Homosexuality: How Should the Church Respond?

Pastor Mike Padgett



The gay culture is gaining wider acceptance in America but the voices of protest are growing louder. A recent poll shows that mainstream Americans are not so accepting of gay lifestyles. On television, there are shows like Boy Meets Boy and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.



The pope has denounced gay marriage. The Roman Catholic Church determined, "There are absolutely no grounds for considering homosexual unions to be in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God's plan for marriage and family,"



President Bush says Americans should respect homosexuals, but he wants to make sure marriage is defined strictly as a union between a man and a woman. The president recently stated, "I believe in the sanctity of marriage. I believe a marriage is between a man and a woman, and I think we ought to codify that one way or the other."



Homosexuality: How Should the Church Respond?



Are people born gay, or is it a choice? Can sexual orientation be changed? Questions abound and many Christians are confused as to what they should believe or how to respond.

What does the Bible really say about homosexuality, and what is the responsibility of believers in dealing with this volatile issue?

God Has a Clear Plan for Sexuality.

God's intention for human sexual relationships is limited to heterosexual union between man and woman in marriage. God's plan is for us to be one flesh in marriage, male and female.

Genesis 1:27-28 - 27 And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 And God blessed them; and God said to them, “ Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”



Genesis 2:18 - 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”



Genesis 2:23-24 - 23 And the man said,“ This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24 For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” NASB



There are many distortions in sexuality because of the effects of

sin. Romans 1:24-28 - 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.

28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. NIV



The Bible Is Clear About Homosexuality.



Under Levitical law, homosexuality was one of many abominable

practices punishable by death. God clearly condemns the act and practice of homosexuality.



Leviticus 18:22 - 22 You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.



Leviticus 20:13 - 13 If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. NASB



Homosexuality is a symptom of fallen humanity. We are not born gay. Romans 1:26-27 - That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relationships with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men and, as a result, suffered within themselves the penalty they so richly deserved. New Living Translation



Joe Dallas, who left a homosexual lifestyle 10 year ago said, "Let research conclude what it may about the causes of homosexuality, genetic origins do not justify sinful behavior."



"The idea of a specific gene for a specific behavior is generally considered highly unlikely by geneticists," says Joseph Nicolosi, director of the Thomas Aquinas Psychological Clinic in Encino, California.



Homosexuality is a forgivable sin as one repents of their sin and turns to God. 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.



How Should Christians Respond and Reach Out?



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).



Realize that at the core of the homosexual struggle, there is a deep-seated sense of rejection.



Ask the Lord to open a door of communication for the Gospel.



Be open about your own personal struggles and temptations.



Communicate acceptance -- not rejection. Express love and commitment to the person. The Bible says, 1 John 4:9-10 - 9 By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love , not that we loved God , but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins . NASB



Instill hope for change. 1 Corinthians 6:11 - 11 And such were

some of you; but you were washed , but you were sanctified , but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ , and in the Spirit of our God . NASB



Thousands of men and women have overcome homosexuality and are able to lead celibate lives. Many continue in their healing and marry and have families.



Pray for the homosexual. Love them and commit to them. "Remember those in prison, as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering" (Hebrews 13:3). All of us have been in a “prison of sin” at some point in our lives. Remember where you came from, where the Lord found you and love the lost to Jesus.



2 Peter 3:9 - 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. NASB





Pastor Mike Padgett
E-mail: mpadgett@glasgow-ky.com
Church Web Site: www.GlasgowBible.org
Phone: 270-678-5972