Caring Enough to Confront - Homosexuality in Light of Scripture, Part 2

The 21st-century church has become so divided over the issue of homosexuality. Whole denominations of Christians have split apart about whether to include or exclude same-sex couples. So, in this program, guest teacher Pastor Tim Lundy goes to the Bible for clarity. He also talks to those struggling with same-sex attractions and encourages the body of Christ to better respond to those in the gay and lesbian community.

7 Places in Scripture where homosexuality is mentioned:

1. Rescue of Lot from Sodom and Gomorrah. -Genesis 19
2. Levite and his concubine. -Judges 19
3. Leviticus 18:22
4. Leviticus 20:13 Understanding the Law today (Moral – Civil – Ceremonial)
5. Romans 1:26-27
6. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
7. 1 Timothy 1:8-11

Summary from the passages:

• Sexual intimacy between same-sex partners is condemned in the direct passages of Scripture.
• Sexual intimacy between same-sex partners is never portrayed in a positivelight in the Bible.
• There is no Biblical warrantfor same-sex marriage.

If homosexuality is not permitted biblically, then why are some people attracted to the same sex?

• Christian and secular experts continue to grapple with the issue of causality.
• The impact of the fall cannot be underestimated in the ways it has shaped humanity. -Romans 5:12

Is it sinful to have same-sex desires?

• God never tempts us – It always comes from the world, the flesh, and the devil.
• Jesus was tempted as we are, so temptationis not sin. -Hebrews 4:15
• When we allow our desire to cross the line to thoughts or actions contrary to God’s design, we have sinned. -James 1:13-15

How have Christians with same-sex desires chosen to live out their faith?

• Celibacy: A choice of devotion to Christ.
• Marriage (Heterosexual): A choice of self-denial for Christ.
• Kinship Partnerships: Nonsexual intimacy with others.
• Transformation: Nothing is impossible with God.

How should we respond as a church?

• We can love all people knowing that it is not our responsibility to judge them. -1 Corinthians 5:9-10, 12
• In the context of relationship, ask: “May I introduce you to Jesus?”
• We must continue to speak the truth in love to those in the church, calling all of us to the sexual standards of Scripture.
• We must support and celebrateour brothers and sisters in Christ who struggle with same-sex attraction, but are choosing to pattern their lives according to Scripture.
• We must develop a more robust understanding and celebration of single adults in the church.
• We must open our homes and families to those who are longing for community and were promised it in the church.

Broadcast Resource

• Download Free MP3
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• "Not Beyond Reach" Small Group Study
• "Caring Enough to Confront" Resources

About Chip Ingram

Chip Ingram’s passion is helping Christians really live like Christians. As a pastor, author, and teacher for more than three decades, Chip has helped believers around the world move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God’s truth in their lives and relationships in transformational ways.

About Tim Lundy

Tim Lundy has been in ministry for three decades. A graduate of Crichton College and Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.), he is currently serving as the Senior Pastor at Venture Christian Church in Los Gatos, California, and previously gave pastoral leadership to Christ Community Church and Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.

About Living on the Edge

Living on the Edge exists to help Christians live like Christians. Established in 1995 as the radio ministry of pastor and author Chip Ingram, God has since grown it into a global discipleship ministry. Living on the Edge provides Biblical teaching and discipleship resources that challenge and equip spiritually hungry Christians all over the world to become mature disciples of Jesus.

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