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what's the Bible say about
homosexuality?
Leviticus 18:22 --- Do not practice homosexuality; it is a detestable sin. The Bible is clear about homosexuality. God says it's a sin.
Violence acted out by citizens toward homosexual people is wrong. It is not Christ-like. God will in His time judge the person who commits the violence for (1) the hate within his heart and (2) his violent actions. God loves homosexual people as much as He loves heterosexual people (John 3:16). We are all sinners. A holy God cannot overlook our sin. Thus the need for Jesus. None of us deserve God's favor. The only way that any of us are seen righteous in God's eyes is by the person of Jesus Christ. To disagree with homosexuality does not mean that we hate the homosexual person. In fact, we should love them. Here at this church, we have shown love and respect to homosexual people. To disagree with homosexuality does not mean hate; it simply means that we see that lifestyle as sin. It is not hate any more than someone viewing alcoholism as sin can love the alcoholic. Any and all punishment against homosexuality is to be carried out by God and government, not citizens in society. The only exception would be appropriate church discipline as described by Paul in 1 Corinthians (separating them from the church until they repent).
Leviticus 20:13 --- The penalty for homosexual acts is death to both parties. They have committed a detestable act, and are guilty of a capitol offense. It is against God's character to make someone born homosexual when back during the Old Testament times His law demanded death because of it. A study came out in the 1990's stating that people were born homosexual, and therefore couldn't help the way that they were; in other words, God made people this way. This study impacted the world in a tremendous way. It was the subject of conversation in most news shows, talk shows, and living rooms. However, after most people had been influenced by this supposed scientific find, it was more quietly announced a few years later that the study was actually never conclusive (click for a Time Magazine article on this study). They never had proven their case, yet millions all over the world are under the impression that they did.
Romans 1:21-24 (NLT) --- They knew God, but wouldn't worship Him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think of foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused.... So God let them go ahead and do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each others bodies. Romans 1:25-28 (NIV) --- They exchanged the truth for a lie... Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their men exchanged natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. These verses can describe an individual. They for sure describe our American society. America is walking away from God, placing human opinions over the Bible, mocking God, and molding an image of who we want Him to be instead of letting Him define Himself. We are bowing down to our image of who we want God to be. We have traded in the truth of God for a lie, and then cast stones at anyone who calls it a lie. Therefore, God is handing our nation over to the desires of its own heart: lies. Homosexuality is not only a sin, but also a sign that God's judgment has come upon a nation. When a society begins to embrace this sin, we now know that society has entered into God's judgment. Many individuals in our society are influenced by the embracing of this sin. You can't hardly watch a sitcom for a few episodes before you hear them approving and defending homosexuality. After a while, this can begin to affect the way a person views this sin. It's normal for children and young people growing up to be curious about anything and everything. When the acceptance of homosexuality in our culture sinks into their minds, it sets them up to wonder about their own sexual identity. This can be the start of perversion for some. God never intended for it to be this way.
1 Corinthians 10:13 --- No temptation has seized you except what is common to people. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. James 1:12 --- God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 4:17 --- Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Here are some practical steps.
First of all... you need to give your life to Jesus Christ if you haven't already. Click here for how to do that. 5 important steps.
Prayer. I know someone might think that we're supposed to say this because we're a church site and stuff.... but prayer really does work. And don't throw out a little 10 second prayer and expect to overcome a big sin in your life. You need to get serious about prayer to kick this thing.
Scripture memorization. This is actually a very, very powerful tool. Remember what Jesus did in response to Satan when he was tempting Him in the desert... He threw scripture at him. When you're tempted, quote (out loud) some verses that address the situation. A great passage to start memorizing is selected verses in Romans 1 (written above). Another great place is the first several verses in Proverbs 5. The 'adulteress' can be viewed as not only an actual person, but also a temptation and sinful desire.
Accountability. You need to confess this struggle of yours to a trusted friend or leader. Make sure you can trust this person to be sensitive and private with this issue. Then, have them ask you frequently how you're doing. Also, you may want to have an agreement with them that every time you stumble in this area, you have to tell them within 24 hours. I promise you, you'll either quit this sexual sin or you'll quit telling them.... one or the two will happen. So, stay committed to telling them. It might be hard at first, but it will help you win this battle against lust. And another thing... one of Satan's big tricks in the area of sexual sin is that it's embarrassing to talk about with someone... therefore he knows that he has you trapped... all alone. Break free by telling somebody.
Avoid tempting situations. If you know that a certain time or place or whatever is where you are normally tempted, then avoid it like the plague. Try your best to avoid situations where you know you're more likely to be tempted.
Hebrews 8:12 --- I will forgive their wrongdoings, and will never again remember their sins. 1 John 1:7 --- The blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us of all sin. 1 John 1:9 --- If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. I have known several people successfully give up their homosexual lifestyles with the help of God. God is eager to wipe our slate clean of all wrongdoing. If we come to Him with a humble heart, serious about turning away from our sin, then God can forgive us through the person of Jesus Christ. This doesn't mean that we'll be perfect, but it does mean that God will help us.
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