Is Homosexuality A Legitimate Lifestyle?

IS HOMOSEXUALITY A LEGITIMATE LIFESTYLE?

Romans 1:26-32

BTCC 3/2/03

IMAG: VIDEO FOX REPORT – 2:22

BEGIN:

“But first on Fox Tonight, the hit Broadway musical ‘Rent’ debuts in Owensboro tonight.”

Members of the Trinity Baptist Church holding signs:

DYKES SATANS WHORES

THIS WAY TO HELL

FAGS BURN IN HELL

GOD HATES FAGS

DOG SHOW INSIDE

GAY IS NOT OK

WARNING LAST CHANCE

ADAM OR APE

Those on other side of street chanting:

“Jesus teaches love! He doesn’t teach hate!”

Poster: Love all God’s kids

Reporter: “Do you think it’s fair to base a decision on something you haven’t seen?”

Demonstrator: “Well, uh…life in general is not fair.”

END IMAG VIDEO

We showed this Fox News clip for one reason:

• Gay bashing in the Name of Jesus Christ has got to stop

Is homosexual behavior a SIN?

• That’s exactly what we’re here to find out today

o But when you read the Bible – what was Jesus’ reputation when it came to sinners?

 Jesus was a “FRIEND” to sinners!

• Sooner or later…every true Christian who is a careful student of the Bible…

o …will want to share that reputation with Jesus

BTW…

• If you ARE a Christian, what are YOU?

o A sinner – saved by the GRACE of Jesus Christ

• I don’t know about you, but I don’t want a bunch of people from the local church standing in front of my home holding up signs listing MY sins and calling ME names!

Listen to what one male homosexual wrote several weeks ago and gave me permission to share with you today:

QUOTE:

“why would i want to be a part of an organized religion that is so arrogant and self-absorbed that they cannot relate to those they’re trying to reach? i’m not attacking bethel temple specifically, but am basing that statement on stereotypes, assumptions, and past experiences."

END QUOTE

We are going to speak the TRUTH about homosexuality, today –

• But we’re going to obey Ephesians 4:15 in the Bible and speak the truth in LOVE

Ushers passing out teaching notes…

Today’s message: “IS HOMOSEXUALITY A LEGITITMATE LIFESTYLE?”

WHY are we addressing this subject? 3 reasons:

#1 – Going verse-by-verse through the Bible Book of Romans

o This is a key passage in Romans Chapter1

o It is our commitment to you that we will not dodge any subject God cares about – regardless of whether or not it is politically correct

• I’m you’re pastor – not a politician

#2 – Since there is so much confusion on this issue, it is our goal to establish once and for all what the Bible says about homosexuality

#3 –My hope at the close today is that:

o The people of this church will walk out of here with a new understanding and compassion for our homosexual relatives and friends

• And that the gays who are present today will walk out of here with new hope

Here’s an E-mail I received a while back…

• …from a lesbian in another city:

QUOTE:

“Dear Steve,

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about you. But what I heard that has made me come to you for advice is that you are a compassionate man.

"I am a gay person involved in a relationship with another gay person. We both were raised in the church and like going to church. I love Jesus and so does my friend. We consider ourselves Christians.

"However, others don’t consider us Christians because of our sexual preference. We are not out in the open with this and if you met us you would just think we were like two other women that go to church. You would never know we are gay.

"I never hear preachers talk about gay people but am told we are all going to hell. I am told that one can’t be a Christian and also be gay. Can you please tell me your thoughts on this?

"It is easy for people to tell gay people to get counseling, pray, read the Bible and stay away from their mates. But could you stay away from your wife and pray to love a man? It would be tough, huh? You can’t even think about doing that, right? Well, neither can I. That is the only comparison I can make that could really get you to feel what it’s like on my side of the fence.

"My salvation is important to me. I know what John 3:16 means. I know Jesus died for me and I believe God sent Him to do this. It doesn’t say, ’whosoever believeth in Him and is not gay shall not perish, but have everlasting life.’

"Where do people get all this from? Could you please give me your thoughts on this hell-bound destiny for gay people?”