Homosexuality

[Bro.T]

Greetings once again to the word of God. How many of you readers think that God will accept homosexuals in the kingdom of God? Once you read through this article, you will surely pick a side to be on. Wither it be God's side or man's side, nothing will change the judgment the Lord have against sodomites, lesbians, bisexual's ( down-low brothers or sisters), or homosexuals.

The Lord wanted to see for himself this great sin the city of Sodom committed. Abraham was with the Lord and Abraham ask the Lord, will you destroy the righteous with the wicked. In Genesis 18:26 the Lord told him, if I find 50 righteous I will spare the place for their sakes. The Lord did not find 50, 45, 40, 30, neither did the Lord find 10 righteous people. Therefore, the Lord sent two angel's to destroy Sodom. Genesis 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. 19:6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly

Genesis 19:6-9 inform us that Lot tried to plead with them concerning the law, and that this was wicked. The men of Sodom confronted Lot to tell him, who are you, a judge. They were going to deal with Lot worse than with the men in the house, The angels of the Lord pulled Lot into the house and blinded the men of Sodom at the door. In Genesis 19:12-13, the angel told Lot to get his family together and leave this place because “the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.”
In 1 Kings 14:21-22 Rehoboam allowed Judah to do the things evil in the eyes of God; and there were sodomites in the land. A few years after Rehoboam another king rose up named Asa. 1 Kings 15:11 says Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord. Asa took away the sodomites out the land and so did his son Jehoshaphat, who reign in his fathers stead. Generations passed and the people had strayed away from God. The book of the law was lost and the people continues to sin. In 2 Kings chapter 22, a king came up named Josiah who reigned 31 years in Jerusalem. During this time of Josiah's rule, carpenter, builders and mason workers was repairing the house of the Lord. Hilkiah the priest was with the workers and he found the book of the Law. Hilkiah gave the book to Shapan the scribe to read it to the king.

After reading the book of the law Josiah gathered together elders, priest, prophets, and all the people small and great to read the book of the law to them. In 2 kings 23:3 Josiah made a covenant before the Lord and a agreement with the people to perform the words of this covenant in the book, and the people kept the covenant. During this time of obedience, Josiah killed the idolatrous priest and torn down their high places, stopped the children of Hinnom from sacrificing their kids to false gods,

and broke down the houses of the sodomites. Josiah did these things because in the book he read Leviticus 18: 22 and Leviticus 20:13, as well as Deuteronomy 22:5; 23: 17.

The world say Jesus done a new things and that we are under grace and not the law! But look at what the bible say...Romans 6:1 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.” Romans 7:7 “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid.” Read the WHOLE chapter one of Romans and see this NEW THING concerning homosexuals and bisexual's, and tell me is this something new.Romans ch7:10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. You know what else is good the judgment that is set forth for those you take pleasure in the vile acts of ungodliness. In 1 Corinthians 6: 9 effeminate correlates in the dictionary as being a man who is feminine; and will not inherit the kingdom of God.

In Judges chapter 19, a Levite, his concubine and his servant traveled and lodged in the land of Benjamin. An old man took them into his home to cater to them that day. It is writing that Sodomites surrounded the house to get to know this man; the same as they desired in the city of Sodom. The old man told them “not to do this folly.” I'll bring my daughter and the Levite concubine out ...but to this man do not so a vile thing. As you read the rest of Judges chapter 19, 20, 21 you see that thousand's and thousand's of Benjamites were killed because they condoned homosexuality.James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Matter of fact the bible says, do good to all men. Our point is, don't give in to any manner of ungodliness, thinking it is okay.

Do you remember on the news this year of 2008 when the supreme court rule 4 to 3 in favor of same sex marriage in California? What did the homosexually say that was on the news...he said “today California tomorrow America.” We know that homosexuality is all across America, but look at the example the God is showing us with California. Those examples are earthquakes and huge wild fires which was stated on the news, to be uncontained and burning for weeks at a time. We read in 2 Peter 2:6 that the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha is an example to those that should live ungodly. Look what the bible says about preserving yourself blameless until he comes (1 Thess. 5:23). Are we blameless? Do we sin inadvertently or do we sin willfully. Which one will get you punished by God (2 Peter 2:9).

