Homosexuality & Gay Marriage

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SERMON SUMMARY:

Homosexuality & Gay Marriage April 26, 2015
 Gary Hutchison Jesus affirms the entire OT and NT. That means that whatever the Bible affirms, Jesus affirms. Whatever the Bible condemns, Jesus condemns. The Homosexual community believes that their position is a moral, alternative; and that they are born that way. And if I am born differently, then I should have the same civil rights as other minority groups. The Bible teaches that it is not an alternative lifestyle, but a sinful, destructive lifestyle that brings pain, pre-mature death, and brokenness in relationships. So for a Christian the issue is a moral issue, not a civil rights issue. Everyone has a sin nature and a propensity to sin. Not everyone’s propensity to sin is the same. Some may have a propensity towards alcoholism. Others may have a propensity towards lying or stealing, others may have a propensity towards Homosexuality, some even may have a propensity towards pedophilia. We are all born into this broken world, broken and that is why Jesus came into this world, to bring about a rescue effort, a saving effort, a healing work for all who are broken. So how should we respond to this issue? • • •

We must be consistent. We ourselves must line up with Biblical standards of holiness in being sexually pure ourselves. Consecrate yourself to the Lord. Lev 11:44, 2 Tim 2:21 We must be compassionate. James 1:19-20 We must be courageous. The church must repent of being intimidated by the gay rights movement and recommit to her prophetic role in the world.

SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Does your Bible have red letters in it (the words of Jesus)? Are these words more truthful, more inspired, and more trustworthy than the black words in the Bible? Read 2 Tim 3:16-17. Does this change your answer? If a friend said to you that Jesus Himself never condemned homosexual what would you say to them and what Scriptures would you take them to? (Matt 5:17, John 16:13) Do you believe that everyone is born with a tendency towards sin and that different people are born with different tendencies? What are examples of certain tendencies that people can be born with? What is the difference between being born “gay” and being born with tendencies towards same sex attraction? Is the same sex marriage debate in our culture a civil rights issue or a moral issue? Why do some believe that it is a civil rights issue?

If you knew a person who had tendencies towards being an alcoholic what would you say to them as an ambassador for Christ? How does this message change if the person is in the homosexual lifestyle? Is homosexuality a normal, healthy alternative lifestyle? Why or why not? What is wrong with this statement? ”Everyone has sin, but God accepts everyone. Therefore we should not speak out against the sin of homosexuality because we all have sinned.” (1 Cor 6:9-11) Gary said that if our holiness is compromised so will our ability to be a powerful witness in our world. What are some things that are in the church today that are compromising our witness when it comes to sexual purity including our stand on homosexuality? Gary said that we need to repent of hostility to homosexuals and commit to bold love for them. What are some examples where the church has been hostile instead of loving towards homosexuals? If a person in our church shared with you that they struggle with same sex attraction, how would you respond? What about a family member or child?