that. We try to grab friends and loved ones, even mere acquaintances from the path of the consequences God has promised those who choose to live as homosexuals (and every sex act--other than the act of being raped--is a choice). We tell them His truth, we pray for them and we love them. It is not hate to tell them the truth--it is hate to watch one who was created for fellowship with God buying the lies of the deceiver and going deeper and deeper into a lifestyle that God says will end in total and eternal separation from Him, and do nothing.

God's Word and His truth are perfect but, when spoken or sung by people it is poured through imperfect vessels. Ray Boltz wrote many songs that are powerful because the truth behind them and in them is a powerful truth that sets captives free from their sin nature to be conformed, not to this world and its lusts, but to God's stated plan. It brings real grief that one who could write the words has never experienced that liberation.

I do not and cannot hate Mr. Boltz--indeed I cried when I read this sad report as I have been a fan of his music for many years. I am grieving for him and his sin choice, as only one who loves him can. I grieve also for a family I am sure dearly loves him, and I am praying for God to lift the blinders from his eyes. I am praying for those he is right now leading away from God and into shackles. I am praying for His redemption. May He come to know the Savior who came not to set us "free to sin" but to set us "free from sin".

I have loved Ray and his music for many years. I am saddened that the enemy has convinced Ray that God doesn't mean what He says. It is no different than Eve in the Garden of Eden. The Bible is clear about what God Thinks about homosexuality. Just because society is starting to accept homosexuality does not mean that God has changed his mind about it. God says "I change not".

The Bible does not show a distinction in regards to sin. All sin is worthy of death including the cross words I may speak to my wife or children. But in order for the sin to be wiped away I have to confess it and allow God to change me. It is God who completes the good work he starts in people. But we must allow him to work. God can not do the work for us if we stubbornly cling to the sin.

As Ray says in his song there stood a lamb, "feeble excuses won't get very far When you find yourself There at His throne."

Jesus said that "many people will say Lord, Lord and he will say depart from me you workers of iniquity, I never knew you".

Jesus says that if we hate our brother then we have already committed murder in our hearts. He also says if we look at a woman with lust we have already committed adultery in our hearts. Just not acting on the sinful thoughts is not enough. We need to give them to Jesus and let him remove them from our lives.

The rest of the verse in Rays song "There stood a Lamb" says,
"If you know Jesus And He is your Lord Hallelujah, you won't be alone." If we are stubbornly going contrary to Gods Word, no matter what the sin then Jesus is not the Lord of or lives and on judgment day He will say "I never knew you".

Please do not deceive your self into thinking that this is hate mail or judging. The Bible teaches me to love the sinner but hate the sin. The Bible also tells me to have in me the same mind as was in Christ Jesus. Jesus told the woman caught in adultery, "neither do I condemn thee. Go and sin no more".

I love you Ray and pray for God's victory in your life as I pray for it in mine.

No matter what abundance of trees God provides Satan will always tempt man with that one tree in the midst of the garden and sadly for some, possibly even many, they will follow Mr. Boltz right out of the garden and that is worse than staying in any closet. Evidently Mr. Boltz's moral compass is his feelings. What about deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me or put on the whole armour of God that you may be able to withstand against the whiles of the devil?

I HAVE HEARD OF SOMEONE WHO WAS A GAY PRIEST - WHO FOUND GRACE DAILY TO NEVER GIVE WAY TO SIN - HIS FEAR OF GOD PREVENTED HIM FROM GIVING INTO THE SIN THAT HOUNDED HIM TILL THE DAY HE DIED. HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS BEFORE GOD, GAVE ME COURAGE TO DO THE RIGHT THING BECAUSE OF WHO GOD IS.

And you call yourself Christians. Many of you need to get a life.

Fire Proof your marriage of 1 man and 1 woman.

&

NLYP — Never Leave Your Partner

The greatest victory over satan is to bring our "hidden sin" into the light. Once exposed to the Light, the devil no longer has as much power. Confessing before men (public) was the best thing he can do. Refusing to turn from his "wicked ways" is so sad. Sometimes God will use a person and not approve of a person. God has used his music to minister to people for years! Let's begin to pray for Ray that he might KNOW the Truth, that the Truth may set him Free!! He whom the Son sets free is free indeed! Christian community, listen to me ... this is our opportunity to stand in faith, stand in the gap and interceed for Ray and his family. Remember that we hate the sin, and love the sinner. I know that this news of Ray is troubling and may make some christians very mad (especially those that love and follow his music) it's okay to be mad, however just remember what the Word tells us "be angry and do not sin". Be mad at the devil and his deceptive lies, not Ray... lets continue to pray for Ray, that the conviction of the Holy Spirit (not people) may be so strong, that he'll have to deal with his sin! We love you Ray, and are praying for you and your family!

I'm sad for Ray. I've been where he is. I have suffered in a church and a society that has believed a lie. Most of the church and society has believed different sides of the lie, but it's the same lie: Either live with unmet needs for masculine love and affection OR have sex with a man. There's another alternative.

I grew up with desperate hunger for male affirmation, love, and touch. My dad said, "Boys don't hug other boys." The church has correctly taught God's design for male and female, but has erred, not knowing the scriptures about legitimate, God-given needs for non-sexual touch. David, Paul, and our Lord (and others in the Bible) were comfortable with physical, affectionate closeness between males. I barely received anything in the church I grew up in. "Just stay away from men I'm drawn to. Pray. Read the Bible." "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but they didn't give me what I needed.

While my needs are ultimately met by Christ delivered over for my offenses and raised for my justification, He did not say to live on that for the rest of my life. Instead, I'm to ask for daily bread. The church gave me a stone, "White-knuckle it." The world offers a snake. I finally found what I needed outside the church (though not outside of God's providence who, because He gave His Son, freely gives us all things) through People Can Change http://www.peoplecanchange.com/.

My heart is sad for you Ray Boltz that you can be decieved so easily by the lies of satan.
God did not make you the way you are Ray and I pray that someday soon you will believe that.
To be attracted to someone of the same sex is immoral and corrupt in the eyes of God and you will not be accepted into Heaven unless you repent and turn away from the sin.
And yes we are to love the sinner but we must hate the sin, and homesexual acts are a sin in the eyes of God and true Christian believers.
Jesus is coming back soon and this is just another reminder that it is soon, Sodom and Gamorah did not stand a chance with the sexual and immoral sin that it was performing and God brought that place down, as God will with this old world we live in soon.
I pray that you will be ready Ray when Jesus comes back, please do not allow sin to rule your life.
It could be today, tonight, or tomorrow no one knows the appointed time but the Father himself,I pray that you will be prepared.

Kara writes that many will be surprised to be turned away from heaven and cast into hell. I'd say a more likely scenario will be those who look around in heaven and are surprised as to who they see there.

I'm heartbroken; for a number of reasons. First, I lived that lifestyle for years before being freed. Second, I sing many of Ray's songs in church because they are such wonderful songs. Thirdly, and probably most heartbreaking, is that he has "accepted" the lifestyle.
Back to the first point. Yes, I did come out of that lifestyle but still fight the urges on a regular basis. Does that mean I should give in - NO! Some would say "that's not right. You shouldn't surpress your urges!" Funny, we expect alcoholics to surpress their urges, we expect husbands to surpress the urge to cheat on their wives, we expect pedophiles to surpress their horrible urges. I could go on and on. Basically, we surpress urges EVERYDAY. What those folks are saying is "Because I LIKE doing this, I shouldn't have to surpress the urge." That's a load of baloney! I'm very disappointed in Ray. If he'd "come out" and said he was looking for help I would have felt NO DIFFERENTLY. As it stands, I'll say it again - I'm heartbroken.

Did the article really have this line?

Boltz declines to go into specifics about the first time he was with a man, but says he has been dating and lives “a normal gay life” now.
I don't think "normal" and "gay" go together unless the word "gay" means what it meant prior to being highjacked by the homosexual community.
Sex between a man and man is not normal. I feel sorry for Ray Boltz. The "lie" has gotten to him. Poor guy.

So the question come to mind Why does he no longer struggle with guilt? Is it because he dug into the word of God and found that his lifestyle is acceptable or is it because man said it is ok. There are many people who struggle with sin in their lives. And man will say yes that is ok. You were created that way. I don't believe it. At an early age I struggled with feelings towards men and woman. In fact I had a openly gay coworker who invited me into his life and relationship with another man. I was tempted but more so for the feelings of self gratification. Yes, sexual pleasure is good no matter who is giving it. Our bodies respond certain ways but every time I read the word of God I see that life is not about feelings or tendencies but about who God created us to be. The word of God speaks specifically to these areas and show them as sin. Am I gay because I had those feelings no, that is what sin does to you. I am happily married and love my wife. The thing that saddens me the most is all of the comments that say well it is ok, let him be who he is. No sin is not ok, and we must take a stand and call sin as sin.

I know this is probably futile at this point, but people are not casting stones, homosexuality isn't even the point. The point is defending God's word which clearly states that Homosexuality is a sin. If you claim you are a Christian then God's word should be your authority, not how you feel about an issue.

But I know, people make this so personal that they bascailly scream and cover their ears if you disagree.

The problem is Ray Bolts is NOT "struggling" with homosexuality. He was, but for him the "struggle" is over. He has chosen to believed a lie and embrace deception. As long as there is life there is hope for him to realize the error of his ways. However, he is influential and to whom much is given much will be required of him. This act has sabotaged an entire generation of young adults and influenced them to embrace evil and call it good. Ray Bolts has empowered the enemy to deceive the world and lead it into sin more efficiently. His act of embracing evil and calling it good will have ramifications. Romans 1:32 although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. NIV

The thing foremost in my mind is not to condemn but to pray for a person's soul. Satan has again deceived as he always does to those that listen and entertain his ideas of sin. Jesus said that we can say "Lord, Lord, did I not .............." and He will say to them, "Depart from me....I never knew you". What a horrible moment. Let's never forget to be witnesses to people until we are sure they have had a conversion experience with Jesus Christ. Let's be a praying "church" for those that are deceived.

This is really sad. I love Ray's music, but he is living a lifestyle that the bible clearly calls sinful. I pray that he gets OUT of it and follows GOD instead of his fleshly desires.

I just have one question for Ray Boltz; have you ever accepted the free gift of Grace from and God and have you made Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of your life? If so, then how can you go into a sinful lifetstyle and lead others astray? Read 1 Corinthians 6. You can not be a homosexual and a christian.

I have always loved Ray Boltz and will continue to love him and pray for him. He has fallen into the deception that is so strong in the world right now, even among those who profess that they are Christians. It is a sad day indeed. We must not stop praying for one another. 'Satan roams around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour'. May the Lord deliver Ray from this pitfall and restore him with a great testimony. God does not hate the sinner, but the sin. Homosexuality is an abomination just as lying is. It does not matter how angry the homosexual community becomes with the Word of God, they cannot change it and rearrange it to suit their lives. Neither can anyone else. God's word is forever established in Heaven. 'Woe to those who call good evil and evil good.'

Inthelyte, you say...
To the woman who doesn’t know if she can bear to sing Ray’s songs, please think about this: David wrote beautiful songs, yet he was an adulterer and a murderer. Your worship leader’s sins are equally guilty. Amazing Grace was written by the captain of a slave ship. Paul felt like he was the worst in God’s kingdom, yet God used him to write much of the Old Testament. Boltz wrote many songs that have touched people’s hearts and to cast him to the side because he has struggles is something that I refuse to do.

The difference between Boltz and these people mentioned (especially David since he's in the scriptures) is that they REPENTED. David didn't commit adultery again and he didn't murder again. Every time Ray Boltz is intimate with another man, he commits this sin again and again and by embracing this lifestyle he is effectively giving up the fight against sin. We all have crosses to bear, we all have thorns in our side. As someone who confessed his addiction to porn to his wife and family and saw a huge monumental shift in how much control it had over me, I know that surrounding yourself with people who care about you and saying...I have this struggle and it's getting heavy. I know it's wrong and I need your help to hold me up when I feel weakest.

I too will not give up singing Boltz's songs, and I would love him like a brother (even my father in law is homosexual and I still love him with grace and mercy), but when you choose your sin over what we know scripture tells us, we are giving up the fight and not giving ourselves to God as a "living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God."

We can love Boltz without loving his lifestyle and we have every responsibility to urge him to reconcile with his wife and family and deny the sinful pleasures that make us feel "guilty" when we fight them.

I can't accpet the statement that "God made me this way so He accepts me." A thief that can't control himself, a murderer with the urge to kill, a pedofile? No, they must repent to be saved. Repent is turning away from the sin. God loves the sinner, he HATES the sin. Sin is unbelief plain and simple. If this man repents of his sin he will be accepted by God through Jesus Christ. Don't hate this man that has fallen deceived by Satan. Pray for him. www.believethesign.com

how very sad yet very upsetting to the christian community. I can certainly relate to this because for 18 years i truly believed i could live as a gay christian, by the grace of God, i finally was broken and realized it was a lie straight from the enemy. i have been free for 6 years, PRAISE GOD!! God does not create homosexuals anymore than He creates alcoholics, drug addicts or pedophiles. It is our choice. He gives us free will. Struggling with sin is one thing, but excusing it by saying you were born that way, is relieving yourself of responsibility and putting the blame on God. I did not want to give up the gay lifestyle so I did everything possible to justify it. I went to one of those so called gay churches (very ashamed of it too). Only to find that their doctrine is sorely twisted. They try to place Jesus and Lazarus as lovers, as well as Ruth and Naomi and even Jonathan and David. I was sickened. We are all predisposed to sin. But we CHOOSE to act upon it. I was delivered from a lifestyle doomed to hell, but Jesus Christ gave me a new life and set me free from it. For Ray Boltz to say he was born that way,(this is the most common statement among gays to justify their lifestyle) & it proves the point once again, that he is trying to blame God instead of realizing it is sin. I know because I have been there. It is like the alcoholic who says well God gave me this disease and I cannot help it. Sorry, You choose to drink, you choose to hurt a child and you choose to live as a homosexual. I know a man who has been married for over 30 years and has very gay attributes. He has shared with me that he struggled at points in his life with the fact that maybe he was gay, because of the way he walked and the fact he had a high pitched voice. But he said I realized that I could choose to act in a sinful manner by giving into this or I could choose to seek Jesus to help me through it. He is faithful, He says WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM. The fact that Ray does not seem to be treating this as sin only leaves me to assume that he has regard for his sin. Reminds me of David when confronted by Nathan. David was so broken about his sin and he recognized most importantly that he had hurt God.(II SAMUEL 12) I wonder if Ray thinks about how his sin is hurting God. I know my sin does. Even though God loves us unconditionally, nowhere in the BIBLE will we find he accepts us unconditonally. God wants all of us and He calls us to be holy. We cannot knowingly live an ungodly lifestyle and expect God to be okay with that.He is at work to consistently conform us to the image of His Son and certainly homosexuality is not the way. Gay Christians blaspheme the name of God. It is HE who says it is wrong.(Romans 1) We are not to be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.(Romans 12:2) My heart truly aches for him. I commit myself to pray for Ray Boltz that God will not give up on him and he will be brought out of this lifestyle by the resurrecting power of Christ.

Inthelyte:

I am 18 years old as well, but what you are saying is false, and here is why.

The body of Christ has not turned on its own, what I find shocking is how many people do not know their Bible! If they did, they would have read 1st Corinthians 5: NKJV

After a man has been released to Satan, and after he has repented and dealt with the consequences of his sin, we are to bring him back with all love so that he will not be destroyed by sorrow. 2 Corinthians 2: 3-11

But before we bring him back, he must repent of his sins and right those wrongs in order to get to that place. Yes we are supposed love people, and yes Jesus “hung out” with those people that were considered the slime of the earth, but Jesus NEVER changed who He was, He always told them to repent just look at the story of the adulteress for that clear example. The reason he went to these people was their hearts were more willing to come to him and change than the Pharisees were, we are told to “be in the world and not of it” and to not be a part of this world, so though we do not sit there and hate homosexuals personally, the Bible tells us to love all men, but with love sin still has to be addressed. It is not judgmental to use the Scripture and proclaim what GOD’S standards are, if we relied on our own understanding yes it would just be fallible opinion, but we have the Bible that shows us exactly how he feels about the issue and he does.

Also, it is impossible to be swimming in the pool of sin, never repenting, and be a child of light. For what does the temple of God have to do with the temple of idols. 2nd Corinthians 6:14-16

I do admit, I am sorry the way homosexuals are unjustly treated by some circles with the belief that it is somehow the greatest sin, it is not, the greatest sin you can commit is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, outside of that it is all the same and will still send you to Hell unless you repent and turn to Jesus. They DO need to change, that is Christ’s command! You telling them otherwise is not loving, it is cruel.

Lastly, about the musician thing, David REPENTED of his sin after he committed sin with Bathsheba and murdered Uriah, the old slave ship owner that penned Amazing Grace REPENTED of his sins he committed and was deeply haunted by it for his entire life. Paul also REPENTED of his sins, and it was his humility that led him to be used by God. Last I checked, this man has not repented but has only entrenched himself deeper in his sin and continues to live a sinful lifestyle.

I have 2 uncles, one who is gay and one who has come out of the lifestyle and become a Christian, I know a lot about the homosexual issue and trust me; it is a sinful, lust filled, dirty lifestyle that ALWAYS leads to an early demise by either drugs and alcohol, diseases, or by suicide. Before accusing people of casting stones, maybe you need to read your Bible and stop acting like Elihu (found in Job) and speaking of things you have no knowledge of.

The bottom line is that Ray Boltz is a sinner, like everyone else. His failure is choosing to justify his sin and try to make it agree with God. Like others who've choosen this path (unrepentance to blatant sin), he stands in defiance against God and His Word. God is not mocked and, unfortunatly, Ray will someday be painfully humbled before God whether in this life or the next.

Regarding those that have been ministered to by Ray's music/ministry: God can and has used whoever & whatever He deems necessary to convey His truth to others. The natural world, a talking donkey, Philistines, Wars, Plagues, Prophets, the bible, surly fishermen, murderers, whores, liars, and a myriad of other sinful men who rejected and/or embraced God. So why can't God use a musically talented, sin-justifying, homosexual?

However, David was confronted with the truth of the Word of God and repented: 2 Samual 11 and Psalms 51...

Its amazinng that we place "man" on such a high throne and then become heartbroken when "man" fails us. We must stop making idles out of our christian superstars. Man will fail, because man is a sinner. Does it suprise me that he sinned no...it suprises me of his willingness to seek aproval for the sin...The veiw you take on this sin and any other depends upon how you interpret the scriptures. If you study the word in a exegetical manner you will find that homosexualiy as well as any sex outside of marriage between and man and a woman is sin. A more liberel veiw of the scriptures will lead you astray.

Sin is sin...
If you agree that homosexuality is sin, then practicing it is sinning. Would you align yourself with a practicing murderer, or rapist, or child abuser? I think not. Do you love them? YES Do you call for their change through the WORD of GOD, and the Holy Spirit? YES Do you accept their sin? NO! Should we acccept any sin? NO!

Ezekiel tells us how to interpret the sin of Sodom: “As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “Sodom, your sister and her daughters have not done as you and your daughters have done. Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me." This is why Sodom was destroyed!

Jesus echoes the sentiment: "If no one welcomes you or listens to your words, as you leave that house or town, shake its dust off your feet. I tell you with certainty, it will be more bearable for the region of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town!”

The real Sodomites are those who don't welcome others, those who are contentedly try to restrict God's offer of grace and who instead make outcasts.

I agree TOTALLY with ALL of you who say this is a SIN!! I believe that people are WRONG when they say they were born that way! I agree TOTALLY with The Word of God that teaches us this is a SIN!! I believe that Ray Boltz has been DUPED by the evil that tries to beset us!! I believe that Ray Boltz is believing a lie and WILL be condemned for it if he doesn't repent. RAY, PLEASE turn back to GOD!! I will pray for you and your family!!

I have never commented on anything like this before, however I feel it is time. Everyone else seems to be coming out of the closet while the christians are trying to find one to hide in. Article after article people are saying I don't condem him. No, but the issue of willfuly sinning does. Yes he had great songs, I beleive they were given from God. But I tell you to watch his life closely and pray and if repentance does not take place watch the wrath of God. God id very clear that he will not be mocked. Pray and watch. I am not ashamed to stand up for my God and say that it is wrong, the rest of the churh should not be afraid either.

ray I listen to your music for so many years I sad to hear that you walk from the will of God.Remember he is a god of restoration he can restore you back,The Bible clearly says that homosexuality is abhorrent. Oral and anal sex cause disease and cancer and shorten the lifespan of people who do this.I pray ray that you will
accept God forgiveness and come back to your wife I used to look up to you remember God love you but he doesn't love the sin,lord please reveal your will to this man and take away the things that have him in bondish.

Regardless of what we reason or excuse there is no justification of sin except in Christ. We must choose to live a Christ-like lifestyle. What a shame he has given that up, for whatever excuse or justification he makes. We must all control ourselves. A married man that finds himself attracted to another woman shouldn't commit an affair. It's a sin of lust up until the point of the affair. Ray Boltz struggled with the sin of lust and was fighting the good fight. Sounds like he gave up and is making excuses. You and I should be careful not to tolerate his actions or approve of them or God forbid force your approval on the Christian community as he has done. Homosexuality is a sin, because the Word of God says so...BOTTOM LINE! Upon Judgment day God will have to say that He lied in the Holy Bible if he accepts Ray Boltz into the Kingdom of God without Ray's repentant heart asking for forgiveness on this side of life. Your and my opinion's don't matter at all. What does matter is the Word of God, that is the only thing God holds Himself accountable to fulfill.

1 Cor. 6:9-10 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

I'll be praying for Ray and his family. I will say this. You are not homosexual just because you were born with certain tendancies. Some are born with mental disorders and then hit 9 threes to win the highschool game after being the waterboy for four years. I'm probably very predisposed to being angry and violent... doesn't mean i should act on my urges to murder. We are all born in sin, with the pre-disposition to sin, there is no excuse for sin because in Jesus the Christ we are set free from it's unbreakable grasp. The Bible is very clear on how we should view homosexuality as a sin.

I want to aplaud 'inthelyte' the 18 year old!! You have a lot of wisdom for your age. Jesus came NOT to condemn the world but to SAVE the world. Jesus sat with and ate with the ones who were called the low lifes, sinners in His society. The 'religious" of the day condemned Him for doing this! Are we going to be the 'self righteous hypocrites' or are we going to reach out to those and dine with those who need the Lord? We ALL sin and have fallen short that is why Jesus came and died on the cross for us. Then we are promised the Holy Spirit who will guide us in our walk with Jesus. As Christians we all need to stop trying to be someone elses Holy Spirit and give GOD the control and not try to control others with condemnation and guilt to make others do what we think God wants them to do.

I have been troubled since I heard of this confession by Ray Boltz. Here’s my take:

There is no doubt that same sex relationships in the Bible in terms of marriage is even slightly eluded to in keeping with God’s will. HOWEVER, God does provide for single males or “Eunuchs” a place in His Kingdom!

