This is fascinating. As one who was molested by a trusted adult when I was but 8, I grew up with a skewed and broken sexuality and also endured a lengthy battle with unwanted same-sex attraction. This is very difficult for a Christian. The natural course is to hide, even within the walls of the church and your own family. The church’s unwillingness to educate and develop clarity regarding homosexuality has diminished the effectiveness of Christians. Rather than being the ones we turn to, they are often the ones to whom we make such a determined effort to keep our secrets unrevealed. It shouldn’t be that way. Being tempted in the area os sexuality is no different that being tempted to sin in other ways. We have to turn to God for the power to resist acting out on the temptation . . . and we should be able to turn to Christian brothers and sisters for assitance in the walk to freedom. Regardless of whether the temptations cease, those who struggle and resist should be loved, encouraged and supported. Indeed, Christians should show homosexuals that they are loved, created in God’s image as we all are, and that with His grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, they can be redeemed, set free and used mightily.
I write about my struggle in the hopes that others who struggle will feel support and love and encouragement. I am a married father of five, a successful businessman and active in the church; yet I struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction. Thankfully, God knows me and Jesus died for my sins as clearly as he did for everyone else’s, regardless of what we struggle with.
Thom Hunter
http://thom-signsofastruggle.blogspot.com/

This is fascinating. As one who was molested by a trusted adult when I was but 8, I grew up with a skewed and broken sexuality and also endured a lengthy battle with unwanted same-sex attraction. This is very difficult for a Christian. The natural course is to hide, even within the walls of the church and your own family. The church’s unwillingness to educate and develop clarity regarding homosexuality has diminished the effectiveness of Christians. Rather than being the ones we turn to, they are often the ones to whom we make such a determined effort to keep our secrets unrevealed. It shouldn’t be that way. Being tempted in the area os sexuality is no different that being tempted to sin in other ways. We have to turn to God for the power to resist acting out on the temptation . . . and we should be able to turn to Christian brothers and sisters for assitance in the walk to freedom. Regardless of whether the temptations cease, those who struggle and resist should be loved, encouraged and supported. Indeed, Christians should show homosexuals that they are loved, created in God’s image as we all are, and that with His grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, they can be redeemed, set free and used mightily.
I write about my struggle in the hopes that others who struggle will feel support and love and encouragement. I am a married father of five, a successful businessman and active in the church; yet I struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction. Thankfully, God knows me and Jesus died for my sins as clearly as he did for everyone else’s, regardless of what we struggle with.
Thom Hunter

I apologize for the accidental double-posting. As one who “struggles,” I have an Internet filter on my computer and it was acting up . . . and caused me to enter the comments a second time. Sorry about that.
Thom
http://thom-signsofastruggle.blogspot.com/

Thanks for such an honest comment, Thom. I hope Tonex’s story was helpful in knowing that you’re not alone!
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck blog

WOW! I have followed Tonex since “Happy” and I never thought that there was this much going on! So many of his songs move me in ways that a lot of “traditional” gospel songs don’t. “Since Jeus Came” actually brings tears to my eyes! While some of his personas caught me WAY off guard, I never thought too much of it. I found his statement “I’m the same person that led you into the presence of God. I’m the same person who wrote those songs” very strong. It is sad that he had to struggle so long and ultimately detonate on the internet for someone to realize that he was hurting. I do have some conflicting thoughts on him pastoring without being sure of which way his earthly affections lean, but I HAVE TO admire his transparency and truthfulness. I do indeed pray that God speaks and Tonex listens. Thank you for presenting this great interview!

Powerful! I’m amazed at some of the comments Tonex’s revelation has received on various websites and in various articles, how “good” Christians say they cannot embrace their homosexual and lesbian brothers and sisters, yet they embrace brothers and sisters everyday and all day who commit all the other sins in the Bible (read Romans 1:29-31 and Galatians 5:19-21)?!? Praise God for Tonex and other brave and honest homosexuals who happen to be saved (even though you’re saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost, you commit sin too!! and guess what? You like it!). How grateful am I that we serve a God who embraces us ALL, and when we confess our sins, He’s faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.

Alot of people don’t realize it but gifts and callings come without repentence, meaning you don’t have to be saved to have a gift, you’re born with it, God just annoints it when you get saved. You can walk past a prostitute or alcoholic on the street and probably get a prophesy or good sermonic solo. So for Tonex to say he’s the same person to bring people into the presence of the Lord is irrelevant, its a gift. I’m saddened because i say all the time i feel sad for preachers kids and those that have been in church all their life because they’ve seen so much that its easier to deceive them when they’re older. I do wish that the church could do more to educate gays on how their lifestyle is contrary to the word of God and how to show them enough love to compell them to change. However, Tonex does know that he’s wrong b/c he clearly states that he still believes marriage is for a man and woman. I’m praying for Tonex b/c satan is crafty and he puts his people in place in the church and rises them up. He doesn’t make a fool of them when they have few followers, he waits till there are many then he strikes them like dominoes. And just fyi I own 6 Tonex cds.

