Gospel Singer Tonex admits to being Gay
Written by Sep 9, 2009, 6:01 pm
71 Comments • Related Topics: Tonex
Almost a year since my first post on Tonex, aka Anthony Williams, and it is still one of the most popular articles on my blog: Tonéx has 4Gotten God. People are constantly searching the Internet for this popular and controversial singer/pastor and my blog is just one of several that have been critical of his questionable lifestyle. That still hasn’t changed.
Being a San Diegan (he’s also from San Diego) and a past HUGE fan of Tonex’s, I took a particular interest in knowing more about him. Why? Because I absolutely loved his music (was my favorite) and was just waiting for him to turn the corner and truly start representing Christ the way he should be (especially since he is a pastor of a church)!
I am so saddened to report that Tonex has not improved, but has become reprobate in his thinking and his living. This was witnessed by watching videos of “The Lexi Show” broadcasted on The Word Network. A show where Tonex opens up about past molestations when he was a child. I did think he showed great maturity by admitting that he doesn’t blame his current sexuality upon his past. He says he accepts full responsibility for what he’s encountered in life since his molestation.
Listening to the whole interview I couldn’t help but shake my head at Tonex’s constant misinterpretation of scripture. For example his understanding of the saying, “the truth shall set you free” he understood it to be “honest” with onesself and then you’ll be free – a deadly belief that honesty is all that God requires of us. Also his belief that he’s free from responsibility of NOT practicing homosexuality until God draws him out of it. He reasons since God hasn’t taken the desire from him yet, then it must be ok.
At least he’s brutally honest right now. Honesty that most can appreciate but is honesty what God desires from us? Yes, and no. Yes, he wants us to be honest enough about our sin that we’ll admit it – then forsake it! So it’s not enough just to be honest. To be honest and then do nothing about breaking God’s laws is just a complete waste and spiritually dangerous to one’s soul (as in never being born-again to begin with)!
Well, I’ll highlight a few of the headshaking comments pulled from that talk show that I felt was done very very well by Lexi. I commend her for being brave enough to ask the questions that everyone wants to know about Tonex, things that’s he’s been very vague about in the past, that he’s finally opening up about now. Lexi played the journalist’s part very well. I just hope that after the camera’s stop rolling, she played the part of the praying and concerned sister in Christ!
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UPDATE 11/15: See my follow up post on this topic at: Can you be a Christian AND a homosexual?
Other blogs of interest:
GCMWATCH – Sad Day for Tonex and Tonex interview fallout: is this “hate”?
Gospelpundit.com - On TV: The Lexi Show Premieres With Tonex
TheblogofStuartMcDonald.com - Thoughts on Tonex
Real Christianity – Tonex-The Lexi Interview
Chester Street – There is a way that seemeth right to a man…
Anthony Estes Musings – A Case for a Christian Homosexual?
(This list updated as notable blogs come through.)
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Below are written excerpts from Lexi’s interview with Tonex. The conversation of homosexuality began with Tonex’s discussion of his molestation when he was a very young boy:
Lexi: “Have you struggled with homosexuality?”
Tonex: “Not struggled. There was no struggle. People like to blame the struggle on the molestation. No just say you were attracted to men. Be honest and quit blaming it on that experience.”
Lexi: “Is your being attracted to men under control?”
Tonex: Under control... (repeating Lexi’s question but he doesn’t give an answer).
Lexi: “Do you sleep with men?”
Tonex: “I don’t sleep with MEN.”
Lexi: “Is homosexuality a thing of the past for you?”
Tonex: repeats Lexi’s question: “Is homosexuality a thing of the past.” (pondering the question). “I think that when someone understands who they are sexually and they know that they are a free spirit and they understand who they are as a person, it’s really difficult to label that…
“There’s still times where I’m like, ‘hmmm… I do want kids and I very much love women.’ But at the same time, I think we have to be honest with ourselves as to what it is that we have affinity for at the time. And I think, because of the situation that I experienced with the first marriage, that I would have to say that I lean more toward the same sex.
Not so much that I feel that women are not created for men, or that man is not created for woman, I feel that it’s a matter of energy and people’s honesty and a matter of love and I believe that God doesn’t honor promiscuity in either hetero or homosexual lifestyles – same gender loving.
I think it’s important for people to not be so caught with who I’d like to be sleeping with as much as I’m practicing safe sex or I’m in a monogamous relationship no matter what that would be now. Now when you have those who would say well that should be under the guise of marriage. Well I believe covenant period is marriage. I don’t think that same-sex marriage – I never really could wrap my mind around same-sex MARRIAGE? But same-sex covenants I can definitely wrap my mind around.”
Lexi: “Can you help the way that you feel?”
Tonex: “I tried.”
Lexi: “So what’s your conclusion?”
Tonex: “My conclusion is – I’m waiting to see what God wants to do. Because I don’t know who he’s allowing me to experience this walk of life to minister to later on.
Lexi: “So are you waiting for deliverance from being attracted to men?”
Tonex: “I’m not sure that’s something I have to be delivered from.”
Lexi: “You’re not sure?”
Tonex: “Yeah”
Lexi: “But you’re pastoring!”So shouldn’t you be sure of (undecipherable)
Tonex: “Pastoring is me being the undershepherd pointing them to the cross – not to Tonex. It’s me preaching the unadulterated word of God towards repentance and the cross. I don’t get into people’s bedrooms; I don’t get in people’s clothes closets … God’s not looking at that. Their posture and their heart is the most important thing and for me to point them to the cross is the most important thing.
Lexi: “If you die right now would you go to heaven?”
Tonex: “Yes, because I told the truth. A liar should not tarry in His sight.” (Not sure of the last phrase).
One of the last statements Tonex made before this was over is the following:
“before I say ‘this is what I am, this is the only thing I’ll be,’ I’ll say AT THIS STAGE, this is what it is. So everyone can just breathe and relax on your show and say, Tonex said, ‘yes, he’s attracted to men. Yes, he has experienced gay sex before. But that’s the least of who this man of God is.”
Lexi appeared on camera following the interview with her own closing statement:
“I would like to take this time to thank my friend and brother Tonex for a very open and honest and candid interview. It is my belief that a man is made for a woman and a woman made for a man. I believe that the bible speaks very clearly about this.
However, as a journalist it is my job to tell the story. And as a Christian, it is my job to love absolutely everybody and I do that unequivocally and unapologetically.
So until next time, watch and pray!
© 2009 – 2010, Carlotta Morrow. All rights reserved.
Tags: Anthony Williams, gay marriage, homosexual, Homosexuality, Marriage, reprobate mind, same-sex gender, same-sex marriage, The Lexi Show, The Word Network, Ton3x, Tonex
Carlotta
Phil
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Pamela
September 9th 2009 on 7:47 pm
Carlotta, thanks for this. I dont get this Word Network, but people have told me of this.
I will do a follow up and cite you.
Twitter: christocentric
September 9th 2009 on 7:51 pm
Thanks Pastor! Can’t wait for your article on this!