Let us continue to remember the consequences of sin. But for this case and point we leave you with a very important message from the prophet Jude.

Jude 1:5 “I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not...7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Smoke in the city.
Peace in jesus name

 

[Cris413]

OK...not reading your article...the first couple sentances was all I really needed to get the direction you're headed with this thread...but I skimmed through the rest of it...

Let me just say...who are any of us on this planet to judge who will and who will not come to Christ...regardless of what their "particular" sins are.

I think it's a dangerous path to tread upon when we broad-stroke any group of people with a heart of condemnation.

ANYONE with a repentant and sincere heart who accepts Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior into their hearts will be saved...let the Lord be concerned with transforming their lives and circumcising their hearts...

Perhaps...a little less condemnation...and a bit more love and prayer for those in bondage to homosexuality would be more beneficial than yet another thread like this....

 

[ANM29]

Typical condemnation of another sinner who sins appear to be 'bigger' than yours. You would be surprised how many homosexuals that know the Lord, very surprised. Don't assume just because of an outward sign that they have not been touched by the hand of God and that he is not in the process of sanctifying them. But, most people would not know that or even believe because their close-minds and legalistic attitudes won't allow for it.

 

[Lino]

Let me just say...who are any of us on this planet to judge who will and who will not come to Christ...regardless of what their "particular" sins are.

I wonder about this too. It seems to me that too many christian - or should I say religious - people is too concerend with what God says about others. We're ALL sinners, and God loves us all. What God wants from us is love, both to Him and to our next of kind, even our enemy, and let God do the judging.

 

[Kelly]

Sorry, I can't read the OP because of this darn plank in my eye. Gotta work on that.

 

[Bro.T]

Thats true and we hope that they repent. But in some cases like romans ch1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
[27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
[28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

 

[dies-l]

Sorry, I can't read the OP because of this darn plank in my eye. Gotta work on that.

Ouch! That sounds painful! Well, then I won't ask you to help me get the speck out of mine (and it's really bugging me too!).

 

[Bro.T]

I think you are asking, how do he bring heaven here? Jesus is not going to bring heaven here, he"s going to make earth as it is in heaven. This is part of the lord"s
prayer.

Lets go to matthew ch6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

When he created Adam and Eve, death wasn"t in the equation. When Adam sin he
put death on the table. We have to keep in mind what a day to the lord, now we
know a day to us is twenty fours Hrs. Lets look at a day to the lord. 2peter ch3:
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Now the Lord cut down our
years to live, but one person live close. Genesis ch5:27 And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.

The color of Jesus, lets look at a little color. Revelation ch1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

I agree with that last part, if you want to be save you have to be just like him.
Matthew ch4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

 

[SamanthaB]

Is there a point to this?

 

[dinonum]

Ezekial 16:49 (NIV, MSG, NKJV, & NLT)

'Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.

'The sin of your sister Sodom was this: She lived with her daughters in the lap of luxury—proud, gluttonous, and lazy. They ignored the oppressed and the poor. They put on airs and lived obscene lives. And you know what happened: I did away with them.

Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door.

Despite the normal thoughts on Sodom, the city was not destroyed for practicing homosexuality. They practiced a long list of sins. Who of all of us can say after accepting Christ that we no longer committed sin? Surely many who have still committed homosexual sins had tried to stop. Turning away from our human nature is much more difficult and I'm sure and have faith in God to love us all unconditionally and stick by His Word that Christ is our Savior.

God will be the judge and He will choose to condemn homosexuals or to not condemn homosexuals based on His Laws -- not necessarily our understanding of them.

 

[Zoness]

sodomites, lesbians, bisexual's ( down-low brothers or sisters), or homosexuals.

tl;dr because of that line

We are ALL sinners and we ALL need the grace of God, even you although I'm sure you find that hard to believe. There are many homosexuals that know the Lord and he is working to change them. But why just homosexuals? There are many thieves, murderers and other wrong-doers that the Lord has touched their heart I just find it odd that this specific group of people is picked on so much, phobia? I'll leave that up to you to decide.

