Post by Rev. Jim Cunningham on Nov 19, 2008 1:13:49 GMT -5
From: dfwden123 (Original Message) Sent: 10/1/2003 3:22 PM
Homosexuality
Before one continues to read this information, I want to start off with
saying that this lesson is not prepared in malice toward anyone who chooses
to live in the homosexual lifestyle. If homosexuality is a sin (and I
believe the Bible teaches it is), it is no worse in the eyes of God than any
other sin a person may choose to commit. This lesson is not to say that
people who have committed homosexual acts are mean people. Some are the most
generous and loving people and there are many false accusations toward
people who have committed same sex acts before.
The following lesson is not to push one’s opinion, but simply to point out
scriptures in the Bible and for one to study for themself in order to find
the truth. We all may not agree, but we all will answer to God in the end
and that is why is important to lovingly search for the answers in God’s
word.
I know there are so many different views out there considering
homosexuality, but I am most interested in what the Bible (God's inspired
Word) has to say about the subject. After all, souls are at stake here. If
there are two opposing arguments, one has to be wrong, or they both may be
wrong, but they can not both be right. On one hand we have someone who may
say it is ok, with no example in God's word to support that view, on the
other hand, we have the inspired words of God's disciples teaching that it
is wrong. These disciples performed miracles to support what they taught, or
to show that what they taught was truly from God, not just a personal
teaching or philosophy.
Romans 9:1 “I speak the truth in Christ__I am not lying, my conscience
confirms it in the Holy Spirit..”
1 Corinthians 2:4 “My message and my preaching were not with wise and
persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power.” Now some
may argue and say that Paul's teachings were not inspired. Who do we
believe? I choose to believe the Bible.
One argument that homosexual advocates try using is "Jesus never said
anything about it." Jesus did however uphold the law that was given by the
Father. Leviticus 18:22 "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman;
that is detestable.” Leviticus 20:13 "If a man lies with a man as one lies
with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to
death; their blood will be on their own heads.” (Thank God for his grace to
us).
Some may say "but we are no longer under the old Law, if we were, we would
have to offer sacrifice with the blood of bulls and goats......" It is
true that we are no longer under the old law, however, it is clearly stated
in the New Testament that Jesus’ blood atones us now and that animal
sacrifice does not. Homosexuality was detestable to God in the old law, and
there is no evidence it all of a sudden turned into something pleasing to
Him. We also must remember that Jesus was there when Sodom and Gomorrah were
destroyed. Even though there were many sins mentioned that the Sodomites
practiced, homosexuality was one of them.
Many Christians today may say or think that Homosexuality is worse than
most other sins, but the only time that homosexuality may be compared in the
Bible to other sins shows that there are other examples of sin that angered
God perhaps even more than the sins of Sodom.
God was so angry with the “religious Jewish nation because of their sins
that he compared the Jews to Sodom and Gomorrah and the Jews were found
lacking.
In Ezekiel 16:47 Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after
their abominations: but, as if that were a very little thing, thou wast
corrupted more than they in all thy ways.
48. As I live, saith the Lord God, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor
her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.
49. Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of
bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither
did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
50. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I
took them away as I saw good.
51. Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast
multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters
in all thine abominations which thou hast done.
52. Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy
sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they: they are more
righteous than thou: yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in
that thou hast justified thy sisters.
One may notice that the word “homosexual” does not appear in the list, but
had to be included when God said that Sodom “committed abomination before
me.”
( remember, we already read that it was detestable to God in that era of
law).
We also read that Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit to teach and preach
the gospel. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:9_11: 9 “Do you not know that the
wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the
sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor
homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor
slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is
what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
The Greek translation for homosexual offenders simply reads "homosexuals"
Strongs:
9. |2228| Or |3756| not |1492| you know |3754| that |0094| unjust ones
|9999| {the} |0932| kingdom |3588| of |2316| God |3756| not |2816| will
inherit? |3361| Be not |4105| led astray. |3777| Not |4205| sexual sinners,
|3777| nor |1496| idolaters, |3777| nor |3432| adulterers, |3777| nor |3120|
abusers, |3777| nor |0733| homosexuals, ( This word is actually made up of
two words. “Arsenokoites”- a male bed person, 730 arsen “a male” and 2845
koite “ a bed,couch, cohabitation; by impl. the male sperm: bed,
chambering.)