This is scripture twisting, and is deceiving. I’m sorry to be the so-called Judgmental type, but God does Judge us, and gives us the ability to judge our brothers and sisters in the faith (I. Cor. chapter 5 and 6). Its try that we do sin as believers, but God is at work in us to cleanse us from all of our sins, not be comfortable in them, and change His word up. I do feel for him, in that he has gone through a lot with his family, but the truth is that God is not pleased, and How i know is that HE has told us in His Word in both Old and New Testaments that this kind of sin is abominable to Him, that is He hates it. When Jesus said the Truth will set u free, He didn’t mean any kind of truth, but the Truth about Him, and His word…that is if you abide Him, and keep His Word you will be His disciple, and we shall know the Truth and the Truth will set us free…than later He says IF the Son sets you free you will be free indeed (John 8:31-36). I am afraid that he does not know the truth, and has traded a lie for a greater Lie. I pray the Lord save Him from the lie he told in this interview. I also pray for the viewers that they come to Know God, and Know His word. This is dodo covered with Ice Cream.

You never really know what to say unless you walk a mile in a man’s shoes. So I can only speak from an outside perspective. Those that follow T, know that he is unpredictable. The interview sounded like this is where he is at right now (as a result of things). Responsible individuals try to take ownership of behavior(good or bad)to keep from sounding immature. We also have to remember that he is letting us into his personal life.
It sounds like he’s is still growing and becoming and trying to lick his wounds that are still open. One of the things he said I thought was interesting was this is the same man who wrote all those annointed songs. He was hiding then(and an up and coming star), but he’s out the closet now(and on the decline). Sadly, now darts will fly more now from the same people he led into God’s presence.
I understand the hypocrisy about winking at the couple living together and sending the homosexuals to hell. Nevertheless, the fact that he’s leading people has the potential to damage the Body of Christ stemming from an unhealthy hermanutic. God is loving, forgiving, and long suffering and I pray God’s best for T. However, pastoring from your own perspective is problematic because then you are not objective. God does talk about covanent between a man and a woman(marriage). This is why it would be difficult to sit in his ministry although he is annointed. Don’t wanna scripture drop here, so I won’t.
Leaders should be held to a higher standard. At the end of the day every believer has issues that they need to be delivered from. Truth be told, though, he never should have assumed the position of pastoring according to I Tim. 3 and Titus if he knew he wasn’t ready. Just because he is gifted musically and can preach does not mean he was ready to pastor a local assembly.

The Bible states in I Peter 4, 1 “For as much then as Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourself like-wise with the mind, for he that has suffered in the flesh has seased from sin” Every human being has a weakness, for some it is money or power, for others its sex or concupisence. These issues of life are common to man and when one is truly saved, he will deny him self- he will suffer according to the will of God, he will suffer in the flesh because the word of God states that if any man will live godly, he MUST suffer persecution. To suffer in the flesh is to have the feeling associated with the “house” of sinful flesh, the pain and anxiety and the fiery desire and never following the enticement. This is suffering according to the will of God. Tonex is confused!! Let a man of God who is not confused lead the people of God! let a man who is called of the almighty, with the heart of God, lead his people in true HOLINESS!!!
Homosexuality is confusion,it is the work of darkness – and as sure as darkness hides the light so does this lifestyle hide the truth from those who choose to live it! To be GAY means to be happy or joyful- NOT to be sexually confused or to be too blind to see ones own anatomy! This is the ABOMINATION that makes desolate and we will behold the coming of the Lord and no HOMOSEXUAL will hear the Lord say “I know you, or Servant well done”

The devil transforms himself to an angel of light, so its no marvel that his minsters appear to be “annointed” gifts come without repentance! We need to stop annointing the devil as if God is really using evil to further the gospel! the holyghost will NOT dwell in an unclean temple and the spirit of God will not always strive with man. The Lord has already stated that if we offend one of the least of his children, that its better to have a heavy stone tied around your neck and to be cast into the sea. Don’t play with God…When he starts to pay you for what you’ve done by offending his people there will be non one to stop him! Repent while you have a chance.

If you guys are going to condemn being gay then give an answer to the so-called “sin”. You don’t know what it’s like being gay and loving god and the church is telling you it’s a sin, get right etc. And when you try and can’t then what? You get judged, well that’s the stuff Tonex is talking about. Do any of you have an answer to being gay? Besides “salvation”, “repent” or any other non-specific answer……… I’m waiting……. many, many, gay people don’t want to be gay and there is no answer for them except “accept Jesus” “resist temptation” etc. If God said that loving a women or having sex with a women was an sin then what would you do? It wouldn’t be so easy would it. Man, that just burns me up. Tonex I LOVE you man, you did what nobody else would do, you told them where you are right now. And that you are not sure what God is going to do, nobody even listened to that part. Tonex, you saved my life man. Thank you so much. – Fred

I just want to say that I don’t think that living a homosexual lifestyle is in any way right. The bible, inspired by God, states that homosexuality will not inherit the kingdom of God, which is heaven. So that makes me wonder why someone who claims to love God would want to continue in this lifestyle knowing they are not going to heaven. But I do think that the church has become too judgemental toward people. Sin is sin to God. Sin that deserves mercy and grace every single day. I truly believe that if the church stood up and embraced people with a love like Jesus then others wouldn’t be in this situation. It sometimes makes me wonder why we make the sin of homosexuality so much bigger than any other sin. We see Pastors of churches that are overweight, is that not a sin to be a glutton? Jesus loves them where they are and we as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ need to do the same.

