Amy Grant has ignored Christian leaders and pastors who have called for her to reverse a controversial public decision.
Pastor Franklin Graham said:
Amy Grant announced that she and her husband Vince Gill are going to host a same-sex wedding on their farm for her niece. Amy is quoted as saying, “Jesus, you just narrowed it down to two things: love God and love each other.”
Yes, we are to love God and love each other. But if we love God, we will seek to obey His word. Jesus told us, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). God defines what is sin, not us; and His Word is clear that homosexuality is sin.
For me, loving others also means caring about their souls and where they will spend eternity. It means loving people enough to tell them the truth from the Word of God. The authority of God’s Word is something we can never compromise on.
Christian author and ministry leader Larry Tomczak wrote a note to the Christian community… and Amy Grant…
Here it is… read it, then tell me what you think:
Amy Grant Hosts Gay Wedding – Honors or Dishonors God?
“Honor marriage and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband” Heb. 13:14 MSG
[Author’s note: I attempted to give this article to Amy prior to publishing. She declined to read it saying, “Even if I am misrepresented; even if I am in the wrong, God knows my heart.” Having reviewed the article first with 5 senior leaders, including Dr. Michael Brown and one of Amy’s original pastors, we pray and entrust this to God.]Months ago, Joe Biden hosted a gathering with gay icon Elton John and 2000 LGBTQ celebrants on the White House lawn. If I was invited, I would’ve attended to evangelize just as I have at 20+ gay pride events.
In situations like this it’s extremely important to discern God’s will. If I was a new convert, knew there’d be nudity, drugs and revelry, struggled with same sex attraction or if I was younger and prohibited by my parents, I wouldn’t go.
Apart from a strategic LGBTQ outreach, could I envision ever hosting a homosexual/lesbian event at my church or on my property? I wouldn’t do it.
A news story recently stated that Amy Grant was hosting a niece’s gay wedding at her farm. I believe she’s doing this sincerely as a goodwill gesture but it’s generating understandable concern about its appropriateness and what it communicates. Having ministered with her in the past at “Jesus Festival” events, I know Amy is a loving person.
What Would Jesus Do?
Iconic Christian leader Charles Spurgeon cautioned, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It’s knowing the difference between right and almost right.”
The Bible directs us to “examine all things, hold fast to that which is good” (1Thess. 5:21) and exhibit maturity, demonstrated by “discerning between good and evil” (Heb. 5:14).
God wants our “love to abound more and more with knowledge and discernment so that we may approve what is the best” (Phil.1:9-10).
Amy said recently, “There’s many things I don’t understand about God.” Perhaps the beauty of His holiness with His love is one of them.
The Back Story
A young man openly shared his sad story of being abused and later “coming out” as a homosexual. On Proud Radio he explained how a “counselor told him it didn’t matter how he got to being gay and that there wasn’t a glory spout to turn on to make him straight… so he left the church that didn’t accept his lifestyle and went out into the world to be gay … and to hear Amy say that I am welcome at God’s table as a gay man is so affirming.”
The young man with his new gay identity now prefers to refer to God as a female. “I call God ‘She’ to fight the patriarchy.”
When Amy was on Pride Source, she said, “I know the religious community has not been very welcoming… but with God everybody is welcome. Everybody!”
On Proud Radio she said, “It’s so important to set a welcoming table…you’re loved. Gay. Straight. It doesn’t matter… It doesn’t matter how we behave. It doesn’t matter how we’re wired.”
Amy says, “God simply wants us to love Him and love each other.”
The Basics – ABC
A reasonable question: “Is this another ‘crossover’ move, similar to when Amy crossed over from “Contemporary Christian Music” (CCM) to a more “pop culture” genre? Let’s examine the situation from a purely Biblical worldview resolving not to accommodate culture but align with sacred scripture.
A) Affirm God’s Design
The entire Bible unambiguously defines God’s design for marriage to be one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31).
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
B) Believe and Behave
A combination of charity and clarity is essential in communicating that a homosexual lifestyle is directly contradicting scripture where there is not one verse that endorses it. God’s Word prohibits it plus conveys hope and transformation for those struggling in it (see I Cor. 6:9-11). God’s help comes when those struggling admit their problem. A homosexual man asked Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “What do I do with my problem?” He helped him to freedom because “he admitted he had a problem.” Only then could he help him with a solution (see Bullseye Challenge Chap. 18-20).
Jesus Christ stated unequivocally, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord and not do what I say? (Lk. 6.46). Loving God and obeying His Word are nonnegotiable. The Bible warns us of those who practice sinful homosexual/lesbian acts (Rom.1:25-28) then “give hearty approval to those who practice them” (v32).