I think Jesus made it perfectly clear that such males do exist and have a place. The Apostle Paul would easily fit into this category. That doesn’t mean that all eunuchs by this definition are gay, but it does mean that they do not practice sexual behavior with others of same or opposite sex. From my viewpoint, a “eunuch” in Christ may indeed be gay or straight, but has committed themselves to sexual purity for the sake of the Kingdom.

New Testament Strong’s definition for eunuch:

2135 eunouchos (yoo-noo'-khos);

from eune (a bed) and 2192; a castrated person (such being employed in Oriental bed-chambers); by extension an impotent or unmarried man; by implication, a chamberlain (state-officer):

KJV-- eunuch.

"For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it." Matt 19:12

Old Testment Strong’s definition for eunuch:

5631 cariyc (saw-reece');

or caric (saw-reece'); from an unused root meaning to castrate; a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state:

KJV-- chamberlain, eunuch, officer. Compare 7249.

For thus says the LORD: "To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, and choose what pleases Me, and hold fast My covenant,
Even to them I will give in My house and within My walls a place and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off. Isa 56:4-5 (NKJ)

I am a pastor in a large mainline denomination. In the past, I have been an Associate Professor at a major Christian university. I applaud Roy Boltz for finally accepting himself and "coming out", although I expect he will face much rejection from many of us in the Christian community. In the limited space allowed here, I cannot go into a detailed study of the usually quoted passages from the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, but these are often taken out of context in many of our popular translations and reflect cultural and situational specific situations which applied in the ancient Israelite/Hebrew culture as monotheists and in the early Christian communities. These were not written with any concept of same-gender affection or love as these concepts were, for the most part, beyond the ancient Israel/Hebrew and early Christian understandings of same-gender (seen as male-to-male) sex.
In a modern context of same-gender committed relationships based on love and commitment, these Scriptures have little to inform us directly. (I suggest L. William Countryman's, "Dirt, Greed and Sex", Fortress Press, 1988 for a decent analysis. It was required reading in my classes.) *Professor Countryman is Sherman E. Johnson Professor in Biblical Studies at The Church Divinity School of the Pacific and a Core Doctoral Faculty Member of Graduate Theological Union.)

I am so saddened by this news. We love his singing, but are so disappointed. We will pray that he will come to his senses and be proud that he is a man...and come back to the Lord.

So sad when sin blinds the eyes of people. Lets not forget what the Bible says about homosexuality. Upholding biblical priciples is not casting stones.

It pains me that this issue came to light and the choice that Mr. Boltz made concerning his orientation but I do stand on the principle laid out by God. "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone", I know that I am not blameless in my christian walk and ask for forgiveness everyday (we all do). Henceforth there is only one true judge and that is God, no one else. Instead we are to reject the choices made against God but love others just as Jesus loves us. That is what we are commanded to do.....Love them like Jesus.

THIS JUST PROVES THE DEVIL IS REAL AND HE IS OUT TO KILL,STEAL AND DESTROY.

We were born in orginal sin. All of us. That means we are all born hating God, like it or not. It's not about us being created a certain way and learning to love ourselves; it's about realizing that our HEART is DESPERATELY OPPOSED to God. God created us to love Him. Yet...we love ourselves. What was The Fall of man? Simply that he decided to do his own thing. And this is sin, in a nutshell; doing our own thing, not God's. God created us for good works, yet we despise any commandment He gives that does not personally benefit us. THIS is why sin--and yes--homosexuality--is such a big deal: it is a decisive, rebellious lifestyle against God, telling Him we will do what we want.

One more thing....God loves us, friends, yes. Yet God knows that we were created to do good works. Therefore, He knows better than we that sin is the worse possible thing for us; it destroys us, our families, those around us. God wants us to be free from this "sickness". We have to align our hearts with Him.
that's...repentance

I struggled with drinking for 22 years. I could not in my own strenght overcome the temptation to quit even though I wanted to. God healed me from ALL desires to drink 17 years ago...PRAISE GOD! He will not put more on us that trust HIM than we can bear. My heart is wicked and deceitful..who can understand it? I have to trust only God!. God made me a new creation. I witness to other people about his redemptive mercy in my life so that they may have hope...in HIM. When a brother stumbles, those that are strong are to restore him but also be careful lest they stumble also. I pray that Ray would be convicted by the Holy Spirit...conviction leads to repentence and repentence leads to salvation. We ALL have to be saved. It's not just about speaking the TRUTH, it's about speaking the truth in love. Forgiveness is available for ALL that call on the name of the LORD.

The issue isn't social but it is spiritual. It's not personal feelings but the God of heaven according to his Word that defines the real issue.

Homosexuality and faith do not mix. Sin is sin. We as a people must recognize that sin before a Holy God is evil and wicked and must be repented of. Jesus Christ being received in the heart does not lead one to be homosexual. This is not judging anyone this is taking God at his word. Being a liar is just as wicked, being deceitful is just as wicked. ALL SIN MUST BE REPENTED OF FROM ALL WHO BREATH, I MYSELF INCLUDED. Lest we repent we shall all likewise perish. It's more than just a personal struggle its sin. May God give us all the grace from above to turn to Christ and repent of the sins of Human flesh.

To Ray, with love and compassion for the position you find yourself in...
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Please do not misquote God by saying that God must have made you this way. It is a choice and not what God made you into. He made you into his likeness, and you can turn away and repent and be restored back to God's grace. Please know that I am not judging you because we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory. I just pray that you would seek out his true word and come to realize that God loves you and he will help you through this time.

David, Paul and all other men in the Bible repented and lived only for God after He changed their lives. We had better wake up as someday we will all give account to God for our lives and we will be judged by the only one worthy...Jesus who gave His life in our place so that we could be saved from an eternal hell. God is LOVE and also JUST.
I John 2:3-6 says, Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him" and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
I John 2: 15-17 says, Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes,and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
I pray for all who have sinned that there will be repentance...and we all have sinned and need God's forgiveness, but we must also live a new life in Christ which is without sin as He alone can help us do when we come to Him daily for help.

In reply to anon, amen I agree with you, and all I will say is this.
Matthew 7:1-3, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
Ray Boltz is my brother in Christ and no matter what he is, or color he is, He is still my brother in Christ and I will pray for him and continue to listen to his music which has blessed me and others.

Thank you Ray. Thank you.

sin is sin and it is not okay regardless of the sin to promote, be proud of or condone regardless of its origin. furthermore it is God's authority to jude no one elses may he forgive us all for casting judment. fellow christians you know what is to be done...do not Judge....PRAY. the bible does not lie..it is we that distort the truth.

In one sense I must agree that Ray Boltz was "born this way." All of us are born with a sinful nature which, can and often does manifest itself in all sorts of bahaviors and attitudes which the Bible clearly states are sinful.

This is why Christ said. "You must be BORN AGAIN." Since all are born (the first time - in the flesh) with a sinful nature, we must all be born again (the second time - of the Spirit).

I personally committ myself to praying for Ray Boltz, that he too may be truly born again so that he does not have to live according to the ungodly desires of the sinful nature.

Posted by: Emily Edwards at September 13, 2008

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?

I think Emily Edwards just called herself righteous. That sounds like pride to me. See you in hell with Ray and all the other sinners, Emily.

I am convinced the Father is well able to deal with Ray Boltz. Just as he deals with each us in our personal struggles, lies we believe or victories we win. Jesus is still Lord and the Father is always victorious over sin. Homosexual lifestyle will not make him happier or more productive. It will not save him. It will not purify his heart or spirit. Neither does the heterosexual lifestyle.

Each of us bows before the cross of Jesus and none of us gets to point fingers at another NOR can we take applause because of our chosen lifestyle.

We have merely surrendered before the power of the cross.

Sorry I meant my comment was for inthelyte and I was answering them not anon, Be Blessed.

I am a woman who was caught in adultery . . .I ended up committing murder to try and get out of it . . Here's what Jesus said to me:

John 8
10b: “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

11“No, Lord,” I said.

And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

When I introduce myself to someone, commenting on my sexual anything is the last thing on my mind and I don't want to go there as an introductory statement with anyone else. I am sad that people find their identity in their sexual habits.

Any sexual relationship outside of marriage is in violation of scripture. I'm not sure where else the discussion can go.

very, very sad story.

This is so very sad. Ray is so confused. God's has said in His word very clearly that those who practice sexual relations with people of the same sex will not inherit the kingdom, they will not have eternal life in heaven. To say that God made him this way, is a complete contradiction to God's word. If we are to understand God's way and how a person can get to heaven, we must believe everything God has said and not throw away the parts we don't like. God didn't make Ray the way he is. God doesn't contradict Himself. He has said He does not change. Ray needs to do some deep soul-searching and find out when and how he "became a Christian" and if He is truly born-again he needs to ask the Lord to give him deliverance from this lifestyle that God calls an abomination. If he didn't understand what he was doing when he believes he was saved, He needs to call upon the Lord Jesus Christ, repent of his sinful thinking, and ask the Lord to save his soul and cleanse him of this lifestyle and thinking. Please don't accuse me or any other Bible-believing Christian of "judging" Mr. Boltz, because we stand with what God says about all this, not our own human reasoning or opinion. It is false love to tell someone that they are righteous in the midst of their transgressions which separate them from God. It is true love to tell them the truth so that they can let God set them free. One day God will have the last word about all this and His word, which is eternal from past into eternity, will stand the same as it always has. We can try to change things but God's ways never change.

I have been a Christian for 31 years and I can attest to the FACT that none of us are perfect. We are all just human beings that God created. Did He create some of us gay? I don't think so...but I do think we all have female and male genes in us - how we live our life, how we choose to react to our lives, how we choose is what God will ask us about come judgment day. Homosexuality has been around since day one...The Bible contains 9 specific references to homosexuality: 4 in the Old Testament (Genesis 19:1-25; Judges 19:22-30; Leviticus 18:22; and Leviticus 20:13) and 5 in the New Testament (Romans 1:24-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; 2 Peter 2:6-10; and Jude 7). It was a "sin problem" in the old testament and the new testament - and God addressed it and said "Don't do it...it is a sin".

I accept and love homosexuals because that is another thing that God addressed..love one another. We can only pray that the homosexuals - our own Ray Boltz - will repent and follow God.

If someone has desires to have sex with the same sex...it is a sin, just like lying and cheating, just like adultery and murder. We are to love the sinner, hate the sin. It does not mean to hate the sinner because he sinned. We are to love ALL.