The part about him saying that he is waiting to see what God is going to do, I think God is waiting to see what Tonex is going to do. The first command that Peter spoke on the day of Pentecost, after 120 men and women received the Holy Ghost, in Acts 2:38, “repent”. God is waiting for us to repent. That repentence and remission of sins should be preached in His Name, in Jesus Name. The opportunity is now here on earth. We can not do anything dead. Biblical prophecy is being forfilled right now. How many more September 11 and Katrina’s going to happen to get people to wake up? Those events taking place was a wake up call for the Church and the World. Remember, no one is exempt from the Word of God. This interview is just another sign for us to wake up. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” I John 4:1. Tonex sounds like a false prophet. He’s far gone. He has time like all of us, to get it right with God. And the part about judging! My goodness! I use to get offended when getting judged. You go to the court room, the judge is going to judge you. There are past well over 400 scriptures concerning judge,judged judging, judgment and so on, in the Old and New Testament. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us,(the church)what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” I Peter 4:17. After receiving salvation in my life, I realized this concerning the church. Yes, judgment does begin at the house of the Lord. What Tonex should do instead of playing around and exploiting in interviews and so on about being attractive to the same sex, is to step down from pastoring, start repenting, asking God for deliverance and forgivness. A person is living on dangerous ground when in such a critical fix. Have to be very careful.
I Timothy 4:1-2, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”
“Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;”

“But I do think that the church has become too judgemental toward people.”
You are too judgemental toward people. The Bible is NOT saying you are going to hell for being a homosexual. You have to look at the whole picture, Moses killed a man, David did too, Paul did etc. There is something that the bible calls a righteuous judge, who is God. Why can’t christians stop trying to decided who goes to hell and who does not and just love people. You don’t have an answer for being gay, all you have is your going to hell if you don’t fix it. But you cannot answer how to fix it, except pray, submit etc.
Heidi
God is a God of judgement, I suppose. But you always see his mercy instead of his judgement. What if you were gay and it was a sin that would send you to hell and you tried to fix it and could not. Then what? What if it was you? What if you tried to pray, fast, get delivered etc and it did not go away. And they church just says get out of ministry and get right while we “pray” for you. What if it was you. Have a heart.

The way that I see it, the world (church, unbelievers, sinners) are all in judgment. God is not a God that shall be mocked, true; he is a very loving and merciful God, that’s why he sent his only begotten Son to die for us.
The scriptures plainly states that “if you sow seeds of corruption, you shall reap seeds of corruption”. It’s not like God is sitting on the throne waiting for us to sin, he knows the sinful nature of man, that’s why he provided a way of escape “Jesus” The Word of God.
Salvation is through Jesus Christ, the Son of the true and living God. We have to acknowledge our sins and confess them to Jesus Christ; the scriptures said that “he is faithful and just to forgive us of all our sins”.
The key word is to confess your sins, not stay in them, and not practice them. Stop pretending that there is nothing wrong with sin. God is a God of truth.
God hasten his Word to perform it, he watches his Word. That means, it shall accomplish that what it was sent forth to do, it will not return back to him void.
If he say’s homosexuality is abomination, it is.
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind”. 1 Corinthians 6:9
God doesn’t have to watch sin, but he does watch his Word, and if he spoke it, that settles it. God’s Word is true; let every man be a lie. That goes for all of us.
By the way, the Word of God does say that the unrighteous shall have there place in the lake of fire. That means “Hell”. WAKE UP AND STOP PRETENDING THAT SIN IS OKAY.
Tried studying the Word of God for yourselves, then you shall know the truth, and it shall make you free. From “SIN”

“You are too judgemental toward people. The Bible is NOT saying you are going to hell for being a homosexual. You have to look at the whole picture, Moses killed a man, David did too, Paul did etc. There is something that the bible calls a righteuous judge, who is God. Why can’t christians stop trying to decided who goes to hell and who does not and just love people. You don’t have an answer for being gay, all you have is your going to hell if you don’t fix it. But you cannot answer how to fix it, except pray, submit etc.”
Fred,
All of that is out of context because all of these men turned to God and not one of them made an excuse as to say this is how I was made so there must be nothing wrong with it.
It is not about judging as much as it is about telling the truth. Tonex is not going to heaven because he told the truth, sorry but that is utter foolishness. If I was a murderer and told someone but continued killing would I go to heaven? The saved person desires to live right and not become comfortable in their sin.
What about him saying he doesnt see anything wrong with same sex covenant but he does same sex marriage? this has nothing to dp with his sin but this is total heresy.
What about him saying its not a struggle? So God made him like this?
He has perverted the scripture and if you are Christian struggling with same sex attracttion you should reject what he says based on the bible, THE WORD OF GOD
He actually says, he asked God and God didnt take the same sex desire away! Is God to blame? We all must spend time in the word and renew our minds! The Word of God is powerful and wil strengthen any believer who meditates on it, regardless of the sin.
God bless!!

Well, I don’t beleive being gay is a sin. God is not bothering me about being gay. I am saved, and I’m a practicing homosexual! lol wrap your mind around that. You may not think it’s possible but here I am. Maybe in god’s eyes when I got saved I became a new creature and he sees it differently. but I am saved. I’ll see you in heaven.

The problem i have with this whole thing that we measure yourselves against yourselves instead measuring GOD’s stanards against ourselves in which we all fall short.
Concerning homosexuals Romans 1:26-28 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
Oh yeah and this one also 1 Corinthians 6:9 (New King James Version)
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals,[a] nor sodomites,
(MATT 7:21-23 21) “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
Grace and Peace

Why do Christians try to send everyone to hell, or say they are not saved. God didn’t call us to point out sin, the Gospel is supposed to be good news! Jesus died once and for all. He paid it ALL! The sins of the past, the present, and the future. If we sin all our lives it doesn’t negate what God has done. Jesus didn’t save us with conditions, it whosoever will. That’s why the Bible says the letter kills but the spirit gives life. You guys will never win a soul to Christ with that crap.

