1 Corinthians 6:9 (NKJV) Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,
Many people who have gender confusion or practise homosexuality are actually struggling with their identity and living in confusion. This community is crying out for acceptance from the public to endorse their alternative lifestyle because they think the cure to their emotional stress and the torment of their souls is acceptance by society. However, since the root of rejection started in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve were booted out, acceptance by God is the only thing that will give us rest and a definite sense of security. Therefore, as individual believers and the church, we must pray for this community and act in love towards them at the same time.
Perhaps your company has a new inclusive policy for LGBTQ because they embrace diversity. Should you simply quit in response? No, but you should abide by your biblical view on homosexuality because you are entitled to your biblical view. If you were an HR Director of the company who has been tasked with executing the new policy, you have no control over the decision of the company, but you can remain impartial towards the individuals, yet be separated from their lifestyle. Jesus lived and ate with sinners without condoning their sins or lifestyles but took time to minister to them when the opportunity arose.
Romans 3:23 (NKJV) For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Let’s be mindful not to be judgemental but be gracious, because we all fall short of the glory of God and we too are sinners saved by grace. We are not to condemn or hate them but to usher them to Jesus. They are to fall into God’s hand of grace, and many might feel miserable deep within. If the church were to ostracise them, where else can they turn to? The Church must always be God’s representative where people find refuge and a haven.
We should not condemn homosexuals and those who have gender confusion but share the biblical standard with them and make sure that we love them by pointing them to Jesus. There is hope in the redemption work of Jesus Christ and His abilities in and through the new creation. While we do not condone their lifestyle, we are to welcome them to church so that they can listen to and know the truth. We should allow the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to minister to them and let light shine into their hearts. There will come a time of visitation from the Lord when they awaken to the truth that they are lost, confused, and disillusioned. The church is the only place where they should find true love, friendship and a group of people who speaks the truth to them in love.
Sermon Series: Natural or Unnatural (Part 2- Homosexuality)
让我们传递希望和爱给他们
哥林多前书6:9 你们岂不知不义的人不能承受神的国吗？不要自欺。无论是淫乱的，拜偶像的，奸淫的，作娈童的，亲男色的。
许多有性别困惑或同性恋倾向的人实际上是在为自己的身份而挣扎，生活在困惑中。这个群体呼唤着公众的接受，认可他们的另类生活方式，因为他们认为，要治愈他们的情绪压力和灵魂折磨，就必须得到社会的认可。然而，由于拒绝的根源始于伊甸园，当亚当和夏娃被赶出之时，唯有上帝的接纳能给我们安息和确定的安全感。因此，作为信徒个人和教会，我们必须为这个群体祈祷，同时用爱来对待他们。
也许你的公司对 LGBTQ （女同性恋者（Lesbian）、男同性恋者（Gay）、双性恋者（Bisexual）与跨性別者（Transgender）、 疑惑者（Question））有新的包容性政策，因为他们接受多样性。作为回应，你应该干脆辞职吗？不，但你应该遵守你对同性恋的圣经观点，因为你有权持有你的圣经观点。如果你是公司的人力资源总监，负责执行新政策，你无法控制公司的决定，但你可以对个人保持公正，但与他们的生活方式分开。耶稣与罪人同吃同住，但没有宽恕他们的罪恶或生活方式，而是在机会出现时花时间服侍他们。
罗马书3:23 因为世人都犯了罪，亏缺了神的荣耀。
让我们谨慎，不要论断人，倒要以恩慈待人，因为我们都亏缺了神的荣耀，我们也是蒙恩得救的罪人。我们不是要谴责或恨他们，而是要把他们引到耶稣面前。他们将落在上帝恩典的手中，许多人可能会在内心深处感到痛苦。如果教会要排斥他们，他们还能求助于哪里呢？教会必须永远是上帝的代表，让人们在那里找到避难所和避风港。
我们不应该谴责同性恋者和那些有性别混淆的人，而应该与他们分享圣经的标准，并通过将他们领向耶稣来确保我们爱他们。耶稣基督的救赎工作和藉着祂在新造的人里面的能力是大有盼望的。我们不纵容他们的生活方式，但我们要欢迎他们来教会，以便他们能够聆听并了解真理。我们应该让圣灵和神的话语传给他们，让光照进他们的心里。当他们觉悟到他们迷失、困惑和幻灭的真相时，主的眷顾就会到来。唯有在教会中他们应找到真爱、友谊和用爱心对他们说真话的人们。
讲章系列：自然或不自然（第 2 部分 同性恋）