Thanks for listening.

~~~ God bless ~~~

My prayers go out to Ray and his family. His story is by no means unique, yet it is one many Christians would rather pretend is not real or become judge, jury and cast the first stone.

Only God knows his years of struggle and faithfulness despite his orientation.For those years as a husband, father, worshipper and minister may God bless and reward him!

Despite his new found freedom bringing him a measure of peace, I can think of few thing as disheartening as coming out gay in your 50's! It is no picnic in a community where youth and beauty are paramount qualities, desirablility has an expiration date, hedonism is rampant , lasting relationships seem scarce and often God viewed with hostility... it is no rosy path!

May the good shepperd acompany him, lead him and finally guide him to peace!

Blessings

Seraph

When I heard about Ray,,My heart filled with griff,,What are we doing saints...This world is going to the devil,,And why? Because we as children of God are not doing what we are suppose to do..My Bible says pray without sceasing,,That means we should be on our knees praying for the lost..praying for those that are being decieved by satin..I know myself for one have fallin short of this..God forgive me..Sin is Sin..and I know we all sin and come short of the glory of God..but to repent of those sins is what counts. This world is dieing and going to a devil's hell.. We as born again christians should pray pray pray...I for one do not hate Ray for this..I do hate his ways..Loving God and Loving one another is what is all about..We can't judge..that is God's job..When we hear thing like this it is like cursifing Jesus all over again..How that makes my heart hurt..But we can't hate..we have to show love just like Jesus did..But we sure don't have to like what they are doing. I am not a saint..I like many other or I should say all others have faults..we are human..But I want to make it to heaven..I want to see Jesus face to face and hear him say my child welcome in..I do not for one min think Ray thinks this is ok.. He knows God and he knows what is right and what is wrong..He has made the choice to turn away from God..And all we can do is pray that he finds his way back..you are in my prayers Ray..May God have mercy on us all..God Bless

Okay, I am going to play major devil's advocate here. I accessed this website out of curiosity when my wife sent me an email she had gotten from a church friend regarding Mr. Boltz's announcement. I am agnostic in my belief system; I don't completely reject the possibility of an all powerful Saviour but I have many reasons to question why the world is the way it is currently and has been all throughout history if there is indeed an all-loving Creator. That being said, I am dismayed and appalled by the totally judgemental atmosphere that exists on this blog. What right do all of you who condemn Mr. Boltz have? Are you so perfect that you feel that this right exists? How do you know for a fact that someone who is homosexual is not indeed born this way and does not "choose" this as a lifestyle, as so many of you pompously point out? Are you scientists or psychiatrists? Forgive me, please, for being so condescending but can you really believe that God has "cured" homosexuals of their same gender desires? Why would he possibly "cure" some who cried out and not others? The typical answer I'm expecting is that the ones who are still practicing that lifestyle are not "genuine" enough or "don't really believe in their faith" enough. I can guarantee, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Ray Boltz cried out to God for 30 years to "cure" him of his homosexuality. He must have felt like such a hypocrite for all those years. Some of you say he should have just resisted the temptation. Some of you say he should have been a witness and example to others going through this. How would he possibly have done that without the condemnation of the christian community coming down on him as it is now? You compare his supposed "lifestyle choice" to those of pedophiles and rapists. How totally absurd! Pedophilia and rape are criminal acts; homosexuality, as far as I know, is not. Why, with the shame, stigma, and potential for physical harm, would a person conscientiously "choose" to be homosexual if they do indeed have an actual choice? You would have to be a lunatic to choose this way of life! I would like any of you to try to resist and suppress for 30 years what this brave man has. Is it any wonder, that after 30 years of hiding what he truly felt he was and begging to be changed, that he got weary of the deception and gave up the fight? How many years was he supposed to wait for his prayers to be answered? Amazing.

From my earliest memories I can remember being born a sinner. That doesn't mean that I should then be expected to learn to live and accept and cherish this sinful nature that I was born with. What I remember from the WORD OF GOD is that sinners like me and all who are born sinners (no matter how sin manifests its self in ones life) will have their part in the lake of fire at the righteous judgment of God. And like Christian in the Pilgrim's Progress that terrifies me. I'm not going to make peace with my sin/sins which are many. I'm broken hearted over Ray Boltz's admission and acceptance of his sin as normal. I pray that he recovers his faith and flees from the wrath of God in repentance to the Jesus Christ of the Bible.

How sad it is that someone can claim they know Jesus, say they are drawing closer to God but yet living a lie. Sexual immorality, divorce, broken homes and lying are not from God. Someone needs to read the letter of 1 John and beleive it. Ray has believed the lie of this age and will suffer for it. It does not make any differnce what people think or beleive is true- Jesus and God's word are absolute truth and they say Ray is wrong and condemned and it makes no differnce how many gay people shout their agenda . May he repent before it is too late.

Gifts and callings are without repentance. God may have used Ray Boltz in the past but I believe Ray has put that behind him by embracing homosexuality. We don't have to judge him, the Word of God has already done that. Homosexuality in the Christian music industry is nothing new. Matter of fact, it is full of it. It is a well hidden secret that is slowly becoming more open. Many are just waiting to see how it affects the careers of others before they annouce their own sexual preferences. Will I be buying Ray Boltz music? No, nor do I buy from the other "hidden" christian music entertainers.

I have heard this argument time and time again coming from believers who have come out of the closet. Why do people expect God to take away sinful desires? Just because God doesn't remove temptatation from someone doesn't mean you have to give into it. We live in a world of people who think if you feel something, it must be right. Then, should we allow the person who is tempted by murder to murder to his heart's content? Does that mean that God created that person to be a murderer?Should a person who is tempted by pornography just give in because the desire to see it is there? Should we choose to ignore what the Bible says and continue justifying every poor decision we make? Just because you redefine Scripture to make it say what you want and then give in to your sin instead of to the nudge of the Holy Spirit doesn't mean you are living in peace. It means your heart has been hardened and your conscience has been seared, so you can live in a lifestyle of sin without worrying about the conviction that should be there. We all have sin in our lives, but God forbid we just allow ourselves to accept that sin when we can be forgiven and rise above it instead. We cannot ask God to remove temptation from all of humanity. We are supposed to be choosing to say "no" to temptation. It is not God's fault that we are human and we fall. He provides for us a way out...but we have to take it.

Ray, those in the church who keep spouting off the same old "the world is flat" theology on this subject are easily discredited by proper Bible interpretation and true science. These are the same people with the same tired (and wrong) theology who keep producing so many tortured gay souls from their families and churches. It doesn't work! I trust you find the same reconciliation and peace I have been helping people find for many years now. My former ministry (Potter's House International Fellowship) in Tampa and current ministry leading the Global Alliance of Affirming Apostolic Pentecostals produce many testimonies of deliverance from religious hypocracy and condemnation through the Word of God, the precious Blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Ghost. The Biblically and scientifically out of step crowd in the church will have to realize that what God has cleansed, they should not call common! I praise the Lord for your courage that will inspire other hurting hearts! RMorgan112@GMail.com. WWW.AffirmingApostolics.com

Mr. Boltz: God did not create you to be a Homosexual, and neither does he want you to hate yourself.
There are a lot of things that many people may want to do, or feel to do, but they don't because they know that the word of God says it is sin, God hates the sin, but loves the sinner.
Each one of us could cling to sin that we might prefer, and then try to justify it by saying well if God didn't want me to do this then I would not have the feeling or desire to commit the sin.
You & I both know that this is not right. We are to abstain from the very appearance of evil.
Our human body determines our sexuality if you are a male then you are to be with a female. and I myself being a female I am to be with a male.
May God have mercy on your soul and deliver you from this evil temptation.
God did not create you or anyone else to be a homosexual or lover of your own kind.
What do you think the Book of Romans is talking about when it says they leave their natural affection?
If homosexuality is not sin, the next thing people will be saying EVERYTHING is Okay. For example polygamist or adulterer lifestyle, pedophilia and bestiality?
Sin takes people to hell.
God doesn't send anyone there,
He made a way that we could all avoid that awful place.

May God send Holy Ghost conviction to you Mr. Boltz and spare your soul.

All of us...pray for each other...Ray is no different than you or I. He is a child of God. We all have our sins. Let us love the sinner, but despise the sin, and pray,...for Ray,....each other,...and our own selves,....that through the working of the Holy Spirit, we will continue to recognize those parts of ourselves that are sinful, and repent. I am no theologian. I am still learning and memorizing scripture. But, I am reminded right now of some verses from both the old and new testaments. I am reminded of the verse in that talks about being holy, as God is holy. Another verse that speaks of our bodies being a temple,...and that we should make our "temple" pure and holy,....to love God,...and our brother. That in no way means we accept their sins. Jesus loved the tax collector, the adulteress, and other sinners. He confronted their sins, not with condemnation to the individual, but was able to provide that balance of "I love YOU,...but you are destroying yourself through.....and you need to turn away and toward God" (my paraphrase...crucify me if you must).

I am deeply pained by those that twist their sexual orientation into something that they believe is not sin, just as alcoholics twist the verses of the Bible by leaning on the parts that disclose the wine referenced,...where even Jesus made his mirical (spelling?) at the wedding feast, but then want to hide from the verses that condemn drunkenness. Drunkenness is a sin.

We don't see churches popping up that accept the alcoholic lifestyle. Why,...because the alcoholic community does not try to twist scripture and public sentiment to their own will and create the "alcholoic denomination". The behavior, like homosexual lust, is recognized by all, as what it is. A sin. But,...the alcoholic themselves are and should be loved as a brother in Christ that needs intercessory (spelling) prayer. Not condemning prayer, but prayer that the Holy Spirit will convict, and that the human heart and mind will be attentive, and repent.

In that vein,...God has provided the ultimate EMPIRICAL laboratory on gay/lesbian people......IDENTICAL TWINS, separated at birth. The whole "nature vs nurture" argument dies here. Identical twins have, by definition, exact copies of DNA. If there were a "gay" gene, then by definition, both twins should "always have known they were gay" as the community likes to state to prevent argument. The Identical twins (or identical triplets, quadruplets, etc.) should be either all straight or all gay.

The empirical evidence, however shows that identical twins, triplets, etc., that are separated at birth, have resulted in one/some being straight and one/some being gay. There are, however, the overwhelming instances that twins separated at birth both turn out straight.

You now have the following outcomes with twins separated at birth:
1) Both turn out straight
2) One becomes gay, the other remains straight

This is a binary logic construct, and can be utilized due to the exacting nature of DNA of identical twins.

Due to their identical genetic makeup - only 1 set of separated twins needs to be a gay/straight combination to invalidate the claim of a "gay gene", and that homosexuals were "born that way"

It is nurture, not nature. That being the case, being raised into "gay-ness" is not unlike being raised into sexual promiscuity, alcoholism, lying, bigotry, a continually hateful heart, etc.,...Sins.

One day, we will all know the TRUTH, in a way we can never fully comprehend on earth.

I pray that God's will be done in this matter, and that even this incident with Ray Boltz will have an outcome that will be to God's Glory.

Ray Boltz says he doesn't want to debate scipture, that's because he KNOWS what the sripture says on the subject. We all have our personal sins we struggle with harder than others, it is still sin!And it is how we handle that sin that matters. People want to discount the things in the Bible that make them uncomfortable, they want to find whatever loop-hole they can that allows their sin to exist. We all have sin we struggle with, to say it isn't so would be a lie, but it is that sin we need to battle with all the more, because it is the thing that will take us right to the devil's clutch. I pray for Ray and those that support him, my prayer is that they will realise this sin is sepperating them from God, and they will then RUN FROM THEIR SIN and BACK TO GOD.

Why is it that just because someone points out what Scripture has to say, they are suddenly condemning someone? Are those of you who are arguing for homosexuality somehow not being argumentative or judgemental of Evangelicals? I don't expect a non-Christian to submit to the authority of the Bible...that would be a little ridiculous, but that doesn't mean it's not true. I believe what the Bible says, and I shouldn't be judged for still believeing it even though it's 2008. I believe it because I've studied it (historically, linguistically and otherwise) and because Christ has set me free and I should not be condemned for my "old-fashioned" way of thinking. It's interesting how you can throw all the stones you want to as long as you think like the liberal media. I don't stand in judgment of Ray Boltz or anyone else, but I do think on a CHRISTIAN website, we have the right to point out what our Scriptures have to say about a subject. I also don't hate anyone, but I do agree with what Scripture has to say about it.

I am so proud of Ray Bolz standing up for what he feels and admits that he Gay. I knew my son was gay when he was a very young boy; even before he knew what gay was. I watched a very unhappy child grow into a very unhappy you man. Always on suicide watch and a phone call that we did not want. My son finally admitted that he was gay at the age of 32. He is now a very happy young man and is finally enjoying life. He is active in his church which supports him and loves him as he is. As a mother who birthed this child I can personally tell you that GOD created him and you will never change my mind. I am a devout Christian and I believe where the Bible say "God Created Everything".

Okay, if you’re going to commit sin and come out openly about it, at least own it and stop blaming God for it. Plain old-fashioned, common horse-sense dictates that anybody with one eye and half a brain knows that homosexuality simply is not natural and it has been proven there is no “gay” gene. So let’s just be honest and call a spade a spade.

At least when Jimmy Swaggart confessed his sin, albeit he got caught, but yet and still, at least he owned it and called it what it was. He didn’t whine and cry, “God made me that way”, it was a choice he made.

I love Ray Boltz, and yes, we should all pray for him and extend compassion to him, but we must not condone his sin. As genuine Christians, we cannot condone it.

I was in Christian music for a number of years as an artist and musician. Ray and I are about the same age. A friend of mine co-wrote, with Ray, one of the biggest songs he ever recorded. I was even looking forward to an upcoming concert where I would have had the opportunity to work with Ray in concert, but for whatever reasons it never came together because of scheduling or something. He was a tremendous influence in a lot of my own song writing.

Ray, I love you, but man you are wrong. I thought of another one of you’re famous songs that asks the question, “Does He still feel the nails…” and I would like to ask you a question with one of the succeeding lines, how can you “bear the thought of hurting Him?”

For those of you who are so deceived and call yourself a “gay Christian”, I got news for you, THERE AIN’T NO SUCH ANIMAL! Genuine Christians genuinely love you and want to help you, but because we won’t stroke your sin, condone it and tell you either how great you are for standing up and coming out or how your poor soul has suffered so because of your being misunderstood, you want to lash back at us about how unloving we are. You really know nothing of the love of Christ, because His love is also a demanding love. Just ask the money-changers that He ran out of the temple with a whip.

A few points I would like to make:

1. Ray Boltz SHOULD be loved by all Christians. This is not optional for believers.

2. Ray Boltz SHOULD have a debate whether or not the scriptures teach against being a slave to the flesh, but rather be a slave to the Spirit.

3. "God made me this way". What??? Pure Rationalization for any sin. Ray is not beyond repentance. He, like all of us, needs to do this daily. Feeling the desire to sin is not a sin. Acting on it becomes sin in so many different areas. Everything that is not pure must be brought under submission of the Holy Spirit. Paul talked about this struggle when he said a perfect Spirit is living in an imperfect body. I believe if Ray IS truly honest with not himself, but with God, he'll see the flaw and repent. I'm rooting for him to make things right before God. I'm so glad God forgives me and is patient with me.

The truth is, we are all born sinful. We come from the womb speaking lies the scripture says. So, what if he was born gay. He still has a responsibity to not act upon it and be sinful. I have an inclination to lust. Does that mean that I ought to give into that sinful inclination and lust and commit adultry in my heart? Of course not. If he was born gay, he should not be sinful and act upon that terrible sin.

I beleive that we are not suppose reject anyone who is sin but we do not have to accept a lifestyle that is against the very nature of GOD. This is the problem that many of us are not able to understand and so we accept the sin. There are many scriptuers in the Bible that will refute the sins we are practicing. I do beleive we must love all people of all race and social background but we do not have to tolerate their sinful lifestyle. The New Testament teaches us that there are two types of children in God's kingdom: mature and immature.
To be called a child of God is to live (practice) according to the teachings set forth in the Bible. To live opposite to those teachings let us know who is and who is not a child of God.
We do not judge those who are in sin but the Bible let us know that we will know people by their fruit. Fruit in the Bible is a metopher for Godly Character. Character is behavior and if our behavior is in contrast to the word of God then we are no longer children of God. Iam not saying that we are not going to commit sin, but the Bible tells us that they who practice sin (live a lifestyle of continious sin) will not inhertit the Kingdom of God.

I don't comdemn Ray Boltz and will continue listening to his music. We still love you, Ray! All Christians struggle in some way or another with their sinful dispositionas as also mentioned about Paul in the previous post (Paul wrote much of the NEW Testament, though). However, I have a problem with the rhetoric one hears so often nowadays "God made me so". We live in a fallen world which was originally made perfect by God. God did not "make it so".

As a heterosexual young man, I've had my fair share of struggles against temptations – to keep my life pure before a holy God. Now, married at 39, I still struggle on a daily basis to overcome all sorts of temptations. To struggle against the taint that we inherited from Adam is not sin, but giving in to it is! (thank God, there is always forgiveness for true repentance).

Martin Luther (I think)stated: "you cannot prevent a bird from flying over your head, but you can ALLOW it to nest in it."

It would seem that Ray has eventually given up the good fight and allowed the bird to come and nest.

Wow, some of these comments are brutal and very sad. I'd love for some of the righteous zealots on here to have gay family members (or even themselves). It's amazing how humans fear things they don't understand. Good on ya Ray.

I read some of this comments/arguments and understand the feelings of different people and ofcourse I can understand Ray and empathise with him.We can all agree on one thing that God is the creator of all of us and yet we are all different/unique.Any normal human being is capable of controlling his or her behavior,that is the uniqueness God has given to humans.What stops or not stopping people from doing things they like to do ?.We all would have been doing a lot of things had it not been for the consequences,either moral or leagal or simply from the society around us.If we can admit we are sinners it is going to be a lot easier to solve our problem because we know the cause but if we say I am wired this way and this is the way I am going to live we are making God guilty and trying to punish him when we really know that we are wrong.This doesn't make any sense because how can both we and god be wrong or guilty?It is very simple,since we feel ashamed of what we are doing we are wrong and guilty,not God.May be it is true, we cannot change ourselves but God can if we fully submit to him.
Ray Boltz is so dear to God and I pray that God restore him like he did to Peter,Saul and Thomas.As the faith community of Christians we have a greeat task before us now,that is to lift our brother up in prayer to the Almighty God and keep praying for his restoration.
Ray has taken the first step of admitting the sin to God in public.
Let us see him with dignity and respect because he is created in the image of God and God still cares for him ad loves him.
Dear Ray,God is not done with you yet!!!The Best is yet to come for you when you are finally freed from this situation.
God Bless!
I will be praying for you and your family.

Chacko

The way some are favorably viewing a homosexual lifestyle as acceptable in Christ's eyes is absurd. God did not make Ray Boltz a homosexual, just like he didn't make anyone a liar, adulterer, full of pride, etc. It is called having a sinful nature. No one had to teach my children to lie. Yet, now that they are adults, they will tell you that they had to make a choice (and still do) to constantly fight against lying. Even though they have wanted to lie since as long as they can remember, they didn't (and don't) put the blame on God by saying, "God made me that way."

It is amazing how many people accept as scientific fact that "We are born that way. There is scientific proof that there are homo genes." If one believes that, then I guess one would also believe that there are lying genes, adulterous genes, thieving genes, prideful genes -- and excuse for every sinful behavior we as humans have (all of which God hates -- not just homosexuality)

Just last year in March, the director of the Human Genome Project, Dr. Francis Collins, said, "Homosexuality is not hardwired. There is no gay gene. We mapped the human genome. We now know there is no genetic cause for homosexuality."

AND even if they found a gene, according to God's word, for those who are in Christ Jesus, "You are new creatures." "Behold all things have become new."

Yes, we are sinners, and we have been given a gift to be saved from that curse -- the gift of Jesus Christ, given to ALL who would only believe and receive.

Press on and keep up the good fight for those who will not settle in their sin. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ray, we still love you and pray that God would enlighten you on the battle that you are in. Put on the full armor of God. He loves you and there is victory at the end of the war you're in.

Wow, it only took 11 posts to get to an "Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve" post. You christians are really off of your game.

Some are judging Ray for living "in promiscuity" because he is apparently having a relationship after his divorce. You can't oppose gay marriage and then judge someone for not getting married. You can't keep food away from a starving person and then laugh at them for not eating.

You people that are marginalizing gay and lesbian people, you force them into the shadows and bathrooms and closets because YOU are more comfortable with them being there. Get over your immature "eww! icky!" responses and realize something: people are different, they always will be, and GOD LOVES EVERYONE EQUALLY.

Congrats for your courage, Ray, and may God spare you from violence and hatred from His followers.

To whoever posted, "I'd love for some of the righteous zealots on here to have gay family members (or even themselves). It's amazing how humans fear things they don't understand." I do have some family members who are gay, probably like many of these folks you refer to as "religious zealots". Do I hate them? NO! Do I love them? YES! Would I do anything I could to help them in any way they needed help? YES! Do I agree with their lifestyle? Absolutely not! I don't have to agree with them or condone what they do to love them. Do they need Jesus Christ as Lord? Most definitely! Would I pray with and for them if they wanted me to? Without hesitation!
They know I am here for them if they need me for anything, but they also know I am not going to pat them on the back and bid them Godspeed straight to hell.

M.P.

Everything we get from God is a gift. But it is easy to confuse just what the gift is and its proper use among fallen people. That is why we have the scriptures to tell us in plain terms. In Hosea, God warns us that "my people perish for lack of knowledge". We all know on this board what the scriptures say. We all know that the Lord warned us ahead of time that some would fall away and speak twisted things to draw people after themselves and would not hold firm to the faith. Love builds up. It does not rejoice in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love is not just an emotion that condones what God condemns. Please look at what God is saying when He defines what love is and what it is not. When you condone a sin here on earth, because the struggle against it is hard, you help a man or woman to condemnation not life. Pray for them. Pray for Ray and his wife and his family. Pray for yourselves as you hold firm in both love and truth, mercy and justice. This is not easy. Jesus did not say it would be. But if you care about Ray's life and your own, if you love the truth and your Lord not just as your Savior but as Lord (the one who decides how you use your life from now on) then you will do it.

Apparently, there is some disease of confusion going about. For some odd reason, whenever a Christian on this thread (or ANYwhere) calls homosexuality a sin and honestly state what the Bible actually says about the subject, all non-Christian and pro-homosexual Christians get VERY confused, because they automatically assume two things:

(1) these Christians are being "judgmental," the apparent cardinal sin for homosexuals and pro-homosexuals

(2) these Christians are being "hypocritical" because they ignore their own sin (and thus, are claiming to be sinless)

Calling a spade a spade is a great act of love (Jesus did THAT too); as "emergent pillage" pointed out, love rejoices in the truth, and telling the truth IS a great act of love. In addition, all of you who claim that the Christians on this thread are hypocrites, YOU all are a bunch of liars. NONE of the Christians who called homosexuality a sin EVER said that they were sinless, or did not sin, or had no sin, and you claiming as much is the ONLY mean-spirited, judgmental, mudslinging and "straw-man" arguments I have seen on this entire thread.

Jesus indeed did not come to judge the world (John 12:47) but to bear witness of the truth (John 18:37). Judging is wrong; telling the truth is Christ-like. Calling homosexuality a sin is Christ-like because it is the truth.

I know I wont be the popular one here, but has everyone forgot Jesus will return to this earth for a pure spotless Bride washed in His precious blood? Mr. Boltz certainly can be forgiven and restored, but he must REPENT and wash his sins under the blood of Jesus. It's a truly sad day when the church turns it's back on sin. God is a God of love and does not want his people to perish, that's why he sent his Son, he's so loving he gave us the choice to accept Him. Please do, he sacrificed greatly for you.

A reply to the claim that the word 'homosexual' isn't in the Bible 150 years or so ago...

Here are other words that do not STILL appear in the Bible:

-Pedophilia

-Bestiality

-Drug addiction

-Pornography

We have been hearing from the church critics (like David Wells) that the evangelical church is a train wreck. After reading many of the comments, I have come to see how right he is. If the comments are from readers of Christianity Today people, then we are on the edge of a massive apostasy. Help us Joel Osteen! Help us Paula and Randy White! Help us Kenneth and Gloria Copeland! Help us Creflo! Help us Crystal Cathedral! Oh...I forgot, you mega stars in the Christian church don't actually worry yourself with the full message of the Bible and the gospel. Ray....the real Christians hurt with you...they care for you...but the real Chrisians will call you to repentance and trust God with your fallenness. The rest will encourage you to go for it.

