GCM Watch extends Christian blessings Charlene E. Cothran, publisher of VENUS Magazine on her stirring appearance and interview on the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).
Charlene’s testimony was stirring, poised and compelling. Her story vividly portrays how God can, does and will deliver anyone who calls on Him.
A self described former ”radical, card-carrying lesbian” activist for 29 years, Cothran encountered Christ through the challenge of a local pastor. Her decision to follow Jesus as opposed to her past desires has brought her a great measure of opposition from the gay community who once embraced her, but she says she has also gained invaluable peace and joy.
Filed under: Videos, current events, media, profiles
That was truly uplifting, inspiring and most of all, a testimony about the power of Jesus Christ to set the sinner free from “the yoke of bondage!” The deception that Charlene lived under for all those years has been shattered! She is free in Christ!
What an encouragement for all, and any, person who would come here to read! What a story of hope for homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals etc. who have witnessed this powerful testimony! Only God can release us from the power of deception and sin. When we ask for forgiveness, repent, accept Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross for our sin, and ask him to be not only our Savior, but also Lord of our lives, then we are his and the enemy of our souls can never “snatch us out of His Hands!
We can see that the argument some may present (such as “with man, this is impossible”) is blown away because anything is possible with God!
The Bible verse that tells us that God “gave them over to sinful lusts,” can be reversed! How? By doing what Charlene and millions of born-again Christians have done!
Knowing the truth has given Charlene the peace that surpasses all understanding. Charlene’s testimony is an example of all of these promises in Scripture:
Jhn 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Jhn 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Rom 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Rom 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Rom 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
1Pe 2:16 As free, and not using [your] liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
First of all let me say I’m happy that Charlene has found the peace that she has been looking for. I’ve had that peace for over 20 years. I have happiness, I am prosperous in my health, wealth, and most importantly in my spirit and I am a lesbian minister, ministering to ALL of God’s Children irregardless of sexual orientation.
Every human being — irregardless of sexual orientation seek PEACE on a daily basis. They know something is missing that no husband, wife, lover, club, gay pride parade, or liason in the back of anywhere — and that something is the Love of Jesus.
Yes I agree with her that being gay can sometimes be a lonely life; however, there are probably just as many “lonely” single straight people as there are lonely gay people.
The use of the term “lifestyle” when referring to the gay and lesbian community is erroneous. A “lifestyle” is something that people “pay” to maintain. We have “lives” and we are literally some of us “paying” with our lives because we have chosen to live the truth of our lives. Many have embraced the possiblity, the probablility that our sexual orientation is a gift from God and not a curse.
Programs like such as CBN seek to make people feel ashamed of who they are, seek to make people feel that Jesus love has escaped them because of their sexuality. How deplorable! Jesus love doesn’t escape any of us “if falls on the just as well as the unjust.” It is up to the human being “gay or straight” to accept the Love of Jesus and therein find peace. Because of rhetoric displayed by some “christians” there are those – gay and straight who feel that they are not worthy of Jesus’s love –that right there my Sisters and Brothers — is the TRUE SIN.
Did you notice something different about the lesbian minister’s comment vs. what was shared in the CBN video and written by me in my comment?
The lesbian minister did not cite one verse of Scripture!
The lesbian minister wrote nothing about the need for confession and repentance of sin.
The lesbian minister wrote nothing about Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross for the forgiveness of sin. In fact, she never even mentions Jesus the Christ!
So, we must ask the question, which “Jesus” does she truly worship?
She is the perfect example of a false prophet.
She did a lot of pontificating about the “love of Jesus”, however, she actually bad-mouthed the 700 Club and CBN by writing the following diatribe about the broadcast:
“Programs such as CBN seek to make people feel ashamed of who they are, seek to make people feel that Jesus love has escaped them because of their sexuality. How deplorable!”
So, let me get this straight. The Christian born-again testimony of a former lesbian-identified woman (who was once whole-heartedly celebrated and accepted by the gay community) is now being accused by her former “friends” and “community” as a vehicle for “making people feel ashamed of who they are” and due to her conversion in Christ, “seeks to make people feel that Jesus’ love has escaped them.” This “minister” finalizes her hatred by claiming, “how deplorable.”
I’ll tell you what is deplorable. It is so-called “Christian” lesbians who claim to be ministers of Jesus Christ, yet show their contempt for those women who have successfully left behind their homosexual behavior and identity.
Rev. Rawls how do you respond to what seems to be a very obvious “scriptural silence” trait of gay christian ministers? To clarify, we do not that one should be a “walking bible”, but in your defense of homosexuality here, you did not (as Christine mentioned) cite one, single verse of scripture. Should we take it that scripture does not hold a place of authority in your life or ministry?
Also you emphasized “ministering to all of God’s children irregardless of sexual orientation”. Are there any “sexual orientations” that you are aware of in which a person engaging in such expression would NOT be considered God’s child? Or are you simply using the term sexual orientation euphemistically for your own sexual expression?
