Homosexuality and the contemporary Church

1. Homosexuality and the contemporaryChurch Witness Freedom Ministries, Inc www.witnessfortheworld.org

2. Are we ready? Ecclesiastes 3 tells us everything has a season and every purpose has a time. We believe this is a season of war being waged against the church. The question is: is the church top fighting form? Or is the church so bloated with self gain that it’s incapable of fighting back? The religious, social and political demands of homosexual activism have challenged the church like no other issue before it.

3. ChallengesandControversy The doctrine of inclusion The “born gay” theory (orientation) Homosexual churches Social justice Biblical revisionism

4. The doctrine of inclusion: Major appeal: Jesus rejects no one and accepts all as equals “at the table” Its danger: Is a partial truth with a sinful motive Doesn’t acknowledge man’s sin and need to repent Treats grace as merited rather than unmerited

5. The “born gay” theory Major appeal: Its about people being who they were created to be (sexual orientation) Danger: Church accepts something based on emotional justification that is unproven scientifically and condemned biblically.

6. Gay churches Appeal:In our society, credibility is everything. Homosexual churches now have large buildings, thousands of members, talented gospel choirs and regular fellowship with well known Christian music artists and speakers. All of which promote credibility. Danger: Violation of scripture. 1 Corinthians 5:9-13

7. Social justice issues Social Justice issues are concerns advocated by individuals in reference to basic human rights. Advocates seek the eradication of these problems from the human family. These issues include: environmentalism, equality (and inclusivity), racism, globalization, poverty, homelessness and violence (war). Major appeal: A sense of fighting for the oppressed. Danger: Each category of oppressed not judged individually but as a whole, allowing for any category to be added.

8. Biblical revisionism The gay christian movement uses it to restructure or discredit the true meanings of scriptures which condemn homosexual conduct. Thus, erasing the stigma of sin. www.gcmwatch.com

9. SIN The “business” of homosexuality The normative statistics for a homosexual in the USA include a Bachelor's degree: For gay men, the median household income is $83,000/yr. (Gay singles $62,000; gay couples living together $130,000), almost 80% above the median U.S. household income of $46,326, per census data. For lesbians, the median household income is $80,000/yr. (Lesbian singles $52,000; Lesbian couples living together $96,000); 36% of lesbians reported household incomes in excess of $100,000/yr. Compare that to the median income of the non-college educated Black male of $30,539. Homosexual culture is seen as big business with lucrative opportunities thus driving “acceptance” and enforcement of such acceptance through “non-discrimination “policies.

10. Upholding the King’s Will • What does ministry to homosexuals look like? • Phase I: General evangelism • Sinners need a Savior • Phase II: Specific discipleship • Christians need discipleship A Kingdom Perspective We must not allow ourselves to view homosexuality through the world’s eyes. This is a fundamentally a kingdom issue which requires a kingdom response.

11. FACTS ABOUT THE DL • Any sin can create a “down low” culture with devastating effects • The most generic definition of the term down low, or DL, is “to keep something private,” whether that refers to information or activity. • The first known case of the down low found in Gen 3:8-11 TV ONE’s Black Men’s Revealed