You clearly have never read the Word of God, and if so, you have no understanding of what it says.
You can pretend to be blind if you want, and call it what you want. Judgmental or uncaring. The truth is the truth. God’s Word will not change for you or for me, it says what he says and he means what he means.
I’ve noticed that you keep talking about Moses murdering someone and a few others errors that people have made in the bible. If you study the Word more carefully, you will see that these people repented, that means that they turned from their wicked ways, they had a heart to serve God in truth. Study the Word of God and not of man, perhaps then you may repent of your sins.
You are despaired because we tell you the truth. Have we become your enemy because we tell you the truth? We “Christians” are telling you the truth based on the Word of God. We are not sending you to hell, you are trying to send yourself there, and we are telling you the truth concerning God’s Word. People, who never tell you the truth about yourself, don’t love you. I love you, and you may say that I don’t know you. I don’t have to know you personally; I love you because I have the love of Christ in me.
Please reconsider your way of thinking and study God’s Word for yourself, ask God to help you get an understanding of his Word, and he will help you, and if you need me to help you with locating scriptures, I will be available for you. Also, if you want me to pray with you, I will do that also.

What are we supposed to do. repent every five minutes. You can’t help being gay. It’s like repenting for blinking. you guys are wild.

First of all, Tonex should leave gospel music, and be who he really is, a rock, r&b act. If he wants to wear to blue hair, feathered coats and look like George Clinton, it’s cool. BUT don’t perpetrate being an gospel artist. Tonex said in the video, that he’s an artist, so if he wanted to do Rock or r&b, he could. Many artist have there ONE gospel album, from R. Kelly, Whitney Houston, to Aretha Franklin. So with them coming in and making a gospel album, how come Tonex can’t leave and make himself a into a Rock star. He needs to stop confusing young people about he being a christian. He can go and be that Black homosexual punk rock Rockstar that he REALLY wants to be. Have you seen to last CD Cover? Yea my point EXACTLY!
….AND SECOND…My man Fred.. you don’t know what you’re talking about. I know I know, ye without sin cast to the first stone. We all fall short of the glory of GOD, BUT Fred you’re the one that’s wild! You can’t tell me that Homosexual living is what GOD wants for his people. You can say, “the Gospel is supposed to be good news” all you want, it still doesn’t make it right! Do I have to go Sunday School on you….OK. In the Beginning GOD created who? YOU KNOW!!! lol I KNOW YOU KNOW!! ADAM AND STEVE…AHH NO. Say it with me (MAN) ADAM AND (WOMAN) EVE. SO, If you say This is my Bible, I am what it says I am, and you say that you’re a christian, and christians believe in the bible, and what I just said to you IS IN THE BEGINNING of the Bible, then how can you say that homosexual living is pleasing to GOD? HHUUMM? Oh well, just a thought…

By the way that means that GOD made Woman for Man, and only they should be together.

It would be a sad state in Christianity when sin isn’t “pointed out.” Matthew 18:15-17 is a clear indictment against those who sin and the church’s role in disciplining those who are in sin. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 commands their church to remove a man who is in sin (a man having his father’s wife). Paul “points out” the sin of homosexuality in Romans 1. You see, the Good News is certainly “good” for those who know Christ, but to those who are perishing, those who are in sin, the gospel brings condemnation. Homosexuality, which is an affront against the Genesis account of creation and the role of the man and the woman in the order of God, is clearly condemned in Scripture. Of course, there are those who wish to twist Scripture to suit their sin, and Peter warns us of this in 2 Peter 3:16. If the conscientious believer is truly seeking truth, he or she would have to understand who God is, what He demands, and be willing to obey. A gay man or woman is not beyond God’s reach and, yes, God is able to deliver them from homosexuality if the individual truly wants to be delivered.

God imposes on all believers high standards of purity and sancitification, just because sexual sin is accepted by some, the true delievers don’t have to compromise the truth and holiness of God. We don’t have to lower the standards to accommodate the flesh. The church needs God’s standard of righteousness, not the worlds. Some of the body of Christ have gone beyond what is right,where is the separation from the world. God desires Holiness. We have to restore Tonex’. We’re in a war!
Salvation provided by Christ and His Atoning Blood is not adequate to save us from the bondage and power of sin. Is that what we’re saying?
We are enabled through Christ’s shed blood on the cross, to be cleanse from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Where is our deep conviction?

Fred, you said:
“What are we supposed to do. repent every five minutes. You can’t help being gay. It’s like repenting for blinking. you guys are wild.”
Well, repentance is a commitment to turn away from sin. If there is no desire to turn away than there is no repentance. Regardless if it is homosexuality, adultery (which even lustful thoughts makes us guilty of), stealing, lying, etc, if one isn’t willing to recognize the gravity of sin and chooses to indulge it, there is no true repentance and thus no salvation.

i believe that god loves all….im a heterosexual female but that has nothing to do with my beliefs and im christian as well…but i just believe in my heart that we all will be judged the same for our sins …and his sexuality does not determine wether or not he’s a horrible person or the way he dresses or wears his hair i like tonex always have i think he’s real he was as honest as he could possibly be and you know what everyone needs to look towards the cross not at tonex and what he does in his bedroom….you go ahead tonex keep preaching the gospel keep singing your voice is incredible and just be who you are you are loved here in my house i will continue to support your music and i will definitely keep you in prayer….GOD BLESS!!!!!!!