Thirdly, you claim CBN has sought to make “people” ashamed of who they are. Can you cite a minimum of two specific examples where CBN has sought to make people ashamed of who they are and identify who those “people” are?
I watched this video yesterday (at Christine’s suggestion). I was thoroughly moved and wanted to take some time to compose a response befitting the piece but now there’s already an argument underway. I think I’ll hold off until the dust settles or post on my own blog.
Something interesting that I noticed in original CBN video clip was that the heterosexual pastor, the heterosexual host, and the asexual convert did not reference a single scriptural reference regarding homosexuality either.
I was surprised to say the least. Very much moved, but still a little surprised.
Wow Brian. That video was filled with Scripture references. I counted close to 20 separate occasions in the video where God’s Word was shared within the dialogue. Chapter and verse may not have been mentioned, but the Word of God was presented throughout that video.
Looking for a “scriptural reference to homosexuality” (as you put it) wasn’t the purpose of the video. We all know where they are and what they say (or should know, at least). The purpose of the video was for revealing a testimony being presented about how a woman could be so drastically changed through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit that made her a “new creation in Christ.”
At the end of the video, Pat Robertson prayed in the name of Jesus that the spirit of perversion be binded and cast out of each person who prayed the prayer to renounce sexual sin and turn consciously to the Holy Spirit to set them free.
Asking the Holy Spirit to live in one’s life means agreeing that one’s previous life wasn’t right with God, and only through being born again in Christ can one get off the road of shame that leads to destruction.
Well I’m just saying… on a site that self-consciously harps on reference quoting, I am continually surprised by the lack of scriptural references condemning homosexuality. I’ve been looking and to date, I have seen zero. Maybe all of them happened before I found this blog but in my (albeit short) time here, I’ve yet to read (or hear or see) a single one, even when I’ve asked.
If they’re so available, why they remained so elusive?
And Christine, I agree… the purpose of the video wasn’t to point out the sin of homosexuality but rather to profile a life transformed. I am so pleased to hear that Charlene Cothran has found the saving grace of the Lord!!
I’m sure that if you click on the resource links located in the sidebar here at gcmwatch, you will easily be able to find scriptural references condemning homosexual behavior. I know for a fact that CARM has a section about this.
I also found the following links:
God’s Standard Regarding Homosexuality
Patriarchs of the Christian Faith, Early Writers Clearly Condemned Homosexuality
The next one is long, but it illustrates just how the heresy of “gay” theology came about.
Reprobate Theology: The Homosexual Seduction of the American Church
Dear Brian,
I just wanted to send you a response to your post about the lack of scriptural references condemning homosexuality. Please read Lev. 18:22, 20:13, and Romans 1:26-27.
Also there is 1Cor. 6:9(KJV) that states,
9Know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicator, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind
NIV
9Do 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
Amplified
9Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality,
There you go Brian. Now, I would like for you to show me scriptural references that condone homosexuality. What this really boils down to is sin. Not “gay” sin or “straight” sin but SIN and until you see it for what it really is, it won’t matter how many scriptural references I send you.
Also if you send me scriptures, please don’t send me scriptures about God’s love that many homosexuals use out of context. God’s love is not the question, it is how do you line up with His Word. I am not judging you but from what I have read from your other posts, you are quite content with your lifestyle despite it being contrary to sound doctrine. If I am wrong, I apologize and look forward to your post.
With Love,
Taressa
Brian, your attitude is starting to seep out. We’ll ignore that because we understand youre frustrated at not being able to defend your patently false belief system in the face of overwhelming biblical evidence.
Asking for proof of your presumably Christian beliefs is no more harping than a police officer asking to see your proof of insurance. Just because you say you have insurance is not proof. You have to provide evidence.
Your bio states you minored in religion in school. If you can, please explain in the clearest theological terms you can, what you understand sin to be.
We will also ask you the same question that was posed to Rev. Tonia Rawls (who seems to be MIA). Does scripture have an authoritive place in your life?
Taresa and Christine, Thank-you for addressing the issue head-on, I feel as if we can now move forward since there is something tangible to talk about.
As I GCM Watch noted, I did minor in religion. It was just a minor and it was at a secular institution so I am not especially versed in a Christian theological academia and intricacy (although I do hope to go to divinity school or seminary in the future).
What I can say about sin, is that sin is both a condition and a symptom. As humans, we live in sin. I have always sinned and will always sin, only Christ lived a perfect life. That sin separates us from God and Christ came to build a bridge between us and Him, through his life and death.
Our sins are those actions (or even thoughts; see: Jesus’s redefined view of adultery and murder) that separate us from God. We know what sin is from God’s word and lived out in the life and teachings of Jesus. God also tell us, “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.” (Jeremiah 31:33, quoted in Hebrews 8:10). Additionally, we are also guided by the Holy Spirit, about which Jesus says “the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
And to answer your final question: yes scripture has an authoritative place in my life.