Hmm well beings as I am not without sin God please let me cast no stone. Sin is sin is sin is sin, its all sin in God's eye. It is black and white and the only real difference here is that Ray is in the public eye. I hope and pray we all repent of the sin that so easily besets us. I will, for the record, still love and cherish his songs and music, I worship the same God he does, and I have a sinful nature also. The God in his music does not change He is the same yesterday, today and forever :) xoxo melzie

Wow, an awful lot of hype just to take a man down from his platform and realize he is just like all of us. His hands reaching toward Heaven with his feet stuck in the mud.

I wish Jesus could somehow enter this public opinion poll...I would love to see what he would be "writing in the sand" about those here who have so harshly judged Mr. Boltz. The problem with being so judgemental is that you are only cursing yourself.

Unfortuatly, I have learned this the hard way. My husband left me when I was pregnant with our fourth child. It was my gay friend who has struggled for years with his identity that reached out to me to help get me through this. He prayed the most profound prayer I have heard over me and I am in awe as I watch this prayer being answered...Is it possible that almighty God himself could work through a gay man? What about an alcoholic, a stripper, or an abuser? I believe we are to be like Christ, We are broken and poured out. He can speak through a donkey, a rock, a murderer(David)...you cannot discount all of the fruit this man has bared throughout his life because of his struggle any more than you can disregard King David for all of his transgressions...Lust, greed, aldultry, murder....why do we through the gavel down at Ray Boltz yet everyone wants to be like "King David"....a man after Gods own heart. Who are we to say who God can or can't use and who should be shunned from the "As long as your sin doesnt' show" crowd.

One brief moment... so much be given, spoken and corrected by many in the body of Christ. There are many scriptures in The Father's Word that Jesus taught while on this earth to warn many against sin and to repent for The Kingdom of God is at Hand and Near! Many have spoken in here, in current admitted sin they are still engaging in knowingly, there is a scripture also written in Hebrews 10:26-29 For if we sin WILLFULLY after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you spuppose, willhe be thought wrothy who has trampled The Son of God underfoot, counted THE BLOOD of The COVENANT by which he was sanctified A COMMON THING, and insulted The Spirit of Grace? BUT WE ARE NOT OF THOSE WHO DRAW BACK TO PERDITION, BUT OF THOSE WHO BEIEVE TO THE SAVING OF THE SOUL. Hebrews 10:39 He is in God's Reproach Now, unless Mercy falls upon Him in REPENTANCE, PURE REPENTANCE, turning from his wicked ways, period. There is no hemming or hawing here, no fencing here, no one foot in and one foot out, NO MORE of this living period, for any sin of any type. HE IS HOLY, YE BE HOLY. WOE to those who call EVIL good, and GOOD evil; who put DARKNESS FOR LIGHT, and LIGHT for darkness; who put bitter for seet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20
THIS IS A WARNING, Brothers and Sisters that desire to support this moment. Pray for repentance, period in mercy only. God's Will be done on earth as it is in HEAVEN. Also, remember Ezekiel 3:18-21 About warning the wicked and THE RIGHTEOUS!!! WARNING... hello! Are we applying His Word here, obedience anyone? Also, the plank yes, must be removed first before taking the speck out of the brother's eye. It is. Casting also down all arguments and EVERY HIGH THING that exalts itself AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE of GOD, bringing every thought INTO CAPTIVITY to the OBEDIENCE of Christ, and being READY to punish all DISOBEDIENCE when YOUR OBEDIENCE IS FULFILLED. 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 (you can read further for yourselves) Bottom line, we are to hold each other accountable for the sake of Christ and The Kingdom of God of israel. Many are talking in here and mentioning God.. God who? There's many god's out there in imaginations, in self, in new age, and on... Inthelyte God did forgive Paul, David, The Adulteress in REPENTANCE where HE also reiterated... "GO... SIN NO MORE!... come up to a higher level, Susan Sunshine, you were with Ray at two churches supposedly posted, why did you not exercise your authority in Christ Jesus of Nazareth to come against those powers you described in your entry that Ray suffered where you mentioned he received no help, where were you? Apparently, Ray was placed in your path, you could have cast the demons out yourself or are you not living a lifestyle of holiness??? Or have you not examined yourself lately? as written in His Word, 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5. There is more... but really I think you get the accountability message here... last but not least, His Word; Psalm 149 Let the high Praises fo god be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishment on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the written judgment--this honor have all His saints. God's Will is Done. The Revolving door is getting ready to be removed, chose THIS DAY whom YOU WILL SERVE. NO JOKE... real, raw and STRAIGHT UP a disciple of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, taught by The of The Holy Spirit in The Father's Holy Will on earth as it is in Heaven, in THE FIRE WHERE THE FLESH IS ALWAYS BURNING a fragrance to The Living God where He LOVES THE SMELL OF BURNING FLESH, then man is not ruling HE IS... a spirit of The living God, The Kingdom has come near you today, REPENTANCE WARNING... time at hand... just like when the whirlwinds are debating in the waters of the high seas,.... so is it today for REPENTANCE... today is promised to NO ONE! The STORM will hit aventually, ARE YOU READY??? Is Your Temple built on sand or Rock?

The bible says homosexuals go to hell.God says He hates ALL workers of iniquity. He must have read that many times. I guess his homosexual desires and lusts are more important than his Eternal Life.If you don't believe what the bible says, then you're calling God a liar !!!

With everything that is going on in our world today, it has always been the church that has been a sanctuary against the storms of life. But know that very sanctuary is being corrupted by those who have believed a LIE. Ray you have turned your back on God and the price that he paid for the sinful life you have accepted. It has shamed me, the body of christ and the lord himself, to see one of his chosen believe the lie of the devil. You knew what the word says, you knew where Jesus stood upon these issues and you accepted the lie anyways. You battled with this because you knew it was wrong, you knew. He created you in his image, how then can you say that he created you gay. And to all those out there who call themselves followers of Christ and accept the lifestyle that he is in, may the judgement of God fall upon your heads for leading astray his people. The genome has been mapped my friends, there is no such thing as A GAY GENE. NONE. So the idea that they are born this way is false, it is a decision it is a choice of free will. To accept the unaccepted or to live life as God has ordained it to be lived. If there is anyone out there who has questions or is in need of pray. Im here for you i can be reached anytime at my e-mail.

we are not talking about a homosexual off the street we are talking about "ray boltz". someone, who by the messages in song" knows the truth. as far as you so called christians agreeing with his move-what you permit you permote and as far as i am concerned you are a homosexual. why did God destroy sodom was it for the fun of it, did he lie and say he loves all and then destroy them-no. God hates sin.also why would a man marry a woman, make "love" to her and have children then turn around and say "sorry honey, ive fought this feeling for 30 yrs, i want to play in poop" thats what he is saying, we cover it with the words "gay", homo or "fairy"--the proper term is a reprbate...i have 3 sound tracks of ray boltz and now have to throw them away because the whole time i would be singing i would be thinking of ray boltz//dont get me wrong i believe God can save a pervert just as well as he saved me but what is bothering me is that boltz knows and knew the truth of the scriptures,,also this crap about "being born that way" is a joke-does the murderer who says "he was born that way" get off scott free- a society that cant accept their own responsability and has to blame God???come on//i hate it like mad for his family but what sickens me is we have so called pervert pastors that lie to these homos (or poop-players-calling it like it is) and saying its ok//it is ok that we all are sinners, now thats the way we were born but when we find jesus he creats a change//boltz says he found Jesus first???-mr boltz this is what we call a false profession on faith

Do we still love Ray?. . YES Is he wrong? YES Buckleup you say it is HATRED? NO. Tough LOVE? YES. You have to realize that everyone who is a Christian has to overcome something DAILY. OVERCOME. Heaven is for those who OVERCOME. We all make mistakes and have issues and sin. You either repent and keep trying to be better, or you give up. I can not cheer someone who gives up. I can not condone a church who teaches you to give up and give in. Shall we all give up and give in? What is next? Wifeswap Assembly of God???? Free Sex Baptist???? It is idiotic. If you want to be Christians, follow God's Word. Get off the fence and quit misinterpreting the Bible. You either believe it all or not at all. Where you are is dangerous ground.

it is another time of weeping for those of us who profess to be a part of the body of Christ as born-again believers considering Ray Boltz is fallen into practicing the sin of sexual immorality. Our response as fellow believers is not to condemn Ray, but to pray for him and love him. Yes like God we hate Ray's sin, but like God we love sinners, thereforewe must love Ray (see Romans 5:8).

The sad part is Ray is believing the lies of his own heart(see Jeremiah 17:9 and Proverbs 3:5-6). Knowing the Bible says that the devil comes to us " as an angel of light" its no wonder so many are believing their own lies as "truth". The only absolute "truth" in this world is the written Word of God. Gods Word must always be our guide or we will lose our way (I Cor. 10:12).

satans number one weapon against thebeliever is deception...beware!

The Bible say's its wrong....wrong is wrong...sin is sin...don't psycho analyze it!!! "I feel this way...I feel that way" STOP living in the flesh.....READ YOUR BIBLES....those that are trying to justify sin. Ray needs to die to self and flesh as do all of Christs children.I honestly do not know what book some people are reading now a days....but it is NOT God's HOLY word....REPENT and TURN from your sin!!!!

I believe that we should reach out to the sinners and tell them of the word of God and of their sins ! If not the bible clearly states that their blood will be on our hands ! Many of us christians have done so on this message board ! This comment board almost seems like a competition on what is right and what is wrong ! weve posted what is right more than one of us christians ! Now how about we pray for Ray Boltz and continue to spread the gospel to the world , there are so many comments about his sins. ! now our job is to pray that he chooses to live according to the word of Jesus Christ ! there are so many others that need reaching out to as well ! God has put his hand out lets pray he takes it .

“This is what it really comes down to,” he says. “If this is the way God made me, then this is the way I’m going to live. It’s not like God made me this way and he’ll send me to hell if I am who he created me to be … I really feel closer to God because I no longer hate myself.”

Well, isn't that special?
With Ray's logic, let me try that and see if it works:
I was born a sinner so I'm just going to live this way.
I was born a liar so I'm just going to live lying this way.
I was born a thief so I'm just going to live stealing this way.

God created all things good; and mankind fell into sin.
Thus all are born guilty and their natures corrupted.

Ray, God WILL send you to Hell if you do not exhibit fruit of the Spirit that hates your sin [whatever it may be] and wants to keep his commandments.

Ray, you don't feel closer to God, you feel better because you are not hiding your sin any longer. You've been a big hypocrite, and you simply don't want to live the lie any longer. Instead of repenting you are saying, well, this is the way I am, and I'm not changing. Imagine a thief, liar stating this to a judge in court.

And I assume some of you will think this post is harsh?

(2Pe 3:2) to remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of the Lord and Savior by us, the apostles.
(2Pe 3:3) First, knowing this, that there will come in the last days scoffers walking according to their own lusts

(1Ti 1:8) But we know that the law is good if a man uses it lawfully,
(1Ti 1:9) knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous one, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
(1Ti 1:10) for fornicators, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for liars, for perjurers, and anything else that is contrary to sound doctrine,
(2Ti 4:3) For a time will be when they will not endure sound doctrine, but they will heap up teachers to themselves according to their own lusts, tickling the ear.
(2Ti 4:4) And they will turn away their ears from the truth and will be turned to myths.

Have we not seened these scriptures being fulfilled not only by this sad news but some of the very comments posted hear. It is time that we truly be about our Father's business preaching and teaching the Gospel of truth to those who will receive it and praying God's mercy on those who don't receive or twist it. Let us pray that Ray and others repent while it is yet time.

Accepting with open arms a sinful behavior is not Biblical. Homosexuality is a sin just like gossip, adultery, and many, many more. Saying that he's always been gay is like saying I've always been an alcoholic so I should just give in to my addiction.

God help us all as we stray further and further from the truth of His word! Ray Boltz is no more of a sinner than anyone else in God's eyes. He needs forgiveness and love.

I think just as the church found a way to live with divorced (and re-married) people, it will eventually find a way to live with gay people. If every church treated everyone who's been divorced the way they treat gay people, the pews would be quite empty.

An open letter to Ray Boltz:

If you actually end up reading all of these comments, I hope that you are leaning upon God as the Strength of your heart and your eternal Portion. I would imagine that it would be rather frustrating to hear so many "pronouncements" going on from both sides ... people putting words into your mouth, and claiming to have some special personal insight into what is going on in your heart.

I know that I risk being one of those people as I write, but I write as one who knows that there is only One Person who truly knows the content of your heart, and that is the Lord Himself. He is the One Who says in His Word that "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Who can know it?" I know that this is just as true of me as it is of you or any of us. I wish that my heart was free from sinful desires, but they come so naturally, including lustful desires ... and prideful, selfish thoughts.

I will seek to refrain from assuming what is in your heart, except to assume what Scripture teaches. I assume your heart is the same as mine ... a place where wickedness tends to want to dominate for control.

So as a believer in Jesus, I will remind that God's Word is your perfect revelation to guide you, and that our feelings are an unreliable source of revelation. Because our hearts are forever tainted by the sin of the fall, our natural feelings often misguide us into a whole variety of sinful attitudes and actions.

I am a stranger to you ... I only know you from the limited perspective of a believer who has worshiped God through the music you have written. But even as a stranger, I humbly ask you to please reconsider what your heart is telling you about your sexual orientation.

It might just be the voice of the adversary, who always calls into doubt the validity of God's Word … just as he said to Adam and Eve at the fall, "Has God really said ...?"

Or what you hear from your heart might just be the echo of our human depravity.

But either way ... when your heart says, "I was meant to be gay," your heart might not be telling you the truth.

I hope you will receive these words as truth spoken in love, because that is certainly my intent.

In Christ,

Paul VanGulick
ppastorppaul@hotmail.com

The only sin that is unforgivable is to completely reject God to the point where He turns His back on you. Everything else is forgivable, so there is still hope for Mr. Boltz. It's sad that a man with such a wonderful voice whom used it to promote God's glory has given in to his earthly desires.

By the way, I'd feel sadder for him if he were The Catcher....OUCH!

I pray for all you 'bible thumping Christians' who judge. You sure show us what your conditional religious love looks like.
Someone's sex life is no ones business but their own. I pray for for all you self rightous so called loving 'Christians'

Matthew Speed at September 13, 2008 wrote;

...Remember what the bible says about lust? All kinds of lust is sin!! If that is the case, then any type of sexual activity in heterosexual marriage should be to bear children or to love and please your wife or husband. What if God told you to never engage in gratifying yourself through the sexual union and to only allow your spouce to reach satisfaction. Would you do it? Could you do it?...

Yes, I could and would. However that isn't the case. Biblically we are encouraged that, 'Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.' Heb. 13:4 This 'marriage' reference is clearly meant to indicate a male/female monogamy, as was demonstrated in Eden.

Matthew Speed at September 13, 2008 cont'd;

Jesus talked about divorce- to re marry is adultry. Period. So, shouldn't all christians that are in a second or third marriage repent and go back to their original spouse? If their original spouse wont take them back, then they should lead a celibate life. BUT christians have always twisted Jesus teachings concerning divorce and have found all kinds of biblical interpretations to justify divorce and re marriage. Such hypocracy.

Quite correct. In fact I believe it is directly because of this hypocrisy that we are seeing the problems we have. If it is ok for a man and woman to engage in public displays of affection, then why not others? It used to be taboo to do so, regardless of the gender involved. If we had never begun such a slippery slope we could never have advanced to this point of impasse. I can hear the 'prude' calls already. 'Christian' people (60% not) are doing their best to prove that they are not interested one bit in what Jesus did for them or wants them to do with their lives. They are offending 'the least of these' on a wholesale scale. It makes me very sad.

Thanks for your comments Mr. Speed.

Dr. Joey at September 13, 2008 wrote;

I gather from many of the comments on this page that Our Lord has decided to delegate the function of judging mortals to other mortals. Odd that I never noticed that in the Bible, even when I taught a graduate course entitled, "The Bible as Literature."

Of course not. However we are to do our best to help each other as Christians to avoid the pitfalls the enemy will lay for us. I am just as liable to fall in some way as anyone else. It is an act of love to point out the error, the problems that may ensue from it, and the effects it can have on other Christians to cause them to stumble and fall as well.

Jesse at September 13, 2008 wrote;

'the bottom line is that God is love. I have yet to hear one of you christians sound like anything but loathsome, judgmental hypocrites. i don't believe jesus taught hatred or gave you the power to condemn people to hell. the day you realize that man wrote the bible and formed it into his own image to gain then maybe you will finally see the truth. i will pray for you all because god is love and that's what he taught.'

Well, fairly, some have been better than others. Frankly, though it must be given in love and respect, we are supposed to help judge each other. This is a common misperception. It isn't hatred to help point out an error which can cause great grief and confusion to a person and to others who see the error, whatever it might be, and assume it can be emulated with impunity. God wants to
protect us from causing ourselves problems, but if we refuse his wisdom we are bound to pay with our peace and sanity. I agree that God is Love, and he made sure we could learn all about him by helping various people across many centuries to contribute his love to us in an amazingly harmonious way. Were we to easure the Bible as we do other works of lesser accurate source documents all the world would recognize it for what it is, and not as you infer it to be, simply a nighttime story book.

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:13-15, ESV)

Nothing more really needs to be said after reading and pondering that passage.

'I've never understood people who cite and quote scriptures from the Bible as if it were fact and our lives should be dictated by every word. The Bible is no more fact than Harry Potter, because just like Harry Potter, the Bible was written by a person/people. You people are sad. But just to show you how foolish you are, here's one for you:
Deuteronomy 21:18-21 (King James Version)
18 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: 19 Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; 20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. 21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

Uh, huh! Just as I thought. None of you probably have let your church elders stone your children for being unruly. Quit handing out judgements! Leave people alone. Keep your head up Ray. God loves you'

As before, the Bible is far more than has been asserted. It is the book of life. It is the rules to how life was designed so we would know what works, what doesn't, and what is unprofitable to attempt. We can know how to have a great life, and how to ball it up. It is the great How-To Manual. I guess I'm just a fool, but here goes your explanation. First of all, we aren't talking about a child. This is an adult, and by the context a 'failure to launch' in the extreme. He has become a burden upon everyone. In their time and society the parents provide for the children, and not the other way around, but they should grow up and take their place in productive society, as in ours. This one is described as a glutton and a drunkard, clearly not a child. Actually this is not even a young adult, but probably someone who is a good 30-40 years old and has become such a burden that he has used up everything his parents own. He has beggared them to poverty. He has destroyed their source of livlihood and has now become the responsibility of society. If there is no place for him to go, and in their society they did not have half-way houses, he cannot be allowed to continue his destructive ways and further beleager the community. It is a sad duty, but there is but one solution left to them. The parents will die if they don't get him out of their home and off of their pittance. He is litterally starving them to death. As they overcome him in his stupor and deliver him to the local gendarm`e, the community will not afford him a free ride for the rest of his life in a prison with free room and board, so there is only one answer remaining. As one popular song put it, 'You can go home tonight if you can get up and walk away'. Well, his option was to leave town. If he couldn't, or wouldn't he would face a very painful and agonizing death. Logically I know I would find some way to leave town. What we have here, with some reason, is a way to help people who are becoming indigent due to a thoughtless brute. The death sentence is a purposely 'over-the-top' threat which would compel such a meaningless animal to find his own way in the world, or die in his own vomit if he refuses. It is meant to bring some sense to his near senseless, thoughtless, & selfish brain. It is his last chance to be useful to society. Perhaps it may take a wound or two to bring him sharply to sobriety. One is reminded of the matter of the Prodigal son, who eventually came to himself in a pig sty eating pig slop. I know this isn't our way, but we are living in a very rich nation that can afford to put up with such nonsense. There are many present socities who would likewise be unable to be so charitible as we.

Nobody is saying his sin is greater than ours as Christians we're just arguing that Ray shouldn't accept this sin as something that God has put in him. I don't understand why people quote Romans 2:1 about judgment ONLY AFTER they skip over Romans 1:26-27. And since when is the use of scripture automatically a device for judgment? Of course I think what Ray has said and done is wrong but EVEN MORE SO I'm going to continue to PRAY for him. Come on brothers and sisters.

Somehow, in reading a lot of these responses, there is a vein that there is no provision from the Lord for those who succumb to the false identity that God hasn’t labeled them. I’m pretty sure Bro Ray does love the Lord! How can anyone write songs like these and move in the Spirit unless God was with him?

Who doesn’t wrestle even for years and decades with debilitating sins? I do and whatever the specific behavior that proceeds from our fallen nature is, God has provision for overcoming. We tend to forget about that word “overcoming”.

Its ok to be a single man, yes a divorced single man and in the first Century, that man may be referred to as a eunuch. Paul tells us that there is “neither male nor female, we’re all one in Christ”. Galatians 3:28

Jesus Himself plainly taught that in heaven we will be as the angels in heaven where there is no marriage! Mark 12:25

Now with that said, our sexual identity is only for the purposes of THIS life and this life only. A man may genuinely love Jesus and be sexually drawn to other men. That in of itself is not sin any more than a person who is drawn to drugs or alcoholism is sin. Someone want to prove me wrong??

What God expects of straights AND those with same sex desires is the same. That’s right, look it up

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 1Thes 4:3-4

There seems to be this notion that opposite sex activity is somehow forgiven when each offense is repented of, but same sex activity is not forgivable, but it’s a “different” perceived sin. All acts of sin are forgivable except blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

A recovering alcoholic has the victory in his life as long as he stays away from the bottle. He is just a delivered as someone who has no temptation. Its of God’s grace that God makes a way of escape from temptation. I think there is big difference between a man who stumbles rarely into sin and someone who lives the lifestyle. A man who stays in the fight and wrestles with himself releases God who backs those right choices to obey. The man who gives up then has chosen the selfish life and gratifying the desires of the flesh.

The message of the cross isn’t popular:

Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Luke 9:23 (NKJ)

So those who consider themselves “straight” have the same message of the cross as those who wrestle with same sex compulsions or craving for drugs. It’s the same cross, the same death to self, the same Jesus waiting for us to be free. God wants Ray to be free. He has given up, but God hasn’t.

Let’s continue to pray for Ray.

I keep reading about a battle Ray is in and wonder if anyone read the Blade article. There is no battle, He is at peace with his family and with God. He is singing again and I was at his concert last Sunday night. God was exalted and Ray was fantastic.
He is just fine, the battle is over and God has one.
God bless you Ray! I'm guessing half these people don't like Catholics either. Why would anyone listen to a fundamentalist any way?
Read something useful, here you go:
http://www.soulforce.org/article/1365

Bless you brother....and Lord forgive us because most of us do not have a clue what we do...How many heterosexuals can choose to be gay?(if you think you can then you prob are not 100% straight!) none...how many homosexuals can choose to be straight? none...its not a choice....if it were...most would choose the way that is easiest...T

Granted, I've not read every single post in this thread, but I'm baffled by the ones where people are saying the tone here is "hateful" and so forth. I've not seen any hateful posts.

If you want to see truly "rough" posts, then please, visit a typical thread about homosexuality on a site such as Free Republic.com. I've not seen any posts here that come anywhere near the level of harshness that I see on the 'Freeper' site.

(This is like liberals who mistakenly refer to 'underwear over the head' of an Islamic detainee as "torture." ~No, torture is when radical Muslims uses power tools to drill holes in their captives' bodies, or slowly decapitate them with a rusty, jagged, old machete, which is exactly what they do.)

Christians who repeat what the Bible says about homosexuality -(that it's a sin)- are not being "hateful."

I do agree that there are some Christians, who, in their zeal to speak out against homosexuality, come across as a bit harsh in how they repeat the Bible's teaching regarding homosexuality.

If such Christians phrased their objections in a more warm and fuzzy manner, I suspect that the "lovey dovey, judge not" types here would find their views easier to read.

Another puzzler for me: I don't recall seeing any posts here declaring that homosexuality is the worst sin ever (as a matter of fact, many visitors have gone out of their way to point out that all sin is bad and that they are not singling out homosexuality), and yet some visitors to this thread act as though this has taken place. It makes me wonder if they are even bothering to actually read the posts in the thread.

Jesus stated the He came to uphold the Law and the Prophets - which means He upheld their contents, one of which would be a prohibition against homosexuality.

In the records we have (the Gospels of the New Testament), Jesus did not directly discuss computer hacking, abortion, pedophilia, or identity theft, either - but I think it's safe to say He would be against those, too.

So it's rather absurd to say that because He did not directly preach against homosexuality this must mean He was in support of it.

buckleup: Fornication is a sin; the Bible forbids it. Promiscuity is a sin, whether it is done by a straight or by a homosexual.

Nobody 'forces' homosexuals "into the closet." On the contrary: homosexuals these days cram their lifestyle down our throats.

There are numerous websites which cater to homosexuals, just as there are many TV shows and movies which do (such as Will and Grace; Queer as Folk; Brokeback Mountain, etc.) - heck, homosexuals even have their own cable network now (I believe it's called LOGO).

You said, "God spare you from violence and hatred from His followers."

