«= BETHEL AG CHURCH INTERNATIONAL WORSHIP CENTRE > AN | BE Tams TRISTAN #67, RING ROAD, HEBBAL,BANGALORE, INDIA — 560 024. 080 65687777 | WWW.BETHELAG.INWhat does the BI BLE say about homosexuality? Homosexuality is a huge issue in our culture today. Many of us know someone or have heard of someone who has chosen that lifestyle. We are bombarded with it on television, in magazines, movies, the internet, politics, and even in the class- rooms. The most common terms for homosexuals are lesbian for females and gay for males, though gay is also used to refer generally to both homosexual males and females. The number of people who identify as gay or lesbian and the propor- tion of people who have same-sex sexual experiences are difficult for researchers to estimate reliably for a variety of reasons. A recent survey by Gallup confirms that only 3.4% of US Adults identify as gays. We need to admit that as a church, some Christians may be judgmental and even hateful, which is wrong and inexcusable, but as followers of Jesus we are called to recognize the difference between right and wrong, to make proper moral judg- ments rather than be judgmental and condemning. As for the message that we preach, the gospel brings life, not death. If we really love all the homosexuals, we need to address those problems rather than just affirm their sexual and romantic desires. Through this booklet we intend to answer certain questions like whether you can truly follow Jesus and practice homosexuality simultaneously. We believe that the greatest expression of God’s love is to tell God’s truth and to know that HIS ways are the best. FAQ’s 1. What is homosexuality? Homosexuality is a condition of a person who is primarily attracted emotionally, physically, and/or sexually to members of the same sex. Although it would appear to be simple, on closer examination defining homosexuality is more complex. Some define homosexuality based on three criteria: - Having sexual feelings towards other people of the same sex - Sexual behaviour with people of the same sex - Describing oneself as homosexual (identity)2. What causes homosexuality? There are no conclusive scientific evidences for the cause of homosexuality. There are theories ‘e) od ale about genes, hormones and brain contributing made any to homosexuality. There are theories and studies homosexuals. The about upbringing, experience, and Ps i the social environment contributing to the Bible says, In the development of homosexuality but there are beginning, God no conclusive scientific evidence. (From Article “Sexual orientation, homosexuality and made Adam bisexuality” — August 8, 2013, American (male) and Eve Psychological Association) (female) and not 3. Is a person born homosexual? Adam and Steve! No one is born homosexual but many in the LGBT community argue that “God made me this way” but there are no scientific evidence to prove the same. (Please refer the answer to what causes homosexuality?) It is not true that people are born homosexual, but it is true that everyone are born sinners. The Bible says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). We all need to be BORN AGAIN! 4. So homosexuality is a choice? Yes, whether knowingly or through other social circumstances while growing up, a person choose to become homosexual and entertain those homosexual feelings. God never made any homosexuals. The Bible says, in the beginning, God made Adam (male) and Eve (female) and not Adam and Steve! Genesis 1:27, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Romans 1:25-27 “They exchanged the truth about 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 ex- changed natural sexual 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 shameful acts with other men, and received in them- selves the due penalty for their error.” 5. Shouldn’t I trust my constant feelings of homosexuality? We have all kinds of natural feelings in life but not everything natural is good for a person. We need not necessarily act on everything. For example, sometimes you feel like punching a person on their nose, or feel attracted to another woman who. is not your wife. Just because | have feelings of homosexuality doesn’t make it right.Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick, who can understand it? Proverbs 12:15, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” 6. Is homosexuality a sin? Sin is defined as transgression of laws of God or rebellion against God. Homo- sexuality is one of the long line of sins. It is important to know that it is not a sin to be exposed to temptation, rather it is a sin to indulge or act on it. The Bible is clear in showing that homosexuality is a sin just like any other sin. | Corinthians 6:9-10 “Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homo- sexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.” | Timothy 1:9-11 “For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching that comes from the glori- ous Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.” Gay marriage is not the plan of God. Even history, psychology and nature argues against gay marriage. When people continue in sin and unbelief, God “gives them over” to even more wicked and depraved sin in order to show them the futility and hopelessness of life apart from God. Romans 1:24-27 “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 about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual 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 shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.” 