Christine, as you noted, that last document is rather lengthy. I skimmed it over but will need to go back and read it slowly to properly digest it all. I would like to say that while the author claims that he shares the story of Sonny to show his love and compassion for gay people, it seems to be me that he accomplishes is to generalize (by inference only of course) the experience of Sonny to the entire gay community. Many gay people, myself included, do not have AIDS. We are not sick. And we do live by moral standards. And we have a sexual ethic.
The first few pages were the only ones I had time to read in depth, I’m sure there is much to take in.
Taresa, I would like to know by what standard you apply the prohibitions in Leviticus.
Dear Brian,
I have a feeling that I know where you are trying to go by the question that you asked me. I find it a bit odd that you skipped over the NT scriptures and are focusing on the OT scriptures. I am not going to debate this with you because you are not looking for explanation but more of a justification. I have had this conversation many times with “gay” Christians and the idea that Leviticus doesn’t apply because it is OT is absurd. Even if it was true, God’s Word speaks about homosexuality in the New Testament so that trumps this “OT don’t count” idea. Read what Jesus says in Matthew 5:17-18 (KJV)
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Or what Paul wrote in Romans 3:30-31(KJV)
30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Romans 3:30-31 (Amplified)
30 Since it is one and the same God Who will justify the circumcised by faith [[a]which germinated from Abraham] and the uncircumcised through their [newly acquired] faith. [For it is the same trusting faith in both cases, a firmly relying faith in Jesus Christ].
31 Do we then by [this] faith make the Law of no effect, overthrow it or make it a dead letter? Certainly not! On the contrary, we confirm and establish and uphold the Law.
Now if you are sincere than I apologize but I have to agree with gcmwatch, your attitude is starting to seep out.
With Love,
Taressa
Taressa, it was Brian who first dropped the accusations of GCMWatch not wanting to dialogue or discuss. But that was only after he deposited his speech about refusing to stop speaking what he had seen and heard. We decided then it was best to suspend it, because he had no real interest in dialogue.
Then, today we find that their leader Mel White of Soulforce (see related post) tells them not to discuss the Bible with “conservatives”. In Brian’s mind anyone not on the liberal view of scripture is a “conservative”.
Thanks for putting it out like you did and we’re sorry it seemed to have been wasted.
Dear Gcmwatch,
I understand and there is no need to apologize. I appreciate you for posting my comment anyway. Prayerfully someone will be lead to this blog and see these posts and repent of their ways. I truly do thank you for standing up for the truth and not compromising all in the name of “love” and “tolerance”. People need to understand that truly loving God is not just about emotion but obedience to His Word and will for our lives.
1 John 2:3-6
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.
With Love,
Taressa
Taressa, I spoke to the Leviticus verse first because it was the first one you referenced and I thought it best to deal with one thing at a time rather than overwhelm the discussion.
I agree that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law! And by looking at his ministry I see many occassions where faith, grace, intention, and new understanding trumps the letter of the law. When he advises men that to say a bad word against their brother is to murder. When he tells us that men were not made for the Sabbath but man for the Sabbath (and thus justifies his teaching, his healing, and his apostles working on the Sabbath), etc etc.
I also understand that prohibitions against shellfish, against garments of mixed fabrics, and many others are not moral law; which, I assume you agree with. Of course there are many proclamations by God in the Old Testament that are moral and absolute (Thou shall not murder!). And so, I would like to know by what standard you interpret Levitical prohibitions.
I’m more than willing to agree that this discussion need not include Leviticus, but since you referenced it, I thought it appropriate to address it.
If you are conceding that Leviticus is not an appropriate standard to judge gay relationships, I would be happy to move on to a discussion of the New Testament. In either case, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on Leviticus as a complete text and how it applies to our lives today.
In Christ,
Brian
PS. I apologize for the 3 day delay… I’ve been rather busy with work and some volunteer activities.
Brian, it’s called the Holiness Code. Leviticus 18-20. In it it refers to incest, homosexuality, beastiality, adultery and sexual immorality. IF you continue to read Chp 18, you will see that God told the Children of Israel not to engage in such acts, and it is because of those acts he is destroying those surrounding nations and that their acts have defiled the land to the point that it spews them out. So as you can see THAT PROHIBITION AGAINST SUCH ACTS WAS A UNIVERSAL MORAL CODE, not just for the Israelites.
The prohibition against mixing of fabrics and not eating certain foods, etc. was a reflection of the seperateness from other people..they were God’s chosen. And in Acts 11 God repealed his prohibition against foods by declaring all things clean. This was a work of the Cross, which Christ fulfilled as the perfect lamb of sacrifice. In addition, no other nation was destroyed over eating certain foods. They could do that ALL day long w/o fear of destruction. But the sex stuff, GOD JUDGED.
Brian, there’s plenty of loopholes and failures in the pro-gay theological explainations. I’m sorry, but there’s simply no justification for living an active, unrepentant homosexual life and claiming to be fully for Christ.
OH, and if u get this anytime soon, read the book called “The Same Sex Controvesy.” It will clear up EVERY scriptural arguement about homosexuality. If you are not scared, that is.