Navigating LGBT Issues

[psalm51]

Allow me to preface this with the fact that I have been delivered from lesbianism and confusion of gender. One would think this would make it an easy topic to discuss for me, but it isn't. I am wondering how to navigate + discuss the issue of Pride/LGBT. I believe, in the case of LGBT believers, that it is continuing to willfully live in sin and that is a bad thing. However, I find it difficult to articulate this belief into thoughts, some might call this apologetics, but I am not a seasoned believer and am not up to snuff on the Word. Should I just stay silent until I know enough? I know that homosexuality is detestable to the Lord; should it be treated differently than any other sin? I believe all sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord, besides the unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

This post is brought on by my frustration of wanting to post images and such about delivering people from homosexuality but feeling like I will lose my job if I post these things. I feel stifled and confused about what I should do.

Alex

 

[Jethro Bodine]

One would think this would make it an easy topic to discuss for me, but it isn't. I am wondering how to navigate + discuss the issue of Pride/LGBT.

Share your testimony about how God set you free from the slavery of sexual sin. You don’t have to know the Bible well to do that.

Sexual sin is very powerful. They will instantly be able to relate to the slavery aspect of sexual sin.

I know that homosexuality is detestable to the Lord; should it be treated differently than any other sin? I believe all sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord, besides the unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

Sexual sin is different than other sin:

18Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18

 

[Jethro Bodine]

…continuing to willfully live in sin and that is a bad thing.

Yes, that’s a very, very bad thing. To willfully and knowingly and deliberately continue to sin after receiving the truth is to trample on and profane the blood of Christ in contemptuous unbelief:

26If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, 27but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries. 28Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:26-31

It is essentially the sin of blaspeming the Holy Spirit - willingly and knowingly rejecting the undeniable testimony and conviction of the Spirit. This is quite different than the believing person’s struggle with sin.

 

[Rockytopva]

When the heavenly forces look down on the products of human sexuality they likely muse within themselves... "My goodness I have never seen anything so nasty." And some type of cleansing process is commanded after the process...

16 And if any man's seed of copulation go out from him, then he shall wash all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the even.
17 And every garment, and every skin, whereon is the seed of copulation, shall be washed with water, and be unclean until the even. - Leviticus 15

27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. - 1 Corinthians 7

15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. - Hebrews 12

"For one morsel of meat sold his birthright." I simply would caution of any products of human sexuality as selling out with God for just a brief moment of pleasure. But... Humans will continue to do such things... I would say, though, if you want to impress the heavenly forces with pleasure make that pleasure in the form of helping others in need. Such as looking out for the poor with the motivation of helping them in the time of need.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Allow me to preface this with the fact that I have been delivered from lesbianism and confusion of gender. One would think this would make it an easy topic to discuss for me, but it isn't. I am wondering how to navigate + discuss the issue of Pride/LGBT. I believe, in the case of LGBT believers, that it is continuing to willfully live in sin and that is a bad thing. However, I find it difficult to articulate this belief into thoughts, some might call this apologetics, but I am not a seasoned believer and am not up to snuff on the Word. Should I just stay silent until I know enough?

Hello again, Habracha, and good to see you posting.

The only reason why I might consider waiting is because it may lead to debate, and you might need to be prepared to field all kinds of lines of argument, many false, but technical nonetheless.

What I would advise you do, however, is post the arguments that you see being used here, and ask others how they would respond.

should it be treated differently than any other sin? I believe all sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord

About this question, I believe sins associated with homosexuality are different from things like telling a white lie, or letting a cus word escape your lips in a moment of pain or frustration, or taking a couple of pens from work when no one is looking. Homosexuality is referred to as an "abomination" in the sight of God, which is a word generally reserved for sins that are especially egregious or grotesque to Him, and I believe this is because a strong demonic presence is usually involved. It is not a natural passion but a perverse one, and even in the New Testament you will see the word "uncleanness" used in texts where that sin is referenced, which is a discrete reference to the presence of unclean spirits. And the demons associated with sexual perversion are especially detestable and unclean. It is said that their physical appearance is so gross as to induce vomiting in those who have had their eyes opened to see them in the spirit realm.

I realize that kind of response might not be all that well received, but if you are going to dialogue with people on that issue you may have to prepare for backlash. And above all things be prepared to walk in love, which from your perspective would be more possible than maybe from others, seeing as how you have been there.