September 9th 2009 on 8:54 pm
It is astonishing how Tonex turned away from the Word of God regarding leadership in the church and being a disciple.
Twitter: christocentric
September 9th 2009 on 9:10 pm
The sad part about it South, is that he thinks he in God’s grace right now while practicing the witchcraft of outright rebellion.
September 10th 2009 on 12:23 pm
Hi Carlotta,
Do you remember me?
Twitter: christocentric
September 10th 2009 on 2:21 pm
After going back on my first Tonex post, I then remembered who you are!
I saw what you wrote on gospel pundit. Was that before or after you read my post?
September 11th 2009 on 9:00 am
LIFE IS SHORT AND A LOT OF SINNERS ARE LOOKING TO GOD AND CHRISTIANS FOR ANSWERS TO THEIR LIFE.I JUST THINK THAT WHEN YOU ARE WILLFULLY SINNING AND YOU KNOW IT. I THINK THAT IF HE TRUELY LOVE GOD HE SHOULD NOT PASTOR TO ANY ONE. WE AS PEOPLE THINK IT’S A SIN UNTIL WE JOIN IN ON THE ACTIVITIES IT WAS A SIN THEN AND IT’S A SIN NOW. YOU HAVE TO LET THE REAL CHRISTIANS WORK FOR GOD BECAUSE YOU CAN’T UNTIL YOU CHANGE YOUR WAYS. YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT GOD IS ALL THAT THIS WORLD REALLY HAVE TO HOLD ON TO SO IF THAT IS THE LIFE THAT YOU CHOOSE TO LIVE ITS NOT OF GOD. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND TO THE PEOPLE. YOU CAN’T DO THIS IT IS WRONG,TONEX . DON’T TRY AND CHANGE THE BIBLE FOR YOUR NEEDS THE BIBLE IS WHAT IT IS AND IT ALWAYS WILL BE. IF YOU BELIEVE IN GOD, YOU WOULD’NT BE DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING. GOD DON’T LIKE SIN SO JUST DON’T PREACH JUST GO ON WITH YOUR LIFE AS BEING GAY BUT STAY AWAY FROM THE CHURCH THATS ALL WE HAVE IS GOD AND WE DON’T NEED ANY ONE TAKING THAT AWAY FROM US. WE JUST WANT TO BELIEVE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU. TAKE CARE.
Twitter: christocentric
September 11th 2009 on 9:18 am
That was well said kkresy, and a sentiment that I’ve also shared with Tonex in a personal email to him. I also asked him to at least step down from pastoring because as a shepherd of a flock, he’s responsible for leading people to Christ. But because his lifestyle is sinful and completely contrary to scripture, he would be leading people astray, those who are too weak to know otherwise.
I also reminded him that he doesn’t meet the qualifications of being a pastor (see eternalministries.org), something that I had shared with him and others in my first post about Tonex. He definitely needs to get out of pastoring, and if his church actually practiced church discipline he would be removed from the church completely! The scriptures tells us what to do with those who practice sexual immorality and other sins here:
12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” – 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
That entire chapter deals with the sinful Corinthian church and starts off chastising them for even being PROUD of the immoral Christians. Sounds like the same thing is happening in Tonex’s church. He wrongfully divorced his wife (for NO biblical reason whatsoever) but yet his church has kept him in leadership. I do wonder how his church will respond now that Tonex has openly admitted unrepentantly of his homosexuality.
It’s truly sad that Tonex doesn’t even think he has a “struggle” nor something he even needs to be delivered from. Now that’s a reprobate mind!
September 11th 2009 on 9:39 am
i’m afraid that in this day, people arent really in church to hear the true Word and to apply it to their lives. They go to get the emotional “rush” from the worship service, yet leave the same. i am amazed at the churches people have been loyal members of.
When we moved to Las Vegas last year and were seeking a church home, we had gone to several. 1 church had so many members that it had 4 services and we were herded in and out of there quickly. But the 2 times we visited, the sermons were not really biblically based, they were more like common sense lectures. Needless to say, we didnt join that church. We know people who are members there who profess to be devout christians yet, they attend this church not being fed by the Word. We were perplexed. Unfortunately, i am not expecting the church members of Tonex to do the right thing. I suspect the signs of their leader being unqualified to pastor were there a long time ago. If they hadnt done something about that already, i doubt they will now.
Twitter: christocentric
September 11th 2009 on 9:50 am
I agree South totally. Tonex can sing, dance and sound good from the pulpit, but people are ignoring biblical commandments on selecting pastors, and how pastors should maintain themselves. That man has gone hog wild with no repercussions from his church! I understand his father’s death having a tremendous impact on him – perhaps too much of an impact because now his dad isn’t there to keep order in his house! Tonex was apparently thrown into pastorship immediately after his father’s death. A move that may have proved spiritually detrimental for both Tonex AND his church!
I pray that he’ll do as many have done: acknowledge the sin and ask for deliverance because we know our God can bring him out of whatever sin he’s in! But Tonex must first want that and for right now, he’s too comfortable in his sin.
September 11th 2009 on 11:03 am
Hello.
I can’t watch the video at this moment due to my location. I plan to watch it tonight at home.
From what I read, I definitely disagree with some points made by Tonex. Yet, I agree with some points as well.
This issue is so complex (same sex sexual attraction and the result thereof). And this issue is extremely misunderstood by many people, especially those who claim to never have experienced it. I do believe that if we approach the Bible with honesty and humility, we will come away with the conclusion that same sex sexual relationships are not pleasing to the Lord, and rather are sinful. However, it’s the SOLUTION/REMEDY that is the mystery (that is a loaded statement, easily debatable, yet I can clarify if need be).
With that said, I have a question for you Carlotta – you say, “I pray that he’ll do as many have done: acknowledge the sin and ask for deliverance because we know our God can bring him out of whatever sin he’s in!”
1 – How do you know that Tonex has not acknowledged the sin and asked for deliverance in the past?
In the interview portion you posted, it says:
Lexi: “Can you help the way that you feel?”
Tonex: “I tried.”
While that is not absolutely conclusive, Tonex’s response does persuade us to believe that Tonex at one point wanted to be changed. I am choosing to believe that he has repented and asked over and over and over and over and over and over and over again to be free from this torture. This leads me to my next question/statement:
2 – I agree with what you are insinuating concerning God having the ability to bring people out of this and that. God Himself does reveal that nothing is too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32:27). However, the question is not can He, but will He? And if He does not, what does that mean for the individual?
September 11th 2009 on 12:10 pm
FYI – I am watching the full interview (oppportunity arose) -
In part 3 of the interview, as seen on youtube, from 5:17-5:36 -referencing his same gender attraction as “this thing”, and speaking as though praying to God, then in midsentence speaking generally about the issue, Tonex says, “…take…this thing out…I don’t want it. He hasn’t done it yet. I’m banking on the fact that His grace is…efficient. And that He knows the end of this….better than I do.”
