Credits: Life in community by Dustin Willis

Authentic, true, consistent relationships should be expected in the church with members of both sexes. How much interaction is for another day- People fall into different camps when it comes to male-female interaction from total avoidance, too familial, and everything in between. However, my goal today is to express how we are created for community, designed for community, and grafted into the family of God as adopted children. We are a Gospel community that loves one another sacrificially (Agape love) as a witness to a watching world of the transformed heart within us. Romans 1:11 says “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you-that is that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” This is part of the reason why we gather together. We encourage one another and provide reciprocal fruit imparted by the Holy Spirit to each other. We stabilize people in their commitment to Christ and we stabilize our faith through the testimony of others. In Romans:15, Paul says “so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.” We can find rest in the friendships of God’s people.

1John 4:7- Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

If you’ve been around church ministries enough, you know that people desire authentic community and relationships and communicate that to their leaders. When some people communicate their desire for community, they can get negative responses ranging from this is not a social club to assumed motivations about why that person is there. Frankly, those responses are immature responses. True, church is not a social club but it is a family of believers on mission for the Gospel. We need to affirm good desires for community because ultimately, it’s part of our identity and is part of our sanctification.

The Goal of Pastoral Ministry is conformity to Christ- Community is Part of That

Not only is the goal of Pastoral ministry conformity to Christ, the individual’s goal should be conformity to Christ in light of the great day that is ahead- the Bema seat where all believers will be judged based on their works and receive awards- (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Based on this verse, community is not optional. We need to be meeting with one another. In addition, how can we practice the one another’s in scripture or use our spiritual gifts in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Cor. 12, and Ephesians:4? The church community helps us affirm the gifts we have so we can use them for the benefit of the body. Is the church just a building?

The church is not just a building but a community of “repenting sinners bonded together in a blood covenant in Jesus Christ”

Community and the Gospel go hand in hand. The church is a Gospel community that is on mission for God. The mission of the church is done in community. Dustin Willis says we “live alongside each other for the sake of one another” The best thing for a believer is to live in authentic community because it helps sanctify us.

Why do you come to church?

Do you come to church for everything you can get? For your friends, the food, the coffee, the music? While these things are bad in themselves, we ultimately come to church for worship and because we believe in the death and resurrection of Christ as a new family of believers. The world lives for everything they can get and pursue worthless passions. Believers live for Christ, denying themselves for His purposes, His glory, and His namesake. What are you living for? Test yourself to see if you are in the faith (2 Corinthains 13:5)

Truly, we are one Spiritual Family that exists as God’s adpoted Sons-

Ephesians 2:11-22

¹ Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— ¹² remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility ¹⁵ by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, ¹⁶ and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. ¹⁷ And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. ¹⁸ For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. ¹⁹ So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,^[d] but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰ built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, ²¹ in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ²² In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by^[e] the Spirit.

The scripture couldn’t be more clear. We are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God because we have been reconciled through the death of Christ. What a blessing! Remember, community is made possible by God’s mercy and what He did for us.

One of my favorite quotes from the book I read is this one-

“Distance from Christian community is a sign of distance from Jesus himself.”

Wow. This is simple but profound. As we stop living out God’s design in Christian community, we begin to drift ever so slightly. Our direction changes bit by bit. This might sound extreme but I’ve seen professing believers go from saying things like- “I don’t need to go to church” and “I can read the Bible by myself. Why do I need people in my life?” Well this is truly a slippery slope. This individual started a series of questions that progressed into leaving faith starting with “Why do I need to go to church?” “Why do I need Christian Community?” “Why do I need the Bible?” “Does God really exist” to “What God?” You may think you are above that but no one is. Once we start distancing ourselves from the church and the Word, we are left vulnerable to Satan and anything is possible. I’ve seen seemingly faithful people leave the faith to live and indulge in a life of sin. They have left their families, their wives, and their children to pursue a life of sin. We need to be fighting with every weapon possible which includes the Sword of the Spirit and the community of fellow believers which help us stabilize our faith and encourages us till He returns again or we are brought home.