10. |3777| nor |2812| thieves, |3777| nor |4123| covetous ones, |3777| nor
|3183| drunkards, |3756| not |3060| revilers, |3756| not |0727| plunderers
|9999| {the} |0932| kingdom |3588| of |2316| God
|3756| not |2816| will inherit.
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon simply states the word as meaning for a man who lies
with another male as with a female.
This is not the only place the word is used. It is also used in 1 Timothy
1:9 _ 11. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for
lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious;
for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,
10. for adulterers and perverts (homosexuals), for slave traders and liars
and perjurers__and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine
11. that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he
entrusted to me.
Strong’s:
Greek translation: 9. |1492| knowing |5124| this, |3754| that |1342| for a
just one |3551| law |3756| not is |2749| laid down, |0459| for lawless
|1161| but |2532| and |0506| for insubordinate, |0765| for ungodly |2532|
and |0268| sinful ones, |0462| for unholy |2532| and |0952| profane ones,
|3964| for father_slayers |2532| and |3389| mother_slayers, |0409| for
men_slayers,
10. |4205| for sexual sinners, |0733| for homosexuals, |0405| for
*slave_traders, |5583| for liars, |1965| for perjurers, |2532| and |1536| if
any |2087| other thing |3588| the |5198| sound |1319| teaching |0480|
opposes,
Again we find homosexuality listed as a sin along with all the other sins
listed. There are still those who will go through the list and try to
justify their wrong. If one can go through the list and pick out one of the
listed sins that they feel is justified, then why not any or even all of the
other sins? In 1 Corinthians 6:9_11, we read that there are those who are
capable of being deceived. Paul even commanded them "Do not be
deceived,.......,homosexuals,..... will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
We have already learned Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit, but Paul also
learned the Gospel from Jesus Christ. In Galatians 1:6_12: I am astonished
that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of
Christ and are turning to a different gospel__
7. which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you
into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
8. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than
the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!
9. As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to
you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
10. Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying
to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a
servant of Christ.
11. I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not
something that man made up.
12. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I
received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
Some people who try to justify homosexuality also teach that Paul was not
really inspired because he supported slavery.
* I want to emphasize that Paul was not in favor of slavery. Paul wrote the
book of Timothy. We read in 1 Timothy 1: 10 that slave traders would not
enter the kingdom of God. Some versions read “men stealers or kidnappers”
but if one goes to the Greek, the Greek word means “A person who causes
another to bow down to him.” and is thus translated in the Greek and some
modern text as “slave traders.” Paul did however obey the laws of the land.
That did not mean he agreed with all of the laws. I may not feel that I
should pay taxes on certain items, but I will pay them as to obey the law. I
can lawfully try to change things and Paul did that by his teachings of
putting others before ourselves, of humility, and of serving one another (
not as slaves, but as free men). Jesus even washed the feet of His disciples
as an example. Paul did send Onesimus (who was a slave) back to Philemon
(who was his “master”, but he was reluctant about it. He stated he would
like for Onesimus to stay with him because Onesimus had become like a son to
him. He entreated Philemon ( who also was a new convert) to be merciful to
Onesimus and to treat him as a brother, not a slave.
Paul does mention being in submission to our leaders. As long as it is not
contrary with God's will, we should show proper respect to our leaders as
well as pray for them. When one goes into a court of law, all rise when the
judge enters and address him as "Your Honor." The same respect goes for the
President. I do not admire everything about our Political leaders, but I
would show proper respect to them. It is like a light shining forth. Jesus
taught to render to Caesar what was Caesar's as well as to God what is
God's.
I do want to add that for those who say Paul was not inspired (and
specifically when he speaks about homosexuality), the same could be said
about the ones stating that homosexuality is ok. There is absolutely nothing
in the scriptures to support the idea that homosexuality was ok. I would
choose to listen to Paul who backed up what he said with miracles than to
someone today that has nothing to back up what they say. Anyone can state
philosophy.