It appears to me that Tonex has and wants this issue to die. He knows God is able. However God has not changed his desires. He is being honest about how he feels. Why claim you dont have the desires, when in fact, you really do?Ironically, many professing Christians do this (self-denial, or rather public denial) on many issues, ESPECIALLY this one.
Twitter: christocentric
September 11th 2009 on 1:04 pm
(I’ll respond to both of your comments here.)
Sadly, Tonex gave a pretty clear indication on where he stands in regards to his sexuality. He made statements on the video that he doesn’t struggle with homosexuality, nor does he have to be delivered from it. If a person is convinced that what they are doing is sin, then the next spiritual recourse would be to acknowledge the sin and stop doing it! Tonex acknowledges his homosexuality but what’s pretty sick is that he believes that if he’s in a monogamous relationship with a same-sex partner, God would honor that in some kind of covenant equivalent to marriage!
This man is in deep denial of his sin and is justifying it by supposedly not being promiscuous and always being honest. He needs to heed to the scriptures and not make up his own little doctrine!
This isn’t speaking of financial prosperity but a prosperity of a clear consciousness and a right relationship with God! What goes along with the confession of sin is giving it up also!
Do you realize what you are asking here? If a person doesn’t stop sinning, it’s not God’s fault. It’s the will of man that leads him to sin!
Again, Tonex has shown that he’s putting the responsibility on God to change him without him showing any kind of repentance. Why would God change that’s on a man that a man is content with?
The bible is calling Tonex a liar for claiming he’s of God while walking in the darkness of sin. Plain and simple. The scriptures places the responsibility on man himself to walk in light. Sooooo many scriptures that show man’s responsibility if turning his back on sin. But we must acknowledge a complete brokenness and only then will the Lord work with us.
September 11th 2009 on 1:53 pm
as a child of God, & a member of a church, this reason is the very reason homosexuals feel the way they do. the gay bashing has got to stop in the black church community! this is a reason gays wont go to church & r ashamed & afraid. so afraid they wld rather KILL themselves thn come out to their family. God says to love every1 bt here you “christians” (& i use tht term loosley) are quick to bash, humilate, and hate on gays! how can you call your self a man/woman of God and you have hate in your heart? I dont understant. As a lesbian, I struggled for many years with my sexuality. I prayed to God every night to change me. I even suppressed my feelings & was n a serious relationship with a man. but i wasnt happy. I am convinced i am going to heaven & no1 bt the Lord himself cn tell me differently. if you think a homosexual is going to hell for being a homosexual, than i think you need to look in the mirror. maybe you are scared of yourself & your demons! is that why the black church hates gays? look at what you aoll have done to us? you are no better than us! this issue is the reason! i had no idea who tonex was until he came out. but i commend him very much. i dont care if he continues to pastor or not. thats not my concern! but i hope he finds happiness & eliminates the negative from his life. to the creator of this blog, we are all titled to r own opinion. bt dnt go around parading your opinion as fact. thanks for reading may God bless us all
Twitter: christocentric
September 11th 2009 on 2:25 pm
bfears, you are confusing love with acceptance and excuse of sin. Sin is sin and there is no way around it. If you look on my blog here, you’ll see plenty of people who were once gay and are now living thriving lives – some got married with children and some have remained single. Either way they are glowing examples of people who were once consumed in the gay/lesbian lifestyle and are now happily delivered!
Homosexuals don’t go to hell for being homosexual, but they and anyone who thinks they can practice a life of sin are the ones who are choosing hell. There are many in the church who are struggling with same-sex attraction and other sins but they have not given up the fact that they can be changed. What’s key in their lives is that they acknowledge homosexuality as sin, confess it and seek deliverance from it. Do that and yes, you’ll have reason to believe you belong to Christ. Rebel against God and continue practicing the sin with no repentance, then where you’ll end on judgment day will be in question.
And entitlement to opinions doesn’t make God’s word null and void! God’s word is truth no matter what our opinions are. God has made it clear in both the Old and New Testaments that homosexuality is a sin. You can’t form an opinion to what’s already considered truth.
The question I have for you is do you believe homosexuality is a sin? If so, do you desire to be free of it? Or are you in the group that believe if you can’t change then just accept it as a legitimate way of living?
September 11th 2009 on 2:35 pm
bfears, honey, the church does not hate gays. The behavior was rebuked in the word. Christians did not make it up. You need to rely on the Bible for guidance. I personaly have never hated a gay person. I have only shown love and respect for the gay that i know. Just because someone follows the Bible does not mean they hate. I pray that you will get some understanding. IMO, a person who attempts to give you the truth loves you.
September 11th 2009 on 2:56 pm
The question I have for you is do you believe homosexuality is a sin? I guess you could say that I did/do. If so, do you desire to be free of it? I previously stated that I tried a relationship with a man & I was not happy. I dont think nothing is worth giving my happiness up over. I have 1 life to live & im going to live it the way I want to! there is no sense of me being unhappy in this short time i have on earth. the ppl tht you mentioned who were “freed” from their homosexual tendencies jst dnt act on thm. they still hv the urges thy jst dnt act. there is no “cure” for homosexuality because homosexuality isnt a disease stop treating it like it is. I have struggled for years to gt to a point of acceptance with myself & my God & i wont let any internet blogger try to destroy it. thanks for reading and may God bless us all
September 11th 2009 on 3:00 pm
” the church does not hate gays” well the actions & words surely make me believe otherwise. i have bn to several churches were homosexuality was openly discussed and not only frowned upon bt mocked. the church needs to accept the fact tht there have always bn homosexuals & there will always be homosexuals. no1 is making you engage in the activities. if you dnt like it turn the other nose like the church does with so many other problems in todays society. thanks for reading and may God bless us all
September 11th 2009 on 3:32 pm
I say yall need to worry about your own soul salvation instead of Tonex. He can believe in whatever he wants to believe, stop forcing your views on everybody else. I wish I lived near by, I would attend his church. I guarantee all of you bible toting Christian fall short in secret. I commend his honesty. I have been in church my entire life trying to live up to a standard that I couldn’t. If more church people would be honest, more people would be healed. But everybody is sitting on their thrones pointing the finger.
September 11th 2009 on 3:42 pm
Carlotta -
I initially said:
————“2 -I agree with what you are insinuating concerning God having the ability to bring people out of this and that. God Himself does reveal that nothing is too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32:27). However, the question is not can He, but will He? And if He does not, what does that mean for the individual?” —————-
Carlotta you replied:
———–Do you realize what you are asking here? If a person doesn’t stop sinning, it’s not God’s fault. It’s the will of man that leads him to sin!————
Yes, I am very much aware of what I asked – however considering your reply, I am currently led to believe you did not understand my question. For one, I agree with you – if a person does not stop sinning, that is not a reason to blame God for their continuance in sin. God does not will us to sin, we will ourselves (Romans 6:12-17, James 1:13-15).
Back to my question:
You have an individual that wants to stop having sexual desires for the same sex. They pray to God that he remove that desire from them. God does not take the desire away from them. WHAT does the individual now do?