Romans 12:4-5

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Clearly, in the church, we function as members of the same body with different roles and responsibilities.

Practical applications for living in the context of a genuine Gospel Community on mission for God:

Medal of honor; Army, Airforce, Navy. Honor one another sacrificially (Applicaiton below)

1. Romans:12- Love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in Honor. We think through what’s best for this person and do what we can to meet needs and respect them. Honor means-We willingly suffer for someone else’s gain.
2. Use your spiritual gifts for the benefit of the Body (Ephesians:4, 1 Corinthians:12, Romans:12)
3. Encourage one another in the faith (Hebrews 3:13)-Encourage one another daily as long as it is called today
4. John 13:35- By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have Love for one another.
5. We fulfill the law of Christ as we bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
6. Psalm 130:3- If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?-We don’t keep a record of wrongs just as the Lord doesn’t keep a record of wrongs
7.  Romans 12:11- Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
8. 1Timothy:5 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, ² older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

In Conclusion, we are a Gospel Community of saints that are members of one another. A desire for community is good, promotes sanctification, and is part of God’s good design. As we live as members of the church, we need to be encouraging one another in community and helping others get involved for this is the whole goal of Pastoral ministry and should be one of the main targets of a believer in Christ-Sanctification. In addition, community enables us to practice the one another’s of scripture and fulfill the commands in scripture to truly love one another in authentic community. True Christian community is Gospel centered and provides a catalyst for missions and spreading the Gospel together as one of our chief aims. Although every situation is different, generally speaking, true love invites, gives out the number, includes, edifies, denies self, is sacrificial and gives honor. When we go to church, the primary question we should be asking is how can I love/help/serve/edify others? Many people in the church don’t have relationships. They are looking for authentic community with girls and guys that they can relate to. Lets create a healthy and appropriate context for the church community to live out it’s identity- To help others conform to Christ and be a living Gospel message by showing our love to the World. Make unbelievers ask questions about our community and how loving we are to one another. Our love for Christ should be so pervasive that others will want what we have. Be in community. Encourage others in our Gospel community as adopted Sons. Be the church.

We are all prone to look at the cup half empty. Within the church and church ministry, people will be doing the right thing in the wrong way. Are you thankful for the efforts of other people despite their shortcomings in their service and sanctification? It takes a special person to be able to look at the bright side. When someone is doing the right thing in the wrong way, in needs to be encouraged. Our attitude says a lot about where our heart is it. Are you a leader in the church? Leaders have the responsibility to recognize young men and women that are making an effort so that the next generation will be brought up to lead the church. What would you do in these specific situations?

1. Someone has offered to serve you by making the table and spilled coffee all over you. How will you react?
2. Someone went out of their way to buy tickets for you and your friends – 5 in total. But accidently only bought 4. One of you isn’t going to get a ticket.
3. A young man is pursuing women in the church and is making them uncomfortable.

In each of these situations, we are prone to look at the worst in people and automatically get frustrated, angry, and mad. The situation becomes about us and how these behaviors affect our desires and our comfort. We become thankless individuals just like Satan who Ultimately rebelled. He was thankless for God and took 1/3 of the Angels with him. Remember, part of our goal as Christians is to help others pursue the good, look for the best in others, help others conform to Christ, and pursue unity in light of the Gospel message. Here are some reactions that convey a sense of Humility and encouragement-

1. Thank them and ask how you can help clean it up. Encourage them in their service.
2. Thank them and offer to give up your ticket for other’s benefit so they can go.
3. Tell Him he’s doing the right thing. Marriage is the grace of life. But I’d love to help you do this in the right way. What do you think about meeting for coffee sometime?

