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Homosexuality
Pastor Rick Rogers
Key Verse: Romans 1:26-27Introduction: It is clearly evident that there is a war raging in our culture over the homosexual movement. It is estimated that less than 10% of the culture is homosexual (some believe, and I believe more accurately, less than 3%) though a larger percentage of the populace seems to believe it is acceptable even though it may not be appealing to them. The pro-homosexual movement is very aggressive and "in your face", and is often backed and supported by leading 1 politicians and Hollywood types.2 Several major corporations recognize "domestic partners," meaning homosexuals living together as married couples, allowing them to have employees benefits as a regular biblically ordained family. There are also numerous television programs which include homosexual characters in the cast, fostering acceptance in our culture. To take a vocal stand against the sin of homosexuality invites scathing ridicule from the media, including the names "homophobic, intolerant hatemonger, radical right, " It is crucial for the believer to know and understand what Gods Word teaches about this issue which could be part of the demise of our culture and its church!
I. THE DEFINITIONS CONCERNING HOMOSEXUALITY 3
A. Homosexual: describes the propensity for sexual relations with members of ones own sex. B. Lesbian: a term for a female homosexual, it comes from the ancient Greek island Lesbos, which was an island inhabited solely by women. C. Sodomite: a term for a male homosexual, taken from the name of the city of Sodom and the sin it was known for as found in Genesis 19. D. Bisexual: those with a sexual preference for both sexes. E. Malakoi>, >arsenokoitai: 1 Cor. 6:9 and 1 Tim. 1:10. Although "... there is some uncertainty about the precise meaning of these Greek terms the majority opinion has been that the first term refers to the passive partner in a homosexual relationship and the second to the active member." 4 II. THE DEFENSE PROMOTING HOMOSEXUALITYA. Genetic Theory: Some psychiatrists believe that homosexuality is genetically transmitted.5 It may thus be considered a sickness! "If biology explains homosexual behavior, it is assumed that individuals are given little choice in the matter and thus cannot be held responsible for behavior they cannot control."6 B. Psychology Theory: Some have believed that early environmental influences produce homosexual tendencies. However, the American Psychiatric Assoc. removed it from a list of psychiatric disorders in 1973, fostering the idea of acceptance among the populace every year following. C. Questionable Theories: Some link homosexuality to questionable emotional developments:
D. Biblical Theories: Some defend homosexuality on Scriptural evidence.
III. THE DECLARATION CONDEMNING HOMOSEXUALITY (responses to II.)A. Scripturally:
B. Theologically:
C. Practically
Conclusion: While homosexuality is clearly classified as a sin in Scripture, and I believe a very perverse sin at that, one must realize that God hates all sin including all sexual sin. God will hold the homosexual no more guilty of sexual sin than He will the fornicator, adulterer, according to 1 Cor. 6:9-10. The church can have a ministry to the homosexual by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in love. While many consider them unlovable due to their in-your-face demeanor and clear hatred to Christ and His church, remember that Christ demonstrated His love to us all while we were unlovable, Romans 5:8. We must be careful not to use derogatory terminology or name calling. Many former homosexuals have been saved, and are now living in the God-ordained institution of heterosexual marriage, have families, and are serving in Bible believing, Gospel preaching churches. Gods Word, energized by the Holy Spirit, has the power to save from all sin! Yet, we must make it clear that homosexuality is wrong, and confront it as God gives us opportunity. We recognize that it is NOT an acceptable, alternative lifestyle. It will harm our culture, as the point III. C. statistics demonstrate clearly. It also invites the judgment of God! Some have said that if God doesnt punish America for its sin of homosexuality, He will owe Sodom and Gomorrah an apology. Well, God does NOT owe anybody an apology, as He has not and can not EVER do anything wrong. There is an indication that a large percentage of the populace in Sodom were homosexuals, wherein I believe the statistics of homosexuals in America is quite small from what I have seen, less than 10%. End Notes:[1] Then President Bill Clinton met with members of the Democratic National Committee of Gays and Lesbians, and stated that I think weve got a much better chance to pass (pro-gay and lesbian legislation) in 2000, and I hope you will help me with that I have said many times, I wish we could have done more [to promote the homosexual agenda] but Im glad we did what we did. Marc Lacey, Clinton tells Gays He Will Seek to Change Way Dont Tell Policy is Used, New York Times, 17 December 1999, p. A28. Concerned Women for America states, President Clinton is telling you and the American people that its time you were forced to accept homosexuality as a normal and acceptable lifestyle. The president is saying that its time to give same-sex love civil rights protection. How is the homosexuality community doing this? Through public schools, media, celebrity endorsement, gay militants, literature, television, [2] Those who have endorsed homosexuality directly or indirectly include Elton John, Ellen Degeneres, Tom Hanks, Roseanne, Kelsey Grammer, Boy George, R. K. Harrison, Encyclopedia of Biblical and Christian Ethics, pp. 182, 393-394. [4] Michael Ukleja, quoted by Paul and John Feinberg, Ethics for a Brave New World, p. 199. [5] For example see Born or Bred? Newsweek: Feb. 24, 1992 pp. 46-53 [6] Sherwood Cole, Biology, Homosexuality and Moral Culpability, Bibliotheca Sacra 154 (July September 1997); p. 355. [7] It may be debatable, but needs some reflection. yes"> Patristic (church fathers) references, like scriptural ones, were directed, however, to the practice of homosexuality, not the desire itself. There was no condemnation of the person who kept his propensity in check, Christian judgment instead being imposed strictly on those who yielded to its pressures. R. K. Harrison, normal">ibid., p. 183. [8] For example, see AFA Journal, August 1995, p. 20. yes"> Many homosexuals have come to Christ and shared their testimonies. [9] Jay Adams, The Christian Counselors Manual, p. 406. [10] Helmut Thielicke, The Ethics of Sex, pp. 277-278. [11] Unless otherwise noted, statistics are from Concerned Women for America. [12] Manfred E. Kober, Homosexuality: Degeneracy, Debility, or Disease? class notes, p. 1 [13] Kober, normal">ibid, p. 1 |
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