Homosexuality

Homosexuality is wrong; it is a sin, and there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. In the beginning, God initiated the relationship between a man and a woman. He created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve, as some like to humorously assert. Homosexuality is no laughing matter. It was primarily this sin that led to the destruction of Sodom found in Genesis 19. The men of Sodom “called to Lot and said to him, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them’” (Genesis 19:5). A strikingly similar situation can also be found in Judges 19. The law is specific in Leviticus 18:22, “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.” Leviticus 20:13 adds the punishment for such a sin, “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. There bloodguiltiness is upon them.” Paul, in writing to the Roman church, describes those who have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, “For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts” (Romans 1:26-27). Both 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:10 contain list descriptions of people who are considered unrighteous (lawless and rebellious), and guess what, homosexuality is found in both lists.

It is quite obvious as to what God thinks about homosexuality, and since we (believers) are His children, we are to be likeminded in regards to this sin. However, we must keep in mind that we are not called to hate people. It is ok to hold a position one way or the other, but when it comes to name-calling and violence, that is where the line is crossed. That is when we fall into sin ourselves. How are we to treat homosexuals? We are to love them and share Christ with them as we would anyone else. We have a responsibility to let homosexuals, and all sinners for that matter, to know that Christ will one day sit as Judge; but we also have the responsibility to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with them. Repentance is an option, and forgiveness is available. I have heard of homosexuals coming to Christ for healing and forgiveness, and now they are serving Christ wholeheartedly. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.”

Obviously, if homosexuality is wrong (Scripture makes this clear), then no church of the living Christ should ever be led by a homosexual pastor. No homosexual should be allowed to serve as a deacon or in any other position in the Church. Unfortunately, our culture has had an effect on some churches in our nation. There are homosexual pastors leading churches. There are even churches which promote the homosexual agenda, and they do this in the name of being open to everyone and not being exclusive. With no apologies, I assert that Christianity is extremely exclusive. By that I mean that Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), and it is an imperative that we follow after Him and His Word. To be called Christian and not follow after Christ is ridiculous.

The day may very well come in this country when taking a stand against homosexuality will be considered a crime. It isn't a far stretch at all to say that pastors may be thrown in jail for preaching against it. God help us to stand firm on His word and endure what may come!