Christians don't commit violence against homosexuals.

However, the reverse is true: I've read and seen instances in the news where militant homosexuals spit upon Christians (literally) and trespass in churches to disrupt church services.

Sad to see so many people judging and condemning.. when they do not have a clue what Ray has been feeling for all those years.
It seems like American christians feel they have this right and always have to pick an extreme: totally anti-gay or totally pro-gay.
What if I believe, with the majority of the European christians, that homosexuality is NOT a disease - it is an orientation that some are born with. Whether you approve of a homosexual lifestyle is a totally different question, and up to your own interpretation!

For all of you who reacted: Where is your respect? Your love?

I really feel so sorry for Mr. Boltz's family. Homosexual or not, his wife and children probably have felt that they not Mr. Boltz's have lived a lie for 30 years. I am sure that she feels that 30 years of her life have been wasted. I will be praying for him and his family. It is truly sad that God's HOLY word has been used and twisted over the years, I know that it was not meant to be used in that way or fashion. I am not a Christian because it feels good to be one, and sometimes it is not about peace, which is what some of you have debated. I am a Christian because he walks with me and he talks with me. Is God talking to you people? We can debate our own opinions and view points all day, and no matter what each side is saying the other side will have a scripture or an opinion. I believe that the scripture is 100% true, because God has told me that it is true. Do you feel God walking with you and talking with you? Do you speak to him everyday through the Holy Ghost power? The bible says that God does not hear the prayers of a sinner unless it is the prayer of repentence. Whenever I pray, I repent of any sin that I may have committed and I pray that he will give me the strength to sin no more. When I talk to God, I feel his presence so strong that I can almost see his face. We need to seek God's face and talk to him. I don't want what feels good in this world, no matter what it is, I want more of Jesus. Jesus once asked a man to sell all that he owned and follow him, I am willing to do that. I would do anything for Jesus, not because it feels good or because it is peaceful but because he died for my sins and he is the best friend that I have ever had. I am begging and praying Ray Boltz to seek God's face and seek the answers that only God can provide for him. He should not be listening to anyone's voice, left or right, but should be listening to God himself. Let me repeat, I am not asking Mr. Boltz to pray and do what feels good. I am asking him to seek God like he has never seeked him before, really we are suppose to do this for every decision that we make. After he does this and he truly hears from Heaven, then I am asking him to make the decision for himself. If he still decides that Homosexuallity is right, then I pray for him that he is right? I don't want to be wrong on anything when it comes to eternity. I don't want to be wrong and not see Jesus. God is Love but God will also judge us one day. Mr. Boltz seek God's HOLY face.

I am saddened by a world that accepts one more sin as normal behaviour. However, it really isn't our job to judge, just to love. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We all have our blind spots but God continues to love us and work through us. I do not condone this or any other sin. I just pray a spirit of truth for Ray Boltz and other Christians who struggle against sins of the flesh.

The Bible says that we can seem happy for a season in sin. God is willing to wait out the storm that Ray is going through and we should too.

We all know what the Bible says, so does Ray. So let's get back to caring for widows and orphans. Our country has been getting hit by fire, storms, economic problems. God will deal with Ray just like he is dealing with all of us. Get back to feeding his sheep okay!

Anyone that has a problem with Ray being gay is gay themselves! Please stay out of other people's bedrooms, you psychos. You all have a God complex. Also, please get a second job if you have enough time to worry about other people's personal decisions. Or pay more attention to your kids, perhaps, with all that free time. What a novel concept!

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you reject the gay lifestyle"

For those quoting Leviticus, all I can say is I hope you aren't eating a ham sandwich, or a shrimp salad, or are considering killing your teenager for sassing off to you, or would make your daughter marry her rapist. If we take Leviticus as still binding, then ALL of Leviticus is binding.

As for the NT passages, please consult someone who knows Greek; anyone who does will tell you that those passages refer to pederastry rather than to same-gender relationships between consenting adults.

If Ray is going to Hell then he'll have a whole lot of company from the posters here.
The truly sad reality here is that Ray has finally *stopped* sinning - but too many can't see that because of the pesky log wedged in their own eye.

poppy,

what was sad a brutal was having a saviour beaten and tortured to free us from sin, if sin were acceptable even ok he would have died in vain...what is sad is how we choose to willfully sin, most of what people that read and understand the bible here are simply doing is, quoting scripture and verse...you cannot fight that.

Ray Boltz - I hope you are reading these comments. A lot of people, including myself, are praying for you. I love your music, it has such a powerful message. BUT - the Bible is clear.

I will hate the sin - but love the sinner.

As I did my morning devotions this morning - God brought this verse to me Psalm 101:7 He who works deceit shall not dwell in my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.

I understand your confessions has lifted this burden from you - but you are deceiving yourself and lying to yourself when you say that God made you this way.

You are leading a lot of people down a path of deception by saying these things - and living this lifestyle as if God has approved it. He has not.

Again - you are in my thoughts and prayers. With God - all things are possible and you can overcome this.

God Bless you and your family.

We must understand that even if a person is "born that way", as the argument goes, that really proves nothing. All that being "born that way" shows us is how deep our sin really runs....regardless of our specific sin, we must battle it through the blood of Christ and the power of the Spirit until the day of glorification.

Repent...

….Truth is objective. Outside of us. Regardless of how we feel. Inspite of what is natural to us. The problem: We are fallen and corrupt. What is natural for us is sin in any of its expressions, …..from not loving God above all to murder and sexual sins. If the Bible is 100% true, then homosexuality is never ok just like murder is never ok. That is the issue. If the Bible is not 100% true, then one can argue for his own feelings and opinions. But you cannot “accept” one part of Scripure as true and another as false……..it must by it’s very claim to be the word of God eihter be wholly true or wholly false. If the Bible is wrong about homosexuality, it has no authority over any other aspect of our lives. Jesus’s death means nothing. Heaven and Hell are possibly at best “notions” of someone’s imagination. BUT, if the Bible is true………then we are all accountable to the Only Wise God…Jesus Christ………regardless of what is natural to us.
If Ray or anyone else feels like they must be homosexual by nature….perhaps they are…….by fallen nature. Just leave Christianity our of it. Be honest enough to say “if Chritian doctrine teaches against what I am then I cannot be Christian unless I am willing to accept that and change”………….even though it will possibly require a lifelong struggle with this……………..
But that is exactly what Christians do………we believe in Christ for fogiveness and as a result live a life, battleing our sinful tendenceies out of love for our Savior.
I believe the Bible is 100% true………..Let us come to Christ today.

Thanks CT for the update on Ray Boltz. So Sad.
Briefly,
Man continues to choose to live in his own life-definement. This is nothing new, thanks to Satan's defyment of God which was and is to "diss" God and to please self and to make up your own definement of what life is.
Interesting that Boltz would seek to uphold the Lordship of Christ as a way to live, yet he makes up his own mind to "I'll live it my way." So much for God's Lordship in his life. Too bad. . a saved sinner choosing to go his own way, living like a sheep without the Shepherd and interpreting life from his chosen perspective. Man is a created being of God. . . who is to "be" what and who God said he was and how he is to live and to be. But, its man's choice to comply and agree with God by choosing and using the God-given power to choose.
Because man can comply with God or can reject God's definement. So, if Boltz chooses to act like a goober-headed nut, then he will be consumed and confined to live in his choice. Too bad. We all are SINNERS. We all are SINNING SINNERS. For those who have received God's offer of pardon and forgiveness brought to us by the Lamb of God to whom we are to live a life of THANKING and GLORIFYING GOD in our life, [Hello, "THANK YOU"}.
But one other thing, we as God saved beings, we also are SAVED SINNING SINNERS. The degree of our continueal sinning is brought about our God-ignoring SINFUL THINKING. So, if you think you are GAY, then you will be a HOMOSEXUAL. But, praise God, I am more than I think what I am. One in whom Christ lives is called a Christian. I have the assigned responsibility to uphold Christ's Lordship in my life thru the power of the indwelling presence and power of the Spirit of God WHO has been sent from the Heavenly Father to GOD, GUARD and GUIDE me. It is so easy to turn away from this because SATAN, the effect of the damnable deceiver is still having a "hey-day" in the lives of all mankind. This is because, by DEFAULT, man is void of choosing to be ordinanced by the loving, eternally forgiving Lord of all life. How quickly dumbed, unGodded man can go astray. But, God, who is faithful, will receive a repentant, wandering child back into fellowship. So, we must be prayerful of Ray Boltz and for the lost world around us who need the grace of the dynamic loving, converting, encouraging God who understands our sin-blighted plight. Let's pray for Ray's soon-return to "LIVING FOR JESUS A LIFE THAT IS TRUE. STRIVING TO PLEASE HIM IN ALL THAT I DO. YIELDING ALLEGIANCE, GLAD-HEARTED AND FREE, THIS IS THE PATHWAY OF BLESSING FOR ME." Now, that's truly a song to sing and to live before the world. So be it, Lord, in me. Amen.
Now the "don't offend anybodies" will say, Bill, you are judging. You bet I am. I am agreeing with God's WORD and God's SPIRIT who is upholding God's teachings and is seeking to convict man of sinful, defiance of God in all matters and which does not glorify God Design. If man was to be GAY, there would be NO RECREATION or re-production of mankind. Fulfill the divine design, dummy.
Re being Judgemental. Man makes judgements 24/7. . . about 2400 of them everyday. Mess up in one judging moment and you mess up your life and others all around you. Mostly, you mess up your own life and never realize the divine purpose for which you were created and in which to live in fellowship with God which is to glorify God.
Get wisdom. . get smart. Agree with God, or suffer the consequences and be prepared to give an account for it all when the Lord returns.
Hey, sinners, I love you, and I am the chiefest of sinners. I do not ignore that. Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory thru our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Bill Sutter

Aaron, Here is my reply: Do you have any friends that are gay or even talked to anyone who is gay? Get to know some gay people and just spew out canned rhetoric against homosexuals given to you by some authority figure, ok?

Regardless of what some may say, you can't change what the Bible says. Some will try to interpret it to fit their own desires, but it doesn't change the truth.

The truth is that regardless of where Homosexuality comes from, whether it be genetics or choice, it is a choice to follow it ... to surrender to it ... to give in to it ... to give yourself over to it, when it is more than clear that it is a sin. Christ sacrificed His life for us, and yet some of us can't surrender our lives, even in part, to His will because we are to busy worrying about our own will.

Regardless of what is said by those that want to be accepted for who they are, It is a sad statement that a Christian can't endure the temptation to surrender their body over to their sexual desires. The Bible says that our bodies are not our own, That our bodies are a temple. As a sign of our love and respect for God and His commands, we should be more than willing to fully surrender to Christ. That means "not my will, but His be done." Then and only then can true peace, love, and contentment be found. Not in doing what "feels right" to us and our sinful natures.

And remember that it doesn't matter whether you are accepted by some Christians or not. What I think ultimately means nothing. What ultimately matters is whether Christ is Lord of your life, whether He has full reign and Lordship over your heart and life. Or are you choosing to pursue your own desires and trying to wrap God around it?

When I stand before my Lord and Savior someday, I want to be able to know that I allowed Him to fully envelope every aspect of my life and heart, and that I never chose my desires over His.

There is so much justifying of sin in these last days...we must have forgotten that we will all stand before a HOLY God and give account of each of our sins...the sad thing is that Christ said to be perfect even as your Father in heaven is perfect...what a sad day that will be....turn from your sin while there is still time....you cannot make the Bible say what is not there....God CANNOT and WILL NOT stand for sin of ANY kind...sin is against His very nature! There will always be people that you can find to rally around you when your trying to make a certain sin O.K. in your life, but the reality is....GOD HATES SIN and WILL NOT TOLLERATE IT in HIS CHILDREN....now if you do not feel guilt and pain and remorse for your sin....well, then you have to question whether you have really put your faith and trust in the ONE,TRUE and HOLY GOD of the BIBLE...The GREAT I AM....COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM AND BE SEPERATE....CONSECRATE YOURSELVES.LORD, MAY THE SCALES OF SIN FALL FROM THE EYES OF YOUR PEOPLE AND MAY WE SEE OURSELVES AS WE TRULY ARE...POOR, BLIND AND WRETCHED111

“If you were to hold up the rule book and go, ‘Here are all the rules Christians must live by,’ did I follow every one of those rules all that time? Not at all, you know, because I kind of rejected a lot of things, but I’ve grown some even since then. I guess I felt that the church, that they had it wrong about how I felt with being gay all these years, so maybe they had it wrong about a lot of other things.”

What is interesting is that he doesn't seem to be in tune with the word of God. 95% of the "rules" Christians live by are actually "commands" from God found in the Bible. I don't doubt that in some congregations doctrine has replaced scripture, but for many churches - especially healthy churches that continue to grow and reach out - scripture is the foundation for every "rule" the church follows.

So when Boltz states "maybe they had it wrong about a lot of other things," he's really stating "maybe the Word of God had it wrong about a lot of other things". And this is where it truly troubles me...

Congratulations Ray! Hopefully your coming out will encourage everyone who is hiding from themselves to be strong enough to do the same. There are way too many closeted Christians who allow others to judge them and not let them live the way God intended them to. Love conquers all.

"If this is the way God made me, then this is the way I’m going to live."

Everyone was born with a desire to sin. His is different but that doesn't change what it is: a desire to sin.

We all have our weak points. Our weak points are not sin themselves but when we give in and let those weak points (lust) lead us, that is sin.

Homosexual temptation is not sin. Giving in, however, to those temptations is sin.

God did not create him to be homosexual, his sis nature is at fault.

HE is deceived and needs prayer.

the truth will set us free, it is in the word of God not in the opinion of anyone. Homosexuality is against God as it is written in
Romans 1:26-32
(26) For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
(27) And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
(28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
(29) Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
(30) Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
(31) Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
(32) Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
and no can escape the judgement of God

The HUGE amount of anger now being directed at Ray Boltz is appalling. A lot of Christians are treating him like some sort of traitor, when in fact he is finally being true to himself. Are we not instructed NOT to bear false witness? Well, Ray Boltz has finally stopped bearing false witness against HIMSELF. Consider this quote:

“I’d denied it ever since I was a kid. I became a Christian, I thought that was the way to deal with this and I prayed hard and tried for 30-some years and then at the end, I was just going, ‘I’m still gay. I know I am.’ And I just got to the place where I couldn’t take it anymore … when I was going through all this darkness, I thought, ‘Just end this.’”

Before any more people get all judgmental, I would encourage you go read his coming-out story here:
http://washblade.com/2008/9-12/arts/feature/13258.cfm?CFID=17404355&CFTOKEN=75650803

I'm not a righteous zealot and I don't proclaim perfection. I try not to be judgemental toward others since my faults are numerous. But to see some of you people defending Ray's action is scary. There are more and more people that are distorting God's word for their own gratification. If you truly believe in the Bible, and you think that it's ok for Ray to continue living this way, then you must demand for God to appoligize for destroying the city of Sodom. Are you prepared to do that? Yes, we all have our sins, and I thank God that he has the sufficient grace to forgive me for mine. The problem is when the Bible say's homosexuality is a sin, and the person practices in that sin won't ask for forgiveness because they don't consider it a sin. God is not going to change his mind on this people. He is perfect no matter what some of you may think. His perfection cannot allow a relationship with an unrepentent heart. And to respond to the post that Cobus made. I have a cousin that was a homosexual and we just buried him two weeks ago. He died of AIDS. My main prayer is that he asked for forgiveness before he passed.

What I would like to know is this;
How could a man so gifted by God Himself be so deceived by the enemy of our very soul's??

Someone above wrote: "As someone involved in Christian music once said: If they took all of the music off Christian book store shelves that was written and sung by Christians who were gay, and removed all gay music leaders from the church, both Christian book stores and churches would have to close their doors."

Where in the world does this come from? Who said this? How did they know this to be true? Do artists sign a "I am gay, but keep it a secret" clause before doing a record? I could say the same thing about child molesters, rapists or murderers.

The scriptures are clear on this matter and he fact is if you want to be gay, you will need to reject scripture, if you want to accept scripture, you will need to repent of being gay. The fact that the bible commands repentance and promises punishment for this "lifestyle" is enough to answer the question, "If God doesn't want me gay, why did he make me this way?" He didn't, plain and simple.

I am simply amazed at peoples propensity for creating a god after our own image. If we are a certain way, we create a god based upon our view of who we are. With this sort of procedure, we could create some of the most horrific visions of God we have ever seen (and indeed many have). Instead we must look at God and judge ourselves by the standard that is Him.

I feel very sad that this has happened. Like one review said we all have the urge to sin.
But do we give into it? It is one thing to sin but to live in sin is another thing.

Most gay people are not with one partner for any length of time. Yes, there are
a few that have lasting relationships, but all the gay people that I know have
multiple partners. That is the case with many straight people as well. I agree with
the one review that said we make choices to sin or choose a sinful life style.
God hasn't changed his mind just for the generation that lives in 2008. His word
is true. I will pray for Ray and his family. This will cause great pain to his children.
This will cause great confusion for his listeners and those that might not know
Christ. It leaves the Church with a black eye.....I regret his decision.

"Christians don't commit violence against homosexuals. "

Tell that to Matthew Sheppard.

" is Sodom and Gomorrah back again?"

Have you never heard the principle that "Scripture interprets Scripture"? Eziechel says that the sin of Sodom was not homosexuality, but greed and lack of care for the poor.

"Christians don't commit violence against homosexuals. "

Tell that to Matthew Sheppard.

What an incredibly selfish decision Mr. Boltz has made. First, don't hand me that line of balony that "God made me this way so I've got to live it!" God's Word clearly defines the practice of homosexuality as sin -- there's absolutely nothing there that condones this lifestyle.

We're all predisposed to sin, whether it be pornography, infidelity with our marriage, child abuse, or whatever demon that tries to reside within. It's up to us to decide to overcome these propensities with God's help.

The hurt and humiliation he has caused his family, friends and those who have been positively influenced by his music is simply selfishness -- "it's all about me, to hell with everything and everyone else, I'm gonna' do what I want to do!" Sadly, this syndrome proliferates much of this flawed world's current thinking.

I do forgive Ray; I know God loves him as much as He loves me. I also am confident He is hurt deeply by Ray's choice. I am as well. I doubt that I can ever listen to any of Ray Boltz's music again without the thoughts of his choice tainting his musical message. What a loss!!

I was born with glaucoma, a whole in my heart and hearing issues. I guess I should not treat the glaucoma, should not have had heart or ear surgery since God made me that way. Oh yea, I actually am struggling with homosexuality, but I WILL NOT cop out to sin whether I was born this way or not!

So are there any churches for openly thieving persons? You know, the ones that cannot go into a walmart without filling their pockets? After all, it's just an alternate lifestyle. Many have had these feelings since childhood. Arn't you a Thievery-phobe if you think that stealing is a sin. They're not really hurting anyone if they just take a little from big companies. Walmart can afford it anyways. I think that as an alternate lifestyle, an openly thieving person ought to be ordained as a pastor and be able to lead a church. I mean, the bible isn't really the word of God is it? Wasn't it written by prejudiced heterosexual, non-thieving males? LOL

Wake up people, we are in the end times when men will be lovers of men. The goats will be separated from the sheep. Yes hate the sin, not the sinner, but don't stick your head in the sand either. Pray for Ray that whatever demons there are that have a hold on him will be bound and removed.

What really amazes me the most when I read these posts is the incredible arrogance of much of the Christian community. The statement that has been repeated over and over, that the bible is clear that homosexuality is a sin, is an opinion. Several thoughtful posters have attempted to present some understanding concerning the word homosexual as it is translated in modern bibles and have presented for your consideration the premise that the terms used in the original texts, and selected by GOD I might add, meant something very different than what most churches would lead us to believe. However so many in their closed minded and arrogant ignorence will not even discuss the issue rationally. They are much more content to throw out trite responses and cite scripture references which they refuse to commit even the most basic effort at understanding in context. And as for Sodom's sin, look up all the references in scripture that identify them by name...you will not find homosexuality listed even once. No wonder Jesus harshest words were directed at those hypocrites the pharisees. I am pained to see my own church so full of pharisees today.

You believe with all your heart your understanding is the correct one...fine, you follow in line with some not so great church tradition. There are many examples I could cite but for brevity I will only list one classic one.

Galileo was forced to renounce his views by the church. You might be aware of his heretical beliefs, that the Earth was NOT the center of the universe with everything revolving around it. He was ultimately forced to retract his understanding of science by the church and was sentenced to a life of perpetual imprisonment and pennance. (Sounds very much like the church's present day position on homosexuality and our judgement on those who find themselves in that category)

So many of you, in your incredible arrogance, befitting the 17th century church, determine that science cannot possibly be right because it differs from your all knowing interpretation of scripture. Spare me your scripture references where you found the word homosexual in your concordances. Very learned scholars have gone to great length to study these texts and come to some very different conclusions. When I see science contradict my understanding of God's Word, I look for the possibility that it is my understanding that is flawed because I know that NOTHING in science stands in contradiction to my God. After all...did He not create everything in the first place? And for the love of Jesus, quit comparing homosexuals to pedophiles, bestiality, and even canabolism as some of you have done. That reveals the complete depravity of your prejudice and ignorence.

When science comes to the definative conclusion that some people are clearly born with same sex attractions, which they are well on their way to doing, many of you will denounce science the same way the church did in Galileo's day. Eventually, we will look back on you and laugh at your arrogant ignorence the same way we now do at them.

BTW - I am not now, nor have I ever been, even slightly attracted to men. I find the idea of sexual intimacy with another man repulsive to me personally. But it is truth I seek as a christian, not personal preference.

Ray if you are reading any of this...my heart and prayers go out to you.

Take Care, Gary

We as Christians must love all just as God did. The Bible clearly states that Rays lifestyle is sin but let's let God do the judging, we as Christians do not have that right.

I will be praying for Ray. He has been seduced by the devil. This is not the way God made him or desires for him to be. Satan wanted to destroy the ministry that Ray had through his work. He knew that Ray was going to have a strong witness so Satan was out to destroy him. Ray resisited for some time, but has now given in to the temptation. The only option for him now is to be celibate. I am so sad to hear this as I had been one of his biggest fans and listen to his music often. God will forgive Ray if he will only repent. Many other Christian artists have been seduced by Satan with his wiley ways. The stronger our ministry for God; the more attacks we will suffer. I still love Ray, but not his lifestyle.

I read a comment on this article that a "Christian" said being a Christian and a homosexual can go together. Well I dissagree. God condemed homosexuallity in the Bible. Does adulterer and Christian go together or Theif and Christian or Murderer and Christian. Wake up church. The bible is our standard. We must love homosexuals but not accept their sexual preference& or lifestyle. It is sin. I think this could be the great falling away. Where is the backbone in the body of Christ. I am seeing the vast difference in people who say they are Christians and people who follow Jesus.

I will be praying for this man and his family, but what he is doing is a sin. How much longer is God going to put up with the lifestyle and sin a lot of so called christians are living? How are we going to ever reach other sinners in the world if the churchs of today do not stand uo for Gods word? If we continue to be politically correct and do not tell the truth about these things God is going to hold us responsible for these people ending up in hell. We need to make a stance for God and the truth once and for all. God be with us all and help us to help others to believe in and follow you more closely Amen.

I will be praying for this man and his family, but what he is doing is a sin. How much longer is God going to put up with the lifestyle and sin a lot of so called christians are living? How are we going to ever reach other sinners in the world if the churchs of today do not stand uo for Gods word? If we continue to be politically correct and do not tell the truth about these things God is going to hold us responsible for these people ending up in hell. We need to make a stance for God and the truth once and for all. God be with us all and help us to help others to believe in and follow you more closely Amen.

I do not know a whole lot of the gay community and I am a christian who is also an addict and I do know everything I do is a choice. 90 days sober is a testimony for me I never would have achieved if it were not for the strength of my lord and support from those who have walked the path before me. We all have our crosses to bear and this one is Ray's to bear. Pray for Ray to do what is right in the eye's of God.

This I do know:

God is not surprised by Ray's "coming out"

God loves Ray Boltz. He loves you, too.

Being "gay" will not keep you out of Heaven if you call upon Jesus.

Christ's sacrifice is more than enough for any sin we can commit.

God is Love.

I pray Ray finds peace in this life and is welcome into joyful fellowship in the next. May God bless Ray Boltz.

