LQTBQ+ Q&A (2)

Are we interpreting the Bible wrong?

Was God ignorant? Should we change with the times? 2 Tim 3:16

2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Is God against LGTBQ+ people?

No, he is against all sexual sin gay or straight. Or taking an identity that is against his plan or design. - All objectifying of another person is evil. There is a lot of heterosexual sin in the Bible.

Romans 2:4 ESV

4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

Our biggest sin is not same sex attraction - It is Unbelief

Are people born gay? Didn’t God make them that way? How can God ask us to not pursue something we were born with?

Psalm 51:5 ESV

5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Studies have shown that there is no “Gay Genetics”

Genetics are fallen and effected by the fall too.

Example: Alcoholism 50% Biology does’t make something morally permissable.

Sin Nature is the cause of all of our sin both heterosexual and homosexual and nonsexual

Is temptation a sin?

It is not - Jesus was tempted in every way. But it can and does slide into sin quickly

We can’t toy with sin or it will get us.

Temptation is not a sin, but calling it no big deal is the quickest path to sin.

1 Corinthians 6:13–20 ESV

13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Flee from sexual immorality

There are holy and good desires and wrongly ordered desires, Lust and coveting -

Desire isn’t bad, but the goal and what we want to use them for matters, That is where desire becomes lust.

This is not a psychological disorder - For all of us it is a matter of handling sin and sinful desire well.

How do you show love to the LGTBQ Community while not agreeing with them

Practical ways to stand strong in a world that tells you your views are wrong and racist or biased · What do you do if you are called homophobic?

Show yourself to be a good listener. Show yourself to be blameless. Be willing to engage in that conversation

Love - Unconditional love is not the same as unconditional approval of my behavior choices

Tolerance - Define it rightly

LGTBQ sin is not the worst sin

Our sin is just as bad

Change: Change is not the absence of temptations, but change is the ability to be holy even in the midst of temptation

Assurance of friendship

No bullying, gay jokes

When Someone shares/reveals

1. Thank them

2. Not alone

3. Identity in Christ

4. Be realistic

5. Careful of externals

6. Ask Questions

7. Listen

8. Be Honest

9. Offer to pray for them