Ray Boltz’s ‘yoke’

In 1986, award-winning singer-songwriter Ray Boltz wrote these powerful lyrics:

Standing up on the outside Falling down within Looking righteous as a Pharisee But filled with guilt and sin Trying to walk with Jesus On a straight and narrow road And holding onto this world I just could not let go That's such a heavy load

Come and break the yoke, Lord Come and set this child free Come tear down the walls of pride And all I hide beneath Freedom always came to those Who received the word You spoke I received Your word

Break the yoke I received Your word Break the yoke

Last Friday, the Washington Blade published an exclusive interview revealing that the singer had “come out” and shared his struggle with homosexuality. In it he revealed that he has divorced his wife of 33 years and is now dating and living “a normal gay life.”

Boltz writes on his blog:

A few years ago I made the decision to retire from contemporary Christian music. I had won awards, performed in front of thousands of people, and sold millions of records. Still, I believed that if people knew who I really was, I would never be accepted. During the last few years I've learned that there are many people who feel the same way I did. One church in particular has helped me in many ways. The Metropolitan Community Church was started forty years ago by Rev. Troy Perry in the Los Angeles area and has an outreach to the LGTB (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community.

So how should the Christian community respond? Here are some thoughts . . .

1. Compassion and confrontation

"Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself" (Galatians 6:1).

We must never minimize a lifestyle that God labels an “abomination” and “detestable,” but at the same time, we must "gently and humbly" offer . . .

2. Hope and healing

"Those who indulge in sexual sin . . . or practice homosexuality . . . will [not] inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corithians 6:9-12).

As Ray’s own words sang out:

Freedom always came to those Who received the word You spoke I received Your word Break the yoke.

I pray for my brother that the many songs he wrote showing the way to “freedom” will in return minister to him and "set this child free." And, hopefully, to use his songwriting talents to provide hopeful and healing music about the power to "break the yoke" of any sin.

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Comments (30)

This reminds me of trying to define "it" a few years ago during the Monica/Clinton thing. MCC thinks that the word "homosexuality" in the Bible refers to a certain type of homosexual behavior while many traditional Christians define it as all same-sex romantic relationship.

The debate over whether homosexuality is a biological or psychological inclination continues to influence how we see gay people and how they see themselves. When the sum total of how we view an individual rests on sexual orientation it becomes more difficult to find common ground, form friendships, and live out Christ's love in all the other areas of life.

There is also a level of shame associated with homosexuality in the Christian community that does not seem to accompany other sins. As a community the church seems more willing to restore some sinners while shunning others. The "gentle and humble" part seems like a real challenge in an environment where any position other than total endorsement is viewed as "hate."

All these factors make it difficult for homosexuals to feel welcome in a church that might have a hope of restoring them.
That's your first problem... You define homosexuality as sin. I don't, and neither does Ray, nor do MANY brilliant Bible scholars, theologians and pastors. if you really study your Bible with correct hermeneutics and exegesis, you will understand that there's nothing in Scripture that condemns same-gender, loving, committed relationships. Do you homework, people, and start acting like the guy you claim the name of.

Gandhi said it best: "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ." As a lover of Jesus, and a Christ follower of 38 years, I have to agree with Gandhi. The church embarasses me and makes me (and Jesus) weep. Where is your love and compassion for all people? Why do you judge when Jesus calls us not to? Take the log out of your eye! Please.
Uh, the Bible is very clear that a man was made to marry his wife. The Bible is very clear about homosexuality. Anything or anyone who says homosexuality is Biblically accepted is plain wrong. I do agree that the church is homophobic. We need to deal with homosexuality like we do any of the other sins.

But yeah, homosexuality is plainly and boldly a sin.
Does it really make much sense to take cues on Christianity from Ghandi? He was a good guy and all, but he didn't even believe in Jesus.

You don't have to be a brilliant theologian to see that many churches treat homosexuals poorly, but that doesn't mean the church's ancient recognition of homosexual activity as a sin is any less important. The Gospel of Jesus is an awkward thing; we all feel the need to try and smooth it out so that it jibes with their life's intentions. Part of faith, as far as I see it, is rejecting the inclination to read what we want and mistake the passion we feel for our interpretation as 'faith'.

We didn't invent this religion; we don't get to choose what is or isn't sinful just because it clashes with our lately-cultivated sense of liberal propriety. Theologians, brilliant or otherwise, who do so, are being irresponsible by teaching people what we'd all Like to believe, instead of what the Bible actually says and means. Homosexuality has been around since before the Bible was even written: do you really think that 2,000 years ago, if committed gay relationships were just as normal in Jewish culture as they are today in the West, that we, as a church forged formatively in persecution, would have just developed amnesia about it?

I have a hard time believing that.