What is the pattern established in each of these situations? There is a sacrificial love that has the person’s best interest at stake. We respond by encouraging others in their service despite their shortcomings. We aren’t easily offended and try to help others do the right thing in light of their identity. In light of Psalm:23, we know that our Chief Sheperd is Christ. True Leaders respond humbly, encourage people to pursue the right path, but also rebuke gently so that they can do things in the right way. The overall attitude is one that is trying to help in someone’s sanctification. It’s not one that is coming from a place of anger or discouragement. Within the church, we will encounter many types of situations. Generally speaking, we can categorize them into people doing the right thing and sin. But for this post, I’m not talking about sin. I’m talking about people that are trying to do the right thing in the wrong way. Lets be like Christ, our Chief Shepherd, and emulate Him. True leaders can recognize situations and encourage others, helping them to become more like Christ every day. Be patient, realize people learn through failure, and encourage the direction that they are going. Selfishness becomes angry in light of people’s shortcomings. Humility encourages and redirects people on the right path who may not be doing things the right way all the time.

                                                  

                                 Table of Contents

Introduction…………………………………………….3

Story……………………………………………………..5

Reparative Therapy…………………………………….5

DSM Diagnosis………………………………………….7

What is our sexual identity…………………………….8

Same-sex attraction…………………………………….9

The LGBTQ Hermeneutic……………………………10

Thinking about Homosexuality Biblically……………12

Conclusion……………………………………………..14

Homework Assignments………………………………15

Answers to Homework Assignments…………………16

Bibliography……………………………………………18

           Introduction

            According to the Pew Research Center, 48% of religious congregations accept gays and lesbians as full-fledged members^[1] The human rights campaign has a Christian conversation guide for including LGBTQ in safe and inclusive congregations^[2] One day this summer I went to Santa Monica beach with some friends. As I approached and went into the men’s bathroom, I was startled to see young women in there. Unbeknown to me, Santa Monica and West Hollywood have apparently passed laws that allow cities to designate public restrooms as all-gender and multi-stall (SB1194)^[3] Women are allowed to go into the Men’s restroom and Men are allowed to go into the Women’s restroom. We live in a culture of chaos that doesn’t know what truth is. Everyone is confused. Plethoras of churches are going woke and fully embrace the LBTQ community. Matthew Vines, a professing Evangelical Christian, says he fully embraces the Gospel and that living a homosexual lifestyle is a second-order issue^[4] According to Vines, someone can fully live as a Homosexual and be a Christian. False Gospels are springing up everywhere. If we define Biblical Counseling as face-to-face ministry of the Word to others, Matthew Vines and others are trying to use the Word and “Biblical Counseling” to counsel others toward an LGBTQ lifestyle. Our society needs the truth about homosexuality and the Bible. Because an unrepentant homosexual lifestyle is characteristic of an unbeliever, it’s not possible to fully embrace homosexuality and be a Christian.

      The Story     

         One day in February of 2021, my 7th grade students who professed Christ asked if I supported the LGBTQ community. I said I believe in the Bible. The Bible says it’s not possible to embrace a Homosexual lifestyle and be a Christian based on 1 Corinthians 6:9 and many other passages. Homosexuals go to hell but there is hope in Jesus Christ who died for our sins and was raised from the dead. Saying this statement to professing Christians landed me in the Principal’s office. Both of my principals were professing Christians. One went to real-life church and the other graduated from Master’s University. The principal from Real Life Chuch said that I was indoctrinating students and that instead of proclaiming the message, I should be doing it with my actions. Ultimately, I was put on administrative leave and let go. This is a story of 1st amendment rights versus the separation of church and state. My heart goes out to the students in my class who think they can live this lifestyle and be Christian. Woke ideologies are permeating youth who think they are Christians. They are somehow being counseled from God’s Word that living a homosexual lifestyle is okay. More information on that can be found on the LGBTQ hermeneutic later in my paper.

            Before being let go and fired, I did some research on Real Life Church. After calling one of the pastors at Real Life Church, I learned that they don’t use the word repent at the church. In addition, half of the pastors on staff believe that homosexuality is okay. Church has become about what we love, how we feel, entertainment, and keeping up with the times all under the assumption that God’s Word is infallible, inerrant, and applied to our lives. Worship, prayer, and fellowship have taken a back seat to social justice, wokeness, politics, and feeling loved.