We now come to Romans 1. In the context we read of women having sex with
women, and men having sex with men. Many people who try to defend
homosexuality try to twist this passage to their own will. This verse is
easily understood if one is willing to study simple English (or Greek).
24. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to
sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.
25. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served
created things rather than the Creator__who is forever praised. Amen.
26. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women
exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.
27. In the same way the men also abandoned 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.
Greek (Strong’s) 26. |1223| Because |5124| of this |3860| gave up |0846|
them |3588| _ |2316| God |1519| to |3806| passions |0819| of dishonor.
|3588| the |5037| even |1063| For |2338| females |0846| of them |3337|
changed |3588| the |5446| natural |5540| use |1519| to |3588| the |9999|
{use} |3844| against |5449| nature.
27. |3668| likewise |5037| And |2532| also |3588| the |0730| males |0863|
having abandoned |3588| the |5446| natural |5540| use |3588| of the |2338|
female, |1572| burned |1722| in |3588| the |3715| lust |0846| of them |1519|
toward |0240| each other, |0730| males |1722| among |0730| males |3588| the
|0808| shamefulness |2716| working out, |2532| and |3588| the |0489| reward
|3739| which |1163| was necessary |3588| the |4106| straying |0846| of them,
|1722| in |1438| themselves |0618| receiving back.
28. |2532| And |2531| even as |3756| not |1381| they thought fit |3588| _
|2316| God |1492| to have |1722| in |1922| knowledge, |3860| gave up |0846|
them |3588| _ |2316| God |1519| to |0096| a reprobate |3563| mind, |4160| to
do |3588| the things |3361| not |2520| right,
Now some try to say things like, “Well this is speaking of idolatry.” While
idolatry is being spoken of, there are many sins being spoken of
(homosexuality being one of them).
Other people may say things like, “This is speaking against heterosexuals
having sex with the same sex, which is against their nature.” If men are
having sex with men and enjoying it (as the passages state “passions”
“desires”) then they are not truly “heterosexuals”, are they?
One can truly see that homosexuality is condemned by God, who is still a
loving God. As his creations, we are to obey his commandments. Sometimes
this is not easy. That is why sin is sometimes called “temptation,” but we
can go forward and trust in God’s grace to help us in our time of need no
matter what our sexual orientation or some other weakness may be.
We all must realize that homosexuality, though quoted as a sin, is no more
or less a sin in God’s sight than the other sins listed in the Bible such as
adultery, idolatry, murder, lying, stealing, etc. Even if one is
heterosexual, one must not have sex with another outside of marriage. It
disturbs me when I hear someone say hateful things about someone who may
have fallen into a homosexual activity and they themselves will not condemn
adultery or other acts of fornication.
No matter who we are or what our weakness, Satan knows our weaknesses and
we are all held accountable for our own choices.
We also must remember that no matter what our sin, God’s grace is greater
than that sin.
It will not always be easy, but there are ways to become stronger. Find a
Christian Support Group for others who have same sex desires and pray
together. Always try to meet as a group and not with another individual when
you are feeling weak. Grow stronger from your understanding for others who
also deal with homosexuality and always study the Bible to show yourself
approved.
In conclusion, I need to point out that there is absolutely nothing wrong
with two men or two women loving each other very much and showing it. One of
the most beautiful stories of friendship in the Bible was of two married men
of God. David and Jonathan loved each other very much. Jonathan loved David
so much, he was willing to give up the kingdom he would inherit to his
friend David. He was also willing to give up his life for David. David and
Jonathan kissed and cried together. Many people today assume that if two
people of the same sex love each other very much and show it, that they are
automatically “homosexuals.”
Ruth (in the book of Ruth) was willing to leave her land and follow Naomi
to her homeland. Naomi and Ruth loved each other very much. Just because the
two women were close did not mean they committed sexual acts with each
other. Naomi even helped Ruth find a husband.
If a person is attracted to another person whether it be of the same sex or
the opposite sex, we should remind ourselves of what true love really is. It
is not having sex with that person, but putting their soul first by not
causing them to fall into sin. It is hoping that they will go to Heaven and
helping them along the way.
I do hope this will help many of you as it has me. I like you am
constantly seeking answers, and usually, I can find them in God's Word (the
Bible). May God guide us all in his love and truth.