 

[Cris413]

Despite the normal thoughts on Sodom, the city was not destroyed for practicing homosexuality. They practiced a long list of sins. Who of all of us can say after accepting Christ that we no longer committed sin? Surely many who have still committed homosexual sins had tried to stop. Turning away from our human nature is much more difficult and I'm sure and have faith in God to love us all unconditionally and stick by His Word that Christ is our Savior.

God will be the judge and He will choose to condemn homosexuals or to not condemn homosexuals based on His Laws -- not necessarily our understanding of them.

I agree, however, let's not underestimate the gravity of the sin of homosexuality as well as:

1Co 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,
1Co 6:10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
1Co 6:11 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 and by the Spirit of our God.



Pick a sin condition...any sin condition...all worthy of the same condemnation...and the remedy for all...Christ Jesus.

However I believe...not all sin carries the same consequences regarding our earthly lives...physically and spiritually.


There are a couple reasons I consider the particular sin condition of homosexuality is more pressing than say covetous or drunkeness...or even murder or adultery for that matter...and that's because homosexuality in our society is a very strong indicator of a much more vast and complex sin condition...not only in individuals but our society as a whole...IMHO...homosexuality is a giant red flag that our society and culture has:

pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did we strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
And we are haughty and committed abomination before God;

And when we consider what Scripture tells us:

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
Rom 1:19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
Rom 1:21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Rom 1:22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
Rom 1:23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Rom 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
Rom 1:25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Rom 1:26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
Rom 1:27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
Rom 1:29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,
Rom 1:30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Rom 1:31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;
Rom 1:32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.


The sin of homosexualty is the crowning acheivment of the growth in depth of sin on entire communities...no wonder many consider it is THE SIN of all sins and anytime communities turn from God and embrace sin...dire consequences result indeed.


2Pe 2:6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly;
2Pe 2:7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked
2Pe 2:8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)--



While I am adamently opposed to believers having a heart of condemnation and persecution toward anyone...let's not turn a blind eye to the gravity and consequences of embracing this sin condition not only to the individuals...but to our society as well.

 

[Cris413]

tl;dr because of that line

We are ALL sinners and we ALL need the grace of God, even you although I'm sure you find that hard to believe. There are many homosexuals that know the Lord and he is working to change them. But why just homosexuals? There are many thieves, murderers and other wrong-doers that the Lord has touched their heart I just find it odd that this specific group of people is picked on so much, phobia? I'll leave that up to you to decide.

Please consider the above post...I don't find it odd at all that homosexuality in our society is focused on so much...

What I do find odd is that many believers seem to have a real hard time grasping the whole...hate the sin...love the sinner thingy...

 

[Bro.T]

I"m not trying to understand them , but I encourage them to repent and keep the law.
1John ch:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

 

[dies-l]

Please consider the above post...I don't find it odd at all that homosexuality in our society is focused on so much...

What I do find odd is that many believers seem to have a real hard time grasping the whole...hate the sin...love the sinner thingy...

As far as I can tell, there are essentially three reasons (perhaps more, but these three come to mind) why homosexuality is singled out among sins, and none of them have to do with homosexuality being more destructive than other sins (and I would wholeheartedly disagree with the assertion made above that homosexuality is more destructive than murder and adultery). The three reasons that come to mind are these:

1. It is an easy sin to look down on, because only a relatively small number of people are tempted by it. This is to say that, being thoroughly heterosexual myself, I know that I can say what I want about the evils of homosexuality and not worry about it coming back to bite me to make me appear hypocritical if I should have my own struggle with sin. As long as homosexuality is not a real temptation for me, I can rest assured that on the day that I am caught in my sinfulness, I will be able to say, "at least it is not homosexuality." I use the first person pronoun above, not because I am inclined to use this reasoning myself (I generally am not one to single out homosexuality to begin with, precisely because it is not a temptation for me, so I tend to focus my energies on those sins which are likely to ensnare me), but rather to avoid coming across as accusatory to any specific person or group. As my opening paragraph implies, I do not think by any means, that everyone who would single out homosexuality is doing so with such nefarious intentions.

