Sexual Orientation Redefined Pastor Kile Baker - March 12, 2023 Having tough conversations and being clear about our beliefs may cost us something; but being unclear or having no conversations can cost us everything. All people need love, and we need to do all we can to love them well. We need to be as kind as possible in what we say, as clear as possible in what we mean, and as compassionate as possible in how we act. Homosexual relations and scripture Heterosexual relations and scripture What did Jesus say? What it all means: Three big questions Homosexual Relations and scripture There are only about six places in scripture that mention, suggest, or specifically talk about homosexuality. They are, in order of appearance in the Bible: Genesis 9:20-27, 13:13, 19:1-11; Leviticus 18:22, 20:13; Judges 19:22-24; Ezekiel 16:49-50; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; Jude 7; and 2 Peter 2:6. Distinction in sexual relations: Rape, attempted rape, cultic or slavish prostitution, and pederasty are all sinful whether they are committed by homosexual or heterosexual relations. The question is: Does God approve of consensual homosexual relations? Genesis 9:20-27 Noah & his son Ham. (Suggestive, not clear, non-consensual) Genesis 19:1-11 Sodom & Gomorrah (attempted rape, not clear, non-consensual) Genesis 13:13 “wicked & sinning greatly” Ezekiel 16:49-50 “arrogance, haughty, detestable things.” Jude 7 “Sexual immorality” and “strange flesh” 2 Peter 2:6 “ungodly” Judges 19:22-24 same conclusions as Genesis 19:1-11 Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 Unlawful sexual relations (clear, strong language of “abomination” and “detestable,” consensual with consequences) Romans 1:26-27 Jews & Gentiles (clear, “sinful desires of their hearts,” giving over, natural vs unnatural,  consensual) 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Kingdom of God (clear, “unrighteous,” consensual, past tense) 1 Timothy 1:8-11 Law & Gospel (clear, “unholy, sinful, contrary to sound doctrine,” consensual) Summary: Based on scripture, it is difficult not to classify homosexuality as a sin. It is forbidden in the Holiness Code in Leviticus, called an “abomination” and “detestable” by God, is listed among the sins of non believers in Christ, is seen as contrary to our nature, and is referenced as a practice that will keep someone from inheriting the kingdom of God. But it’s not the only sin, and it’s definitely not the most written about sexual sin in scripture. Heterosexual Relations and scripture There are more than 60 verses on heterosexual sins in the Bible that suggest or clearly state that God is opposed to. Every place in scripture that talks about homosexuality also condemns something in heterosexuality. God is opposed to: Sexual immorality Lust Prostitution Rape and attempted rape Sex outside of marriage Lewdness and impurity Polygamy What did Jesus say? When confronted with various sexual relations, sins, or questions, Jesus took the conservative traditional Jewish view, often going further and deeper in application and meaning than the Pharisees or teachers of the law themselves. Matthew 5:27-28 (Lust and adultery) Jesus taught that adultery started in the mind, not in the bedroom. Matthew 19:1-9 (Marriage and divorce) Jesus affirmed that marriage was to be between a man and a woman, and that divorce could lead to adultery. John 8:1-11 (A woman caught in adultery) Jesus acknowledged what was sinful and acted with forgiveness. What it all means: Three big questions 1. Are sexual sins the ultimate sins? Homosexuality won’t send you to hell, and heterosexuality won’t get you into heaven. There is only one sin that God won’t forgive, and it’s not a sexual sin, it’s a relational one. 2. Do Christians accept, love, and welcome anyone in the church? If the answer to this question isn’t an immediate yes, then we are not a part of Jesus’ church. Our acceptance of someone is not based on our approval of their choices, lifestyle, view of scripture, or relationship with God. 3. What do I need to realize or repent of in my own life? The radical nature of the church should not come from whether or not we affirm or reject someone based on their sexuality, it should come from our radical acceptance of any person regardless of their sin. This is the approach God took with us.