Jesus engaged compassionately with sinners but did not excuse sin (Samaritan woman (John 4:1–18) and the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11). He said, “Go and sin no more.” We’re called to do likewise, conveying acceptance of the person but not approving of their sin.
We affirm God’s unconditional acceptance (welcoming us into relationship when we “repent and believe”) but there is no unconditional approval of behavior contrary to what God prohibits. Jesus’ directive to Paul was “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26:18).
C) Consider Example
“Be holy, blameless and above reproach” (Col. 1:22), not without sin but not bringing shame on the Body of Christ or disgrace to the Name of Jesus. “Whoever misleads one of these little ones who believe in Me, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung about his neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matt. 18:6). “Not many of you should become teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater judgment” (Jam. 3:1). This is serious stuff!
Billy Graham, one of Amy’s and my heroes, mentioned in his less mature years foolishly going into an English pub (drinking a nonalcoholic beverage) then seeing a photo of it prominently featured in England’s newspapers to discredit his reputation, impact the crusade plus possibly cause some to stumble.
Billy would never be seen alone in public with another woman other than his wife. When Hillary Clinton once requested a private meeting, he declined, asking her understanding so as not to ever adversely influence others.
When King Saul committed suicide, David lamented but took pains to handle the tragedy discreetly, directing women not to report the scandal in public to avoid bringing reproach on the Name of the Lord (2 Sam. 1:17-20).
We will give an account if we influence others wrongly. One’s music can inspire millions; one’s example can mislead multitudes. Youth are especially vulnerable to LGBTQ propagandists who “promise freedom while they themselves are slaves to depravity” (2 Pet. 2:19).
Here’s the deal: As we humbly seek God’s guidance, may the Good Shepherd “lead us in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake” (Ps. 23:3).
What do you think? Email me at [email protected]
To contact Larry, email him at [email protected]
What do you think?
Let me know your thoughts. Email me at [email protected]
27 Comments on “Amy Grant Controversy Explodes: Why Christians Are Upset”
Would Jesus have attended and ” put His blessing on a gay wedding ” just to show love? I DOUBT SO… shame on Amy Grant.
Actually, If you look a bit closer and notice who Jesus tended to hang out with, which was pretty much everyone that the religious leaders of the day had decided were not worthy, this is precisely where Jesus would have been. Jesus is about loving people.
Jesus may have hung out with sinners(we are all sinners)… but remember….they repented! Don’t make the excuse to hang out with people who have no interest in repenting
Loving those and supporting a gay marriage are two different things. God createe man and woman in His Own image. God is love but God’ will not be mocked. He is God and His love is just as perfect and balanced as His Holiness. So sad to see Amy grant quote part or the Bible and not all. There is a warning for this. I urge her to please look at this. I have enjoyed her music all my life. God will restore all our mistakes and failures but He can not restore falsehood You either believe all the Bible or non. God says either be hot or cold.
Agreed! We need to look at all of scripture. Not pick and choose and manipulate it to fit a certain lifestyle
Jesus did not “hang out” with sinners. He ministered to them. He wasn’t laughing at dirty jokes and smoking pot.
Romans 1: 18-32.
I agree whole heartily. The bible is clear about what Jesus said and this is the measure we are going to be held to.
Matthew 7 verses 21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
I would also suggest that is probably the reason both Amy and Vince Gill committed adultery together.
And yes I am no better than anyone in Jesus eyes, that is why I need Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
I’m so saddened to hear this news. Having family members who have adopted this lifestyle and expect us all to just “fall in line” with it, I can understand her struggle. But in the past I was involved in sexual sin and well-meaning Christians who used love as their mantra confused me and gave me permission to continue down a very wrong path that led to steep consequences and chaos. God loves the sinner but hates the sin. To obey is better than sacrifice. We must obey. I’ll be praying the Holy Spirit opens Vince’s and Amy’s eyes and they have the courage to obey.
Well said, Sandi.
There is a difference between sinning followed by being sincerely regretful and penitent and sinning without remorse or feelings of guilt and shame. God will not be mocked.