Secondly, you say, “Again, Tonex has shown that he’s putting the responsibility on God to change him without him showing any kind of repentance. Why would God change that’s on a man that a man is content with??”
Has this always been the case Carlotta? Can any of us provide concrete proof that Tonex has never repented of his sexual endeavours? Yes, he seems erronesouly content NOW, but was it like that ALWAYS? And why does this matter? Because it relates to my first question: if you repent and pray for deliverance and it does not happen, meaning the desires remain, THEN what? Well, you DONT just live in sin so I disgree with that solution, a solution Tonex seems to advocate (although he has tried to redefine aspects of sin contrary to the bible- that is heretical).
Nevertheless, what I think is that Tonex DID repent at one point and asked to be delivered, yet there was no change in his desires, and he has now given himself over to sin, defeat in that area of his life (for now that is, though I pray this changes).
Of course, this is just speculation from what I observe and discern.
Nevertheless, I disgaree with MUCH that he said, though I can “understand” how he got there. But yes, he needs to heed to the Spirit and not the flesh.
September 11th 2009 on 4:30 pm
thank you Derrick!
September 11th 2009 on 6:13 pm
I HAVE A QUESTION WHAT HAPPEN TO PEOPLE BELIEVING YOU HAVE TO RECIEVE THE HOLYSPIRIT SPEAKING IN OTHER TONGUES AND GUIDING US IN TRUTH AND UNDERSTAND? IF WE HAVE WE WOULD NOT BE TRYING TO JUSTIFY SIN SIN SIN NOT JUDGEMENT BUT SIN! IF YOU GAMBLE AND GET SAVED YOU MAY HAVE THE EARGE TO GAMBLE AGAIN BUT YOU DONT! ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IS SIN! I PRAY THAT PEOPLE GET IT RIGHT WITH GOD IN THE LAST DAYS THERE WILL BE AGREAT FALLING AWAY FROM THE CHURCH AND THATS WHATS HAPPENING LETS PRAY WE ALL ARE READY TO MEET OUR MAKER CUZ ON JUDGEMENT GOD BEING THE JUDGE OUR OPINIONS A REASONS WHY WE DO AND STAY IN SIN WILL NOT FLY WITH GOD! THE CHURCH IS US NOT THE BUILDING!
Twitter: christocentric
September 11th 2009 on 6:42 pm
Derrick, we could choose to follow what you and others say, or what the word of God says. The scriptures are quite clear that we aren’t to sit idly by while a brother sins. Please note:
what was shared already in an earlier comment:
12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” – 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
Both of these scriptures (and there’s more that I don’t have the time to dig up) show something that’s quite unpopular to do. One, is JUDGING! A person has to determine if a brother/sister is even sinning (darkness) and two, actions are required: EXPOSING and EXPELLING. If churches would truly follow the scriptures and practice disciplining their unrepentant followers, there would be NO hypocrites for anyone to complain about!
But just like there are no perfect people, there aren’t perfect churches and thus we have hypocrisy running rampant in many many churches today.
So the Christian can either obey the scriptures and deal (lovingly) with the wayward Christian or they can do like you and others would love to do and that is turn a blind eye to their sin and do absolutely nothing.
Not being a true friend to Tonex if that is done:
Must be where the phrase “kiss up” comes from!
Twitter: christocentric
September 11th 2009 on 7:07 pm
I don’t know what the individual does next, but I do know what they are NOT to do – give up, turn from God and keep sinning. No way! They are to exercise faith in God trust that his commandments are for their good and simply obey Him. There may be a huge war going on within but obedience through faith will eventually bring great joy and peace for that individual! But trusting God is the key. If they don’t trust God and doubt why they even have to obey, I do guarantee that the warring in their soul will continue!
Has this always been the case Carlotta?Can any of us provide concrete proof that Tonex has never repented of his sexual endeavours? Yes, he seems erronesouly content NOW, but was it like that ALWAYS?”
Our discussion is about what Tonex is doing right now. He did like the person did in the first paragraph we discussed: he was one of those who warred within his soul and eventually gave up and reasoned within himself that it was better to practice gay sex than to trust God and obey Him. There is no evidence from Tonex’s own mouth that he’s even desiring to be delivered. He’s quite content with his lifestyle because he gave up on God.
Your thinking that Tonex did repent is based upon what? It really doesn’t matter what we think he did in the past anyways because now it’s about what he’s doing now. That’s where our concerns, our prayers and rebukes should be directed. To Tonex of today and not yesterday!
For the most part I still think we’re still pretty much in agreement.
Twitter: christocentric
September 11th 2009 on 7:15 pm
I almost discarded your comment thinking you were off topic but a few of your points are right on the mark. “There will be a great falling away from the church…” I do agree with you that it’s already happening! I also like your point that our reasoning and opinions will not “fly with God!”
Good points – I just ask that if you (and others who write in all caps) respond that you would write in lower case next!
September 11th 2009 on 10:16 pm
I agree – the individual should not give up and a war for the soul does rage on – and a main enemy? Fleshly lusts!
1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul
Yes, I agree, it does appear that Tonex has given up on God concerning his sexuality.
My thinking about Tonex having repented in the past (which I said was speculation), was based upon his admission that he asked for “this thing” to be taken away, that he did not want it. As far as the Tonex of yesterday, my point in even mentioning his speculative past was to simply analyze why he may have ended up this way. What can be learned from this situation? Did he repent and pray to be changed, yet it never happened? Is that why he just gave up on the issue? Well, that is the wrong solution, but I know it can’t be easy. I know quite well to be honest.
Oh, I do agree that generally speaking we are on one accord/agreement, at least with the most important aspects. However, I do believe I have a unique perspective/understanding on the issue, considering my past and present. Nevertheless, I pray that Tonex overcomes.
September 12th 2009 on 1:03 am
bfears you sound like the rich young ruler. You should be saying there’s nothing worth losing my soul over.
Twitter: christocentric
September 12th 2009 on 7:14 am
Amen!
September 12th 2009 on 8:50 am
Good Morning,
I have for the most part sat and read a lot of what has been said on this forum. I admire the operators for their obedience to create a platform for this discussion. In my recent months of a new embracing of my calling to ministry and seeking the scripture for many answers to the life that is wrapped in God’s will, I find massive faults with the current life Christian. We as Christians choose to have dialogue upon dialogue upon the same things over and over again, but we never get to a resolution because instead of praying for the word, and seeking for the Godly answer, we are so busy spewing the Law.
Now, if my biblical studies serve me correctly, there were many times in which Jesus, showed that to justify everything in the law does not allow for grace or mercy in the situation. I mean John 3:17 says: “for I sent my son into the world, not so the world would be condemned but that it would be free from condemnation.”
So here we are, living in a world of condemnation, and what do we as enlightened Christians do, more condemnation.
As I do not disagree with the scripture being toted and used to justify the situation. We always take scripture out of context. But if we truly examine Paul and his letter to the church at Corinth, we will find flaws in Paul, and if we truly read, we will come to find some things that Paul asked the lord to remove from him. I have been holding on to two very brilliant passages in the word, and I have come to notice that no one preaches or writes passages from them and here they go in the same Corinthian passages about Sexual Immorality, and the diverse other issues that the church at Corinth were bold in commiting.
