What Would Jesus Do?
By Robert P. Eaby

A few months ago, a friend that had recently been elected to pastor a large church said something that has become a compass for which I use to steer my attitude in everything I do as a pastor.

In our conversation, he spoke of his established church that he had recently begun to pastor and the church plant that I began in 2006. He stated that “a home mission’s church takes on the attitude of the pastor.” Perhaps this is true of all churches over time, but I realized that everything that I do can affect Cornerstone Chapel for many years.

If my attitude sets the tone for the church then my priorities and vision become the direction for which the church moves. The rhetorical question “What would Jesus do” creates a fork in the road for each decision and our support for Beacon-Ministries was one such fork. I knew what Jesus would do.

My introduction to Beacon Ministries was through a phone call one evening while in prayer. On the other end was a young man that “grew up” on an Apostolic pew, but now battled the sin of homosexuality. His life was shambles and I learned later he was contemplating suicide: what would Jesus do? I spoke with him then we prayed. He did not live in our area, but I connected him with a church that was. It was through this experience that I soon became aware of Beacon Ministries.

My understanding of the gay lifestyle is limited. I do have a couple friends that are openly gay and I do believe perhaps the lack of understanding creates tension among the gay community and the church.

Our stance on homosexuality should reflect the love of Jesus Christ. There are several examples of Jesus dealing with those involved in sexual sin and John 4:4 reflects His desire to reach out when it states “and he must needs go through Samaria.” Samaria was a place that the Jews avoided and the woman that Jesus needed to see was an outcast among the Samaritans. She had been married 5 times and was living with a man that was not her husband, but Jesus loved her and revealed to her eternal truths.

It is my desire that Cornerstone Chapel be a church that understands that people need Jesus. That may sound simplistic, but we must comprehend that the love we show sinners must be without prejudice. Many employers post policies suggesting that employees will not be discriminated against based on race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, color, national origin, age, or disability. Our outreach should show the same commitment as these employers so that everyone has an opportunity love of Jesus Chris

Our attitude toward the lost dictates the direction of the church. Beacon Ministries allows cornerstone Chapel an opportunity to express its desire to reach those that have fallen into homosexuality. Our monthly check and daily prayers will help to produce saints that are without prejudice and understand of those that need Jesus, always remembering what He did.

From, “The Beacon”/May 2008/Page 2, By Robert P. Eaby

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