Homosexuality is a sexual behavior, it is not a person. God gave us command over our behaviors. The psychology of attraction is complex, but that complexity does not change who the person is, either male or female, it is something that person must deal with either in a moral or immoral manner. A few people are attracted to anyone and everyone, fewer are attracted to furry things, most people are attracted to the opposite sex, and a very few, 1.6% to the same sex. Attraction is malleable, it can change, especially during adolesces, where sexual confusion reigns until about 18, especially if adults are pushing an agenda with the kid. Sex is an instinct in lower species (animals) lacking free will, when its time all animals breed no matter how many times the humped (dominance behavior) each other outside of breeding season. To human’s sex is a gift from God to be handled morally. We have full free will. That means all sex must be directed to promote its purpose, procreation. Thats why homosexual and bestial sex are intrinsically immoral. They actively prevent and deny procreation. So Amy’s relative is in an immoral relationship. Christ calls us to morality. Its emotionally hard to reject a person’s behavior even if its immoral. but a Christian cannot act to approval immorality, especially one that so contradicts Gods design for life.
We all have a responsibility to love the sinner but reject the sin; this is what our Bible teaches. Amy’s platform to be a Christian artist, gives her the privilege to sing the glory of our Holy God. Sadly, she is sending a mixed message when she can proclaim the Holiness of God in song, but then find acceptance in those whose actions are against Him. We all know what it’s like to try NOT to offend and yet be the salt and light we are called to be. As darkness increases during these last days, we will be EXPECTED to show, speak and live out the actions that tell the rest of the world, “I AM a Child of God.” Jesus never said it would be easy, but He did say it is necessary and required in order to have His blessing. Holiness is not optional; and connecting ourselves to events, television programs, movies, clothing logos, drag queen reading programs, etc., anything that promotes homosexuality or trans lifestyle, should be shunned.
Amy Grant is a fraud. Its funny how some people will suddenly believe homosexuality is okay the moment they realized a family member is gay. What they are doing is exalting that family member over the word of God.
We are on a slippery slope and falling fast the worldly attractions are gaining and the biblical life style as we have known it is receding and will only get worse. Pray for the rapyure.
I’m going to keep my nose out of Amy & her husband’s business. I find for myself, that I am too quick to sum-up (from my own understanding) what is happening in the heart and lives of others. I’m quick to point a finger and judge their motives. In this case, I am going to choose to not be “the jury” and jump to judgement (based on what I’ve heard and from what other people are saying.) They themselves and God know what their heart-motive is in this. If there is wrong-doing or mis-guided motives in their hearts , then they will be personally accountable in the court of the Lord for their OWN sins; as will I be personally accountable for mine.
Note: I’m not commenting on the degrading of moral values that we are seeing all around us. Yes, I see the “crumbling” going on around the foundations of our society. I regret to see us, as a people going “down-hill”, and fear that our society will begin seeing the more-sever consequences of our turning-away from God and His principles. Hold together church! We’re going to need each other more than ever in days to come. I’m just not sure that I’m ready to enter into finger-pointing at Amy and her husband at this point. Thanks for listening.
More evidence of what JESUS warned us would happen in the last days and what the Apostles said by the Holy Spirit. People will fall under a great delusion and want to have their ears tickled and will not hold fast to sound doctrine. The “woke church” is gaining momentum and many are falling after wrong teaching. We need to be praying hard and feasting on GOD’s WORD and testing every word spoken from the church against The Truth!!! Stand Firm Fully Girded With The Truth Of GOD’s WORD and quit watching the “new thing” on YouTube and other social media garbage!! Ephesians 6:10 -20 is Daily Bread!!! After girding up Vs 18 – With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints…. Don’t be surprised and don’t let this throw you off coarse for it is he who finishes the race that will attain the prize by Faith in HIS Grace Alone.
Shes as phony as a three-dollar bill–who cares !!
She needs to get saved and realize she is being deceived by Satan into allowing people to go to hell which is bad.
Amy has been on a slippery slope for years as far as her convictions. She changed since the days she recorded ‘El Shaddai’. I am sad to say but haven’t listened much to her since the 90’s since she’s compromised on biblical issues. Hosting her niece’s wedding will not her her niece see what God sees. Marriage according to God’s Word is between a man and a woman
I am SO SAD to hear this. It is just SAD.
Yes, it’s beyond sad, and how we know we are in the last days, and said many would be deceived, lovers of themselves and lovers of money and reject God’s written word, so when Jesus drove satan off he always said, ” It is Written.”
Where evil or sin is called good, and where obeying God’s word is referred to as hate.
Everyone seems so confused and satan is the author of all this, but God and His word is all that is going to last.
Man cannot condone, or confirm sin, that is social justice, not His. (self)
Sodom and Gamora was destroyed for sexual sin, and many other reasons, and the bible says the wages of it are death, and every time we take part in it it’s the reason, we feel like we are dying.
Sexual sin is sin against His holy temple, your body, and remember a COVENANT act is what God’s intent was, when a man leaves his parents takes a wife……. not man and man, woman and woman, or a dog, cat, tree, laptop, or anything else man can think up to fall in Love with and then want to marry.
