SPECIAL TOPIC: HOMOSEXUALITY

SPECIAL TOPIC: HOMOSEXUALITY

There is much modern cultural pressure to accept homosexuality as an appropriate alternate lifestyle. The Bible lists it as a destructive lifestyle, out of the will of God for His creation.

it violates the command of Genesis 1 to be fruitful and multiply
it is judged in Genesis 19 (cf. 2 Pet. 2:6-8; Jude 7) and Judges 19
it characterizes pagan worship and culture (cf. Lev. 18:22; 20:13; Rom. 1:18-28; and Jude 1:7)
it reveals a self-centered independence from God (cf. 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 1 Tim. 1:10)

However, let me assert God's love and forgiveness to all fallen human beings. Homosexuality is not "the unpardonable sin." Christians have no right to act hatefully and arrogantly towards this particular sin, especially when it is obvious that all of us sin, and with Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:27-28) asserting that sin is in the thought as well as the act, sexual sins are multiplied exponentially. Prayer, concern, testimony, and compassion do far more in this area than vehement condemnation. God's Word and His Spirit will do the appropriate work if we let them. All sexual sins (i.e., premarital, extra marital, incest, bestiality), not just this one, are displeasing to God and lead to judgment. Sexuality is a powerful gift from God for mankind's well-being, joy, and a stable society. But this pervasive, God-given urge is often turned into rebellious, self-centered, pleasure-seeking, "more-for-me-at-any-cost" living (cf. Rom. 8:1-8; Gal. 6:7-8).

Often people say to me, "God made me this way." It is true that we do not yet know the source of homosexuality (i.e., genetics or social) but whichever, the Bible must guide our choices; choices have consequences. Texts have priority over feelings or personal preferences. We are a faith community guided by Divine revelation, not individual rights or freedoms.

Just a concluding word, as a church leader I know that a percentage of Christians struggle with this issue. The problem is not the propensity but the act. Some ministerial students at my university struggle with other sexual issues (they are so powerful at this stage of life). Those who choose to limit their desires (i.e., abstinence) in this area (i.e., sexual desires) are surely candidates for ministry positions. This is also true for those who struggle with homosexuality. The act, not the thought, is the real issue. Why some are drawn to others of the same sex is a mystery. There is a choice in this area (as in all areas). We are responsible for our choices!

God loves people and desires the long term health, happiness, and vitality of all those made in His image and likeness (Gen. 1:26-27). Those things/acts that disrupt individual health and happiness, as well as community, are condemned. God wants our best! We want our immediate gratification! God have mercy on us all. See Dale Moody, The Word of Truth, pp.277-278 and note bibliograaphy footnote #12.

SPECIAL TOPIC: HUMAN SEXUALITY