You can, of course, believe that homosexuals deserve to be happy, that God loves them, etc, and all Christians should.: but it seems to me to be a hell of a stretch to say that homosexuality is endorsed by the Bible, or by Jesus' ministry. He wasn't the all-loving, wandering hippie guru type that some people want to remake him as - THAT is a nice, comfortable, modern-day cultural delusion (from nowhere else but America..) that's easy to want to be true, but doesn't fit with his life or his times. Lots of brilliant scholars, theologians pastors and average everyday people make their opinions the last word on the Bible and try to reboot Christianity based on their new platform of revisions; this has gone on for thousands of years, and the resulting schism as people wrestle followers from one another is something the early Church also warned us about. If the church and other believers around you embarrass you, you should ask yourself (and then ask yourself again) why you're so quick to assume it's they who've completely missed crucial aspects of Jesus' teaching.
I wish I knew how to contact Mr boltz. I am a 44 yar old man who understands his struggle because I also live it. It is extremely difficult. and a hard road to walk. His music has been an inspiration to me, and many others. I find myself singing some of those lyrics frequently. I have come to accept that it is probably not Gods wil to deliver me from homosexual attraction. I have no idea where it comes from, if its genetic or a result of some learned behavior, or early childhhod trauma- which I can see both of in my family history, and in my own history. However, I also believe it is not Gods will for me to act on this behavior, and I believe that there is something better for me. I still try to live a life according to what I Ibelieve to be God's will,. For me that means a sexually pure life. I fail sometimes. I keep trying. Mr boltz- I pray that you also will keep trying. What people like us need is for people to step forward and have the courage to say , "Yes, I have homosexual attractions, but I strive to lead a sexually pure life, and we need examples of people who are succeeding at this. We do not need condemnation, we do not need people to tell us we can be delivered from this through prayer alone or any "repairative therapy". What we need in these difficult times is some modern day saints, who have had success in surrendering completely to God and in letting go of their lust toward others of the same sex. It does not mean I won't have it anymore. It means I accept it, and give it to God. We need to accept ourselves for who we are, to love ourselves, and to believe compeletely in Gods love for us. Our society tells us we are wrong to not "be who we are". God tells me this is not who I am. God has given me many graces in my stgruggle, many things to give me the strength to continue. I'm sure he did that for Mr boltz as well. His music tells me that. I have partcipated in " the homosexual life" and life style. It leaves me empty. God calls us to be holy. I do not see holiness in the acts It have committed. But I see hope and forgiveness each time I have returned to God. This is not the worst cross I could have to bear, It is just that, a cross. Mr Boltz had a loving wife and children to help him bear this. What a blessing. He even stated that his marriage was a mostly happy. this shows it is not impossible to be homosexual and be married. I do not have that gift, but I am blessed.I pray that Mr. Boltz can become an inspiration by giving up his new life of homoseuality, not embracing it. Thank you for you music Ray, Thank you for giving to the Lord, for your music changed me. Please consider this, and may God Bless you.
Awesome testimony and statement. Thank you very much for sharing!!
Francis - thanks for your comments. I too share this struggle and I find your viewpoint balanced and inspirational.
In my personal walk I have come to view this struggle as a blessing because it keeps me close to God.
I pray for the day when men and women struggling with this sin will be welcome in our churches.
May God bless you and may you be one of those modern day saints.


Francis, I appreciate your comments so much. Your testimony resonates not just with homosexuals, but with people like me, having struggled with (hetero)sexual issues for the majority of my life. May God pour out an extra measure of grace and strength to you as you seek to glorify Him!
Thank you Chris, Rick, pcg for your encouragement and prayers.
Francis you are a legend mate. You so obviously love the Lord and I can only imagine how hard it must be. Keep going, you WILL be rewarded greatly.
Have you ever heard a guy called Tony Robbins? I can't recommend him enough. Get his stuff on belief systems it will change your life. I just spent 4 days at his seminar and my life as a christian has just gone about a 100 levels deeper with God. This guy is the real deal and also has an intense love for God. As Nike said: Just Do It. and to paraphrase: - Just Did It.
Francis,
I appreciate your comment, i too have that same experience. Homosexuality is not who we are, it is what we do. At least, i think that is what the bible condemns, the behavior. Just as a murderer is only condemned when he actually murders. We can live happy lives in God's will for our sexuality. I left a homosexual lifestyle and now have a wife and three children who accept my testimony and love me more than anything else in the world. God is Good and It just shows that regardless of popular views, men are leading happy lives contrary to homosexual feelings. We definitely have to keep mr boltz in prayer, wishing him God's will.
I am happy for Ray Boltz. He is who and what God created him to be. However, he was not a whole person until he was able to be the man he was created to be. I will continue to life him up in prayer. It will be a shame that the same church he ministered to will now not acknowledge him nor let him sing in their churches. I'm sure God will continue to use him in other ministries.
Blessings too you Ray.
Ray has freedom and he still is faithful. Thank him for his courage to be honest.
Two comments:

1. Throughout Scripture (from Genesis to Revelation) marriage between a man and woman is viewed as a symbol of the intimate relationship God wants to have with His people. That's why He "hates" divorce and condemns adultery and homosexual behavior.

2. God's image is revealed in both genders. His character is so complex that to reflect that image, He created "male and female" in his image (Genesis 1:27). Homosexual bonds bend the image of God out of shape.