2. Because so many of us are not tempted by homosexuality, it is especially difficult for us to understand. Most of us can at least relate to the temptations involved in sins like stealing, adultery, and even murder. But, unless a person has a homosexual tendency, it is very difficult to relate to the temptation involved in homosexuality. As a heterosexual, I will admit that the idea of having sexual relations with another man is utter disgusting to me. On the other hand, I will confess that adultery can be a very real temptation for me. Does this mean that I should believe that homosexuality is somehow worse than adultery? Of course not! But, because of this reality, it is far easier for me to relate to a person who does commit adultery, even though I realize how evil and destructive it is. It is certainly far more destructive in terms of temporal consequences than is consensual and monogamous homosexual conduct. I am inclined to believe that this is the biggest reason that many people single out homosexuality among all other sins.

3. The sinfulness of homosexuality is somewhat controversial. People (Christians certainly not excluded) like to argue. There are not many people out there who would argue that stealing, murder, and adultery are not bad. Most people would even acknowledge that there is something inherently wrong with lying, gossip, and other "pettier" sins. My experience is that even most non-Christians see something wrong with these things. We accept that these things are wrong even though we ourselves are guilty of some of them. On the other hand, there is a general disagreement as to whether or not homosexual sex is a sin. Essentially, every argument that says that it is sinful runs along the lines of "the Bible says it is, so it is." While this is certainly a strong argument for those of us who accept that the Bible is authoritative if not outright flawless, it carries little or no water to those who do not accept the authority of Scripture. Most people can look at murder or stealing or even lying and see how dire the consequences would be if we tolerated these things as a society. On the other hand, homosexuality in and of itself lends itself to no such arguments. Thus, if a person rejects the traditions of Judeo-Christian faith, there is little reason for that person to assume that there is something inherently wrong with homosexual sex. Thus, it is a prime subject of debate, because there are a sufficient number of people who are convinced that it is a major sin and there is are likewise a sufficient number who are convinced that it is harmless.

Most people that I have met who go out of their way to single out homosexuality are motivated by at least one of the above three factors. I personally believe that homosexuality is probably a sin (like I said, I am not tempted, so I don't worry about it all that much) and that it is no more or less serious than many of the sin issues which tempt me and occasionally cause me to stumble.

 

[mkn01]

I am new to this forum but i have a few friends that think they are homosexual i don't agree with their lifestyle but we are all sinners and being a christian all i can do is pray for them and be an example of someone who was saved and believes the bible is gods law and he tells us how to live through his word in the bible i have given these friends a bible one day they may read it and understand that homosexuality is a sin along with a bunch of other sins and the beautifrul part of it is that they can be born again saved and live gods law through the bible that is my hope nd my belief thanks for letting me be a part of this god bless

 

[ANM29]

As far as I can tell, there are essentially three reasons (perhaps more, but these three come to mind) why homosexuality is singled out among sins, and none of them have to do with homosexuality being more destructive than other sins (and I would wholeheartedly disagree with the assertion made above that homosexuality is more destructive than murder and adultery). The three reasons that come to mind are these:

1. It is an easy sin to look down on, because only a relatively small number of people are tempted by it. This is to say that, being thoroughly heterosexual myself, I know that I can say what I want about the evils of homosexuality and not worry about it coming back to bite me to make me appear hypocritical if I should have my own struggle with sin. As long as homosexuality is not a real temptation for me, I can rest assured that on the day that I am caught in my sinfulness, I will be able to say, "at least it is not homosexuality." I use the first person pronoun above, not because I am inclined to use this reasoning myself (I generally am not one to single out homosexuality to begin with, precisely because it is not a temptation for me, so I tend to focus my energies on those sins which are likely to ensnare me), but rather to avoid coming across as accusatory to any specific person or group. As my opening paragraph implies, I do not think by any means, that everyone who would single out homosexuality is doing so with such nefarious intentions.