7. Is the sin of homosexuality greater than all other sins? The Bible does not describe homosexuality as a “greater” sin than any other. All sin is offensive to God. Homosexuality is just one of the many things listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that will keep a person from inheriting the kingdom of God.8. What do you say about gay marriage? Gay marriage is not the plan of God. Even history, psychology and nature argues against gay marriage. Leviticus 18:22, “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.” Leviticus 20:13 states, "If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination” God is the designer of marriage and he created them male and female in order that they would be joined together and become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24) Our Lord Jesus laid out the foundation for marriage in the Scriptures: Matthew 19:4-6, “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” 9. Was Lord Jesus silent on the topic of homosexuality? Lord Jesus taught explicitly that all sexual acts outside marriage make us unclean. He stated emphatically that marriage as God intended referred to the lifelong union of one man and one woman. Jesus didn’t say anything specific about rape or incest or many other sins. Does that mean all of them are OK? God forbid! In both Matthew 15:19 and Mark 7:21 the Greek word for “sexual immorality,” porneia, occurs in the plural form—it is literally “sexual immoralities,” This plural form is found only in these two verses in the entire New Testament. This refers comprehensively to all sexual acts outside of marriage, which, as we know, consisted only of the union of a man and a woman in Jewish biblical law in Jesus’s day. Also, Lord Jesus was a first-century Jewish rabbi teaching His fellow Jews, and in first-century Jewish culture homosexual practice was explicitly prohibited and for- bidden. 10. Who is a Eunuch in the Bible? Why does Jesus mention about them in Matthew 19:12? The mention of Eunuchs in Matthew 19:12 has no connection with homosexual- ity. The eunuchs of the Bible were usually castrated males or those incapable of reproduction due to a birth defect. When Jesus spoke about eunuchs who were “born that way,” He was speaking about men whoh, were born without “sexual capacity.” When He spoke about people “who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven,” He was referring to those who renounced marriage (and therefore sex as well) for the sake of the gospel. In short, Jesus was referring to men who were sexually impotent (by birth), castrated (by actions of others), or celibate (by choice) for the sake of the kingdom of God.11. Does God love homosexuals? Certainly! For God so loved the WORLD that he gave His only begotten Son, who- ever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” 12. Can a homosexual be saved? According to the Bible, God’s forgiveness is just as available to a homosexual as it is to an adulterer, idol worshipper, murderer, thief, etc. God also promises the strength for victory over sin, including homosexuality, to all those who will believe in Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation. 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.” 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 13. How can a practicing homosexual change? Now that you received Jesus into your life and you are a follower of Jesus, you are called to put Him first and submit your sexuality to God. This in essence means to abstain from sexual activity unless you can find an marriage partner of opposite sex, even if your attractions don’t change, or unless God changes your desires to heterosexual, which has happened for many. But here’s the bottom line: it is no harder for a homosexually oriented person to follow Jesus than it is for a hetero- sexually oriented person to follow Him, since Jesus requires everything from eve- ryone who chooses to follow Him as Lord. He said repeatedly, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Jesus died for our entire being—spirit, soul, and body; past, present, and future—and now we live a new life in Him. And finding Him, regardless of our sexual orientation, we find all that we need. See our Lord Jesus’ response to the woman who was caught in adultery John 8: 11, “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do | condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” 14. Is there a Holiness code to follow? God never said, “Be ye heterosexual like | am heterosexual. He only said, “Be ye holy because | am holy.” (| Peter 1:16) Holy living often leads to profound and deep changes in our lives—including complete changes in sexual orientation. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what command- ments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctifi- cation, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:That no man go beyondand defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.” 