Bible Text: Romans 1:18-32 | Preacher: Pastor Steve
We do not want to be known for our stance on “the issue of homosexuality” rather we want to be known as people who serve and love ALL people, introducing them to Jesus so they can know Him as their Savior and Lord.
We need to be COMPASSIONATE and CARING in our communication concerning our Biblical Theology.
If you’re a homosexual, or struggling with any sexual issues or behavior, you matter to God.
If you are involved in homosexuality or struggling in any way you matter to this church.  We are not going to ridicule or disrespect you.
Homosexual relationships, same sex marriages are SIN according to the “whole bible” (Genesis to Revelation) and require repentance through confession, forgiveness, love and grace, just like any disobedience to the Lord.
There are some Christians who need to repent and ask for forgiveness for the disrespect and ridicule they have expressed toward the homosexual community and others who are struggling with life’s issues.
The Bible is our Foundation
The Bible is the inspired, only infallible, authoritative Word of God. We use the Bible as our standard for faith and life’s values.  The Bible is used as our only guide in the practice of our faith and how to live life.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Homosexuality is not supported, validated, or affirmed as an appropriate optional lifestyle in the Bible. God’s Word is totally, completely clear: a marriage is only between a man and a woman. Marriage is God’s design for procreation, sexual expression, and relational intimacy.
Genesis 2:18-24
Homosexuality is absolutely forbidden, and it is ALWAYS sin in the Bible.
Leviticus 20:13 If a man has sexual relations with another man they have done a disgusting thing.
Romans 1:18-32 Instead of believing what they knew was the truth about God, they deliberately chose to believe lies…
That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relationships with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men and, as a result, suffered within themselves the penalty they so richly deserved.
When they refused to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their evil minds and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, fighting, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful.
They are forever inventing new ways of sinning and are disobedient to their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, and are heartless and unforgiving. They are fully aware of God’s death penalty for those who do these things, yet they go right ahead and do them anyway. And, worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.
There is ABSOLUTELY no scientific, neurologic developmental, genetic evidence that we are born homosexual.
Homosexuality is a learned behavior and orientation.
Those who identify themselves as homosexual account for only 1.6% of the U.S. population; 97% of the current U.S. population identifies themselves as heterosexual (CDC 2014 stats).
Homosexual behavior is NOT a normal alternative to heterosexual sexual behaviors. Being homosexual is not the same as being born Hispanic, Black, Asian or any other ethnic background.
Our sexual behavior, orientation is ALWAYS a choice.
Individuals can survive without sex and a sexual need is not the same as the need for air, water, food or shelter.
We have opened a literal Pandora’s box that is injuring our children and the fabric of our society!
At least FIVE major world religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all have clear statements of faith that are against homosexuality
How is it and why is it that a group of less than 2% of our population is being allowed to try to bring about a change in the value(s), standard(s), and meaning of marriage and the family?
Homosexuality is a symptom of fallen humanity.
1 Timothy 1:6-11 …they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they seem so confident. We know these laws are good when they are used as God intended.  But they were not made for people who do what is right. They are for people who are disobedient and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who murder their father or mother or other people.
…These laws are for people who are sexually immoral, for homosexuals and slave traders, for liars and oath breakers, and for those who do anything else that contradicts the right teaching that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.
2 Peter 2:6-10
Jude 7
Homosexuality (like all sin) can be forgiven!
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Don’t you know that those who do wrong will have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, who are idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusers, and swindlers — none of these will have a share in the Kingdom of God.
There was a time when some of you were just like that, but now your sins have been washed away, and you have been set apart for God.  You have been made right with God because of what the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our God have done for you.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
We will NOT, MUST NOT fear man over God!
Proverbs 29:25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but to trust the LORD means safety.
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…