Post any other questions you should run into. I'm sure there are many here who wouldn't mind giving you their opinions, and good seeing you again.
- H

 

[WIP]

Allow me to preface this with the fact that I have been delivered from lesbianism and confusion of gender. One would think this would make it an easy topic to discuss for me, but it isn't. I am wondering how to navigate + discuss the issue of Pride/LGBT. I believe, in the case of LGBT believers, that it is continuing to willfully live in sin and that is a bad thing. However, I find it difficult to articulate this belief into thoughts, some might call this apologetics, but I am not a seasoned believer and am not up to snuff on the Word. Should I just stay silent until I know enough? I know that homosexuality is detestable to the Lord; should it be treated differently than any other sin? I believe all sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord, besides the unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

This post is brought on by my frustration of wanting to post images and such about delivering people from homosexuality but feeling like I will lose my job if I post these things. I feel stifled and confused about what I should do.

Alex

I think Paul gave us a great example to follow recorded in Acts, chapters 25 and 26. We don't have to be attorneys for Jesus, just witnesses sharing the truth of how Jesus has made a difference in our lives. From there the Holy Spirit will do the converting. As Paul told the Church in Corinth, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase." 1 Corinthians 3:6 NKJV

 

[Christ_empowered]

Even a lot of unbelievers know the truth. It’s something weird about this phase of modern culture…especially after age 30ish or so the reality of homosexuality is revealed but we’re all still expected to affirm and punish people who tell the truth. Point there is…

Just from listening to my long term friend who was once queen of the gays…

Disillusionment is common anyway. God can work in disillusionment God can even reveal truth to the young and foolish.

My own approach is to just do and be honest and also focus more on where God has me now not where and who I was before. But I’m not you obviously. To everything there is a season…

Praying

 

[evenifigoalone]

That's really something you need to determine for yourself I think. It takes a lot of thought and prayer.
I'm a gay Christian. I do believe that same sex relationships are forbidden by scripture, so I abstain from those desires. I have not arrived at the same conclusion on the transgender topic. At any rate, it took me a long long time to get to where I am right now.

 

[Dorothy Mae]

Allow me to preface this with the fact that I have been delivered from lesbianism and confusion of gender. One would think this would make it an easy topic to discuss for me, but it isn't. I am wondering how to navigate + discuss the issue of Pride/LGBT. I believe, in the case of LGBT believers, that it is continuing to willfully live in sin and that is a bad thing. However, I find it difficult to articulate this belief into thoughts, some might call this apologetics, but I am not a seasoned believer and am not up to snuff on the Word. Should I just stay silent until I know enough? I know that homosexuality is detestable to the Lord; should it be treated differently than any other sin? I believe all sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord, besides the unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

This post is brought on by my frustration of wanting to post images and such about delivering people from homosexuality but feeling like I will lose my job if I post these things. I feel stifled and confused about what I should do.

Alex

I think you ought to not speak up on this for a time as you are new to being a believer, I take. If you are asked, you can give your testimony, of course. But Jesus did not ask his disciples to suffer for his name and cause until they were well seasoned believers. He said that some believers fall away from the faith because of suffering so there is a risk not only to your job but to your faith. It is not your job to correct wrong thinking on this subject. Learn first the mind of the Lord better and you will be better able to take the difficult responses.

 

[for_his_glory]

As a child of God first I thank Him that He has set you free from the bondage of sin and has brought you unto Himself.

The best way to talk to others about this is give your testimony how you new it's a sin and how God delivered you from the LGBT life of sin. The next best thing is to educate yourself in what God has said about all of this. Go study Leviticus 20:10-21 and Romans 1:18-32 to understand why LGBT is an abomination to God. If God is calling you to be an advocate against the LGBT society then allow the Holy Spirit equip you first as you study why it is sinful then you will be able to answer the questions you will have to deal with. God's word is simple and basic on this subject and no one can go above that which has already been written. I will also leave you with this verse.

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Hebrews 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

 

[Free]

Allow me to preface this with the fact that I have been delivered from lesbianism and confusion of gender. One would think this would make it an easy topic to discuss for me, but it isn't. I am wondering how to navigate + discuss the issue of Pride/LGBT. I believe, in the case of LGBT believers, that it is continuing to willfully live in sin and that is a bad thing. However, I find it difficult to articulate this belief into thoughts, some might call this apologetics, but I am not a seasoned believer and am not up to snuff on the Word. Should I just stay silent until I know enough? I know that homosexuality is detestable to the Lord; should it be treated differently than any other sin? I believe all sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord, besides the unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

This post is brought on by my frustration of wanting to post images and such about delivering people from homosexuality but feeling like I will lose my job if I post these things. I feel stifled and confused about what I should do.