AGAPE LOVE is where it should be, not whatever makes YOU feel good……. anything else you can’t go forth and multiply like he said, only death or disease can come of anything else no matter what a transgender operation procedure you chose.
Every morning you must decide, take up Your cross and follow Him daily, or chose the path of destruction daily which is wide.
My Father is a pastor, and he always asked me what would Jesus do???
When he taught, He fed the bread of life, and the water of life, and ended with this, Go, your sins are forgiven, go and sin no more.
Your choice each day once again to reject it with His help daily, and not make a practice of sin daily, or give into sin because it’s easy. Resist
Yes, He does know Your heart, and pray to God we are all serving Him well today and would be scared to death without him in these times!!!!!
God Bless each and every one of You IN JESUS PRECIOUS NAME with unconditional love (AGAPE), and hope to see You in THE RAPTURE SOON!!!!!!
I think Amy is very misguided in her convictions that have led her to this decision. I wonder how many of her fans will be misguided too. So many people idolize these performers they believe they are right.
And I totally agree with Craig …I’m thankful for his input.
I have seen the results of idolizing people. My Pastor fell, It’s hard to see yes, but if that shakes you to fall or flounder, the question would be whether you ever knew the LORD. Several people floundered into falling away because of it. People will always fail, JESUS can’t and won’t!!! Pray that she will be restored to the Truth and let it go. If you idolize anyone or thing, the problem is with you not anyone else!!!
Is it possible she is hosting the same same sex “wedding’ and not give approval to it? It is their right to host a family function on their property. There is a difference between love and approval.
Let him or her who is without sin cast the first stone.
I am so curious to know how many of you who have posted on here– who have stood on your soapboxes and turned down your judgmental noses to someone who has done more to spread the word of God to the masses than any other celebrity or religious leader in modern day — also voted for Donald Trump, the first ex-President to ever be indicted on felony charges in the history of our country.
If it were less than 80 percent of you, I ‘d be SHOCKED.
Dictators and hypocrites do far more damage to our world than someone who believes love is love so wanted to host her niece’s wedding . That’s hard to argue…
The biggest issue are the false teachers who claim to be Christian, including evangelicals,. evangelicals who have compromised on many issues which are absolutely not found in the Bible. The word of God is the only word that is true. The world is ruled by the prince in the air. Satan rules on earth and it is exactly why Jesus will return and destroy this sinful world and recreate a new earth. Today this world is Sodom and Gamorah on steroids. What Amy Grant and others do is twist the Bible to actually legitimize their actions. God is Holy. Yes He is merciful, Just , omniscient and omni-potent but most important is His Holiness. Everyone of us only deserve hell. Only by faith through Grace can we be saved. Since no one is good: not one. we must trust God and obey His word. Those who do not, will not be saved. That’s not judging, that’s just believing the Lord and not the world. I believe in what the Lord has said. Many will choose the wide road which leads to eternal fire, but few will choose the narrow road which leads to eternal life with Christ, our Lord and Savior. We must pray and minister to the lost, however we must do itiwith love. If one is unwilling to accept the truth, than we must not continue to pursue the lost. I believe too many Christians judge , instead of listening and explaining why one needs to turn to Christ. It’s not we who convert or save anyone. It is only by the power of the Holy Soirit. We need to give everything up to God. If one will not soften their heart, then the Holy Soirit cannot do His work. That means we certainly cannot take His place. I pray for all those who have not opened their hearts. Whose hearts are hardened. We are not the judge and jury. We are sinners also. I do believe a true Christian must turn to the word of God. The bible is a must . My first question to anyone, when they say I don’t believe in the Bible is “ Have you read it? In most instances they have not. Then I ask them if you read it might you feel differently? We are human. We are sinners. It’s very easy to be judgemental and opinionated. Neither of these should be used in sharing the word to someone? I find questions to them work better and is less intimidating. Remember our job is to minister . Any conversion comes from the Holy Soirit. Yes, Christ had but two commandments. However we are only saved through faith by Grace. The best way to find that narrow path is to read the word and find out all the answers to questions we may have. A christian is to be Christ like, even though it is a human impossibility. seems confusing, yet all the answers are in the word of God not man.
Seems like she is so blinded by sin she believes in God in a worldly way. She faked Christianity in the 80s until she went to secular music full time and now doesn’t seem to understand that God doesn’t accept sin. She compromised a lot of values to accept the world. If she doesn’t get saved she will be judged more harshly as she could still be lying she is a Christian to promote her leftist agenda which is wrong and worse than what she did in the 80s when she was an outright hypocrite until it was revealed she was in an adulterous marriage.