God Bless You.
Homosexuality
Before one continues to read this information, I want to start off with
saying that this lesson is not prepared in malice toward anyone who chooses
to live in the homosexual lifestyle. If homosexuality is a sin (and I
believe the Bible teaches it is), it is no worse in the eyes of God than any
other sin a person may choose to commit. This lesson is not to say that
people who have committed homosexual acts are mean people. Some are the most
generous and loving people and there are many false accusations toward
people who have committed same sex acts before.
The following lesson is not to push one’s opinion, but simply to point out
scriptures in the Bible and for one to study for themself in order to find
the truth. We all may not agree, but we all will answer to God in the end
and that is why is important to lovingly search for the answers in God’s
word.
I know there are so many different views out there considering
homosexuality, but I am most interested in what the Bible (God's inspired
Word) has to say about the subject. After all, souls are at stake here. If
there are two opposing arguments, one has to be wrong, or they both may be
wrong, but they can not both be right. On one hand we have someone who may
say it is ok, with no example in God's word to support that view, on the
other hand, we have the inspired words of God's disciples teaching that it
is wrong. These disciples performed miracles to support what they taught, or
to show that what they taught was truly from God, not just a personal
teaching or philosophy.
Romans 9:1 “I speak the truth in Christ__I am not lying, my conscience
confirms it in the Holy Spirit..”
1 Corinthians 2:4 “My message and my preaching were not with wise and
persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power.” Now some
may argue and say that Paul's teachings were not inspired. Who do we
believe? I choose to believe the Bible.
One argument that homosexual advocates try using is "Jesus never said
anything about it." Jesus did however uphold the law that was given by the
Father. Leviticus 18:22 "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman;
that is detestable.” Leviticus 20:13 "If a man lies with a man as one lies
with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to
death; their blood will be on their own heads.” (Thank God for his grace to
us).
Some may say "but we are no longer under the old Law, if we were, we would
have to offer sacrifice with the blood of bulls and goats......" It is
true that we are no longer under the old law, however, it is clearly stated
in the New Testament that Jesus’ blood atones us now and that animal
sacrifice does not. Homosexuality was detestable to God in the old law, and
there is no evidence it all of a sudden turned into something pleasing to
Him. We also must remember that Jesus was there when Sodom and Gomorrah were
destroyed. Even though there were many sins mentioned that the Sodomites
practiced, homosexuality was one of them.
Many Christians today may say or think that Homosexuality is worse than
most other sins, but the only time that homosexuality may be compared in the
Bible to other sins shows that there are other examples of sin that angered
God perhaps even more than the sins of Sodom.
God was so angry with the “religious Jewish nation because of their sins
that he compared the Jews to Sodom and Gomorrah and the Jews were found
lacking.
In Ezekiel 16:47 Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after
their abominations: but, as if that were a very little thing, thou wast
corrupted more than they in all thy ways.
48. As I live, saith the Lord God, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor
her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.
49. Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of
bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither
did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
50. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I
took them away as I saw good.
51. Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast
multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters
in all thine abominations which thou hast done.
52. Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy
sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they: they are more
righteous than thou: yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in
that thou hast justified thy sisters.
One may notice that the word “homosexual” does not appear in the list, but
had to be included when God said that Sodom “committed abomination before
me.”
( remember, we already read that it was detestable to God in that era of
law).
We also read that Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit to teach and preach
the gospel. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:9_11: 9 “Do you not know that the
wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the
sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor
homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor
slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is
what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
The Greek translation for homosexual offenders simply reads "homosexuals"
Strongs:
9. |2228| Or |3756| not |1492| you know |3754| that |0094| unjust ones
|9999| {the} |0932| kingdom |3588| of |2316| God |3756| not |2816| will
inherit? |3361| Be not |4105| led astray. |3777| Not |4205| sexual sinners,
|3777| nor |1496| idolaters, |3777| nor |3432| adulterers, |3777| nor |3120|
abusers, |3777| nor |0733| homosexuals, ( This word is actually made up of
two words. “Arsenokoites”- a male bed person, 730 arsen “a male” and 2845
koite “ a bed,couch, cohabitation; by impl. the male sperm: bed,
chambering.)