Places to take notice…
1st Corinthians 2:5 (read full for context)”So that your faith may not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power”
1st Corinthians 3:18 (read full for context) “Do not deceive yourselves. If anyone of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.”
1st Corinthians 7:17 (read full for context) “Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the lord assigned him and to which God has called him”
2nd Corinthians 12: 7-10 7Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me–to keep me from exalting myself!
8Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
9And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness ” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
I am not a wise man, but one that lives on principles of faith. Even as one who is committed to the faith, there are struggles I have to go through, and trust God for my deliverance. Deliverance is the road out, but it is not terminal, it is continuous.
For my brother, Tonex I am glad that God let him expose somethings for the sake of himself. Now, let the weakness of Tonex bring honor to God, will we see it, maybe not now, but I am sure, there are a generation of people that have struggled, that are happy to know that all men are not perfect. I would that we remember, that no matter how many laws the bible illustrates and we call one sin out to persecute each day, that we are all sinners and when we are saved, it is only grace that keeps us day to day.
Truth shall not only set the inner demons of self free, but when magnified as they have been in this Word Network Interview, it will set free others, now, I need to know where the real Christians are that are going to bear the armor, to exhibit the love that will invite, pray for, and disciple the fruits of Tonex’s labor. His truth is about to set some captive folks free. Free people, have to learn about Gods power, as not to boast about what they have done, they need strong Kingdom work to do. So that God may continue to reveal himself in them. That is what we are working for anyways, God’s Glory.
When light shines from a light house, everyone expects it because it is called “Light House”, but when Light shines from a Dark place, it is spectacle, and the light overtakes the darkness. Let us not quench the lords spirit for things which he has allowed to reconcile the world back to himself.
In Love,
Ken
September 12th 2009 on 10:28 am
Hello Ken,
Thank you for pointing out how we are to act in love to our fallen brothers. Please explain to me, what is your idea of condemnation? Why is it consider condemnation to point out the truth.
Now, as a christian, i realize that we will always have struggles, but in Tonex case, he has obviously not grown mature enough in his faith to be a Pastor. I would have believed he was sincere had he stepped down from leadership to be lead himself. The Word has outlined specific expectations on leaders in our church.
We we rely on the Lord in our weakness, that means surrendering to ourselves. I dont see Tonex surrendering his flesh in the name of the Lord. It is when we surrender ourselves that the Holy Spirit can really lead us and that is when the fruit of the spirit is present.
I commend Tonex for being honest, but being honest is not the only step to deliverance, we have to turn away from that stronghold in our lives.
It is sad that christians today do not believe it is our responsibility to sharpen each other and hold each other accountable.
September 12th 2009 on 11:52 am
Thank you for your response, and please be mindful that I am not shooting from the hip, but I am remaining prayerful in words used going forward as not to create a false picture of what I see, and what is being revealed to me through the spirit of prayer.
Condemnation has nothing to do with the truth. Condemnation is about judgment of whether something is or is not the truth. See, the thing I love about Christ is that he came so that we don’t kill ourselves with our own truths. Not only did he settle disputes over the Law while he was living and walking among men. He continues to justify them in his death because of his redemptive and victorious blood.
There are many vocations to which people are called for which a multitude of people will call them, unfit and unqualified. Lets pick Jesus again, at an early age he was coming against the Pharisees, many of which had never encountered a true prophet, so they were living life under a law that was just written, but never had a first hand experience with the spirit. These Pharisees, saw it as extremely disrespectful to have this Jesus, tell them about themselves because he was deemed unqualified.
Before we can look at Anthony Williams (Tonex) qualifications for the Pastorate, I think it is prudent that we look at ourselves and our shortcomings first. One of the ways that it is easy to write this article and comment back is because I have taken into account all of my shortcomings and have recognized where the redemptive blood of Christ is working on my behalf, and not I working on behalf of my own understanding.
My question, which will cause massive debate amongst believers is, Who is the judge of our deliverance, God or Man? All we are called to do is to “Let our lights so shine, that men may see our good works and glorify the father which is in heaven.” Before we can go running down the law on what are the qualifications of a Pastor, we should be looking at what the congregation of Christs obligations are.
From one video, I do not have the authority to monitor his life. I do not have the insight to tell God what to do on his behalf. I am believing that God is doing something awesome in the Church, and the greatest skeptics are the Church.
Struggling with something, means you are at an unrest. There is a violent fight with which you are grappling to be released. I heard him say he wasn’t struggling, and for some of us, that means that he has been able to accept what has made him different in the face of opposition. I would also say that he said he has attraction, and he has partaken in sexual activity in the past. However, he sees them as places that encouraged growth in his life. It takes a real man to acknowledge that things aren’t always so easy and he has been through some issues. I think, we have to remember that the battle is no longer ours alone when we invite Christ into the equation. I also believe that it is not for us as Christians to run around telling folks who we cannot trust. I am more liable to believe more that comes out of Tonexs mouth because of the faith he exhibited in telling an unfamilar truth. Which means he is going to tell truth. If he is leading a people, then it’s God that has to hold him accountable first for what he’s teaching and what he is living. We can only be accountable for someone else, after we have examined ourselves.
One thing this entire situation has allowed me to see, is that some folks will pray about a situation, study and then comment. While others want something quick and spiritual to say, but is it wise? I don’t know that everything I say has all the merit that it should. However, all my commentary is in love, and even being corrected in love, I should still feel love. We as the body of Christ, should be searching the scriptures for how we should love, and not persecute someone. We should let God do the Condemning and we should try our best to live a life that is pleasing in the sight of God. Keeping it well noted that only God himself, can know the plans he has for us. We have to have faith the God knows best.
In Love,
Ken
September 12th 2009 on 12:03 pm
according to yall i have already lost my soul.
September 12th 2009 on 2:10 pm
all right its about time you stop playing the victim card. Nobody has a heaven or hell to put you in. Thats a fact. YOU determine your destination based on your acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice of the cross for your sin, not some church who has a jacked up preacher et al.
Jesus didnt tell the rich young ruler to go attend a church to be right, he told him to GIVE UP ALL to serve him.
But like him, you have convinced yourself (or let others do it) that you cannot give up your sexuality to follow Jesus. The one thing youre defending the most, is the one thing he challenges your devotion to him on.
So you blame and revictimize yourself. Same effect as walking away sorrowful.
Youre no exception, like everyone else on this earth you were born in sin and need to get born again.
Standard issue Jesus commandment.
I saw your testimony of trying and trying only seeming not to get free. You never heard of if at first you dont succeed try, try again? When does failure become final? Only when you quit.
Pray again and give him your whole life, not just ask him to make you heterosexual. That’s the wrong prayer to begin with. He said be holy for I am holy. He didnt say be heterosexual for I am heterosexual. You cant be holy, trying to be straight.