God has given us many examples in His word and no man is without excuse, scripture reveals man’s part in his own damnation or salvation. It is God’s will that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. We who profess to be a Christian ought to be the example of light to the world which is in darkness, not be a part of the darkness. We are to give light to the world by our good works that the world may know that we are Christ’s desciples. Yet we hear and see many that profess to be Christ’s, and they are engaging in all manner of unrighteousness. But, thank God! Not every Christian is causing their brothers and sister to backslide with them in sin, some are holding the family of God accountable in Love, we don’t need to seek after things that will defile our hearts and make us prey to the enemy. Why do we seek to damn our own soul which Christ had already purchased with His own blood? I thank God that he loves me, but that does not excuse what I do, to offend the Throne of Grace.

Lexi,
Thank you for sharing this very candid and at times uncomfortable interview. I was a little disappointed to hear Tonex attempt to justify “covenant” relationships between same sex couples. As the interview progressed, I began to really hear what Tonex was saying. Thank God for his courage. I heard his heart when he said he asked GOD to take it because he didn’t want it. I heard his heart when he said he didn’t know what GOD had in store for him. I heard his heart when he said God has a way of turning things around. I heard hope and sincerity. I don’t believe in homosexuality and the word is clearly opposed to the lifestyle,but I do know, GOD loves him no less than he loves a heterosexual.So,I must love him as well. Praying for and loving Tonex in Jesus name.

Well, even though I disagree with his behavior, at least he isn’t hiding anymore like some other gospel artists [names edited out]

TB -
I had to edit out the names you posted – comment moderation requires that or delete the comment, which I definitely didn’t want to do. Can’t “out” anyone via comments.
I had someone in the industry tell me that homosexuality is reeeeaaaalllly prevelent in the gospel community, and another person tell me that if Christian music fans knew how many Christian music artists were gay they’d have to throw away half their music collection.
Joanne
host of the GS blog

I’ve never met anyone in the Church that DEMANDS that their carnal sins be accepted and celebrated EXCEPT homosexuals.

Honesty? This guy is as far from honesty as it gets.
He knows the Apostolic truth. He rejects it and desires to encourage others to engage in homosexuality.
Start a new religion Tonex and be “honest” about that.
No way should you be a Pastor of anyone. If you want to be in the Church, go sit in a pew and follow a true Pastor.

What we’re witnessing is the cleverly hidden forbidden
Some of us want to know but don’t have His Spirit to listen
No sin is honorable to where we can bury commitment
He made a promise but we’re honestly terribly distant
More than a law to show the world we take care of His business
The Word’s an alter but we falter and err in religion
We love to sin and hate the seed we know as consequences
Carnality is overloading overbloated senses
Translation: We have to stop feeling our way through this thing and stop justifying what we feel just because we’re too weak to admit that we’re displeasing God. The sense realm is the killing field of more than we care to count. Denominations are dividing the body of Christ by giving voice to anything that appears spiritual. The problem? The voices are coming from broken records. The message being repeated is playing on our compassioniate nature and we’re reasoning with death. Sin = Separation from God. Is that clear?

How exactly is loving another human being and expressing it a carnal sin?? If it builds both parties up, then what exactly is the problem? It’s hard enough to try and find another person who ‘gets you’ without people like Mere-Christian judging. The reason why gay people want to be accepted and celebrated is because they are NOT sinning any more than a straight relationship. And straight relationships are constantly accepted and celebrated. It’s about equality. They don’t see it as anything less. You might. And that’s fine for you. But it’s all in the viewpoint. People should be respected, not put down for who they are. Yes, being gay is intrinsic and being in a relationship is good for the person’s emotional, mental, and physical well being if that is what they want. There is no crime. No one is being harmed. Seems the nly by only ones harming are conservative Christians.
Tonex seems to be figuring this out. Too bad others are taking longer.

Well.. wow Im in total and utter shock. I had no idea that Tonex had to go through wat he had to go through, and u cant judge him for having those thoughts b/c ur not God. So plz dnt judge Tonex and telling him that he isnt a real preacher is just really disrespectful. B/c all u no he could have been saved and delivered from all of those sins, hense his song MAke Me Over. Do u think he wrote that song just for nothing?????… No of course not so plz liten up alittle and give the man some room to breath. B/c he is doing wat God has called him to do and i really appreciate his songs and how they’ve touch my life. So Tonex plz keep your faith in the Lord who has only ur best at heart and keep moving forward and dnt look bac.
PS. I love(wat i call) the double duo gift that God has given you. Which is u can preach and sing . Its a blessing

Tonex’ is living his life out of the desires of his own flesh and desires.
“And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.(Romans 1:27)
Any nation that justifies homosexuality or lesbianism as an acceptable life-style is in its final stages of moral corruption.
“Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:(Romans 1:24)
Tonex’ is not asking for help, or counseling. He’s justifying his sins to the world. He is a deceiver, and he’s leading many astray. My love for Tonex’ is the Truth of God’s Word. Like Jesus death on the cross and the Blood that was shed was for all of our sin. His Word will keep us from sinning, if we want to be. Believers should never assume that a ministry or spiritual experience is of God merely because one claims it is.
The result of failing to put to death the sinful deeds of the body is spiritual death and the loss of inheritance in the kingdom of God. Sin is always striving to regain control over us. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit keep it clean.