I too agree with most that has already been wrote about Ray Boltz, but let us not be decieved, sin is everywhere. From a Pastor, to a rapist a singer, to a teen even a child, but it is not for us too judge. God has created us and we forever shame his name for every soul who does not stand up and fight against sin. We can all fall into this struggle, but may men and women of God say that it is time for Revival for this nation. Only Christians can go out and tell the World. Is that what you are doing. Are we soul winning, living a life with victory and sharing with others. For those who have struggled or is now struggling rise up to the calling for our Lord Jesus Christ. Don't just write this in sadness for one that has turned or fallen but say this is enough America, lost souls or loved ones need to know that The devil is wicked but with the shed blood of Jesus Christ can be lifted up out of sin and be saved to join in Heaven one day with Him.
Amen and Amen

Ray lost his anchor?

Pointing out sin in the camp is not judging. That only occurs when you say someone's going to hell when there's no real way to know. Check out another viewpoint on the Ray Boltz situation here: http://tinyurl.com/3umlkh

My prayers go out to Ray and his family.

"A normal gay lifestyle"????? Sounds like an oxymoron to me.

"It’s not like God made me this way and he’ll send me to hell if I am who he created me to be..." uhh, what? You are saying God created you to go and deliberately contradict what his Word clearly states is wrong?

I'm not saying I am perfect, that is for sure, but for me this just reinforces how important it is to stay immersed in God's Word which shows us the truth.

Even if being gay is something you can be born with does that neccesarily mean those desires should be acted upon? Ok, for instance. If I'm born with the predisposition to be attracted to young boys does that mean I should act on those urges and seek physical contact with one?

I'm having a hard time with the idea that we are entitled to certain behaviors because we're "born that way." We're all born dead in our sin. I don't think that gives us license to just do anything our hearts desire in our fallenness because we have those desires. Just my opinion for whatever it's worth.

this is a no brainer!!!!!!! one cannot continue to practice (continually living like it is ok)sin and go to heaven. read the list of the lusts of the flesh in galatins. those who practice these "will not inherit the kingdom of God". "Resist the devil and he will flee". So, that means, stop saying 'i'm gay, i'm gay, i'm gay' and start saying "I AM THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS!!! (2Cor. 5)Resist the temtation and speak to your enemy! Look up all the scriptures about "saying" and "your mouth" WOW!!! no wonder the world thinks christians are granola (fruits, nuts & flakes)!!!!

Nathan commented:

"The Bible is very Clear marriage is between one man and one woman...y would God create marriage as a holy thing and say that it is between 1 man and 1 woman with out creating us to naturally be attracted."

Wow, it never ceases to amaze me how forums like this prompt people to put their ignorance of the Bible on full display. Really, Nathan, can you tell me where the Bible is "very clear" that marriage is between one man and one woman? Is it somewhere near the accounts of Solomon and his 700 wives? Or is it blended in with the stories of Abraham, Jacob, and David, each who had multiple wives?

Nathan, do yourself a favor. Please take the time to actually read and learn the Bible (including how to spell the name of the books) before lecturing any of us about Biblical strictures that don't actually exist.

I am deeply saddened by this. For Ray to say this is how God created me and he was going to live that way goes so contrary to the very nature of God.
Do you have any idea how many people this will affect becasue Mr. Boltz is in a postion to influence others.
I won't quote scripture concerning this becasue Mr. Boltz has obvisouly chosen to live contrary to the word of God in this matter and disobedience to the word of God always brings destruction..
He is in desperate need of prayer. Mr. Boltz knows this is wrong or he would not have hidden it for so many years. Unfortunately this just adds more fuel to fire of the world's stand againt God's people who have the courage to stand on the truth of the word and the truth is that homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of God.

In stating: "...If this is the way God made me, then this is the way I’m going to live. It’s not like God made me this way and he’ll send me to hell if I am who he created me to be … I really feel closer to God because I no longer hate myself.”, Ray does the following:

1. Denies Scripture when it speaks to God creating all things "good" and when it speaks to the "fall" of man - by falsely assuming that just because he is the way he is now necessarily means God created him that way.
2. Commits a fallacy of presumption in that (having FALSELY presumed that God made/created him this way) God would not then send him to hell.
3. Falsely assumes his subjective feelings of reconciliation are valid apart from the objective truth of the gospel (i.e., that Christ died for sins, and that reconciliation on this basis also involves man confessing his sin nature and sinfulness - as opposed to either assigning responsibility (/blame) to God and/or loving one's nature and accepting it as though God accepts it, when he does not).

I encourage Ray to reconsider his assumptions in light of Scripture, for the Scriptures teach something different than he is basing his hope on.

This does not mean Ray is beyond hope, but hope based on false assumptions does little good.

I can see from the large number of posts that this has sent a wave of remorse through the Christian community. I believe it shows us where we are as a church. We have been "in love with the things of the world" for so long now, that even our view of what a Christian looks like, is filtered through our "Hollywood shaded glasses". The fact is, "...The heart is deceitfully wicked..." We were CREATED with a fallen nature that will never change. WE MUST BE BORN AGAIN! Christ says that we ARE NEW CREATURES IN HIM! Yes we struggle with our sin nature(flesh), but WE MUST CRUCIFY THE FLESH WITH IT"S DESIRES AND LUSTS! I IMPLORE US, THE CHURCH, TO STOP PLAYING AROUND IN THE WORLD AND TO GET OUR KNEES AND WEEP AND WAIL FOR OUR CONDITION. WE HAVE GOT TO BE REAL CHRISTIANS.

I am embarrassed and appalled, not by Mr. Boltz, but by reading so many ungracious, condescending comments about a fellow brother in Christ. He is in obvious need of love and prayer from those of us in the Christian community, and I think to withhold those things from someone who is struggling with sin is not only hypocritical, it is unChristlike! Look to yourself and your own struggles, consider how it feels to have someone greedily point out the very thing that pains you the most about yourself, and please, show a little more compassion for someone who, in truth, isn't so very different from you.

In defense of Nathan who commented:

"The Bible is very Clear marriage is between one man and one woman...y would God create marriage as a holy thing and say that it is between 1 man and 1 woman with out creating us to naturally be attracted."

For starters, Todd, the Bible says in 1 Cor. 7:2
"Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband."
Notice, it didn't say "let every man have his own husband or man, and let every woman have her own wife or woman."

I don't think Nathan giving a direct quote scripture, but was simply putting forth what scripture, when rightly divided teaches

It seems to me, my friend, that you are the one who should "do yourself a favor. Please take the time to actually read and learn the Bible..."

I grew up raised by two mothers. A homosexual couple. Both turned to God, asked forgiveness of their sins, and were instantly healed of their homosexuality. One is even honestly interested in a male they know from church now. I myself have been through lesbian and biquestioning phases in my life, and was healed.

God said that the heart is wicked and dark. We can't simply follow our heart and say "I just know God made me this way." No, no he didn't. His word says otherwise. If his word is wrong, then there is no God. You can't have both sin and God.

Also, we can't argue we were both with it. Children from the youngest age break things, pull on parents hair/ears to the point they hurt, etc. Older children lie to avoid getting in trouble, get into fights with others, and can hold a grudge like no adult can. Does that mean those things are okay for us to do now because we've been doing them as long as we can remember? Of course now.

Anyone here deal with gluttony?? Last time I checked, God called that sin. Unless one is dealing with real medical issues that affects their metabolism, (hypothyroidism is rampant in this nation) if we're fat, we've made food our idols and we're gluttons. Perhaps we should discuss the different levels of sin when we have pot luck at church, or the next time we all go to Golden Corral after Sunday Services.

As part of our dinner discussion, how about discussing what Jesus says is the greatest commandment.

Matthew 22:36-40 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
[NIV at IBS] [International Bible Society] [NIV at Zondervan] [Zondervan]

36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[a] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[b] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 22:37 Deut. 6:5
2. Matthew 22:39 Lev. 19:18

Personally, I think I'll go play the Ray Boltz CD's I have and buy a couple more.

Let him/her who is without sin cast the first stone...... I certainly have no stones in my hands......

Let me start by saying Ray's decision to pursue his homosexuality is no different than mine to pursue whatever gratifies my selfish desires and violate relationship with God and others. His may wind up having a greater earthly consequence (i.e. sexually transmitted disease) than mine to secretly indulge in sexually promiscuous thoughts, but it really is no different in God's eyes because we both have violated loving God and others.

There is certainly nothing wrong with same-sex relations, as long as it does not cross the line and become sexual in nature. Some of my closest friends are guys that I have shared intimate details of my life with, but the line of sex was never crossed. That line is what violates God's and nature's laws - the parts do not fit together and were not meant to.

A person can try and rationalize their around this by ignoring or re-interpreting scripture or nature so that they believe they are 'free' to do as they darn well please.

I know at least four guys well that have had or continue to have same-sex attractions. Two have decided to trust God and pursue heterosexual relations via marriage and two have decided to lead a homosexual lifestyle. ALL have a common thread of having significantly disfunctional relationships with their fathers. While I am not saying this is the root cause of their sexual attractions, it seems rather curious to me. Either way, do all you folks that think pursuing homosexual relationships is fine really think it is healthy for society? I believe you really need to think about that hard.

I pray for Ray that he may come to his senses, reconcile with his wife and kids (if he has any), and most importantly God. I pray that all of us may do the same as time is running out on everyone.

Dave

To BAW:
Christians weren't the ones who killed Matthew Shepard.

Shepard wsas not even killed for being homosexual: if you search for it on the web, you can find an update from ABC news that says he was killed by drug addicts who wanted money to buy drugs. Get your facts straight.

The ABC article is entitled "ABC News: New Details Emerge in Matthew Shepard Murder"
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Story?id=277685&page=1

I have a collection of links and news items about homosexuals who have raped and/or killed other people, including other homosexuals, though.

Someone above said there is a lot of anger here against this Ray Boltz guy - I have no idea what you're talking about. I've read most of the posts on this page, and I'm not seeing hate or anger.

I am seeing disappointment, though, mixed in with sadness.

I pray that he'll come to God? I pray God will wash him white as snow? Or he'll burn in hell for eternity"
Do you really think that Ray Boltz didn't have a personal relationship with Christ? Um, if you read the article in the Blade, it clearly states that he gave his heart to Christ in the 70's. Just because you have percieved sin in your life doesn't mean you don't know God... that's why Jesus died on the cross. We don't crawl into your closets and judge every sin you are currently committing. I can't wait to see all the people in heaven that others thought were *gasp* SINFUL! The Bible that I read says ALL sin is equal in the eyes of God - so if you think being gay is a sin, fine. Examine your own life... I'm sure there's some sin in there.

That's the way to win' em. Scare 'em. Yell at 'em. Make them know that YOU would never do anything like that.. because we all know that being gay is the ultimate unforgivable sin.
Sheesh, people, read your Bibles. I believe Jesus said "... and the greatest of these is LOVE." Some of your comments are anything BUT loving. And definitely not Christ-like. The Bible I read says grace covers a multitude of sins. Isn't Christ's sacrifice enough to cover this? If you think it's not, then it's not enough to cover yours, either.

P.S. Even if Matthew Shepard were killed for being a homsosexual -which he was not, do a web search for the story "ABC News: New Details Emerge in Matthew Shepard Murder," it was not even "Christians" who killed the guy (it was two drug addicts).

Also, that would be only ONE example: you cannot point to hundreds or thousands of cases where homosexual men are being killed for being homosexual.

Homosexuals are simply NOT singled out regularly and consistently for violence in the U.S.A.

Homosexuality is now (unfortunately) mainstream in American culture to the point where every other situation comedy TV show features a lovable, likeable homosexual character.

Homosexuals are glorified and celebrated in American society, they are not victimized or discriminated against, as the militant homosexual groups would want you to believe.

You cannot even use the Matthew Shepard story as pro-homosexual propaganda anymore. From the ABC News story:

The story garnered national attention when the attack was characterized as a hate crime. But Shepard's killers, in their first interview since their convictions, tell "20/20's" Elizabeth Vargas that money and drugs motivated their actions that night, not hatred of gays.

Ray you said this "“If you were to hold up the rule book and go, ‘Here are all the rules Christians must live by,’" There is one it is called the HOLY BIBLE the same word that you used to inspire a lot of people. I know you know the word and people has been hard on you about how they think the word says, but GOD'S word is clear there is no room for misunderstanding Sin is Sin it don't matter if you are gay or what you are we all will be judged one day of how we live and it is up to you how you live my prayer is that you will keep fighting sin and that is what you are dealing with sin. I fight it every day of my life, Don't give in to what Satan has made so acceptable that is his job to make sin look o.k. but sin is sin in the sight of GOD almighty one guy even said that CHRISTIANITY is a fairytale believe what you will I will put it this way I would rather find out when I die that I was wrong because I have nothing to loose on the other hand if I am right "and I am" and they are wrong, HELL will be th home of who ever is wrong.

Todd, just because the Bible describes or mentions a behavior does not necessarily mean that God supports it.

Just because slavery is mentioned in the Bible, along with guidelines on how masters are to treat slaves and how slaves are to treat masters, does not mean God accepted it.

It just meant God realized it was a reality among some cultures, and as long as they were going to engage in it, He was going to give them rules to govern it.

The Bible mentions polygamy because some of the people mentioned in it practiced it, but that does not mean God Himself created it, blessed it, or supported it.

When God brought a mate for Adam, he brought Adam only ONE female to be a wife (Eve), not two, not ten, not one hundred. That alone should suffice as evidence that God expected marriage to be 1:1, male to female.

The Bible also mentions that some of Solomon's wives were pagans (i.e., they were non-Jews, non-believers).

However, that does not mean that God approved of Jews marrying pagans.

Before Solomon was even born, God had already commanded the Jews to NOT marry pagans, but Solomon did so anyway, against God's expressed commands and wishes.

There is a rape scene described in the Old Testament, where a man rapes his sister who is named Tamar - this mention of rape does not mean that God approves of rape. Elsewhere in the Scriptures, as a matter of fact, God expressly prohibits rape and proscribes a punishment for anyone who does commit a rape.

Someone above said,
"Hmm well beings as I am not without sin God please let me cast no stone."
(The tone of the entire post was one of those 'how dare you judge someone else' sort of responses).

First off, Christians here are not condemning or judging Ray Boltz the man, only his actions (i.e., engaging in homosexual behavior), and his attitude about it (and his attitude is, sad to say, too lax and accepting).

To this person and those like her, I ask: does the Bible condemn homosexuality, Yes or No?

If you answer Yes -(and you know very well that God, in the Bible, does in fact condemn homosexuality)- how is it "hateful," mean, "judgmental," -or what have you- to simply repeat the Bible on this point?

To you, I also ask: if I am a mother and you know I beat my children everyday, are you just going to sit there and say and do nothing against it because that would be "judging?"

Or would you at least call the police, or get involved somehow to put a stop to the child abuse?

Why is it that in most cases, people are 'okay' about judging (hopefully most of you would intervene if you saw an adult beating her child), but magically, with the topic of homosexuality, it's considered "hateful" and "wrong" to make a judgment call? You guys are practicing a double standard.

And again, you have to answer the question, 'Is homosexuality a sin or not?' (The question is not, "Is the sin hurting someone else?" However, I do think an argument can be made that homosexuality does hurt those who practice it as well as society as a whole. But that's not the point at hand.)

When would you "touchie-feelie" types make a judgment? What if the sin under discussion in this thread were pedophilia? How about adultery?

At what point would you think it's acceptable and permissible for someone to quote Scripture to say, 'this behavior is wrong.'

The Bible contains moral absolutes. In the Bible, God declares that some behaviors, motives, and attitudes are deemed wrong and immoral for all time, no matter what.

It sounds to me as though some of you live by moral relativity and don't want anyone judging anything at any time for any reason (because it would be "mean" to do so - and with others, because you are selfish; you simply want to live a hedonistic lifestyle and don't want anyone cramping your style, putting limits on it).

~And that kind of thinking is an invention of a secular, humanistic, godless, post modern society and is totally foreign to the Judeo-Christian world view and the Scriptures it's based upon.

The New Testament actually calls Christians to make these kinds of judgments.

For one thing, if someone says that he's a Christian but lives in continued unrepentant sin (which presupposes that the Christians in his circle are able to recognize sin when they see it -which involves making JUDGMENTS - hello!), we are instructed to correct him twice, and if he still won't repent, we are not to fellowship with him.

I have no personal feelings against this Ray Boltz person. I'm sure he's a nice guy.

I am not angry at Mr. Boltz, nor do I hate him. I also do not claim to be without sin. However, I cannot excuse homosexuality.

David here is one for you Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.
Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
I believe that this is GOD'S word and it also says that you add to these things written in this book he would add the plagues that are written in the book TO YOUR LIFE... Rev 22:18 Be careful what you say GOD is hearing you... David! and EVERYONE else that says this is a "alternate lifestyle"... sin is still sin it don't matter what you call it. And all sinners will be cast into the lake of fire also Rev

As one who has been delivered out of homosexuality, it grieves my heart that this has happened. There is no doubt that homosexuality and the Christian faith are mutually exclusive–just as one that submits himself to a lifestyle of adultery is leaving God. If he belongs to the Lord, then he will be miserable doing this, but if his deepest desire is to be sexually intimate with other males, then he doesn’t belong to God.

In March, the director of the Human Genome Project, Dr. Francis Collins, said this, ‘Homosexuality is not hardwired. There is no gay gene. We mapped the human genome. We now know there is no genetic cause for homosexuality.’

As one who has been delivered out of homosexuality, it grieves my heart that this has happened. There is no doubt that homosexuality and the Christian faith are mutually exclusive–just as one that submits himself to a lifestyle of adultery is leaving God. If he belongs to the Lord, then he will be miserable doing this, but if his deepest desire is to be sexually intimate with other males, then he doesn’t belong to God.

In March, the director of the Human Genome Project, Dr. Francis Collins, said this, ‘Homosexuality is not hardwired. There is no gay gene. We mapped the human genome. We now know there is no genetic cause for homosexuality.’

As for all the people in this thread -such as "Gary"- who keep insisting that Christians are mistaken in their interpretation of the Bible's views on homosexuality, you are incorrect.

God is against homosexuality in all cases, under all circumstances, and not just in cases of male- on- male rape or in shrine prostitution, and so on.

There are many resources on the web by Christian apologists who have responded to the distortions of the Scriptures by homosexual activists such as yourself.

Copy and paste the following article titles into a search engine, and you should be able to find them:

Homosexual Theology by Kerby Anderson
http://www.probe.org/site/c.fdKEIMNsEoG/b.4219039/k.F893/Homosexual_Theology.htm

Responding to Pro Gay Theology by Joe Dallas
http://www.leaderu.com/jhs/dallas.html

Hermeneutical Issues In the Use of the Bible to Justify the Acceptance of Homosexual Practice by Guenther Haas
http://www.phc.edu/GlobalJournal/1-2/haas_hermen.html

Gay Apologists and Revisionists
http://hipandthigh.blogspot.com/2005/08/gay-apologists-and-revisionists.html

Answering Some More Gay Activist Revisionist Claims
http://hipandthigh.blogspot.com/2005/08/answering-some-more-gay-activist.html

I have to be honest with all of you - this blog has broken my heart. Not necessarily the act itself, although that in itself is bad enough, but with how many of our church fail to see what's wrong with it. That said, I agree with those of you that say that we shouldn't be so hateful of him, and I'm trying my best not to be. However, because he is living in sin and refuses to turn from it, our response should be the same as was stated in 1 Corinthians. Paul condemned the same thing that many of you are saying we should do. The Corinthians were not only overlooking the sin that was so evident, but some of them were rejoicing in it. They were proud of themselves. This should not be. Now is he saved? Idk, that's not for me to judge. But according to church discipline, he should be treated as if he wasn't(still in love, however). That being said, I would like to answer a few of the comments. There are too many of them for me to answer at once, but I'll try to answer as many as I can.

Posted by: MikeknaJ
"If they took all of the music off Christian book store shelves that was written and sung by Christians who were gay, and removed all gay music leaders from the church, both Christian book stores and churches would have to close their doors."
First of all, no that's not true. Secondly, if it was we should let the book stores close then. I'd rather maintain the purity of the Word of God then sell out to make a few bucks.

Posted by: Scott Leigh
"For those of you that use the example of pedophilia and besiality, and alcoholism, etc... you are all absured. Do you realize that homosexuality is not just about sex just as heterosexuality is not just about sex. It is your make-up emotionally, mentally, and yes, spiritually."
People who participate in pedophilia and bestiality would say the same thing about what they're doing.

"Remember what the bible says about lust? All kinds of lust is sin!!"
Yes it is. Do u know what lust is? It's wanting something/someone that's not yours. Lust is wrong because that person isn't yours to look at/think about/imagine or participate in sex with. When you are married, she is yours, and you are hers, and both of you belong to Christ. Btw, read Song of Solomon if you don't believe that the Bible talks about love and sex as a good thing.

Posted by: KSD
"I guess I also missed that part of the New Testament in which Jesus instructed us to hate our neighbors."
No ur right we should not hate our neighbors. However when they do not repent from their sin or even see what they are doing as wrong, they fall under church discipline as stated in 1 Corinthians.

"Satan can quote Scripture to serve his purposes."
I find it funny that most people that use this argument don't use much Scripture themselves. But you're right, he can quote Scripture...out of context. But when that happened it was the quotation of Scripture in its context that combated it. If you have a PhD in English, as you have pointed out more than once, then you should be aware of the importance of context in ANY piece of literature.

Posted by: Alan MAURICE
"But just to show you how foolish you are, here's one for you:

Deuteronomy 21:18-21"
Yeah u got us, except that was Jewish law. The New Testament clearly states in many places that we are no longer bound by that.

Posted by: Alan MAURICE at September 13, 2008
"Lets try to be like Jesus and not pay attention to what Ray Boltz does with his life. Its not our business"
Not pay attention like Jesus? Jesus never just overlooked sin; He couldn't. That's why He died - because a holy God can not overlook sin. The context of the Corinthian issue was that the church WAS overlooking the sin which the man committed with his mother/mother-in-law (could be either). Paul condemned this. We shouldn't judge, but rather we should help a fallen brother to get back up again. However, when they refuse to repent from their sin, that's when they should be disciplined. (Discipline is not hate; it shows more love than just overlooking it. Remember, even God disciplines those He loves.)

Posted by: Jason J. at September 14, 2008
"But the argument that "God hasn't taken it away from me, so it must be OK" is a fundamental misunderstanding of sanctification and the "flesh"."
Well said.

Posted by: BLogan at September 14, 2008
"Bestiality and pedophilia are psychological illnesses that have NOTHING to do with homosexuality."
Homosexuality was once also thought of as a psychological illness.

"I suggest cracking open a copy of "Psychology For Dummies" for clarity."
lol. Psychology is a shaky science at best, at worst a crock.

"Scientific studies are proving more and more every day that there are genes in our DNA that may predispose certain individuals to a homosexual life."
First, of all there's no concrete proof either way. Secondly, we are all predisposed to sin. Even if someone is predisposed to be attracted to the same sex doesn't mean they have to act on it. We are told many times in Scripture to die to ourselves, that Christ can live through us. That means many things that we might be disposed to do we shouldn't, but rather rely on Christ to give us the strength.

"you people don't accept that evolution could even be a part of the creation process, even though it's SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN to be..."
k, this isn't an evolution forum, so I'm not gonna say much about this, but no...no it's not. That's why it's a THEORY.

Posted by: ggsmom at September 17, 2008
"Really, Nathan, can you tell me where the Bible is "very clear" that marriage is between one man and one woman?"
Genesis 2:18-25 seems to work fine.

"Is it somewhere near the accounts of Solomon and his 700 wives?"
After that, near the place where his kingdom was torn apart.

"Or is it blended in with the stories of Abraham, Jacob, and David, each who had multiple wives?"
I also find it funny that people who quote these never take the time to actually look at them. NONE of their sins are condoned, and all of them had consequences for their actions.

Simply: Chalk one up to the devil, boys.

Please pray for Mr. Boltz he has comitted a great and horrible sin and betrayed the Christian community as well as God. God will forgive him if he repents but he must acknowledge what the Bible says and not hide from it.

God is going to throw Ray in Hell along with the following people:
a) those who pick up sticks on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36)
b) women who wear pants (Deu 22:5)
c) those who do not use incense correctly (Exodus 30:33,38)
d) any man who looks at a woman and thinks about sex (Matthew 5:27-28)
e) consumes abominations from the sea (Leviticus 11:10-12)
f) women who are raped who don't scream loud enough for help because if no one can hear her scream, the slut obviously wanted it (Deut 22:23-24)

In fact, only those of us at Westboro Baptist Church are going to Heaven. The rest of you are going to have the skin burnt off you bones in a literal lake of fire for all eternity while red-finned water demons sodomize you all.

Good for Ray Boltz for being honest and showing the world that you can love God, live a faithful Christian life and be gay!

Shame on all of you who want to assume that he has been promiscuous because he is gay. One does not equal the other. Good grief, I barely know any straight Christians who have remained virgins until marriage - not that this is right by any means, but being gay doesn't equal promiscuous, and nor is being gay and promiscuous somehow worse than being straight and promiscuous.

Perhaps he hid it for so many years because society and Christian circles told him it was wrong and cultivated a hateful attitude towards homosexuals.

I have never read anywhere that being gay is against the very nature of God.

However, I have read throughout scripture that we are to love one another without condemnation and leave the judging up to an all-knowing God.

Very sad to hear this news about Ray Boltz. Reading his interview, he still sounds quite depressed and sad. His wife and children- regardless of what they may try to do or say -will never recover from this sort of betrayal.

Sexual sin is very powerful. It masks itself in many different ways. It convinces you you're 100% right. It causes you to rationalize to incredible lengths.