September 12th 2009 on 2:17 pm
“Before we can look at Anthony Williams (Tonex) qualifications for the Pastorate, I think it is prudent that we look at ourselves and our shortcomings first.”
Not true, Ken. We look at God’s standards FIRST. Neither your life or my life or anyone’s life for that matter is qualified to compare with. Only God’s. Check Is 6.
Its only when you try to tell someone else whats right based on self righteousness that you err.
Tonex, you and me are all to be judged and qualified according to God’s standard. If you were to enter the army, your qualifications are based on the Army’s requirements and standards, not the Navy’s.
Thus, if God says that a pastor must be sexually moral, then it applies to Tonex, Joel Osteen, Billy Graham and anyone else who voluntarily accepts that role.
September 12th 2009 on 2:26 pm
As a woman who has struggled most of my life and still struggles with homosexuality I find this thread to be very interesting. I grew up in church and I was never sexually molested (I did have an uncle who was perhaps a bit too touchy once or twice when I was a child and though its always inexcusable it was nothing major in comparison to molestation) there are a few things that I attribute my attraction to women to….basically growing up without a mother and a negative relationship with my father much of my life top the list. I do feel that practicing homosexuality is a sin however, I wish the church would focus equally on other sins that pervade and plague our society such as incest, sex outside of marriage, etc….By the grace of God I have not been physically intimate with a woman in 2009 however, I do have emotional ties with and attraction to a few women that are homosexual in nature. My biggest struggle in completely giving up homosexuality is not necessarily being celibate but the lack of companionship. I have friends but there’s a difference between hanging out with a friend and dating. Sharing an emotional bond with someone who you are attracted to and vice versa is a wonderful feeling. I realize that my only option besides homosexuality is celibacy (being with a man is not an option for a few reasons so please no responses on how God can change my desires so that I will want to be with a man and so on and so forth. I know that God can do anything) I realize that it will be difficult to spend the rest of my life “alone” however, there are many people gay and straight who are. As challenging as it may be it is not impossible and I can still have fullness of joy in the other areas of my life. No person is worth me loosing my soul so I am praying for full deliverance and the strength to remove myself from inappropriate relationships with women. It would be great to have an African American Christian support group but I haven’t been able to find one. Regardless of that fact I will overcome this by the grace of God and He and I will work through this together. My prayers go out to those who are struggling with this and any other issue and I solicit your prayers as well. Gods blessings.
Twitter: christocentric
September 12th 2009 on 3:15 pm
Faithful, thank you for your very honest sharing of your struggles and your desire to live an obedient life. That is exactly the way the Lord wants us to be, honest about our sin while willing to forsake the sin and obey Him!
On my blog under Ex-gay advocates, you will find Charlene Cothran and the P4CM ministries, both have women who have come out of lesbianism and are leading God pleasing lives. I encourage you to go to their websites and contact them. They may have knowledge of local support groups in your area or may be able to be the support you need for now.
I pray that you keep seeking to do God’s will and walk in complete obedience to Him and watch your joy grow and grow!
September 12th 2009 on 4:51 pm
Carlotta, thank you for the encouraging words and the information. This is the first time Ive been to your site and Im sure that God sent me here today for a reason. Thanks again and may God bless you and your ministry.
Twitter: christocentric
September 12th 2009 on 5:09 pm
You’re welcomed Faithful and thank YOU for your encouraging words as well! People like you motivate me to keep this blog going!
Take care and pray for me as I pray for you!
September 12th 2009 on 6:12 pm
more power 2 you
September 12th 2009 on 6:59 pm
No, I still believe that before we can go correcting the man of God, and hold him to what the Law says he does wrong, which we do not know, because of the vagueness of his testimony, we have to look at the things we do.
In this society, where pastors are lifted up and given more than what I think is reasonable. There are many pastors, which have had some issues of sexual immorality, and misconduct, but that doesn’t make them exempt. If you are looking for the perfect pastor, lets look to Jesus for his example. But all leaders in and outside of the word, have fallen prey to issues. I won’t give references, you search them and tell me. Because I have been studying the leaders and their flaws, but it doesn’t mean that God didn’t still use them to perform a mighty task. Our prayer for Pastor Anthony Williams is that he may consult the word, and seek God for his will. We are praying for his leadership, in this day and time.
Twitter: christocentric
September 12th 2009 on 9:41 pm
K. Alston, I am wondering a few things at your constant defending of Tonex. You even mentioned the “vagueness of his testimony.” I’m assuming you were speaking of Tonex. Let’s first all agree on one thing: Tonex made it quite clear that 1) He is practicing homosexuality 2) He doesn’t desire deliverance 3) He claims he’s not struggling 4) He claims that same-sex covenants for monogamous relationships is okay with God. There is no vagueness in what Tonex has has shared. He’s made it plain it clear he’s gay and he’s no longer fighting his desires.
This is a man who is clearly justifying his sin and not repenting nor even desiring to change. Sexual immorality is clearly a cause to disqualify a man for the office of bishop/pastor/elder and even for deacon. And as Gcmwatch shared earlier, this qualification does not depend upon the “uprightness” of the congregation. Either the pastor qualifies or he doesn’t. (ses 1 Timothy 3:1-13 for qualification of elders and deacons)
This leads me back to my original statement. I am wondering about you. You wrote earlier in that you are called to the ministry but you also wrote of struggles:
Now this is what I consider vagueness. You weren’t specific and I hope you can clarify what you were speaking about here. Are you currently struggling with a particular sin that you need deliverance from? Or, are you speaking as a Christian who is in constant fellowship with the Lord: one who sins and confesses their sin and are delivered from it after they forsake it (1 John 1:9). The reason I ask is because it makes sense that you are defending Tonex as an elder when possibly you are going through the same thing. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
September 13th 2009 on 6:20 am
As much as I respect freedom of speech it stills saddens me to see so much hatred come from people esp the people who are suppose to be the “good christians”. Homosexuality occurs in nature, Man wrote the bible. What you believe in is no more than an opinion,a dogma,a belief,a system. Call it want you want but religion is destroying our earth, because it gives people that don’t have answers the feeling that they do even others words “I’m superior” or “your wrong,I’m right mentality. I’m not asking any1 to believe what I believe but to fully examine “your” truth before you call it “THE TRUTH”. The bible doesn’t teach you to think on your own that’s why you have to read it for answers, answers that really don’t solve anything but add more confusion & delusion.
September 13th 2009 on 6:37 am
To say you know many “former gay” lol!@that people who are now free of their past desires is delusional & I bet deep down you that. How can you be so sure? Do you 24/7 watch over them to kno their not taking it up the a** anymore or does the “holy spirit” send you text messages every now & then updating you on their *clears throat* unnatural tendecies? If your God , not the God but yours created people & is controlling everything then we wouldn’t have gays or numerous christian sects saying something different than the others but that’s another story,riite? Anyways, how good can God really be to create some1 a certain way, then decide he doesn’t like it anymore & leaves them with a problem he created only to be tossed in the pit. Lol Your God is bi-polar & a bad father!
