Defining social issue of this generation Most of us know someone affected Christians have often responded without grace

Attraction Identity Behavior

Nature, nurture, or choices? Dr. Marc Breedlove (Mich State Univ) “These findings give us proof for what we theoretically know to be the case – that sexual experience can alter the structure of the brain, just as genes can alter it. It is possible that differences in sexual behavior cause, rather than are caused by, differences in brain structure.”

Nature, nurture, or choices? Simon LeVay “I did not prove that homosexuality is genetic, or find a genetic cause for being gay. I didn’t show that gay men are born that way, the most common mistake people make in interpreting my work. Nor did I locate a gay center in the brain.”

Nature, nurture, or choices? Bailey and Pillard twins study If one twin is gay... identical twins: both gay 52% fraternal twins: both gay 22%

Nature, nurture, or choices? Potentially all 3 Nearly 70% of gender confused boys do not have a father at home

Nature, nurture, or choices? Potentially all 3 46% of homosexual men report being molested 90% of lesbian women had experienced some form of abuse as a child

Nature, nurture, or choices? Potentially all 3 This is not what really matters

Leviticus 18:22 You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.

Leviticus 20:13 If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them.

1 Corinthians 6: Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

Romans 1:26-27 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.

Behavior, not attraction, is the issue Homosexual behavior is clearly sin

Absolutely not! –1 Cor 6 – with stealing, getting drunk, coveting –Rom 1 – middle of the pack –Jesus – saved wrath for self-righteous You are not a 2 nd class Christian This struggle does not define you

To lead them to the gospel To help them escape the consequences 1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.

To lead them to the gospel To help them escape the consequences –78% of homosexuals have had an STD –1.5x higher risk of depression –3x higher risk of suicide –avg life expectancy: years shorter!

1 Corinthians 6:11...nor effeminate, nor homosexuals... Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Philippians 2:12–13 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Yes, with caveats

–may not include heterosexual desires the opposite of homosexuality is not heterosexuality, it’s holiness

Yes, with caveats –may not include heterosexual desires –vigilance will be required in this life

Remember: –behavior, not temptation, is sin –this struggle does not define you –there is hope – change is possible Do: –flee tempting people & situations –be accountable to someone safe –get expert help exodusinternational.org

Relax Educate yourself –exodusinternational.org –101 Frequently Asked Questions about Homosexuality by Mike Haley Speak the truth in grace Pray