Ray shattered his marriage. We as Christians are to love him and pray for him - as we to do for anyone - but no where are we required to accept his rationalizations.

I just found out about this today and was shocked to the core. I listened to Ray back in the day and always loved his music. But all of a sudden to come of out of the closet and annouce his homosexuality caught me totally off guard. Homosexuality is a SIN in the eyes of God. The Bible clearly says in Leviticus 18:22 "Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin." (New Living Translation) The Bible was clear in the new testament that sex was meant for one man and one WOMAN in the holy bonds of matrimony. Don't get me wrong, I am in no way judging Ray Boltz because only Jesus Christ has the right to judge each and every one of us. I am merely responding to the comment that Ray made about him being created gay. That is a lie straight from the pits of Hell itself. No one is created gay. People choose to give into their sin and become gay. Ray, I pray that God will open your eyes and see how much harm you are doing to yourself and your testimony. God bless you

I can't believe the number of comments condemning Ray for his sexual orientation. I've read the article and it seems obvious that he did everything he could to be "normal" his entire life. How dare you people tell Ray that he's wrong for telling his family the truth and trying to be what he really is. The way the church is these days, if any member does something that's against the rules and somebody finds out about it, they're kicked out of the "club". That's exactly what is happening right now. Ray is being shunned by many Christians and this will continue for the rest of his life. We should try to accept him and be loving towards him during what is surely going to be a nightmare for years to come. Sometimes I'm ashamed to call myself a Christian when I see people (Christians) say things like this about someone they don't even know or completely understand.

It is with sadness that I had read the article written in The Washington Blade that Ray Boltz has come "out" as a homosexual. The Bible is so clear that living a homosexual lifestyle is sinful. This is a sexual sin and it separates people from God. Even if being a homosexual were "normal" or "natural", we have no obligation to participate in behavior that is displeasing to God. I am by no means Ray's judge, but I will say that he is deceived. The Lord really spoke to me through many of his songs. He has so many excellent songs that really minister. It is really a tragedy. We must be careful not to shun those we do not agree with. It is especially important that we declare the truth of God's Word in love. Being hateful or angry is not the correct way to respond. God does not want us to deny our feelings, but we are not obligated to act on feelings or live our lives based on how we feel. Praying for Ray Boltz and his family.

I am so sad to hear that Ray Boltz has decided to follow his fleshly desires instead of all that God has for him if he would just crucify the flesh and walk in the Spirit of God - I say this, not out of condemnation or even pity - I, myself have fought that fight with the flesh, and still deal with temptation - it's what you do with that temptation that will show up in your public life. Did God make him this way? I think not - we are made for His good pleasure, according to His Word - not our own selfish pleasure. The only reason Ray has been under such an attack of the deceptions of the enemy of his soul is because he has been such a blessing to the body of Christ - my hope is that his eyes will be enlightened, and he will see the hope of His calling - not the fallibility of the flesh. The phrase comes to mind, "There but for the grace of God go I"...I'm very thankful that God opened my eyes before the deceiver took over my life! Please keep in mind - yes, Ray Boltz has gone against the Word of God, however, Christ still hung on the cross for him, just as He did for you and me - my prayer is that God will save him from the ultimate destruction, the lake of fire - I love you, Ray Boltz, and I believe that God will open your eyes to the deception of the enemy!

I feel sorry for some of the people who have posted comments on this blog and I also feel sorry for Ray. I feel sorry for Ray because after all of the songs he has written it appears to me that he has yet to really experience God and the truth of his word. For those of you who doubt the truth and validity of God's word. For some of us there is no greater truth. Some of us have experienced the super natural there have been things in our lives that we can only explain by saying that God intervened. I've had money appear on more then one incident when I needed it no logical explanation. Even when satan tries to make me doubt the truth of God's word personally I've experienced too much for me to doubt the truth and validity of God's word. Once you have experienced God and the truth of his word you know it says what it says and means what it means. What if God is who he says he is in his word? What if he means everything that he says? Why risk Hell when there's heaven? Why become captive to a few sinful moments of pleasure when God offers an eternity of True Love, Peace, and Happiness. As for me I don't ever want to disappoint God again he's been too good. It's not about me It's all about him on my best day I don't deserve his grace nor his mercy and blessings. Let us pray that Ray repents while he yet has time because his current lifestyle could prove to be a stumbling block to many who are confused. Also may God have mercy on some of those who have posted comments who just don't understand the truth of God's word.

***Posted by: John at September 17, 2008:

Aaron, Here is my reply: Do you have any friends that are gay or even talked to anyone who is gay? Get to know some gay people and just spew out canned rhetoric against homosexuals given to you by some authority figure, ok?

***My reply to John:
My authority is the infallible/inspired Word of God, the Bible. Do you believe the Bible?

Having been born and raised in the Philippines, where gays and lesbians are mostly welcomed and loved (and are told it's wrong to be homosexual), I've had a number of gay and lesbian friends and classmates whom I grew up and hung out with.

And the reason I make such warnings is simple:
If you know someone you love and care so much about is in big trouble, wouldn't you let him know about it? What would be UNLOVING is this: if I don't tell a person something is wrong. And my understanding of Scripture is that God loves homosexuals and hates homosexuality. I’ve arrived at this conclusion through lifetime of biblical hermeneutics and cultural apologetics. If I'm wrong on this, please show me—-unless of course you don’t believe the Bible, and that you don't think there are absolute, objective moral values.

Telling me that Ray Boltz was merely being honest about how he feels or how he thinks God created him ain’t gonna cut, John. Why? Because the internet adulterer (men mostly), the polygamist, and the pedophile can tell you the same thing. And are you ready to welcome and encourage these people to come out of the closet and be free to express themselves too? Please answer this question. Tell me the difference between these people and Ray Bolts (other than Ray is sincerely honest and had been battling this war within him for over 30 years).

Now, unless you can show me in Scripture that it’s okay for Ray to be gay (no pun intended), then I think I’m justified to believe that homosexual practice and lifestyle is wrong, and people must be told so.

***Posted by: Lila at September 16, 2008--
I pray for all you 'bible thumping Christians' who judge. You sure show us what your conditional religious love looks like.
Someone's sex life is no ones business but their own. I pray for for all you self rightous so called loving 'Christians'

***REPLY to Lila—

Let’s see if you really mean what you said… Let’s see if you’re consistent.

So, if one’s sex life is to sexually abuse children, then it’s none of our business. Right? And if we Christians try to interfere in this abominable act, we’re just being ‘self-righteous’ and ‘bible thumpers.’ Right?

Think carefully of what you say, Lila.

In the immortal words of "Thank You for Giving to the Lord":

"[He] turned and saw this young man, and he was smiling as he came."

***Posted by: Drummer Dave S. at September 16, 2008-
Is it any wonder, that after 30 years of hiding what he truly felt he was and begging to be changed, that he got weary of the deception and gave up the fight? How many years was he supposed to wait for his prayers to be answered? Amazing.

***REPLY to Drummer Dave S.-
Some things in life on earth may not be answered until we get to heaven.

There are things in my life that I struggle with, too, (all of us do, since no body is perfect). But God is changing me 'from glory to glory.'

The saddest thing about all of this is not Ray Boltz coming out (news flash: Ray Boltz is a sinner! Just like the rest of us! Who knew!?). The saddest thing is that a fellow brother in Christ has been suffering from this pain for so long, and he couldn’t bring himself to reach out to us because he knew how we would react. And we’re supposed to be the hands and feet of Jesus? God’s reflection?
I think we owe him and God an apology.

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34
Ain’t that the truth.

I hope every Christian will pray for his family and for him. I have seen what a Parent choosing to pursue a homosexual lifestyle does to the children. It tears the kids apart. They question is it right or wrong, will they be the same way, and many of them have self-esteem problems. With that said, being homosexual is a choice of lifestyle not how God has made us. God states in the Bible that he made man and it was good, he also made woman as his companion and it was good. He did not make us to be with a person of our same sex. God gave us freewill to chose. I Pray Ray Boltz will find his way back to God and give up this lifestyle. My 12yr old daughter heard this and was very sad because she loved his music. She told me that she will not listen to his music as long as this is how he chooses to live. He is setting a bad example to the young people who have looked to him as a mentor. I truly hope he will listen to the Holy Spirit and what the Bible says and repent of his sin. Being homosexual is a sin. 1 Timothy 1:9-10 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine. The Bible is very clear. This lifestyle is UNHOLY!

Please remember all children of God that God hates the SIN, NOT the sinner. He loves each and every one of us and Scripture proves it. God didn't create Ray that way, SIN did. SIN creates abnormalities, birth defects and so on. God created us perfect in every way (remember Adam and Eve) and it wasn't until sin was introduced that stared the decay.

Saul and David were the first two Kings of Israel. Both Saul and David sinned and both of them admitted their sin, yet, Saul was rejected by God and David was declared by God to be "a man after his own heart". So what was the difference in these two men, both sinned yet one was rejected and one was accepted?

Since we know that all sin is disobedience, it can't be that Saul's sin was worse than David's. So what was the difference?

The difference had to be something in the men.

Saul
-Sinned when he offered a sacrifice when he'd been told to wait for Samuel
-Another time he did not completely destroy the Amalekites and all of their posessions when God told him to.
-When he was confronted with his sin, he tried to justify his actions.
-When that didn't work, he blamed it on other people.
-Finally, he confessed because he was put on the spot and didn't want to look bad in front of other people.
-So, he never really did take ownership of what he'd done.
-He never really felt remorse for what he'd done.
-He never truly repented.

David
-Sinned when he slept with another man's wife and she became pregnant.
-Then David lied and connived to get the man home from serving in the army so that he would think that he was the father of the baby his wife was carrying.
-When the man would not go home because he felt obligated to serve his time in the army, David had him murdered.
-Psalms 32 and 51 let us know that David was "wasting away" in his sin. He was in torment and said, "my strength was sapped..." (Psalm 32:4)

David was in torment because of his sin.
Saul was not in torment even though he had sinned. Basically Saul was not sorry, he was only sorry he got caught.
The difference in the two men was the condition of the heart.

In Acts 13:22 God said, "I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do." But in 1 Samuel chapter 15, God said about about Saul, "I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions."

God cares about the state of our hearts. 2 Cor 7:10 says that Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

To Sunsetbeach...you said,

"As for all the people in this thread -such as "Gary"- who keep insisting that Christians are mistaken in their interpretation of the Bible's views on homosexuality, you are incorrect."

Good for you "Sunsetbeach", you have recognized that your own understanding might be limited and have turned to people more educated than yourself. Unfortunately your mind is still closed on the matter and your search only leads you to those who share your own understanding and therefor your search for truth is disengenous at best. You called me a "homosexual activist". Nothing could be further from the truth. This cause is not mine as I have stated earlier, I do not have ANY same sex tendancies. I have never been an activist for any cause other than Christ. I have never spoken out publicly for the homosexual cause, indeed due to the present day hysteria I would lose not only my teaching position at my church in adult sunday school, but my teaching position at university as well.

Open your minds people to the truth in God's Word. Be mature enough to admit that sometimes a change in our understanding is necessary if we are to find the heart of God. I am not advocating changing scripture, ignoring scripture, relativising scripture, or anyhting else so many of you on here accuse me and others of doing. I am for studying scripture honestly and with enough integrity to recognize that there are very genuine Christians who may disagree with me and at times my own understanding might need to be changed. Times like when I first discovered that the Earth was round, even though so many Bible scholars and church leaders kept insisting that the scripture was clear, and there could be no mistake in the fact that the Earth was flat. (OK, so maybe I wasn't alive then, but sometimes I feel like we keep getting locked in the same struggles)

I am not advocating that you believe as I do, only that you stop proclaiming that you are the only one with the right to have a belief at all. Scripture is not nearly so clear as you contend it to be. Only a fool believes he has all understanding and the case is therefor closed. In fact, the closer I draw to God the more of my understandings I have been forced to change. I personally believe the cancer most harming the cause of Christ in the church today is the prevelance of the pharisee mindset and not the perceived threat of those who live with same sex attraction.

Gary

I will pray for Ray Boltz, but he is wrong to believe that God made him that way. He caved in to Satan. He roams this earth seeking whom he may devour. Ray has been so instrumental in proclaiming Christianity, but with this admission, many will see him as a hypocrite. Any influence he had has been reduced. Let's all pray that God turns him around and lets him see the truth!

I just hope Fred Phelps won't catch wind of this.

I've been reading these comments and wondering how you voracious Christians enjoy anything in life. This is the most medieval group of hate-mongers and fear-mongers I've ever seen grouped together. Could your religion have something to do with it? You sound extremely similar to fundamentalist Muslims to this outsider. Think about it... Please think about it.

Aaron said...

***REPLY to Lila—

"Let’s see if you really mean what you said… Let’s see if you’re consistent.

So, if one’s sex life is to sexually abuse children, then it’s none of our business. Right? And if we Christians try to interfere in this abominable act, we’re just being ‘self-righteous’ and ‘bible thumpers.’ Right?

Think carefully of what you say, Lila."

Oh come on Aaron...don't you think we have had enough of the non relavant comparisons? You are using an example of a predator, who victimizes the innocent, and saying it is the same thing as two individuals who mutually agree to share a relationship together. That type of argument demonstrates the worst kind of ignorence and I am sure most sensible people on BOTH sides of this issue can see through it. At least have the courage to discuss the issue.

Think carefully what YOU say Aaron, because you are sounding very much like a "self-righteous" "bible thumper".

Gary

"There is a rape scene described in the Old Testament, where a man rapes his sister who is named Tamar - this mention of rape does not mean that God approves of rape. Elsewhere in the Scriptures, as a matter of fact, God expressly prohibits rape and proscribes a punishment for anyone who does commit a rape."

The OT law forced a woman to marry her rapist. Some punishment! Certainly you are not advocating that in this day and age? Or that disobedient teenagers be stoned at the city gate? Oh, and put down that ham sandwich and shrimp cocktail; pork and shellfish are forbidden.

If Leviticus is binding on us today, then ALL of Leviticus is binding. As, clearly, a great deal of it is not only no longer applicable, but actively repugnant, then it is only of historical interest.

WHEN IS CHRISTIAN AMERICA GOING TO STAND UP AND CALL A SIN A SIN? WHY DO SO MANY PREACH TOLERANCE? GOD IS NOT TOLERANT OF ANY SIN!! JUST BECAUSE HE MAY BE A GOOD PERSON, THAT IS NOT ENOUGH TO SAVE HIM. HELL WILL BE FULL OF GOOD PEOPLE THAT WILL BE THERE BECAUSE THEY DON'T FOLLOW HIS RULES. WE CAN'T PICK AND CHOOSE WHICH RULES WE FOLLOW BECAUSE THEY DO OR DON'T FIT OUR LIFESTYLE. IN THE END IT COMES DOWN TO CHOICE. DO YOU GIVE IN TO SATAN OR FIGHT TO SAVE YOUR SOUL. IF YOU DON'T THINK IT'S A SIN READ THE FIRST CHAPTER OF ROMANS. WAKE UP CHRISTIANS! EITHER YOU BELIEVE THE BIBLE OR YOU DON'T. YOU CAN'T PICK AND CHOOSE. WISHY-WASHY CHRISTIANS ARE WHAT HAS MADE THIS ACCEPTABLE. AND YOU ALL MAKE ME SICK!!

It's amazing, So much justification and rationalization, there are so many things that God's word answers so we don;t have to. (And as far as I am concerned Dr. Joey. Your pride in your degree shows your ignorance in your field.) It boils down to right and wrong. Judgemnet is reserved for God, it is His job to judge. But if you claim the name of Christ, it is the Christian's job to hold you accountable. Everyone hates accountability because it forces you to see your failures and your mistakes. If you are afraid of being held accountable and want to spew anger, justification, and rationalization, and self righteousness back at those holding you accountable then you lack faith and understanding of how you are called to live and you require maturity.
To those who call me a bible thumper, I have never thumped my bible at you, I do not pass judgement on the gay community. However I hold scripture to be the infallible word of God. It is not for us to interpret in our own opinion of what fact is and how it applies today, nor is it acceptable for us to discard what God says because it does not fit with what we want to hear, it is eternal, it is uncompromising, and it is not tolerant of sin. Ray Boltz's struggle has been terrible for him and yet it is not over because he has given in to it (which he admitted he gave in, yes I can read subtext as well). He needs prayer, forgiveness, and healing. Paul dealt with a struggle all during his ministry as well, yet God told him that His grace was sufficient for him. If God's grace is sufficient for the greatest missionary in our faith, who lived in pverty and physical oppression and the threat of death, then why wasn't it good enough for a song writer who made millions singing simple songs of praise to a God who loved him and blessed him richly. Funny how we all want to thump our chest and say w were right when God was right all along, we were the ones who had it wrong.

Don't worry, I'll set this Boltz fellow straight just as soon as I get this darned log out of my eye.....

Everyone posting verses saying how homosexuality is a sin and so forth remember one thing:

What did Jesus actually say about homosexuality? I am reminded of one of the most quoted verses ever, John 3:16. Does the word "except" appear anywhere in that verse?

I know nothing of Mr Boltz work. All I know is he has finally quit lying. Lying is one of the 10 Commandments, right? He is being honest.

The only other thing I can really say is "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." As a Christian, I truly believe that if I live my life the best I can, the way I believe God wants me to live, come Judgement Day, He will put His arm around me and say "Well done, good and faithful servant." He is the only one that can do that. Not Ray Botlz, not the Pope, not Billy Graham, not any poster anywhere on the net. Only God.

Mr Boltz: Stay on the path of righteousness and follow God's plan for you. Pray and He will show you.

Many gay people claim that is who God created them to be. I disagree. That may be who they've become or how society has made them feel....I wouldn't argue that, but it's not who God created them to be.

To read all the coments from so called Christians explaining away want Ray has done is a complete shame. If we can't stand on the Bible, which some have called Bible thumping, what can we rely on. Sin is sin because God has said so, it doesn't matter who you are. It's going exactly against what God has said. I myself am a sinner but you cannot justify sin by saying you were born that way.

If Ray is a "true Christain" he would understand that God created Adam & Eve for companionship - not Adam & Steve.The Bible warns us in the book of 2 Peter about the last days of evil doers and false prophets. Ray needs to do a self examination and change from his ways.

Bottom Line:
God does NOT make people gay!!! God made us in His image and the decisions we make determine how our lives end up. Ask an alcoholic if they have had feelings longing for alcohol for a long time and he/she will say yes. That doesn't mean that God made them have a longing for alcohol and NO ONE will disagree with that statement!!!! Its the same exact thing with your sexuality!!! God MADE everyone straight! SATAN is the one who tempts you into believing that God made you gay, just the same way SATAN did in the garden with Adam and Eve! I am sorry but you cannot be a Christian and be gay! Coming out and saying that he tried it and felt guilty for it and has repented would be totally different, but he is endorsing the fact that it's okay! For years and years Ray Boltz has taught other people that the Bible was the TRUE way (and it is) and yet now he is following the exact opposite of what the Bible teaches!!!! How can you sing a song like "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" and then defy everything that same Lamb teaches?!?!? YOU CANT!! There is NO allegiance there. Just like I have seen alcoholics be saved and repent, I have also known homosexuals who have come to know the awesome power of Jesus Christ and be changed forever. This INCLUDES NOT being a homosexual anymore. There is no problem on this Earth that is too big for God, but you have to come to a point where you admit you are wrong and turn to Him for help before He can help you. The Bible says to "come as you are" and that includes ALL sins, no matter how deep, but YOU have to make the first move! It doesn't matter how many people you have influenced at a concert or how many Christian songs have been #1 on the charts, what matters is that you are following the Lord and you are leading others not only by your songs, but also by your lifestyle, and Ray Boltz CLEARLY is not.

1 Corinthians 6:9
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders

Leah
--I have never read anywhere that being gay is against the very nature of God.--

Romans 1
6 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. 28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

There have been much debate from what I have read both ways on this subject of Ray Boltz and homosexuality in general, but I am appalled at the people who call themselves Christians yet deny scripture. Ray does this and he admits to it in this quote

"If you were to hold up the rule book and go, ‘Here are all the rules Christians must live by,’ did I follow every one of those rules all that time? Not at all, you know, because I kind of rejected a lot of things, but I’ve grown some even since then."

In 2 Timothy 3:16 it state "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in the ways of righteousness."
Basing the next scripture on this fact that all scripture is God-breathed we should probably adhere to it because in

1 Corinthians (which is also scripture) 6:9 it states "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immormal nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders."

I beleive with all my heart that God is love, but He is also fair and sovereign. He is unchanging from Genesis to Revelation He is sovereign. Therefore He can not compromise his standards for the way a Christian is to live which is a life free from sin.

If one should say "God made me the way I am and that is how I am going to live and God is okay with this" these individualls are making a god of their own design and are breaking the First Commandment in the the Ten Commandments, and these idividuals are clearly not serving God whose characteristics are outlined in the Bible. GOD CANNOT COMPROMISE.

Since all scripture is God-breathed and there have already been two scriptures set out before from the New Testament (for those who believe that the Old Testament has no realavence, and this point of view is false for Christ said in Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that i have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.) here is another scripture that further shows God's sovereignty and His inability to compromise His Word

in Hebrews 6:18 "God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which IT IS IMPOSSIBLE for GOD TO LIE,..."

If God compromised and let the homosexual offender into heaven He would be a lier and this would call into question His sovereignty.
God hates sin but loves the sinner as Christians we are called to be like Him for in Ephesians 5:1 says "Be imitators of God..." We should be Christ-like for that is what Christian means.

We need to pray for our nation for God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for being wicked in his sight. We have so called Christians (who still need salvation) preaching homosexuallality is okay with God when this clearly contradicts the Bible.

We need also to pray for Ray Boltz and any other homosexual offender that their eyes may be opened and that the convicting power of the Holy Spirit would fall upon them so that they may be reconciled to Christ.

Some of these arguments don't make sense. I was born or "made" Sinful, and an enemy of God. The Bible says so. Ray was also. but I would plead with you Ray. just like I must fight with the sin nature and my own predominant sin (I fight with heterosexual lust constantly), Fight this sin. Don't feed it.God has used you greatly.you will never be satisfied living in sin of any kind. You were born in sin, yet God did not intend for you to be that way. just as he doesn't intend for me to live in adultery of my mind. please repent ray.we love ya.

This is outright crazy! I was blown when i heard this.... well i went to MCC.ORG and they are even more flipped than Ray! well i see things this way... Look around us nature itself teaches us the Natural and Normal is the way of life... It's madness sexuality to bloom with two of the same kind... thats rough and nasty.
Ray, people are praying that you snap out and 'Go Straight' pun intended.

How can you all read the Bible and believe being gay is ok with God.
Why did God destroy Sodom? How many righteous people were found in the city? If you can be ok or acceptable to God and be gay why did he have to destroy a city like Sodom? What can you say about Jude 7," Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like matter, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." 2Peter 2:6 also gives Sodom as an example to not live ungodly.

To Lila
What's wrong with a "Bible thumping Christian"?
Like it's been said many other place if you don't stand on something reliable like the Bible, you will fall for anything, including that being gay is ok with God.
What do you consider yourself to be? A "anything goes "Christian" if you really consider being gay is ok HOW do you draw the line for other things? ONCE YOU COMPROMISE ON ONE ISSUE IN THE BIBLE THE REST CAN BE EXPLAINED AWAY ALSO. What's your solution for this
I thought God defined sin pretty clearly in the Bible

Setting aside the the issue of being gay, there is an even bigger issue here. This man made an oath to his wife and God before witnesses. Now he has left her !! Now he has left her !!

If, I have always been attracted to other women besides my wife should I now just stop fighting AND GO WITH ANOTHER WOMAN????

MARRIAGE MEANS SO LITTLE TODAY. SAD SO SAD.

DAN

There has been much debate from what I have read both ways on this subject of Ray Boltz and homosexuality in general, but I am appalled at the people who call themselves Christians yet deny scripture. Ray does this and he admits to it in this quote"If you were to hold up the rule book and go, ‘Here are all the rules Christians must live by,’ did I follow every one of those rules all that time? Not at all, you know, because I kind of rejected a lot of things, but I’ve grown some even since then." In 2 Timothy 3:16 it states "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in the ways of righteousness." Basing the next scripture on this fact that all scripture is God-breathed we should probably adhere to it because in 1 Corinthians (which is also scripture) 6:9 it states "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders." I believe with all my heart that God is love, but He is also fair and sovereign. He is unchanging from Genesis to Revelation He is sovereign. Therefore He cannot compromise his standards for the way a Christian is to live which is a life free from sin.If one should say "God made me the way I am and that is how I am going to live and God is okay with this" these individuals are making a god of their own design and are breaking the First Commandment in the Ten Commandments, and these individuals are clearly not serving God whose characteristics are outlined in the Bible. GOD CANNOT COMPROMISE. Since all scripture is God-breathed and there have already been two scriptures set out before from the New Testament (for those who believe that the Old Testament has no relevance, and this point of view is false for Christ said in Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them”) here is another scripture that further shows God's sovereignty and His inability to compromise His Word in Hebrews 6:18 "God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which IT IS IMPOSSIBLE for GOD TO LIE,..."