Using very creative hermaneutics, some scholars argue that loving homosexual unions are pleasing to God. But overlooking the obvious verses that declare the acts "detestable" and "an abominiation," the larger, overall perspective is that male and female intimacy in marriage is God's ideal and that all else (adultery, polygamy, bestiality and homosexual acts) "fall short of God's glory."
The first issue to get out of the way before we consider his homosexuality is the fact that he left his wife of 33 years so he could date. If he had left her for another woman would we be applauding his courage?
Leviticus 20: 13; If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. He further said to love one another, so gently and kindly let your homosexual friends know that what they do is a sin and detestable to God. All of us want to be accepted for who we are. That's why so many homosexuals want to be married, so that the will be accepted by others. No one knows how close another person is to God, but we do know that if you sin, we are to help you not sin anymore. We all sin and fall short of what God wants for us. So continue to try and not sin. In God's Grace John
Do animals hang with their own sex? Give me a break people. I can be tempted by a lot of things, if I give into those temptations I have sinned. Whatever happened to resisting tempation? The color of the church today is GRAY. The temperature of the church today is LUKEWARM.
Drew, I'm not disagreeing with the general tenor of your post, and I don't know if you were asking seriously, but same-sex behavior (not sure what is the correct term for it in this case) is not unknown among animals:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H...

Just to make the issue a bit more complicated :/
by hanging with their own kind-I meant life long reproducing relationships...to my knowledge recruiting is the gay form of reproduction. Rome has come upon us. study the turning point of Rome towards destruction and you will find that homosexuality was prominent. to my knowledge I don't see any references of the USA in Revelation or Daniel.
It's not "recruiting"; people seduce people.

Out, homosexual guys do what their hormones tell them and show their interest to the guys they're into, and sometimes that means that they end up sleeping with guys who still swear that they aren't same-sex-attracted and don't wish to identify themselves as gay.

It's not a magic trick. Lots of guys call themselves straight and still find themselves attracting and being attracted to men.

Lots of guys discover that they're into the same sex at the same age that the rest of us discover that they're into the opposite. It happens during a time of life that gays and straights alike undeniably share: childhood.

Gay people don't recruit. There isn't a "They", a conspiracy of gay orthodoxy out there waiting to prey on your children; just lots of individual people who are into 'similarly equipped' people. The idea that there is a "they" who are "recruiting" comes out of a lack of perspective: lots of gays come out of the closet as young men, so it seems to outsiders that they've "changed" - and lots of gay folks have gotten together to protest and educate people about what being gay actually is, increasing the visibility of the Stereotypical Gay and Lesbian that we're all so familiar with. Like any group of activists / co-religionists, some "supporters" are actually crazy as all-get-out, and say things that make everybody else look bad, or that attract attention but don't increase anybody's understanding at all.

If you ever get the impression that the Gay Elite have conspired to take over the media and convert your kids to Fabulous! with the power of the Devil and Sodomy, just ask yourself: am I a heterosexual elite? Do I seduce strangers to promote my sexual preference, in the belief that there will be "more straights for everyone"? Or do I just live my life like everybody else, and occasionally write checks to charities that I hope are doing the right thing for everyone?

Human sexuality isn't incomprehensible.
Actually drew monkeys and pigs do 'hang' with their own sex. Weird but true. Go and spend some time in the rural areas and you'll see what I mean.
I thank you all for writing your hearts. I am new here, and the many different opinions help put all of this in perspective for me. I have a simular problem, a thorn in my side, but God's Grace is sufficient for me. As long as I ask Him for it. Sin can run away with you if you let it, and Satan can fill your head with excuses and false justification until you believe what your doing is pleaseing to God. All we can do is pray for Ray, remind him of God's Word and what it tells us about sin. We should do the same for everyone who has a thorn in their side, for often times we get caught up with the sight of the thorn, or trying to remove it ourselves. Ray Boltz has a website, www.rayboltz.com. I'm sure we can all send words of encouragement to him through that.
I could never be a Christian. Jesus was a good and wonderful Jew but I couldn't join Christianity and condemn homosexuals for their natural sexuality - ie what nature gave them - but eat shellfish, meat with blood, cut hair, break the sabbath and do a number of "sinful" things listed in Leviticus. I think the sin is to pressure the homosexual to live a lie in guilt or pressure the homosexual to vow celebracy with guilt about their feelings or convince them to "heal" themselves by "renouncing" their homosexuality and becoming "normal" - as if that was possible. Why not be honest and celebrate the life God has given them and be good members of society free to commit to a homosexual relationship as feels natural.
Dear Steph, if one were to believe that the world is in decay since the Fall and since sin came into the world (and I do at least) then it stands to reason that homosexuality is a result of that Fall/Sin. I'm only a human being and I can't be arrogant enough to tell God what is right and wrong. But I do know that there is a devil and he is the original cause of ALL sin but we can also take a large part of the credit too. We make choices that are generated from false belief systems created in us by the lies of the world. I think guilt comes from the devil. He wants us to suffer mentally and will use anybody and I reckon he loves to use us christians to do his work for him. My wife and I have a few gay friends and we love them very much however we don't like their lifestyle but we have never nor ever will judge them. We LIVE our lives as Jesus wanted. Talk is cheap.

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