Questions from readers: Many churches teach different things about Homosexuality. So which is right? Are homosexuals all going to hell? Is it OK to be homosexual? Some churches even have homosexual pastors. Seems like Christians are more confused about this than people who don't go to church, and I am one of them.
Our Thoughts: Homosexuality is a topic that has split the body of Christ and is still very controversial. The problem is that there are extremists on both sides of this argument who both seem to completely ignore the Bible.
People who would argue that homosexuality is not a sin do so based on the argument that homosexuality was defined as sin in Biblical times because of cultural issues with this lifestyle. They would say that homosexuality is no more a sin today than women speaking in church (1 Corinthians 14:34-35), which was a cultural rule that we obviously do not follow in today's culture.
On the other hand, people who believe that God hates homosexuals and that they are condemned to hell would do so based on 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 which lists "homosexuals" among a category of people who will not inherit the Kingdom of God. They would also quote Leviticus 20:13, citing that the act of homosexual sex was punishable by death in the Old Testament.
The problem with both of these stances is that they are not based on the entirety of scripture.
Those who would say that homosexuality was a "cultural sin" fail to recognize that there is not a place in scripture where homosexuality is not addressed as sin. In in both the Old and New Testament, homosexual sex is ALWAYS addressed as sin (references). Let's compare this to a cultural issue, like women being allowed to speak in church. If you read 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 the implication is that women speaking in church is "disgraceful" (cultural), not "sinful" (Biblical). Paul addresses the call to be "submissive" as the Law states. Additionally, God used many women to fulfill his plans and proclaim his truth throughout the entire Bible.
Those who desire to shun and condemn homosexuals to hell based on 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, need to go back and read who else is included in that list..."the sexual immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, thieves, greedy people,drunkards, slanderers, and swindlers". Have you ever stolen something? Have you ever gotten a little too tipsy? Have you ever slandered someone? All of the sins listed are enough to separate a person from the love of God for eternity, if they do not repent and accept Christ as their Savior. But now, lets read the next verse (1 Corinthians 6:11): "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."
So here is our opinion...homosexuality is sin, just like getting drunk, looking at Internet porn, slandering your president, etc. The Body of Christ should offer grace, mercy, and unconditional love to anyone, regardless of what particular sin or expression of sexual brokenness they happen to be struggling with.
Homosexuality is a result of sexual brokenness just like any other sexual sin. We believe a Christian can struggle with homosexuality just like a Christian can struggle with pornography, gluttony (hello pastors), or any other sin when our eyes are not fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-3).
The church is the place where people should be welcome to come just as they are, no matter who they are, and hear the life-transforming message of the Gospel. I have Christian friends who struggle with homosexuality, and we are glad that Freedom Life Church is a place where those living in lifestyles of homosexuality have felt welcome attending. I pray that never changes. This may make some people feel uncomfortable, but remember that list in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 the next time you decide you want to judge who is worthy of God's love and who isn't. We are all on a journey together even though we each begin our journey from different places and face unique obstacles.
For more info go to www.exodusinternational.org
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About Me
- freddy
- I am 33 years old. I am the Lead Pastor of Freedom Life Church in Hampton, Va. My wife, Jen, and I live in Yorktown, VA with our five children. I feel blessed to wake up excited about my life. I love to smile and laugh and have a good time. I am a firm believer in "keeping it real" and with me, what you see is exactly what you get. I think way too many people take themselves way too serious and that life was meant to be enjoyed. At least that is what Jesus said (John 10:10).