Twitter: christocentric
September 13th 2009 on 6:53 am
Ms. Bliss, have you not heard the greatest commandment in the bible?
God WANTS us to use our minds! Our faith should not be blind. The bible also says, “Come, let us reason together…” (Isaiah 1:18) another example of God calling upon us to use our minds. To reason? It is quite reasonable to believe in Jesus Christ of the bible and trust the words that come from Him. I studied Greek mythology growing up and loved it! But it never caused me to reason that it may be true.
It’s quite foolish to make a statement about a book you don’t read yourself. The bible DOES teach one to use their minds, contrary what you’re trying to get people to believe.
Twitter: christocentric
September 13th 2009 on 7:29 am
The rule of thumb is to believe what a person says Ms. Bliss, until they give you reason NOT to believe them. And that’s what I do on an individual basis. I have heard stories of people claiming to no longer practice homosexuality, and then people find them in back in those lifestyles. So I do believe a person when they say they are no longer gay and are happily living a life of obedience to God. I guess the question to you would be, how do you know they AREN’T telling the truth?
Let’s reason here Ms. Bliss. God created us with a free will – a will do choose whatever we want to do. Many of us are born with some propensity to do things contrary to what God wants us to do. I’m a mother of five children. I’ve seen which ones were born naturally to lie all the time, some selfish, some bratty and on and on and on. A parent’s job to train the children to do good and not evil. You rarely have to train a person to do evil because rebellion to God’s ways is within ALL of us.
Homosexuality is just one of a myriad of one of these traits man can possibly be “born” with. This is my belief only, no scientific proof but just a mother reasoning from what she’s witnessed raising children and seeing other’s children. But just because one is born with certain desires doesn’t excuse them or make God responsible for it. It still falls upon man to correct his wrongful ways.
Rebellion against God began with God’s most perfect creation – Adam and Eve. Sin entered the world when they disobeyed God back in the Garden of Eden. Humankind hasn’t been perfect since so no, we in no way can ever blame God for our desires or even our failure to change our desires. He does give us the power to change but it must come first through trusting in Him through His Son Jesus Christ.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
So there it is Ms. Bliss. All of us have come short of God’s expectations and we bring condemnation upon ourselves if we don’t trust God’s remedy for our waywardness. It’s your mind and you decision. Hope you think this through and choose Christ!
Twitter: christocentric
September 13th 2009 on 7:39 am
And let me do clarify something here: homosexuality IS a choice one can make as well as having a “natural desire” for the same. The bottom line is that one must choose NOT to do something that God says is sin!
September 13th 2009 on 12:49 pm
So, Tonex is the “man of God”?
September 13th 2009 on 12:53 pm
hmmmm, now if someone flippantly responded to your experience like that, you would be crying foul. In fact your biggest complaint to date is that the church is not accepting of your experience. Watch out that you dont start being a hypocrite.
September 13th 2009 on 1:21 pm
The news about Tonex is disappointing I thought he was the Michael Jackson of gospel music. I had the opportunity to see him perform twice, while I was in Atlanta.
Twitter: christocentric
September 13th 2009 on 1:30 pm
syinly, I thought the same. He can dance just like Michael, act and his vocals are simply amazing! But people confuse Tonex’s physical gifts with spiritual gifts and have even labeled him “anointed” because of these things.
Many of his previous albums have been very spiritual and I loved them immensely. I just no longer can spend money on his music knowing that it will be spent on supporting ungodliness!
September 14th 2009 on 7:17 am
U believe what your told to believe & homosexuality is both a choice & natural & ifs a part of who you are then it can’t be “undone” u can only fight it & be depressed or keep it from people e.g. Pastors,wives. And I use to be a christian & I still read the bible FYI! Its no point in arguing with a regilous person because as long as they are referring their whole being on one book that is not even based on pure facts is a waste of energy. For all I know you could be a homo just like ted haggard because always the main people critizing them usually are GAY honey! U have no clue as to who what or who God is instead of seeking that you & your fellow goons go by a book that borrowed tales from other Older stories that contradictes itself. You cannot define God for any1 its all & only a Belief if you were humble you would kno that & respect others who don’t believe as you do. Your an a**hole & a disgrace to the word God.
September 14th 2009 on 7:31 am
Ken, are you a Freemason?
Twitter: christocentric
September 14th 2009 on 7:33 am
Msblliss, your rant just violated my comment policy and you have just earned disqualification from my blog. If you wish to continue discussing and even disagreeing intelligently and civilly, contact me on my contact form with a request to do so and I may reconsider your participation.
Sorry I have to make an example of you for others who may want to do the same on this blog.
September 14th 2009 on 10:21 am
I was so saddened and to quite honest disgusted when I watched the Lexi/Tonex interview.
The thing that disheartened me the most is the unrepentant manner way in which he spoke and his blatant misinterpretation of God’s word about homosexuality.
Is Tonex under the covering of anybody? Any pastor? If so, where do they stand in all of this?
In any case, I pray that his eyes are opened before it’s too late.
Twitter: christocentric
September 14th 2009 on 10:51 am
I don’t know for sure Renee’ but apparently Tonex’s being treated as one who can nearly do whatever he wants. In other words, there doesn’t appear to be any church discipline active. I’ve had a source close to me who attended his church for a while say that Tonex and his mother run it since his father’s (the original pastor) death. But what actually goes on in the hierarchy of this church is unknown to me.
September 14th 2009 on 4:48 pm
ive already tried it. you dont know my struggle. its way deeper than gay or straight.
September 14th 2009 on 4:51 pm
his lifestyle has nothing to do with his music. you will just be missing out. good music is good music regardless of sexual orientation.
September 14th 2009 on 4:52 pm
you are 100% right & i apologize. i didnt mean to say it that way
Twitter: christocentric
September 14th 2009 on 6:13 pm
His lifestyle has EVERYTHING to do with his music! If he was just singing about somebody shakin’ their booty, then yes, the music would have nothing to do with his lifestyle. But when you are singing about the Lord and living for him, then it makes mockery of Christ and the gospel knowing that what you sing about isn’t how you’re living.
I personally can’t separate the man from the music. Perhaps others can but I can’t – and won’t!
September 15th 2009 on 2:20 pm
May I ask, what about the people who he is supposedly Pastoring? is this silent to them, are they unaware of his “honesty”?
Twitter: christocentric
September 15th 2009 on 2:36 pm
That’s a good question Paul and a question I don’t have an answer to. Hopefully someone can shed some light on Tonex’s church and how they are reacting to this exactly.