If God compromised and let the homosexual offenders into heaven He would be a lier and this would call into question His sovereignty.
God hates sin but loves the sinner as Christians we are called to be like Him for in Ephesians 5:1 says "Be imitators of God..." We should be Christ-like for that is what Christian means.

God Doesn't want your talent, your time or your money and fame. God wants your heart!! If you give Him your heart, you would want to live for HIM. Being gay is not living for HIM. With all of your beautiful songs, God is asking you to live for HIM. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for you and for me. I will pray for you and your family. Please repent and let God mend the fence.

"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 13:3

I was very saddened to hear about Ray Boltz. The Body of Christ needs to pray for him that God will open his eyes and deliver him from this "deceitfulness of sin."

For the rest of us, Scripture clearly warns us and then encourages us in 2 Peter 2:10, "Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall."

Concerning how the Church should respond to Ray Boltz from here, Jude 1:21-23 says, "Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh."

Whatever! He is deceitful. I have tapes and Cds of his music and will definitely discard them now. He should not have lied all these years . . . I hope he enjoys his RETIREMENT with his new MAN. What a joke!

My comment is listed as being by netbug. The post below it, listed by Kathryn, is mine. My heart is broken for this man... He has lived in pain. I played one of his CD's last night.

I will say it again, He/She who is without sin, cast the first stone. I'm not casting any stones.

Kathryn

Thank you all for helping me to remember why I left the church and why repairative therapy didn't work. Thank you Ray for your courage. No one has any room to throw stones. You have no idea what this man has been through in hiding his true self for 55 years. Of course he feels closer to God now.

Sex without procreation is sin. Work that through in your own marriages.

All of your comments have nothing to do with a loving God. Context is context is context. "It's okay to have a third grade understanding of the Bible...if you're in the third grade."

Sincerely - A survivor of strict evangelical gay hating parents

I don't think this is about evangelical, non-denominational churches, or denomination at all. The facts are that God did not create him "gay." It's true, God created him, in HIS image. God's not gay. God is perfect. God created all of us in His image (notice I didn't say exactly like Him). Being created in God's image doesn't make us perfect. We are all born with a sinful nature (hence the 3 year old that CHOOSES to willingly disobey his or her parents). Ray has made the choice to lust after men. I don't care if a church accepts his practice or not. That doesn't make it right. The Bible clearly states that there will be no sexual offenders in heaven. I believe this speaks to the practice of a lifestyle of sexual wickedness (such as homosexuality). If he is "glad" to be free of his life of pressure and can live with his sin, good for him. Even the animals know when it's time to mate. They know exactly the right time, and with exactly the right gender. They don't make mistakes....who do you think leads them in the right direction to procreate? Have you ever seen a gay horse? Didn't think so. Repent Ray, live for the Lord....don't let Satan rule over you. He has already won one battle by destroying your marriage. Are you going to give him your lifestyle and witness now? I hope not. My prayers are with you, my brother.

I read the qoute by some guy who calls himself Dr. Joey and it was ridiculus! No, sir you did not deserve your Phd if you cannot understand simple cut and dry things God has said. You sound a lot like the Pharisees of the New Testament who studied the scripture but did not have an understading of it's principles.
Also telling someone that something is wrong is not hating your neighbor, it is simply telling it the way it is. I do agree it should be done in love BUT it is wrong (chosing a gay lifestyle), and anything less than saying it is a sin would be a lie. Once you compromise on one subject of the Bible (ie. creation, deity of Christ, homosexually) the foundation is damaged and there is no where to draw the line. If being gay is not a sin and accepatble to God why can't I murder, steal or do anything I want? Please respond and explain what makes one thing right and something else wrong, other than what God has said in his word.
Also what good is it to go to a well known school that gives out "real degrees" if you can't understand simple things written is simple, easy to read english in your Bible?
If what I've said is wrong please explain.

What a deal...Ray's gay. It is shocking regardless of your religious spin, slant, interpretation or side of the fence regarding homosexuality. What powerful words in the music he sang...

Perusing though all the responses it's ineresting to see the perspectives and turmoil brewing a hairs breath under the surface of both sides of the issue which, at some point, will polarize and divide modern Christianity into two distinct wings (already happening).

In reading the responses it becomes clear that there are a lot of Christians that are Phariseeistic... lashing out in disgust. Too often we beat, thrash, spit on, mock and abuse others that fail, when it was upon Christ that all of this was heaped for EACH of us. Who are we to inflick the pain again that we each so deserve, but was taken away. But, at the same time there are gays that refuse to see the truth. Choosing rather to propigate a mindset, a pseudo theology, that is dangerous indeed.

I see a common thread with the gays that at first attempts to explain away the evangelical view of homosexuality as being ignorant of scripture, backwoods, uneducated, misinterpreting the message and generally unenlightened. The whole while viewing themselves as the enlightened acedemia. But then when on the ropes in debate they lash out with relative moralism and compare their actions (lifestle) to failures that occur with heteros or more specifically evangelicals.

But doesn't this make a very huge statement? One that says deep down inside they really know and understand that it's wrong and equate it to other sins in the church. It's really a fundemental question... is it sin or not?

Come on, the bible is clear. Gays should square up and admit it's wrong. Evangelicals should realize that they aren't Jesus. They didn't pay the immense price so they have no right to sit in judgement. In this respect, the second argument of the gays is dead on.

The truth is many Christians struggle with somthing. For some it's money, for others it's power while some wrestle with lust. And still others strive against homosexual feelings. But this doesn't make it OK to just cave and say "oh well, I've tried real hard to not fool around with my neighbors wife, so I think I'll persue my feelings there and bring it brazenly into the church."

The bottom line for us all... sin is sin. We've all been there, so just admit it, believe in Christ and confess him as the only way. Quit fighting in your own strength and put your hand in the hand of the man who calms the seas.

MR

To the one commenter who said that there are much more things that we need to focus on in our country like joblessness and the economy and so on. Let me just tell you what the Bible says on the issue. Ezekiel 14:13 talks about how for the sinfulness of a nation God will cause famine and hunger to sweep across the land. Homosexuality is a sin, look at Sodom and Gommorah. America and some "Churches" have swept this as being a sin under the rug and tried to point to issues to focus on i.e. the economy. The reason we're jobless or the economy is bad is because we've allowed Homosexuality to be known as "normal" or "ok" or something God made people like. Repent and God will once again send the rain and heal our land. I didn't say it, God said it, and that settles it where man believes it or not. Amen.

Now that we know of this weakness, we as Gods children need to come against the gates of hell like never before for this man that God so deeply loves. This battle will not be fought alone. He may appear to of given up but prayer from the faithful of Gods children will break through the darkness and satan will have no choice but to flee. Condemnation is not what this man needs. Rebuking in love ,yes and then praying unceasingly. Expect a miracle. Satan just wants another good laugh in the face of God. Well, satan your time is coming. He comes as a lion seeking whom he may devour but hes got enemies that with the strength of the Holy Spirit we will stand even when it gets tough. Its not the will of our heavenly Father that anyone should perish and His word will not return void. Jesus loves you Ray and He will set you free.

Why is it every time a Christian quotes scripture about sin, the words judging and hate appear? We are to lovingly confront our brothers and sisters in Christ whey they are living in sin. To me that is true love!! I love Ray Boltz enough to tell him the truth!! The Bible is very clear on homosexuality. It says that homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God. It seems to me those of you who are telling him its ok, do not care about his eternal soul!! I have listened to Ray's music for years and his video "One drop of blood" is one of the most powerful video I have ever seen!! It truly shows God's grace through the blood of Jesus when we repent of our sins and come to know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. Yes, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, but Jesus death on the cross does not give us the right to freely sin (read Romans 6). Many times when Jesus said, "your sins are forgiven", it was followed by "go and sin no more".
My prayer for Ray Boltz is that he will be set free from the bondage that he is in and that through this others too will come to know Jesus as there Lord and Savior!! I use to be in bondage of drugs and alcohol. Only Jesus can truly set you free!! When you accept Him as your Lord and Savior, the old is gone all things are made new. He is the only one that can fill the emptymess inside!!!

Evidently Ray knew the words of the songs he sung but he never knew the One the words were about. I am saddened that Satan has defeated such a person with a talent to reach the masses with his ministry of song. He 'wasn't born that way', he has been overcome, tripped up by sin.
Bob

I HAVE READ MUCH OF WHAT IS ON THIS PAGE.

IT SHOWS SO MANY LOST PEOPLE THINKING THEY ARE SAFE AND ON GOOD SOIL, BUT IN ACTUALITY, THEY ARE LOST, STANDING ONLY ON SAND, AND ARE EITHER IGNORING THE BIBLE'S TEACHINGS ALTOGETHER, OR ARE DESPARATELY TRYING TO MANIPULATE THE SCRIPTURES TO FIT THEIR OWN LIFESTYLES.

SCRIPTURE IS WHAT IT IS, AND IT CANNOT BE CHANGED. OUR GOD IS WHO HE IS AND HE WILL NOT BE CHANGED. HE IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW.

SIN, QUITE SIMPLY IS SIN. THERE IS NO “SAFE” AREA THAT IS “ALMOST” SIN, OR “NOT QUITE” SIN...IT IS EITHER SIN OR IT IS NOT SIN.

IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN, YOU LIVE BY THE SCRIPTURES, AND YES, SOMETIMES IT IS NOT EASY, AND SOMETIMES IT IS NOT SEEN AS “FUN” BY OTHERS.

BUT, YOU DO SO BECAUSE THE LORD ALMIGHTY SAYS YOU MUST, AND YOU DO IT OUT OF LOVE AND RESPECT FOR HIM, YOUR LOVING FATHER. YOU WANT HIM TO BE PLEASED WITH YOU; KNOWING YOU ARE PLEASING TO HIM IS THE BEST FEELING IN THIS WORLD. I SAY THAT BECAUSE I KNOW IT TO BE TRUE.

I HAVE BEEN A SINNER AND I HAVE DONE MANY THINGS IN MY LIFE THAT MADE ME (FALSELY) FEEL GOOD ABOUT MYSELF, AND BROUGHT ME MUCH PLEASURE AT THE TIME THAT I DID THEM. NOW THE MEMORY OF THEM EMBARASSES ME, HUMILIATES ME, SHAMES ME TO THE DEPTH OF MY SOUL, AND FILLS ME WITH SUCH A DEEP SORROW. I DID THESE THINGS WHILE MY HEAVENLY FATHER WATCHED. ALL I DID THEN HE SAW, AND I AM ASHAMED.

I KNOW THAT I AM FORGIVEN FOR ALL OF MY PAST LIFE, AND PAST SINS. MY FATHER HAS FORGIVEN ME, BUT I AM STILL ASHAMED WHEN I THINK OF MY PAST.

AS I GO THROUGH LIFE TODAY, I HAVE THAT CONVICTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO LIVES IN MY HEART, AND I WANT MY ACTIONS TO BE PLEASING TO MY FATHER WHO SEES ALL. I WANT HIM TO BE PROUD OF ME, JUST LIKE ANY CHILD WHO WANTS A PARENT TO BE PROUD OF THEM AND THEIR ACTIONS..

WITH THAT CONSTANT CONVICTION I USUALLY STAY ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW WITHOUT MUCH PROBLEM. BUT I AM NOT PERFECT, SO I DO AT TIMES, HAVE AN UN-CHRISTIANLIKE THOUGHT, OR A WORD WILL SLIP OUT OF MY MOUTH THAT IS NOT A NICE WORD, (BECAUSE I DO GET ANGRY AT TIMES) AND I CATCH MYSELF (CONVICTION) AND I HAVE TO REPENT RIGHT AWAY. ON SOME DAYS I DO THIS A LOT, AND ON OTHER DAYS A LITTLE.

“C’EST LA VIE” … THAT IS THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE, AND IT IS AN ENJOYABLE LIFESTYLE.

GOD’S BLESSINGS…

It pains me to read this about Ray Boltz because I grew up listening to his music. The Bible hasn't changed in any form or fashion in saying that Homosexuality IS a sin and always has been. Ray saying that he didn't think God would send him to Hell because he feels God made him that way is crazy. He should know from the Bible that God is adamant about sin. If you continue to live in sin and not walk with the Lord then you couldn't truly be saved. Look at Sodom and Gomorrah, God destroyed those two cities because of the evilness of homosexuality there. Why would it be any different today? I feel sorry for Ray since he gave up his battle to sin. In MY Bible it says that with God anything is possible and it IS possibe to overcome sin. God can help you through ANYTHING and He will IF you ask Him to! I will pray for Ray and his family because I know this is a hard thing to go through. I am not perfect in any way but I do try and NOT sin and I can only do that with the Grace of God because without God I am NOTHING!!

Being gay is a sinful choice. You can't say that it is okay to be gay because that is the way God made you. God doesn't make anyone gay. You choose whether or not to sin, and we are all programmed to sin by nature. To be a Christian is to try and live acoording to God's commandments and to believe He died for us and accept Him as our personal savior. All Christians fight sinful natures and try to discipline ourselves to follow the laws of God. When Ray says he's done fighting it, and it feels good to just admit it, then he is giving up on fighing sin, and has decided that he would rather live in sin, and not fight the temptations he has. We all have temptations, he has just decided to give in. This is sad, and is what is wrong with society. We were a nation based on Christianity, and we have been slowly becoming less of a Christian Nation, so that we can be a tolerant nation. Well we are trading in our morals and Christian standards for this so called "toleration". I pray for a revival, and I will pray for Ray and his family.

Wow. There is an overwhelming amount of ignorance in these comments. I don't know who you've been hand-fed your religious beliefs by (and yes you have been taught to believe what you believe). I guess some people prefer factual, reasonable explanations, and others like fairy tales. Irrefutable evidence has come to explain that people are born gay. They aren't "losing the fight against sin" or "turning their back on God" unless, of course, their life was a sin to begin with, which some of you would undoubtedly, I'm sure, would argue. Drop your finger-pointing, "holier than thou" attitudes. It's a pissing contest of righteousness. I don't even know why I'm trying to explain this, you're going to believe what you believe and I respect that, but don't spread criticism or hatred of others who believe or live differently. Now, that wouldn't be very "CHRISTIAN" of you, now would it? Ha Ha Ha.

Oh, and something else to wrap your under-developed brains around: What you cherish as your Christian Bible is mostly nothing what it resembled when it was written (by man, of course). Throughout the various and prominent ruling religious ideologies, church high-clergy have added, removed, and simply changed what is written (by man) in the Bible. In effect, you are living and swearing by something edited by someone even far more ignorant than yourself! Have a nice life!

What a sick and corrput world we live in. Yes as Christians should lift up Ray Boltz and his family in never ceasing prayer. We must pray that Ray Boltz realize that his beliefs and convictions about his lifestyle being all right and the way God made him, a blatant lie STRAIGHT from Satan. We must still love him, but in NO WAY condone his choices or lifestyle.

This doesn't surprise me. Christian music is extremely gay. I don't think God would spend a second listening to it. In fact, I bet you could kill somebody at one of Ray's concerts and God would ever never known because it is the one place on earth God finds to lame to be present at. This explains why the lamest Christians turn out to be rampant homosexuals pedophiles. I'm surprised he even pays attention at all. I mean he's been basically watching us do the same stuff for thousands of years, you would think the greatest being in the world would be bored out of his mind watching us dumb hairless monkeys continuously rape/kill/deceive each other, even when he threatens us with hell. When is the rapture going to happen so my blaspheming ass can quietly burn under a rain of fire and brimstone.

The Bible is lame,

Andrew asks a very valid question...but I doubt if he will like my answer.

"Why did God destroy Sodom? How many righteous people were found in the city? If you can be ok or acceptable to God and be gay why did he have to destroy a city like Sodom? What can you say about Jude 7,"

Remember first of all that God had determined to destroy these cities long before Lot hosted his heavenly guests. We are told that the outcry against these cities was great because their sin was very grave. Scripture makes no mention of homosexuality being listed among their sins...EVER!!!!

We are, however, very specifically told what their sins were in several other biblical passages.

Dt. 29 - abandonment of their covenant and devotion to other gods

Isa. 1 & 3 - Injustice, cruelty,crushing my people & grinding the face of the poor

Isa. 13 - aggression against its neighbors

Ezek. 16 - Pride, fullness of food and abundence of idleness, haughty

Amos 4 - oppression of the poor, immorality and injustice

Zeph. 2 - Pride, arrogant threats against God's people

In the Gospels (Mt 10-11 & Luke 10) Jesus spoke of cities being like Sodom when they rejected the Gospel...nothing about homosexuality here either.

Jude 7 - This is the only time a sexual sin is EVER referred to in connection with Sodom. "Gross immorality" and "strange flesh". However, homosexuality simply cannot be referred to here because the words chosen to represent this strange flesh is "sarkos heteras" meaning other of different, and is where we get the word heterosexual from. The strange flesh they were pursuing was not a homosexual flesh, but a different flesh beyond proper human boundaries, that of angels. They were seeking sex with heteras or different, NOT homos or the same.

Within the culture defeated enemies were often forcibly raped in a fashion that they were made like women, the ultimate humiliation and insult. These men were planning to destroy these unwelcome visitors in the strongest way thay knew how.

Let me re-state - No scripture that identifies the sins of Sodom and Gamorrah ever lists homosexuality among their sins. In every instance from Moses to the prophets to the Apostles to Jesus Himself, their sins fall into the category of injustice, oppresion, pride, and violence. This is much more in step with the intent of the men Lot encountered that night.

Sadly, this attempt to bring reason to this discussion will largely fall on deaf ears. Perhaps if one individual Pharisee among you learns something and begins to open their mind to God's Word, then my effort will not have been in vein. To the rest of you...spare me your frantic and irrational rebukes...God's Word is my authority, not the false interpretation of it from closed minded people no matter how sincere they may be.

Gary

It deeply saddens me to read most of your comments. Most of you don't get who Jesus was/is. Jesus is pure love. Jesus NEVER said that being gay was wrong or sinful. It's funny how so many "Christians" take verses out of the Bible to say that being gay is sinful but they choose to ignore. How many Christians do you know that eat shrimp and lobster? The Bible says that's sin. For many years the Bible was used to prove women did not have souls. The Bible was used to condone slavery. Jesus made many statements about behaviour but he never mentioned homosexuality. Don't you think that if it were some big major sin that Jesus would have mentioned it once or twice?

I'm sure this post will be deleted or I'll get flamed. Go ahead, I'm ready. Before you flat out condem me I invite you to engage in meaningful dialogue. Please e-mail me at ajanderson78@hotmail.com and I would be more than happy to discuss issues with you in a civilized manner.

the Bible says it is wrong for 2 men to "be together". If you're a Christian you repent of your sin and turn away from it..... not live it everyday without being sorrowful!

May Ray realize his spiritual blindness condition before Christ returns...

A think a word about the term 'judging' is in order here given the tendency for unbelievers and believers alike to call foul when making conclusive statements about behavior.

There is a difference between 'judging' and 'making conclusions'. Judging is always making a verdict based upon a superior status or position. Within interpersonal relationships, so often judging is in an attitude of arrogance. Civil judges are given authority to exercise judgment on cases, apart from emotion, bias, and arrogance; they use evidence and precedence only. The Bible warns Christians not to judge, as does American society. Only God can make ultimate judgments on people, for he alone knows their conscience and motivations for action.

However, Disciples of Christ, those re-birthed into the Kingdom of God (i.e. the true and universal Church) are called by God to make conclusions on behavior that so clearly and unrepentantly rebells against the laws of God. Christians do have the right and the responsibility to conclude that certain behaviors (homosexuality, fornication, adultery or otherwise) are anti-Christian and destructive to the community of God particularly and to society generally.

1 Cor. 5:9-13 describes a situation much like what Mr. Boltz is dealing with. God says, "But I actually wrote to you not to associate with any SO CALLED brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one[emphasis mine]." Mr. Boltz is that so-called brother. Jesus said, "If you love me; you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). And again, "Not everyone who says to me LORD, LORD will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my father in heaven" (Matt. 7:21).

It's one thing to counsel with, encourage, and walk beside a fellow believer who struggles with lust toward men. I struggle with lust toward women! I confess it to my wife and others. It is an entirely different matter when the unrepentant identifies himself so descriptively as homosexual and seeks to tell the world. If Mr. Boltz loved Jesus, he would seek to conceal the matter within the confines of his believing community and struggle with fellow believers against his lusts IN PRIVATE. There is absolutely no biblical prescedence to bring such disrepute to his perceived spiritual family, the Church. He does Christ no favors by broadcasting so intently his identification with homosexuality. Mr. Boltz' actions tell the believing world that he has developed an affinity for the gay community. How sad. May God grant him repentance.

You hipocrites!!!
Get over yourselves. This is NONE of your business Ray Boltz's he's living in sin and even the greater question of whether God made Ray this way is strictly between him and God.
As for the rest of us, the bible really has two things to say about homosexuality... and every other sin; judge not lest ye be judged. And love they neighbor as thyself.
Ray is accountable to God for his actions, right or wrong. The rest of you should stop picking scripture that supports your point of view and look at all scripture. Reading some of your self righteious, judgemental posts on here, it's clear some of you need to take a look at the sin in your own lives. Ray can handle his without your judgement.

I just think it is a selfish decision he has made. And I hope he doesn't try to lead others down the wrong path with him. It is a good idea to read the bible with the Holy Spirit guiding you not what you want it to say.

wow... this is crazy. and probably the most insane thing to me is that people are saying that God is moving and praising God because someone can minister to gay people now. well i guess you can't do that unless you are going to just be gay and say scripture is wrong and its all ok and God made people gay.

I would just like to say that God did not create Gays and Lesbians. That is a choice every individual makes on his or her own. It says in the Bible in Leviticus 20:13 that if a man lies with mankind as he lies with a woman, that both of them have committed an abomination. And the definition of abomination is: hatred, loathsomeness. God hates the sin of homosexuality, not the person. But that person will be judged and have to pay for their sin. And God is the judge, not us. Those that consider themselves gay christians are just deceiving themselves, because either you are a christian and are going to do what God's word says and live a holy life, or either you are not and going to live in sin away from God. It is very sad when a christian falls into a sinful lifestyle. I have personally taken all of Ray Boltz's songs off my computer because of this news, because I don't believe a person should sing songs of worship to God and deceive people into thinking they are really good christian people, while all the time they are living in sin.

The bottom line is whether or not we are going to believe everything the Bible says or not. Boltz, like others is simply chosing to believe what he likes and disbelieve what he doesn't. If he's going to do that why believe any of it at all? Why try to cling to Christianity while denying its central tenants one of which is to repent of your sin? The Bible says that sexual sin, including homosexuality is wrong, period. It also says that God still judges sin. God is a God of love but He is also righteous, just, and wrathful. Boltz and all those who would affirm him in this decision needs to truely examine his spiritual condition.

does being gay mean you are attracted to other men or that you like having anal sex with other men? sex before marriage is clearly a sin, and there's no acknowledgment in the bible of gay marriage. So what is all the debating...? I think our society worships relationships to the point that when we are attracted to someone, we instantly think "this is how God made me..i must have sex with this person." Sure, Ray go be gay but having gay sex outside of marriage (man+woman) is clearly sin.

After so many comments, why should I, because I feel God is so sad and He is soon to come to take His true people home with Him. Yes Ray needs our prayers that his heart will be changed in understanding what he has done to not only his wife & children but to himself. Poor fellow, he has not brought peace nor happiness to anyone but to other homosexuals & lesbians, because misery loves company.People like to feel right in themselves & if someone else professes this lifestyle they think that makes them more of a christion. Sorry,,,,God is still against it no matter who does it. I know a man who lived this lifestyle for many years and when he came to a glorious knowledge of God and deliverance, he told me without hesitation,"People are not born that way" they choose to be that way. Why? because they are given over to their lustful desires that are totally against God. Yes Ray needs prayer but unless he wants to give this up no matter the struggle he has already had he will never do it within himself. He needs a good filling of Godliness in his heart and life. God can deliver anyone but they have to want Him to do it not give in to what they want. Every one struggles with the fleshly desires but those things have to be given over to God in real prayer and some things come out only by "Fasting & Prayer". Jesus said that. Instead of indulging in this fashion he should be indulging himself in some real soul searching and getting real, real forgiveness.

After so many comments, why should I, because I feel God is so sad and He is soon to come to take His true people home with Him. Yes Ray needs our prayers that his heart will be changed in understanding what he has done to not only his wife & children but to himself. Poor fellow, he has not brought peace nor happiness to anyone but to other homosexuals & lesbians, because misery loves company.People like to feel right in themselves & if someone else professes this lifestyle they think that makes them more of a christion. Sorry,,,,God is still against it no matter who does it. I know a man who lived this lifestyle for many years and when he came to a glorious knowledge of God and deliverance, he told me without hesitation,"People are not born that way" they choose to be that way. Why? because they are given over to their lustful desires that are totally against God. Yes Ray needs prayer but unless he wants to give this up no matter the struggle he has already had he will never do it within himself. He needs a good filling of Godliness in his heart and life. God can deliver anyone but they have to want Him to do it not give in to what they want. Every one struggles with the fleshly desires but those things have to be given over to God in real prayer and some things come out only by "Fasting & Prayer". Jesus said that. Instead of indulging in this fashion he should be indulging himself in some real soul searching and getting real, real forgiveness. He also needs to make an in depth study of Gods word. The Bible says Holy men of old were moved on by the Holy Ghost to write this word. Not within themselves but God move on them to write the Bible.

As a openly GAY Minister I applaude this man for what he has done to promote the CHRISTIAN faith.
I believe that GOD or Whom ever You decide to call your higher power theat the GOD that I believe in accepts ALL of us into His Family. My GOD can an does look beyond our sexual life.

I will be praying for GOD's Blessings upon him an his partner (if he has one) ALL the Blessings according to GOD's will.

I lead a Bible discussion class and we've been studying Jesus' parables from the Book of Matthew - Jesus' words in RED letters. This week we're discussing the parable of the 10 virgins. In summary Jesus tells us to remain alert and be ready for the time of his return is known by no one, only the Father. However, prior to that parable he gives some clues: "as in the days of No'e". Keep your eyes and ears open, Church, it's almost shoutin' time!