In reply to Lisa McDonald.

Hi Lisa:

I wish that were possible that we could live together in peace, especially in our culture that has embraced the idea that homosexuality is not sinful, but an alternative and even safe lifestyle to be celebrated. And in a sense we will do our best as Lutherans. Certainly, we do not condemn every person who has same-sex attractions. We will do our best to serve our neighbor in love, and that includes our neighbors with same-sex attractions.

But to cease from speaking God's Word about this subject is to turn a deaf ear to God. It is not about "preventing the second coming from occurring," since that will come at a time that God the Father has already decided and set. Indeed, there is no way we can prevent this from happening, and especially not by our behavior.
Rather, the second coming of our Lord will happen at a time that will surprise everyone. It's just that at that time, many people will have embraced false teachings, idolizing their thoughts as doctrines, and will be spurning and resisting God's Word. This is why Jesus wondered if He would find faith when He returned.

You say, "I’m at piece with my life and I give to god the right to make judgments upon all of us in our death. Till then can’t we all just get along and respect each other and let god do the judging at time of death?" The problem with this is that by respecting the ideas of homosexual marriage, we are disrespecting God according to His Word. We cannot respect the teaching that says God's Word is wrong, or doesn't matter. And unfortunately, that's what is ultimately at the root of the approval of homosexual marriage.

But if we are to hold to God's Word as Christians, we will not be at peace with the world. Check out John's gospel, chapter 17. Throughout this chapter, Jesus teaches that those who hold to His Word and are His, will be hated by those who are worldly minded. There's no way around it. So if we are to be faithful to Christ, we must hold to His Word - even if it is unpopular. That includes the Word that correctly teaches that God instituted marriage as for one woman and one man, only.

The good thing is that in this unpopular position, Jesus comforts us with the promise that He has already overcome the world. His grace comforts us in every time, and with that comfort we can comfort others. Even those affected by same-sex attractions. We are not "judging" these individuals as holier-than-thou pharisees. We are calling them to the only life that is judgment free - the life of repentance over their sins, and faith in Christ. From this Gospel and this only, do we escape from the judgment of the Law. Hope this helps.