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With the rise of a political candidate in Texas who claims that the Bible says less than it actually says about sexual sin, it is time to address the top five arguments used by amateur theologians to arrive at that conclusion. You can read the article by clicking --> here <-- (5 minute read). It is a good resource to keep in your hip pocket. These arguments against the clear teaching of God's Word are commonly used and commonly consumed. 

Do not be deceived! Love God and his Word!

Before diving in, let me first address the issue of homosexuality. Sure, it appears that it is on the rise here in the United States. Equally as apparent is that the Christian is forced into a biblical conundrum when interacting with an openly gay person. What are we to do?

Keep in mind these principles from God's Word that are equally as authoritative as its moral commandments:

(1) Love your neighbor. (Mark 12:31) We should never, if we say we love the Lord, speak coursely about or to those who are caught up in this lifestyle. Let the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and your prayers and persuasion do the work. You do not have to carry the load of convincing someone that they have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God! (Romans 3:23) That is the current reality of anyone born after Adam and Eve! Draw them to God with care, compassion, and conviction.

If you meet someone who is clearly suffering from being a drug addict, how would you treat him? What about the person who was fired for swindling money from their boss? What about a person who has sadly chosen to follow their own religious ideals? You would not yell at them and proclaim your moral and religious superiority. Instead, you would look for opportunities to introduce them to the one true God of the universe so that they may be saved. 

(2) Love God supremely. (Mark 12:30) If you love God supremely, your heart will break for anyone who is caught up in their sin, blind to the love of the Lord. If you love God supremely, you will put his Word first, and not compromise its standards, even if it means losing a friend or the friendship of a relative. If you love God supremely, it will humble you in earnest prayer for the salvation of all who are close to you that have rejected Christ. If you love God supremely, he is your ultimate treasure!

Addressing homosexual behavior as a sin does not mean that you cannot amicably work with openly gay people in the secular workplace. It doesn't mean that you cannot have your espresso made by an openly gay person. It doesn't mean that you cannot be seen in public with someone openly gay. It does not mean that you cannot help out someone in need who is gay. Sinners of all stripes are your neighbors. Love them!

What it does mean is that you cannot affirm their sin with your words, action, or lifestyle. Your witness should read like a book pointing to the truth of Scripture. If an unbelieving or undecided world is looking at your life, do they come to the conclusion that you are "open and affirming," or can they see that you are a historically orthodox, sold-out Christian with a heart to reach the lost.

So with that as our guiding principles, please read Pastor Daniel Nealon's essay that succinctly addresses the five most popular misuses of Scripture to justify (or affirm) the sin of homosexual behavior.