2. Because so many of us are not tempted by homosexuality, it is especially difficult for us to understand. Most of us can at least relate to the temptations involved in sins like stealing, adultery, and even murder. But, unless a person has a homosexual tendency, it is very difficult to relate to the temptation involved in homosexuality. As a heterosexual, I will admit that the idea of having sexual relations with another man is utter disgusting to me. On the other hand, I will confess that adultery can be a very real temptation for me. Does this mean that I should believe that homosexuality is somehow worse than adultery? Of course not! But, because of this reality, it is far easier for me to relate to a person who does commit adultery, even though I realize how evil and destructive it is. It is certainly far more destructive in terms of temporal consequences than is consensual and monogamous homosexual conduct. I am inclined to believe that this is the biggest reason that many people single out homosexuality among all other sins.

3. The sinfulness of homosexuality is somewhat controversial. People (Christians certainly not excluded) like to argue. There are not many people out there who would argue that stealing, murder, and adultery are not bad. Most people would even acknowledge that there is something inherently wrong with lying, gossip, and other "pettier" sins. My experience is that even most non-Christians see something wrong with these things. We accept that these things are wrong even though we ourselves are guilty of some of them. On the other hand, there is a general disagreement as to whether or not homosexual sex is a sin. Essentially, every argument that says that it is sinful runs along the lines of "the Bible says it is, so it is." While this is certainly a strong argument for those of us who accept that the Bible is authoritative if not outright flawless, it carries little or no water to those who do not accept the authority of Scripture. Most people can look at murder or stealing or even lying and see how dire the consequences would be if we tolerated these things as a society. On the other hand, homosexuality in and of itself lends itself to no such arguments. Thus, if a person rejects the traditions of Judeo-Christian faith, there is little reason for that person to assume that there is something inherently wrong with homosexual sex. Thus, it is a prime subject of debate, because there are a sufficient number of people who are convinced that it is a major sin and there is are likewise a sufficient number who are convinced that it is harmless.

Most people that I have met who go out of their way to single out homosexuality are motivated by at least one of the above three factors. I personally believe that homosexuality is probably a sin (like I said, I am not tempted, so I don't worry about it all that much) and that it is no more or less serious than many of the sin issues which tempt me and occasionally cause me to stumble.

Great and transparent post and I am in total agreement with you.

Though I will be as blunt to add one more thing. I believe that MORE people are tempted by homosexual 'acts' than it will ever be admitted. I actually believe that there are many people who at some point have at least 'thought' about it, or been 'curious' as to what maybe an actual encounter would be like. But, this is the part that makes so many hypocrites themselves, when they point the finger at one who actually struggles with this temptation, versus admitting to their own temptation at some point in life.

You won't get many responses to your post, neither will I. You hit the nail on the head.

I don't think this thread is ready for what I really want to say, so I will leave it at that.

 

[Cris413]

As far as I can tell, there are essentially three reasons (perhaps more, but these three come to mind) why homosexuality is singled out among sins, and none of them have to do with homosexuality being more destructive than other sins (and I would wholeheartedly disagree with the assertion made above that homosexuality is more destructive than murder and adultery). The three reasons that come to mind are these:

<snipped for space...but I encourage a full read of Dies3l's post>


You offer some valuable insight Dies3l but I do consider consider these are probably not the only 3 reasons.

I'm not sure if you read the post prior to the one you quoted...what I was trying to present was what Scripture teaches us...not simply my personal assertion.

And yes...murder and adultery are just as destructive (and I believe we're both speaking regarding the destructive affect on society as a whole). And we should take note of these social indicators as well as signs of the end of the age. Not that these or any sin condition is anything new...but the exponential increase regarding what we as a society now condone and consider acceptable is alarming. Pretty much as it was in the days of Noah...and in the account of Lot and Sodom which Scripture clearly indicates is set as an example of the consequences of embracing sin and turning from God. (please pardon the paraphrase here...ref 2 Peter 2:6 and Jude 1:7)

Our society condones murder everyday via abortion and more than likely, redefining marriage to also include polygamy for adultery sake is probably just around the corner&#8230;once we definitely cement redefining that marriage is no longer only between one man and one woman.

