Struggling with God's Word

[Ave Maria]

Hi everyone. I am struggling with God's Word. In it, the Bible seems to state that homosexuality is a sin. But is it really? I am bisexual and I have read so many things that seem to explain away the various verses and such. For example, I read that Romans 1 is actually talking about homosexual behavior among temple prostitutes or something of the sort. I do believe that it is a sin and I am convicted of this but I am just having a really hard time with these verses. Please, I want to follow God but I am struggling. I want to know that God's word is clear on this issue.

 

[Ave Maria]

Well, I'll be awaiting some answers. I will likely stick with my current liberal position if nobody can make those verses clear.

 

[chilibowl]

What verses exactly?? Romans 1 doesn't say it's ok to exchange a natural relationship for an unatural one... It is explaining why the revelation of god through creation is not eveident to an unbeliver.. Meaning that, at one time a man that didn't know god, could know god just from the creation... but because we turned from him in our wisdom by doing all the things listed "Including gay relationships" we out smarted ourselves right out of our relationship..(we can't see him unless we except him.. Because of that godly things become foolish things)
If you read chapter two you see he tells us not to judge others because we are all guilty of sin.. Gossip or gay we deserve hell, and because he gives the gossip time to repent, the gossip can't judge the gay, because he's giving her the same chance as as the gossip got to repent.. Remember sin is sin and all of it, everyone deserves an eternity in hell.. the big "sins" and the little ones get labled by us, not god cause to him there are all big!!!

If you have any specific questions I need chapter and verse and a point by point explnation, other wise you'll get a sermon instead of a taylored responce..

I hope what I did give you helped some..

GL GB

 

[Ave Maria]

Thanks chilibowl for the post. I'm just going to abandon this thread though. Debate about homosexuality isn't allowed in here anyway. And I can honestly easily see this thread turning into a debate. If you all want to pray for me that'd be cool too but you don't have to.

 

[Johnnz]

In Romans Paul gives a long list of behaviours that result from people walking away from God. Pual includes homosexuality (both sexes). Homosexual behaviour is listed amongs many other 'sins' that are very characteristic of people. Therefore, it is not consistent to argue that Pauls' reference to homosexuality was limited to temple prostitution, but everything else apllied much more generally.

The issues a person may face with their own sexuality must be looked at individually, against that general principle. Just as there are people born with physical defects (eg Downs Syndrome) I believe there are some people whose sexuality may be inherently different. How they then relate that to Christian principles becomes a pastoral issue, not one of automatic condemnaiton.

Feel free to pm me if you want to discuss anythig more personal.

John
NZ

 

[Free1Day]

I think Romans 1:28 should have answered your question. However, in my experience dealing with women on issues, I have learned that there is always the "Hidden" question that is never posed therefore it is never addressed and hence no one "hits" the bullseye thereby making you feel exonerated in your beliefs. You are only fooling yourself. What is your "Hidden" question you are withholding. If you are sincerely seeking the truth you will expose this sensitive thought.

 

[Willo]

The Bible makes it very clear that homosexual behaviour is a sin, and those practicing in it, will not go to heaven.

1Co 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor abusers, nor homosexuals,

1Co 6:10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Homosexual behaviour is not greater than the other sins listed, the bible also says, that liars will have a part in the lake of fire.

 

[kingzjewel]

i know that the person who started this thread subsequently abandoned it, but i must say that i agree with the Bible's olarity on this subject. Many want to say that because the word "homosexual" is not written exclusively in the Bible, that there is no real mandates against it. That being totally wrong. It is spoken of in the Old Testament and the New. Just because the word isnt there doesnt mean that the wording being used isnt talking about homosexual acts. No, homosexuals wont go to Hell if they repent of their sinful acts and stop behaving as a homosexual. If they stop having homosexual sex and stop having relationships with those of the same sex. Homosexuals won't go to Hell if they stop the adultery and lust of the eye and heart. There are some people who will never claim to be heterosexuals, but they still dont have to behave sinfully. It's the behaviors that send us to Hell...not the label.

 

[Marie D]

I agree with this last post. Single people who are attracted to the opposite sex have to resist temptation until they are married. Those who feel that they may be keener on their own sex similarly have to resist these temptations because such behaviour is sinful.
Granted, it's harder for them because they don't have the option of marriage and a normal family life. All of which means that the power of prayer and God's love becomes more important for them.

 

[bluemarkus]

hey holly

to make it short:

the bible clearly states that homosexuality is a sin, and no woman/man who indulges in it or ignores her/his liability to it has a big problem.

in the times of the mosaic law, people were put to death for homosexuality.
how can you even ask such a question(if homosexuality is "after all that bad" or not ?

in our days many people try to think it´d be a good idea to compromise the gospel and the teachings of the bible for faster church growth, but we shouldn´t build the theology we are comfortable with, we should take a look into scriptures like the beroans and really seek him and his will.

you say you are struggling with god´s word. this is because your fleshly nature, which still tries to pull you back into apostasy, still has much power over you.
god wants you to become a living sacrifice for him, your old self wants its pleasure.

therefore you have to crucify it completely and yield your whole life to god, every area of it.
this is what worked very well for me[is it any wonder ?? it is a biblical principle ], because when we live a radical life for god we might have more problems with the world and liberal "christianity", but we have less problems in understanding god´s truth and sticking to it.

the best thing always is to ask god himself. just bring your problem to him in honest submission. it is no big deal for him to help you, to open your eyes to the wrong thinking/attitude you have towards homosexuality, and to heal you and fulfill your desires in better ways than the old fleshly nature was able to.

resist the devil and he will flee from you.

greetings in christ

MB

PS: i have been adicted to pornography for over 10 years. if god can work miracles in my life, he can do the same for you.