15. How do a Christian respond to a homosexual? Just because someone is a homosexual does not mean that we cannot love him (or her) or pray for him (her). We, Christians, should pray for the salvation of the homosexual the same way for a person trapped in any other sin. This is not an issue of arrogance or judgmentalism. We don't want anyone to be lost due to their sin. The homosexual is also. made in the image of God--even though he (or she) is in rebellion. Therefore, we, Christians, should show homosexuals the same dignity as anyone else with whom we come in contact. Don't injure them. Don't hate them. Don't judge them. Inform them that freedom and forgiveness are found in Jesus. Let them know that God loves us and died for us, so that we might be delivered from the consequences of our sin. Don't hate them. Don't judge them. Let them know that freedom and forgiveness are found in A UhS 16. Do we condemn gays? “There is no ‘condemning of the gay people.’ And the opposite of condemnation isn’t necessarily praise. The bottom line, again, is that homosexual acts are con- trary to God’s order and design and are only in the world because of our fallen, broken nature. We are all at God’s mercy and grace for transformation. 17. What does the Bible say about live-in relationships? And if wrong, why? The Bible states in 1 Corinthians 7:2 “each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband” The term “Husband” or “Wife” applies to a couple who come under the bond of marriage and this does not apply to live-in relation- ships. Anything contrary to this falls under the purview of immorality and sin. A man and a woman coming together in sexual union outside the covenant of mar- riage are against the will of God and they fall under the category of immorality in the eyes of God. A man and a woman in marriage is bound together by a cov- enant, a live-in relationship is not. 18. Can you be gay and Christian? If by that you mean, can you be committed to Jesus and serve Him faithfully while still having homosexual feelings and recognizing those feelings are against God’s design and willing to resist them as sinful—then the answer is YES, of course! On the other hand, if by being gay and Christian you mean, can you be committed to Jesus and serve Him while practicing homosexuality—embracing your homo- sexual feelings as a gift from God and acting on them, thereby affirming your “gay” identity—then the answer is a absolute NO. The Word of God is clearly against it.A Few Terminologies Explained Gender: A binary sociological construct defining the collection of characteristics that are culturally associated with maleness or femaleness; masculine and feminine make up gender just as male and female comprise sex. Gender Identity: How one perceives oneself — as a woman, a man, or otherwise. Heterosexual: A person who is emotionally, romantically, sexually, affectionately, or relationally attracted to members of a different sex. Often called a straight person. Homosexual: The clinical term, coined in the field of psychology, for people with a same-sex sexual attraction. The word is often associated with the idea that same-sex attractions are a mental disorder, and is therefore offensive to some people. LGBT: Stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. GLBT may also be used. At times, a Q.will be added for Queer and/or Questioning. Gay Male: A man who is emotionally, romantically, sexually, affectionately, or relation- ally attracted to other men, or who identifies as a member of the gay community. At times, “gay” is used to refer to all people, regardless of sex, who have their primary sexual and or romantic attractions to people of the same sex. Lesbians and bisexuals may feel excluded by the term “gay.” Lesbian: A woman who is emotionally, romantically, sexually, affectionately, or rela- tionally attracted to other women, or someone who identifies as part of the lesbian community. Rev. Rick warren: "In the end we must be merciful to the fallen, show grace to strug- gling, and be patient with the doubting. But when God’s Word is clear we must not- and we cannot—back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide from the truth." Dr. Christopher Yuan (Ex-Gay) “Neither homosexuality or heterosexuality should be the goal for any Christian. The goal for all Christians should be HOLY SEXUALITY.” Bishop T.D Jakes, "| think that sex between two people of the same sex is condemned in the Scriptures, and as long as it is condemned in the Scriptures, | don't get to say what | think. | get to say what the Bible says!” Philip Yancey, “| learned that Christians get very angry toward other Christians who sin differently than they do. Some people put homosexuality in a special category of sin. | guess my view of sin is broader than that. Love the sinner and hate the sin!” References: Can you be gay and Christian? Micheal L Brown (2014) Out of a far country: A Gay son's journey to God. A Broken mothers search for hope. (2011) The moral vision of the New Testament. Richard B Hays (1996) If you have any further questions, please email us at info@bethelag.in or walk into the church office for any counselling regarding this issue.