What does the Bible really say about homosexuality, and what is the responsibility of believers in dealing with this complex issue?
I. God's Plan for Sexuality
A. God's intention for human sexual relationships is limited to heterosexual union between man and woman in marriage (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18, 23-24). God's plan is for us to be one flesh in marriage, male and female.
B. Sin has warped our perspective of healthy sexuality (2 Peter 2:2-3a; 3:3). There are many distortions in sexuality because of the effects of sin.
C. God's power can bring healing and restoration (Romans 1:18-32). God is able to intervene in a person's life and bring deliverance.
B. Sin has warped our perspective of healthy sexuality (2 Peter 2:2-3a; 3:3). There are many distortions in sexuality because of the effects of sin.
C. God's power can bring healing and restoration (Romans 1:18-32). God is able to intervene in a person's life and bring deliverance.
II. What the Bible Says About Homosexuality.
A. Under Levitical law, homosexuality was one of many abominable practices punishable by death (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13). God clearly condemns the act of homosexuality.
B. Homosexuality is a symptom of fallen humanity. We are not born gay (Romans 1:26-27). One of the clear evidences of rebellion is a turning away from God's standard for purity and morality.
C. Environmental factors greatly contribute to the developing of the homosexual lifestyle. Factors that should be considered are:
B. Homosexuality is a symptom of fallen humanity. We are not born gay (Romans 1:26-27). One of the clear evidences of rebellion is a turning away from God's standard for purity and morality.
C. Environmental factors greatly contribute to the developing of the homosexual lifestyle. Factors that should be considered are:
1. Early sexual abuse or violation
2. Emotional detachment from the same-sex parent
3. Cross-gender identification
4. Poor gender role-modeling
5. Peer degradation
2. Emotional detachment from the same-sex parent
3. Cross-gender identification
4. Poor gender role-modeling
5. Peer degradation
D. Homosexuality is a forgivable sin as one repents of their sin and turns to God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Isaiah 53:6; 1 John 1:9). God is clear about the consequences of an unrighteous lifestyle such as homosexuality, as with other sinful lifestyles. Jesus took our sin upon Himself. When we recognize our need for Jesus and repent we are born again and receive forgiveness of sin.
III. How Should Christians Respond and Reach Out?
A. Do not fear homosexuals. They are not as different from you as you think. All of us have been involved in varying sinful lifestyles.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
B. Realize that at the core of the homosexual struggle, there is a deep-seated sense of rejection.
C. Ask the Lord to open a door of communication.
D. Be vulnerable about your own personal struggles and temptations.
B. Realize that at the core of the homosexual struggle, there is a deep-seated sense of rejection.
C. Ask the Lord to open a door of communication.
D. Be vulnerable about your own personal struggles and temptations.
E. Communicate acceptance -- not rejection. Express love and commitment to the person (1 John 4:9-10).
F. Instill hope for change (1 Corinthians 6:11). Thousands of men and women have overcome homosexuality and are able to lead celibate lives. Many continue in their healing and even marry and have families.
G. Pray for them. Love them and commit them into the hands of our loving God.
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