The point of my previous post is that many of those who penned Scripture, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, spent quite a bit of time and detail addressing this particular sin condition and the consequences...for a reason. IMHO...much more so than I&#8217;ve ever read regarding murder and adultery&#8230;

There will always be the whole plank and speck judgment of others. No matter what the sin condition is&#8230;your sin is bigger than my sin. Praise God I don't do THAT sin...

What I consider is the larger problem in all of this...is regarding the manner in which many "Christians" react to those in bondage to sin. Somehow many Christians have come to see the lost...as the enemy. The lost are not the enemy...the lost are WHY we...those in Christ Jesus are still here walking around on the planet...to be those useful vessels...the salt and light that leads them to Christ Jesus. (did you know...in biblical times they used salt to keep paths clear? I thought that was awesome...but I digress )

Christians reacting to it with a heart of contempt, disdain and condemnation ...IMHO...can be more of a stumbling block than salt and light to the lost to hear the Good News of Christ Jesus...

...however...that doesn't mean we minimize the sin condition either and when I read what Scripture teaches us:

Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

It breaks my heart to consider that perhaps many of those I love and care about that are in bondage to homosexuality may not even have the choice anymore...that's a pretty destructive sin condition IMHO. Now we&#8217;re not only talking about the destructive affects on society&#8230;but spiritual destruction of the individual and whole societies as well (again Sodom as the example)&#8230;and I consider it's that type of destruction that greatly warrants our concern and lots and lots of

I know this is very long post...and my apologies for that...

but this is a topic that is weighing quite heavily on my heart at the moment...and I just realized it may be because I'm going to visit one of my dearest friends out of state. I haven&#8217;t seen him in close to 10 years.

We have been drifting in and out of each other's lives for almost 30 years now...and I've always loved him like a brother...He&#8217;s excited for me to meet his partner. He says he's finally happy now...and I want him to be happy...who doesn't want the people they love to be happy...but it breaks my heart at the same time...I have to remember&#8230;with God ALL things are possible. As for me&#8230;all I want to do is love him and be there for him.

I&#8217;ve never smacked him around with my bible (who knows&#8230;in hindsight maybe I should have&#8230;I dunno) But I&#8217;ve always been honest with him when he asks&#8230;that whole truth in love thingy&#8230;And the truth is&#8230;Jesus Christ loves him...he loves all of us with a love we can't even begin to fathom. And if he has come to Christ since the last time we saw each other&#8230;I&#8217;m sure he&#8217;ll let me know&#8230;that&#8217;s not something one keeps hidden under a bushel!

 

[billyspin]

I think the answer is very simple....If you have accepted Jesus as your savior that is your ticket to Heaven. Some of us have more sins than others but that is not what Christianity is all about.

 

[Cris413]

Great and transparent post and I am in total agreement with you.

Though I will be as blunt to add one more thing. I believe that MORE people are tempted by homosexual 'acts' than it will ever be admitted. I actually believe that there are many people who at some point have at least 'thought' about it, or been 'curious' as to what maybe an actual encounter would be like. But, this is the part that makes so many hypocrites themselves, when they point the finger at one who actually struggles with this temptation, versus admitting to their own temptation at some point in life.

You won't get many responses to your post, neither will I. You hit the nail on the head.

I don't think this thread is ready for what I really want to say, so I will leave it at that.

Awww AMN...don't want you to feel left out... and I do agree...I'm sure there are many tempted by feelings or attractions to the same sex...and never act upon it.

We are in the flesh...and subject to all manner of fleshly temptations and our Lord tells us...even thinking about it we've committed the sin in our hearts...interestingly...He used murder and adultery as the examples...

Praise God!

1Co 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.