10. |3777| nor |2812| thieves, |3777| nor |4123| covetous ones, |3777| nor
|3183| drunkards, |3756| not |3060| revilers, |3756| not |0727| plunderers
|9999| {the} |0932| kingdom |3588| of |2316| God
|3756| not |2816| will inherit.
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon simply states the word as meaning for a man who lies
with another male as with a female.
This is not the only place the word is used. It is also used in 1 Timothy
1:9 _ 11. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for
lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious;
for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,
10. for adulterers and perverts (homosexuals), for slave traders and liars
and perjurers__and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine
11. that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he
entrusted to me.
Strong’s:
Greek translation: 9. |1492| knowing |5124| this, |3754| that |1342| for a
just one |3551| law |3756| not is |2749| laid down, |0459| for lawless
|1161| but |2532| and |0506| for insubordinate, |0765| for ungodly |2532|
and |0268| sinful ones, |0462| for unholy |2532| and |0952| profane ones,
|3964| for father_slayers |2532| and |3389| mother_slayers, |0409| for
men_slayers,
10. |4205| for sexual sinners, |0733| for homosexuals, |0405| for
*slave_traders, |5583| for liars, |1965| for perjurers, |2532| and |1536| if
any |2087| other thing |3588| the |5198| sound |1319| teaching |0480|
opposes,
Again we find homosexuality listed as a sin along with all the other sins
listed. There are still those who will go through the list and try to
justify their wrong. If one can go through the list and pick out one of the
listed sins that they feel is justified, then why not any or even all of the
other sins? In 1 Corinthians 6:9_11, we read that there are those who are
capable of being deceived. Paul even commanded them "Do not be
deceived,.......,homosexuals,..... will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
We have already learned Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit, but Paul also
learned the Gospel from Jesus Christ. In Galatians 1:6_12: I am astonished
that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of
Christ and are turning to a different gospel__
7. which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you
into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
8. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than
the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!
9. As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to
you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
10. Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying
to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a
servant of Christ.
11. I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not
something that man made up.
12. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I
received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
Some people who try to justify homosexuality also teach that Paul was not
really inspired because he supported slavery.
* I want to emphasize that Paul was not in favor of slavery. Paul wrote the
book of Timothy. We read in 1 Timothy 1: 10 that slave traders would not
enter the kingdom of God. Some versions read “men stealers or kidnappers”
but if one goes to the Greek, the Greek word means “A person who causes
another to bow down to him.” and is thus translated in the Greek and some
modern text as “slave traders.” Paul did however obey the laws of the land.
That did not mean he agreed with all of the laws. I may not feel that I
should pay taxes on certain items, but I will pay them as to obey the law. I
can lawfully try to change things and Paul did that by his teachings of
putting others before ourselves, of humility, and of serving one another (
not as slaves, but as free men). Jesus even washed the feet of His disciples
as an example. Paul did send Onesimus (who was a slave) back to Philemon
(who was his “master”, but he was reluctant about it. He stated he would
like for Onesimus to stay with him because Onesimus had become like a son to
him. He entreated Philemon ( who also was a new convert) to be merciful to
Onesimus and to treat him as a brother, not a slave.
Paul does mention being in submission to our leaders. As long as it is not
contrary with God's will, we should show proper respect to our leaders as
well as pray for them. When one goes into a court of law, all rise when the
judge enters and address him as "Your Honor." The same respect goes for the
President. I do not admire everything about our Political leaders, but I
would show proper respect to them. It is like a light shining forth. Jesus
taught to render to Caesar what was Caesar's as well as to God what is
God's.
I do want to add that for those who say Paul was not inspired (and
specifically when he speaks about homosexuality), the same could be said
about the ones stating that homosexuality is ok. There is absolutely nothing
in the scriptures to support the idea that homosexuality was ok. I would
choose to listen to Paul who backed up what he said with miracles than to
someone today that has nothing to back up what they say. Anyone can state
philosophy.
We now come to Romans 1. In the context we read of women having sex with
women, and men having sex with men. Many people who try to defend
homosexuality try to twist this passage to their own will. This verse is
easily understood if one is willing to study simple English (or Greek).
24. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to
sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.
25. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served
created things rather than the Creator__who is forever praised. Amen.
26. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women
exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.
27. In the same way the men also abandoned 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.
Greek (Strong’s) 26. |1223| Because |5124| of this |3860| gave up |0846|
them |3588| _ |2316| God |1519| to |3806| passions |0819| of dishonor.
|3588| the |5037| even |1063| For |2338| females |0846| of them |3337|
changed |3588| the |5446| natural |5540| use |1519| to |3588| the |9999|
{use} |3844| against |5449| nature.
27. |3668| likewise |5037| And |2532| also |3588| the |0730| males |0863|
having abandoned |3588| the |5446| natural |5540| use |3588| of the |2338|
female, |1572| burned |1722| in |3588| the |3715| lust |0846| of them |1519|
toward |0240| each other, |0730| males |1722| among |0730| males |3588| the
|0808| shamefulness |2716| working out, |2532| and |3588| the |0489| reward
|3739| which |1163| was necessary |3588| the |4106| straying |0846| of them,
|1722| in |1438| themselves |0618| receiving back.
28. |2532| And |2531| even as |3756| not |1381| they thought fit |3588| _
|2316| God |1492| to have |1722| in |1922| knowledge, |3860| gave up |0846|
them |3588| _ |2316| God |1519| to |0096| a reprobate |3563| mind, |4160| to
do |3588| the things |3361| not |2520| right,
Now some try to say things like, “Well this is speaking of idolatry.” While
idolatry is being spoken of, there are many sins being spoken of
(homosexuality being one of them).
Other people may say things like, “This is speaking against heterosexuals
having sex with the same sex, which is against their nature.” If men are
having sex with men and enjoying it (as the passages state “passions”
“desires”) then they are not truly “heterosexuals”, are they?
One can truly see that homosexuality is condemned by God, who is still a
loving God. As his creations, we are to obey his commandments. Sometimes
this is not easy. That is why sin is sometimes called “temptation,” but we
can go forward and trust in God’s grace to help us in our time of need no
matter what our sexual orientation or some other weakness may be.
We all must realize that homosexuality, though quoted as a sin, is no more
or less a sin in God’s sight than the other sins listed in the Bible such as
adultery, idolatry, murder, lying, stealing, etc. Even if one is
heterosexual, one must not have sex with another outside of marriage. It
disturbs me when I hear someone say hateful things about someone who may
have fallen into a homosexual activity and they themselves will not condemn
adultery or other acts of fornication.
No matter who we are or what our weakness, Satan knows our weaknesses and
we are all held accountable for our own choices.
We also must remember that no matter what our sin, God’s grace is greater
than that sin.
It will not always be easy, but there are ways to become stronger. Find a
Christian Support Group for others who have same sex desires and pray
together. Always try to meet as a group and not with another individual when
you are feeling weak. Grow stronger from your understanding for others who
also deal with homosexuality and always study the Bible to show yourself
approved.
In conclusion, I need to point out that there is absolutely nothing wrong
with two men or two women loving each other very much and showing it. One of
the most beautiful stories of friendship in the Bible was of two married men
of God. David and Jonathan loved each other very much. Jonathan loved David
so much, he was willing to give up the kingdom he would inherit to his
friend David. He was also willing to give up his life for David. David and
Jonathan kissed and cried together. Many people today assume that if two
people of the same sex love each other very much and show it, that they are
automatically “homosexuals.”
Ruth (in the book of Ruth) was willing to leave her land and follow Naomi
to her homeland. Naomi and Ruth loved each other very much. Just because the
two women were close did not mean they committed sexual acts with each
other. Naomi even helped Ruth find a husband.
If a person is attracted to another person whether it be of the same sex or
the opposite sex, we should remind ourselves of what true love really is. It
is not having sex with that person, but putting their soul first by not
causing them to fall into sin. It is hoping that they will go to Heaven and
helping them along the way.
I do hope this will help many of you as it has me. I like you am
constantly seeking answers, and usually, I can find them in God's Word (the
Bible). May God guide us all in his love and truth.
God Bless You.