Alex

This video might be of help:

 

[Dorothy Mae]

What is very helpful is getting of fuller understanding of God’s viewpoint on the matter. This you won’t find in the Old Testament as the Mosaic law was just that, a law. It’s no good telling adults it’s “forbidden” without understanding why. There was a why behind the law….there always was.

The mind of Christ in the matter is not a legal one. The law is a teacher so that we come to understand. In any case, getting the mind of Christ on the matter is the best.

 

[st_worm2]

Hello habracha, Luke tells us about the Lord Jesus visiting two sisters one day, and what it teaches us is important to understand. Here it is.

Luke 10​

38 As Jesus and His disciples traveled along, He entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. ​

39 She had a sister named Mary who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. ​

40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made, so she came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”​

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord replied, “you are worried and upset about many things, ​

42 but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her.”​

I believe that our principal ministry to others is, first and foremost, to become a "seasoned believer", which necessarily includes being someone who is "up to snuff on the Word". I think that this is crucial when we know that defending the faith may end up being particularly difficult to do (and ministering to LGBTQ+ has certainly become such in the last couple of years).

So, even though ministering to folks who are still caught up in the LGBTQ+ lifestyle may be the perfect ministry for you (because who better than someone who has been there personally), and the very thing that God wants you to do, this may not be the time to do so (so make sure that it is His will for you to move forward with this ministry before you actually do so .. your pastor can help you with this), both for the sake of those who you will be ministering to, and perhaps especially, for your sake (as you need to feel secure in your faith and have a great handle on the truth before venturing back into the sinful world that you walked away from when you came to saving faith).

That said, I don't want to discourage you from pursuing it (or, especially, from witnessing to folks who God has clearly caused you to cross paths with). I guess I would say this, if you have a heart for this ministry, and you feel an overwhelming desire to help folks who are still caught up in the LGBTQ+ lifestyle, I would take the matter to your pastor forthwith for his counsel/guidance and prayer on the matter (and you should do so much sooner than later if this is the case).

Praying for you!

God bless you!!

--David

 

[psalm51]

Update: God led me to this post as an answer to my concerns for the LGBT+ community.

The LORD raised up judges who delivered them, yet they would not listen…

christianforums.net

 

[JLB]

Allow me to preface this with the fact that I have been delivered from lesbianism and confusion of gender. One would think this would make it an easy topic to discuss for me, but it isn't. I am wondering how to navigate + discuss the issue of Pride/LGBT. I believe, in the case of LGBT believers, that it is continuing to willfully live in sin and that is a bad thing. However, I find it difficult to articulate this belief into thoughts, some might call this apologetics, but I am not a seasoned believer and am not up to snuff on the Word. Should I just stay silent until I know enough? I know that homosexuality is detestable to the Lord; should it be treated differently than any other sin? I believe all sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord, besides the unforgivable sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

This post is brought on by my frustration of wanting to post images and such about delivering people from homosexuality but feeling like I will lose my job if I post these things. I feel stifled and confused about what I should do.

Alex

You are an amazing person who is created in Christ Jesus for good works and abundant life.


God bless you and fill you with His Spirit and wisdom to share what the Lord has done for you.





JLB

 

[Tenchi]

Allow me to preface this with the fact that I have been delivered from lesbianism and confusion of gender. One would think this would make it an easy topic to discuss for me, but it isn't. I am wondering how to navigate + discuss the issue of Pride/LGBT.

With other lesbians, you mean? If God doesn't open the way to do so, don't attempt to force a way. Are you praying about this matter, asking God to prepare you and then, in His time, to lead you into useful discussions with others?

God has showed you in His word how best to speak of the matter of Pride/LGBTQ-etc. He calls homosexual behaviour a sin, an abomination, and, for some, a judgment upon their pride and rebellion toward Him (Leviticus 18:21; Leviticus 20:13; Jude 1:7; Romans 1:18-28).

In Scripture, God communicates to former homosexuals that they are completely changed, made "new creatures" in Christ, possessing a new identity in him rather than in their sexuality (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

As has already been suggested to you, the best way to share Christ with others is to know, love, and enjoy him deeply and from intimate, daily communion with him, tell homosexual/lesbian/queer folk, not just about the need to turn from their sin, but of the joy, peace and love of turning to the Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes, we can get caught up dealing with sinners according to their sin, subtly reinforcing their identification with it. But we are ambassadors of Christ, preaching the Good News of life in him, and so we ought to do as the apostle did and extol his virtues, not argue over the sinfulness of sin.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5
1 And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
3 I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling,
4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.