Really to be honest with ya, id don’t care if he’s gay, or straight, the guy is still a beast in music!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Those that name the name of Christ, should care about our brothers, and sister who backslide, and pray for deliverance of their sins. It is a deception of the devil, to call that which is right wrong, and that which is wrong right. All the devil has to offer is the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. God gives us gifts and talents, and He’s the same God who can allow them to be taken away, we must obey the Word of God. There’s no exception!

Being in the mental health and shelter system I have seen gay people I can tell you that I was watching this one woman and she kept saying that her father always rejected her I think she was gay because she simply wasn’t a boy like the father wanted. I was molested too and struggled with bisexual tendesies. The only way I got out lustful temptations was counseling I talked to a minister and the struggles went away. I also struggled with suicide and was diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression.

If I can do it I know you can too. God will make a way!

To Danasja:The bible says “The thief cometh not,but fpr to steal,and to kill,and to destroy:I am come that they might have life.and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Satan is the thief and when it comes to trying to destroy God precious people,he is not going to “liten up.” So as Christians,we can’t liten up.Don’t get me wrong,I love Tonex too. Love hi music. But i love him too much to watch him go to hell and say nothing. I hope someone in the body of Christ Love me that way.Don’t watch me live my life in error,and not speak a correcting word,in love of course. Tonex is gifted,true.But the bible also says “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”(Romans 11:29) So we could still go to hell,gifts and all if we are in sin.So lets love Tonex enough to point him to the true Word of God.If God says homosexuality is a sin then it is SO. IT’S SIN!!!

I think it has alot to do with his molestation! People it’s a sin which is no greater than any other but a sin of a man who is giving in th lustful desires! We all do that from time to time, but his struggle will be great if he consciencously continue on this path! No sin is not accepted by God when we do it without conviction. He knows we are not perfect, but also know our hearts and if his heart is into staying on this path then between him and God! I love him and want the best for him, and I will continue pray for him!We have to stop this justification stuff to make us feel good about the life we choose to live! We all have desires, but once you give it it will be that much harder getting back on track!I love you Tonex!

Jesus said, “As it was in the days of Sodom, so shall it be in the days of the coming of the son of man. It seems that this young man does not want anyone to interfere with his choice…and at this point his choice is to live in sin. He knows what the bible says and he’s making a choice. He makes so much sense when he says that the congregation will have knowledge of a person being homosexual and still allow that person to minister to their spirit. God help us all.

This is very interesting. Sure there is freedom in telling the truth, but there is also greater freedom in living the truth of God according to His word. Tonex appears to be confused about the truth of how horrible his sin is. He almost seems to think that there is nothing wrong with having gay inclinations. That is very problematic, and if he is pastoring I’d suggest he step down and get his life straight before he continues.

Christians need to stop this non-sense. God is clear about sin… All sin! Tonex need to be prayed for not rallied behind and supported in his perversions. The fact he is a pastor of a church is insane and not to mention dangerous. If he remains in his current state he is going to hell and he is going to be taking a lot of people with him.

it is disheartening that the very man i just chose as my mentor is perverted. i mean it’s discouraging and appalling that tonex at his level could sink so low. i am provoked in my spirit, but then he needs prayer and not to be judged. Tonex God will deliver you, nonetheless i still love and respect him and i think the church of God should help him out and save him from destruction. Tonex i love you but you need help

Let the man live in peace. Obviously he’s in pain. Perhaps if church did more praying than preyin’, then perhaps this brother would come back alot sooner than later. Let Love Rule. Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner, has anyone heard of that one?

Please know that God is not mocked, whatever a man sows he will reap. He has sown unrighteousness and he will reap the devil’s hell. I hate it for him, but if he really knew his Bible, he would rush to repent and
get God’s help to remove all sin in his life. He’s in danger of the worst punishment of the whole entire
world… separation from God and living in eternity tormented by demons and hell’s fires.. Sad….but true

Prov 14:12 – There is a way that seems right to a man, but it leads to death.
Tonex is going off his own desires and wants. And sadly, others are following him because his view points matches their (which is the problem).
Instead, they should be matching their view points with Gods word.
Romans 1:26-27 (read 21-27 for a clearer meaning)
And Tonex should read 1 Timothy 3:1-5. Should be a Husband of 1 WIFE (pastoring).
Final words: Pray with a censer heart, & ask God to reveal what He is say, instead of your own.

I have been to many website regarding this matter and i was very sad to hear the news of Tonex. This interview is very sad he endured alot of pain, however, SIN is SIN! People measure sin but in the eyesight of God my sin is EQUAL! Life does truly take us thru so many difficult journeys but God’s word is God’s word, although we change His word remains the SAME! No matter how well Mr Tonex interviewed he still has to abide by God’s word just like i do. We have to stand bold in the last days and stop justifying OUR wrong doings, even me Lord! God has warned us of thesed perilous times and last & evil days, false prophets, fables etc! I will continue to keep you lifted my brother because we are part of the BODY of Christ together! Be Encouraged and not Discouraged. People are going to do wat they do by judging you but in the end they do NOT and i repeat, do NOT matter! You have to much God in you and He is not going to allow you to have those feelings and be comfortable in your spirit, you know He is going to chastise you as well as me til we get right because we have to much left to DO! Will be keeping u lifted in JESUS name! Prevailing 4 u as well! Blessings!

