Mini Sermons

Thursday, January 22, 2015

The Journey part 3

As we delve in to the next couple of passages I would like to reemphasize the importance of interpreting the verse in context.

Both of today’s passages focus on condemning the ungodly, as seen by Paul.    In fact Paul wrote all of the New Testament verses that are used to persuade readers that homosexuality is a sin.   

“Sexual immorality” was included in seven “lists of evil“ in Paul’s writings.  It is pretty safe to say that this was a problem in his society.  It is a problem in our society.  Could it have been the “thorn” in his flesh? 

We do tend to focus on and condemn people based on our sins.    

1 Timothy 1:10 NIV Timothy is urged to stop false teachers.  Paul says that the law commands love and that it is good if one uses it properly.   He goes into a list similar to the one in 1 Corinthians except  it now includes homosexuals.  In my studies the word translated into homosexuals in this text refers to men who used sex as a tool to exploit others.  In fact the King James Version does not even seem to imply homosexuals.  1 Timothy 1 KJV

Jude 5-7  In Jude the list includes sexual immorality and perversion.  These are paired with Sodom and Gomorrah and are implied to refer to homosexuality.   Sexual Immorality can include a whole list of transgressions that even married, monogamous heterosexual couples do together or alone…  But the main thrust of the passage is ungodliness. 

In all of Paul’s lists there are many other “evils” all of which point to a heart issue. 
   
Much of the “heart issue” that we see or perceive in the LGBT community has been brought out by the discrimination we have faced.  Being driven out of churches, communities, and families we don’t feel that we deserve God’s Love.  When a person does not feel they deserve God’s love or that God does not love them they tend to turn away.  It is much easier when we are rejected to pretend that we don’t care and that we are the rejecters.   
When we are the rejecters we act out in ways that are unappealing to society thus giving a bad name to LGBT people in general, much the same way that extremists in other sub-cultures do.


Many people in the LGBT community have reconciled with God.  Have a heart to serve God, to do right, to follow Christ.  Often times we are told that we are wrong. We are told that being gay and Christian is not synonymous.  This always brings back the doubt that we know so well. 

I read a letter to the pastor who stopped a funeral 15 minutes after it was to start and refused to do a service for an open homosexual.  Body, Flowers, and people had to move to a new location.  The letter is very heart felt and has one basic undertone.... put yourself in the shoes of the mourners.  Click to read the letter  Open Letter to Pastor Ray Chavez

If we could all wear each others shoes for a day.... the world would be a better place.

1 comment:

  1. I just started following this and I like it . I have had many years of struggling with my faith in God and my sexuality.
    When I met my wife she helped me realize that God loves us all. She is a free spirit and helps m e see God's love.

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