Holiness vs. Abomination(LGBT) Watchmen Series

What is LGBT? LGBT is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. LGBT not only refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, but it also includes anyone who is non- heterosexual or non-cisgender. This is because LGBT is all about diversity of sexuality and different gender-identity based cultures (Example: LGBTQ). (Wikipedia)

Joel Osteen on Homosexuality “It Doesn’t Matter who likes you or who doesn’t like you. God likes you and he approves of you.” “I’m not here to hate or tell people what their doing wrong. I believe homosexuality is a sin, but from a scriptural point of view, I don’t think that it is what my faith would teach.” (Huffington Post)

Three Problems with These Statements: 1) Like is different from love. To like someone means you prefer or agree with their character, behavior, and actions. To love someone means that you really care about that person and you don’t want them to fail. 2) G-d approves anything that accords with His will, with the purpose of Him being glorified. He doesn’t approve everything because not everything brings glory to G-d (Romans 10:14-15, 1 Cor 6:12) 3) A Shepard’s job is to teach people G-d’s standards, preach repentance of sin and lead people to Jesus. If a Shepard doesn’t do that, then that person is not doing their job (Isaiah 61:1, Matt 4:17, Mark 1:4, Ephesians 4:11-13, 2 Tim 4:2)

T.D. Jakes on Homosexuality T.D. Jakes’ views on homosexuality is “evolved and evolving.” “LGBT’s of different types and sorts have to find a place of worship that reflects what your views are and what you believe like anyone else.” “For the record, I do not endorse same-sex marriage. But I respect the rights that this country affords those that disagree with me.” (T.D. Jakes’ Facebook Post/Huffington Post)

The Problem with These Statements: These statements from T.D. Jakes are about him, not about what G-d says. He’s not a true prophet of G-d because he is only talking about himself or about things from his perspective. Deuteronomy 18:22, John 5:19, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Tim 4:2.

Gay Rights vs. Civil Rights Why people think they are comparable: Why they are not the same: The rights of both movements we’re denied based on their morals and beliefs. Oppression of all people is the same. Both movements suffered from discrimination. “All men created equal.” Both groups are fighting for the same goal: Freedom. (Thebirminghamtimes.com) Skin color and behavior are not the same. The hardships of gays and lesbians does not compare to the suffering of African- Americans. Skin color is unchangeable; sexual orientations is not. Legalizing gay marriage requires a redefinition of marriage and family. (Townhall.com)

What does the Bible say about Homosexuality? Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Roman 1:18-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Revelation 22:14-15. Genesis 2:18-24: God did not create nor ordain homosexuality. Genesis Chapter 19 and Jude 7-8: Sodom and Gomorrah.

Conclusion Effects of LGBT How the Body of Christ confronts conflict Caused people to question and try to change their gender. Caused people to tolerate and embrace homosexuality and transgenderism. Opened the door for other sexual perversion. Redefined marriage and family. Changed the Doctrine of YHVH. Teach truth (Matt 28:19-20, 2 Tim 3:16). Walk through the steps of repentance. Show Compassion and Mercy (Matt 7:1-2, Eph 4:32, 2 Tim 2:25-26). Teach foundation of G-d’s word (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). Stand firm in Jesus and keep His commands (John 8:51, Eph 4:14-15, 6:10-18).