Remember people we all are in danger of hell if we are not living according to God’s word! So make sure your HOUSE is in order u all are just looking @ homosexual but if u are engaging in sex outside of marriage, or having kids out of wedlock, or sleeping with someone spouse, or coveting others possessions, or gossiping, or judging, or stealing, or lying, and the list goes on! It is bad as well! All sin is EQUAL in God’s eyesight. Tonex is not going to get a worser punishment for homosexuality than anyone else who is doing the sins that i listed. Lets continue to keep working on OURSELVES and to continue praying for TONEX! People condemn but God convicts there is a difference! Blessings…..

Love that man for being honest and truthful. We all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. Not all make it public.
If we are honest with ourselves we all have something we are hiding and it is between us and God.
I do not condone what He is doing being a pastor while he is dealing with homosexuality as it is a poor representation and we are called to be separate however, he has confessed, and believes that Jesus is Lord and I am sure he is very repentant because the practice of homosexuality is completely against Gods will for us but I do believe that God loves Him and if He confesses His sin to God and believes in Him for all things He will go to heaven. The theif on the cross did not have an opportunity to change his lifestyle yet Jesus said he would be with him in paradise.
Lets not be overly judgmental here. Hate the sin not the sinner. God’s will is that none perish. Also He resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. I see no pride in him only humility. Remember that much.

I just watched your interview with Tonex and I love and respect you for the way you conducted it and conducted yourself. Hopefully, interviews such is this will make people understand that human sexuality is much more complex than the traditional black/white distinction between hetero and homo would imply. It appears that Tonex falls somewhere in a grey area which would explain that for him his identity is an ongoing struggle which probably will continue for as long as he lives. For many of us though, our identity is clear, is something we have known for as long as we can remember, and most certainly is NOT a matter of CHOICE. For those of us who fall in that category the struggle is not so much to know what our identity is but how to come to terms with it and live in honesty with ourselves and with our community and with society at large. It would help if our community and society at large wouldn’t judge us by our identity – which just like gender and ethnicity is not a matter of choice – but by how we behave ourselves. It would help if our community and society would find it a cause for celebration and not for condemnation if one of us chooses to commit him/herself – his/her future,soul,body – to another person.

Here’s the thing Tonex is still not transparent as he claims, it’s not boldly coming out of the closet and saying this is who I’m world you can accept it or not!!!!!!!! No,no,no it’s saying with humility I’ve sinned before God and I’m sorry, I’m struggling in my sin and with The Lords help He will deal with me and bring me out of my sin. The world is always saying “look this is what I’m and if you don’t like it screw you” and now that type of bold ignorance has leaked in to the church, yes I know Tonex has not said this literally but it seems to me the tones are there. If there is no change in the heart or just some change we can’t blame or point out others sin’s………….that just passing the buck even if what we’re pointing out in others is totally true, but what it really comes down to is Christ deal’s with your sin first, he cleans you up first, that’s where I feel Tonex missing the boat, he should have stepped down from being a Pastor because he’s still dealing with his sin, he can’t dodge question’s like are “you sleeping with men” because God is concerned with your sex life, how your dress and how you act because that’s all a part of who you are. Donnie McKirkland is an excellent example and I don’t need to go any further. I ‘m glad for Tonex on one level that he’s dealing with his sin on a surface level in all honesty most Christian’s deal with sin on a surface level, it feels freeing at first BUT the sin remains and there in-lies the struggle and pull of sin we all deal with. He doesn’t need the the demon of homosexuality cased out of him, I’m sooooooooooooooooo sick of that abuse………….what he needs is total surrender of his sin to Jesus Christ. Even though I completely disagree with his approach and my heart goes out to him in what he has been through I believe that head is in the right place (but the heart has to follow) and there for I believe Christ will him redeem he completely.

I was so encouraged this week as a popular singer and pastor came to our country and spoke about his struggles with homosexuality and his deliverence from it.
His says God taught him that although he had homosexual desires, God told him that he needed to hate the things that he hated within himself. I was very encouraged and thought the same thing about us ourselves, at times it’s hard to hate the sinful strongholds and urges we have in ourselves, but we need to be people who have the same view as our father in heaven. I think Tonex, like all of us,with amazing gifting in areas, need to hate the things that God hates in ourselves, besides the desires we have.

God loves us all and wants the best for us, we don’t get rid of sin for the good of God, because he is already perfect in Himself, we do it for ourselves and for other people who are watching us.

This morning after dragging myself out of bed, I stumbled into my living room and sat down in front of my computer in order to check my email. After wiping the sleep from my eyes, I was shocked when I read an email from BlackPlanet.com and Newsone.com disclosing the fact that DeJuaii Pace (a renowned gospel singer, a member of the famous Pace Sisters) had just announced to the entire world that she is a lesbian and has been suppressing her natural inclinations since the age of four. The article also mentioned the fact that she would be telling her story of how she had overcome her food addiction and had come to terms with her sexuality this Tuesday on the OWN Network (owned and operated by Oprah Winfrey).

As I finished reading the article, I immediately scrolled down to the comment section of the article (s) to get some type of idea as to what other reader’s reactions would be, regarding DeJuaii’s disclosure. I have to tell you that after reading several of the comments, my heart literally sunk into the pit of my stomach, due to the fact that the comments were filled with so much hatred and homophobic venom. The comments were so extreme until it made me ashamed to even refer to myself as a Christian! Nothing that anyone had to say even mirrored anything that looked, acted or sounded like the love of God! And the most offensive thing of all was that they did it in the name of Jesus, and felt justified in doing so! Anyone who knows anything about Christianity or the Bible will tell you that love is kind, patient, forgiving, not boastful, never arrogant, edifies and never destroys!