September 15th 2009 on 8:13 pm
Id like to start off by saying that no man or woman on this Earth really has the right to say Tonex shouldn’t be pastoring any longer because of who and what he is. Yes you have every right to state your opinion but at the same time that doesn’t mean it has to happen, nor that you’re right. I understand how it could be a disappointment to many but it is what it is. When you’re gay or lesbian or even a struggling transgender you do get tired of holding back how you truly feel. And this I know. So he went ahead and did what he felt he should do. This man preaches the word of God, and regardless of his sexuality, race, disablity, ethnicity, ect, he still IS a child of God. When that book of life is flipped open believe that none of our opinions will matter. God loves all of us equally. I get so tired of the heterosexual community downing gays and talking about how their hell bound…I hope you know just by saying that you could be hell bound yourself. You can’t actually understand the lifestyle unless you’ve lived or live it, and that’s the true problem here, everyone judges what they don’t understand. Question: if being a homosexual is wrong, then how do you explain the people that are actually born that way? There have been studies and people really are born attracted to the same sex. Id like to say that a lot of the homosexuals I know including myself has asked God to remove the feeling to want to be with the same sex, and nothing has happened. I’ve said many of times “I don’t want to be a lesbian”, its too much trouble, and I don’t even know for sure if its right or wrong, and one day I will know the real answer, and if it is wrong then God will do what he needs to with me, and if it is right the same. Although I do feel like change is what you have to truly want, and for the first few times I asked for this to be removed I didn’t want it, but these last few times I did and I’m still where I’ve been for 7 years. But, as far as the bible goes, people interpret it differently, and what message God may have for you, he may not have the same one for me, or anyone else. He speaks to us all in different ways. I know I’ve probably rambled and gotten on subject but whatever. All I’m saying here is that if any person is called to preach the word of God let them do just that. If people feel in their hearts that he’s wrong for continuing to pastor then find another church home. I’m sure he won’t lose any sleep over a few people missing from the congregation. Be blessed.
- one last thing: “faithful”, i am proud of you. I commend anyone who has tried to change and it has been successful. May God be with you on you’re journey.
September 15th 2009 on 9:30 pm
trice, you basically said everything tht was in my little mind. i agree abt the tonex pastoring thing, & honestly i agree with everything you said. and to paul he probaly told his church, before, at the same time, or right after that interview. either way, they know. & they then can choose if they want to continue to be a member of the church or not. its each members choice. & i dont think no one can make that choice for them.
September 15th 2009 on 9:31 pm
just because he is a homosexual doesnt mean he isnt living for the Lord. He is PASTOR! I mean that is living for the Lord!
Twitter: christocentric
September 15th 2009 on 10:37 pm
Trice and bfears, for the sake of repeating myself over and over again, I’ve put up some videos by a young man who’s pretty much gone over much of what has been talked about on this post. A lot of questions that I didn’t answer are answered on my next post: “Can you be a homosexual AND a Christian?” Check it out and place your comments over there as I’m closing the comments on this post.
Thank you!
October 13th 2009 on 7:35 pm
First of all, I want to say to to MSbliss’s comment at the top of the page that you totally contradicted yourself by saying that the bible is made up and that you dont believe in it, but the last comment that you left said that someone “was a disgrace to the word of God.” Im pretty sure that we all agree that that statement doesnt make any sense. Secondly, we are all God’s children. No one man is bigger or better than God. We as people put all of our problems and utterly sins on our Pastors. Our Pastors are the same as us, they are no more than Preachers who break the bible down and give us direction to walk down the glory road leading to God. When you repent your sins it says in the bible to give them all to Jesus because he has the holy strength to bear that. There is no way that a man can. And lets not forget that the point of church is to fellowship and repent your sins.Which means, that if you are going to church than you are going for a reason because if you were perfect then there would be no need for church. Every one person in this world deserves the same respect that we give our pastors,ministers,evangelist etc. We all know that on judgment day it will be you by yourself. No one can ultimately save you from eternal damnation but Jesus. Everyone else is just here to praise with and fellowship with and praise his Holy name. Whatever Tonex is going through is between him and God. If all else fails and you dont know what to think between Tonex and Music, then simply get on your knees and pray and God will definitely show you the way.
February 28th 2010 on 11:11 pm
THIS JUST MAKES ME SAD. WHEN WILL THE REALIZATION DAWN THAT THE BIBLE HAS THESE BEAUTIFUL GEMS OF LOVE…AMIDST THE CORRUPTION OF SOME WHO WROTE OR TRANSLATED IT. IT’S LIKE “THE LITTLE BIBLE THAT COULD!” I LOVE MY BIBLE AND SEARCH DAILY FOR THE WORD THAT REALLY MATTERS. PEOPLE WHO ARE HETEROSEXUAL CAN EASILY SAY BEING GAY IS A CHOICE. BUT THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY SAY. IF THEY WALKED A MILE IN A GAY PERSON’S SHOES, I DO BELIEVE THEY MIGHT TELL A DIFFERENT STORY. THE REALIZATION MAY COME. I HONOR MY BISEXUALITY AND FEEL THE JOY AND LOVE AND APPROVAL OF GOD EVERYDAY. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR BEING WHO I AM. I LOOK FORWARD WITH HOPE FOR A FUTURE WHERE WE NO LONGER PUT SOMEONE ON THE BACK OF THE BUS BECAUSE WE THINK WE ARE THE JUDGE.
Twitter: christocentric
March 1st 2010 on 9:33 pm
Nicole, you are clearly ignoring the scriptures and making up your own beliefs and values. God makes it plain that homosexuality is sin (Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26-27). You are only deceiving yourself in rejecting God’s truth and His truth is clear: monogamous marriage between a man and a woman is the only sex that is acceptable in His eyes.
June 16th 2010 on 4:53 pm
I am just finding out Tonex came out of the closet. God knows all about him and that is between him and God.
July 20th 2010 on 4:22 pm
Wow! I’m just finding out about this and its July 2010. We are told to confess our faults to one another and pray for one another so that we may be healed. At the same time, we are to confess and forsake our sins. To forske something means to give it up, turn away from, repent. The problem with this generation is that they feel that God must take the feelings from them, and not that they have to fight those feelings. We are to love God with all our heart, mind, and strength. The strength part means with effort. It takes effort to restrain ourselves from our own lusts. The Bible says we are tempted of our own lusts, but that God makes a way of escape for us. The bottom line here is, if we really want to abstain from these things, yes, we sometimes have to war against them within ourselves. This is to help us build character and to keep us humble. It builds strength in us and keeps us on our toes. It is not an excuse to say that God won’t take it away from us. It’s just like the alcoholic and/or the drug addict. They must fight against their flesh. We must fight likewise, against whatever tempts us in the flesh. Our Messiah was tempted but without sin. We can overcome these things even if it takes effort. So be it. No excuse in giving up and becoming the victim. Yes we may struggle and slip but ultimately, we overcome. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and we must continue the fight to the finish. God made Eve for Adam and that’s just the way it is. Anything else is perversion and Satan knows it. Homosexuality is an abomination. It is written…..
Twitter: christocentric
July 21st 2010 on 6:48 am
Sunshine, you are right about this generation. This is the generation that believes that God’s love conforms to their own individual desires. This generation also picks and chooses what commandments of God they wish to obey, without a full self-denying commitment to Him.
Sadly, Tonex (aka Brian Slade) is just another example of this self-centered self-fulfilling false worship of God and all we can do is continue praying for him and others like him when they refuse to adhere to God’s true word.