DeJuaii, like thousands of African-American children, grew up in a Pentecostal, holiness environment and any notion of even sleeping with a man before wedlock was completely out of the question and frowned upon by the Church in every way. If a young woman would come up pregnant, she would immediately be ostracized from the church and/or prohibited from participating in any aspect of ministry until she had come before the entire congregation to repent and ask forgiveness, possibly then, she could be reinstated.

Instead of DeJuaii, yielding to the temptation of sleeping with a male or a female (like most contemporary Christians do) she did something that most of us could never fathom, and that was to remain sexually inactive. Even today, at the age of 45, she is still a virgin.

Tonex, now known as B. Slade was also publically and ruthlessly attacked by his gospel peers, (and so-called brothers and sisters in Christ) after disclosing that he was a same-gender-loving Christian man. Almost immediately, other gospel artists (who had claimed to be die-hard friends and fans) began to venomously slander him and quickly distanced themselves from him. Furthermore, they could even be heard in public arenas referring to him as a pervert, sexual vampire and heretic!

Ray Boltz, a renowned Gospel singer and composer, who sold about 4.5 million records before retiring from the Christian music industry a few years ago, rocked the Evangelical world after he disclosed to the world that he was also gay. Like DeJuaii Pace, Ray’s life was plummeting into a valley of despair, and deep depression, and he almost committed suicide; the result of having suppressed his sexual preference for most of his life. In his own words Ray reveals the deep emotional trauma, mental anguish, and agony that he suffered for years while in ministry:

“I’d denied it ever since I was a kid,” Boltz said, then 55. I became a Christian, I thought that was the way to deal with this and I prayed hard and tried for 30-some years and then at the end, I was just going, I’m still gay. I know I am. And I just got to the place where I couldn’t take it anymore — when I was going through all this darkness, I thought, ‘Just end this! ”

And that is exactly what thousands of children, teens and young adults have done over the past few decades, “They simply got tired of trying to change something about themselves that was a natural as their skin color or as an inherent as their musical gifts and abilities, which birthed some of the world’s most anointed gospel music,” – They just simply gave up and ended their mental and emotional torment by committing suicide! Had Tonex (aka B. Slade), DeJuaii Pace and Ray Boltz done the same, the world would have suffered a loss that they could have never recovered from or ever recreated! You see, we are all uniquely placed on this planet with a divine destiny and a divine purpose that only each of us individually can fulfill.

When the Ted Haggard and the Bishop Eddie Long scandal came out the entire Christian world was shocked and devastated after it was alleged that these revered spiritual leaders had been accused of engaging in gay sex. But if the truth be told, there are thousands of same-gender-loving people in the church (functioning in every aspect of ministry) and there always have been! Suffice it to say, if all same-gender-loving people would leave the church and/or refuse to participate in any aspect of ministry, hundreds, if not thousands of ministries would shut down!

Wednesday night, while in the midst of teaching Bible Study, I came across this marvelous scripture in the Bible, found in the book of St. John, Chapter 4, vs. 24

“God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [Him] in spirit and in truth.”

Nobody in the world will ever be able to convince me that we are worshipping Him in Spirit and in truth hiding who we really are, in a closet of self-rejection and denial. Moreover, we do this because we fear being rejected by the world. Yet, I must admit that this is exactly what countless heterosexual Christians do all the time. They may not be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, but they sleep around with everybody and anybody which accounts for much of the spread of Std’s and HIV in the African-American community today. They cheat on their husbands and wives, engage in unethical business practices daily and neglect their children. Yet, hypocritically, they are quick to point the finger at someone like DeJuaii, whom by the way is living a celibate and holy life! Makes you wonder just what is wrong with our ability to discern truth and walk in it.

On one occasion (in Biblical times) the people of the city brought a woman to Jesus whom had been caught in adultery, demanding that she be stoned. Instead of condemning her, Jesus quietly knelt down and began scribbling something in the sand. Many theologians believe that he was scribbling all the names of the people in the crowd who had slept with her and were just as guilty; hoping she would be stoned to death so that their sexual involvement with her would never be publically revealed. After a few minutes the crowds dispersed having left their stones lying in the street.

Jesus, immediately arose and asked the woman this question, “Woman, where are thine accusers?” She answered by saying, “They are gone!” He responded by saying, “Neither do I condemn thee…”

The other night I sat in a dimly lit room devastated by the fact that one of my most beloved friends refused to participate in an upcoming musical Christmas CD project with me, solely because I am a gay man. But what is most astounding is that this same person has been married over four times and has slept with more women on the planet than any self respecting God-fearing Christian man would dare to claim in good conscience. Ironically, he still is not living a celibate life, even though he claims to be a die-hard Christian!

And even though I have experienced this type of rejection all of my life, I must admit that it still hurts when someone you love rejects you in this manner. I was able to recover from the rejection but that is not the case for many same-gender-loving believers in the church who sit there Sunday after Sunday hearing sermons that reinforce self-hatred and brainwash people into believing that the Creator does not love them. Moreover, I sadly wonder how many more people will jump off bridges, take overdoses, eat themselves to death or shoot themselves in the head with a gun before the church wakes up and truly learns to walk in love.

By Terry Angel Mason, Global Author
http://WWW.TERRYANGELMASON.COM