            This story provides a backdrop of where we are in the culture. Teachers can’t express their truthful opinion without fear of getting fired or terminated. Students are confused and don’t know what it means to be a Christian or what it means to be a boy or a girl. They have become God by deciding for themselves what they want to be instead of embracing what God has decided for them. Moses writes in Genesis 1:27 that “ And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them”^[5] There are two genders, children are confused, and we are a culture in chaos that needs real Biblical truth and real Biblical counseling.

                      Reparative Therapy In Process

According to Heath Lambert, reparative therapy is “a counseling approach developed by Secular Psychologists to help people turn from their struggles.” ^[6] Lambert mentions how the landmark case Obergefell vs Hodges was critical for same-sex couples. This case made it mandatory for states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and to recognize same-sex marriages that were validly performed in other jurisdictions. It truly is amazing how in a very short time span, people have gone from hiding their orientation to living it out without any shame whatsoever in pride. Reparative therapists have many different views of homosexuality from fully embracing it to viewing it as problematic. Reparative therapy should not be used because of its emphasis on the parent-child relationship, it’s goals and unbiblical counseling techniques. The Word is sufficient for life’s problems.

            Reparative therapy starts with a critical break in the parent-child relationship.  The child experiences shame and can experience psychological damage. The result is an increased affiliation for the female gender and progressively developing sexual desires for men. Nicolosi describes the experience as “when the exotic becomes erotic.” Reparative therapy is an attempt to repair the relationship between the adult and child.

            The goal of reparative therapy is to develop heterosexual desires by a corrective emotional experience. Natural, heterosexual attractions are a direct result of reducing shame. The relationship is a positive correlation. As shame diminishes, heterosexual attraction increases.

Some counselors try to use the Bible and reparative therapy together. Does that work? It’s unbiblical and unnecessary to mix the Bible and secular theories. The Bible is enough for all of life and life’s problems. It is sufficient. Reparative therapists try to argue that no one is forcing these people to come in. Reparative therapy is beneficial to society. The Biblical goal should be obedience to Christ and conformity to Christ.

            Some reparative therapists use techniques that are unbiblical and even horrifying. According to cnn.com, “the conversion therapy techniques included having them strip naked in group sessions cuddling and intimate holding of others of the same-sex, violently beating an effigy of their mothers with a tennis racket, visiting bathhouses in order to be nude with father figures, and being subjected to ridicule as ‘faggots’ and ‘homos’ in mock locker room scenario. In addition, some reparative therapists encourage the use of porn to desensitize the user from the power of the image. The Biblical process for change will be discussed under the title, “Thinking about Homosexuality Biblically.”

DSM Diagnosis

In the third edition of the DSM, the APA removed the diagnosis of  “homosexuality.” ^[7] Why did the APA remove it? Originally, a theory of pathology existed that deemed homosexuality as a disease that deviated from the norm. Homosexuality was seen by some as immature- something that people would just grow out of. Going on, other theorists exclaimed that people were just born homosexual but it was the minority- a standard deviation or two away from the norm. Even Freud said that homosexuality is nothing to be ashamed of but just a sexual deviation. Gay activists rejected the pathological model as a major contributor to the stigma associated with homosexuality.^[8] Going on, gay activists continually disrupted APA meetings and spoke at the conventions. As support for homosexuality gained more acceptance from the scientific community, it began to be normalized. Politically, gays now had more rights and are now even able to get married from a secular standpoint. Biblically, marriage is only between a man and a woman. No government can redefine marriage or the covenant that it entails. The DSM’s removal of homosexuality as a disease has in part contributed to our woke culture that says people are born as a homosexual with homosexual desires. Nowadays, heteronormativity is looked down upon. Target, Bud Light, and multiple other companies have embraced the LGBTQ community. In the word of Isaiah, “woe to those who call evil good and good evil”^[9] In Isaiah:1, God asks who will I send? Isaiah is willing to go wherever God sends him in the midst of much sin and rebellion. During this time, Israel is being judged and Assyria is invading in the North. Isaiah starts to warn the nation of Judah of impending judgment just as the North is being judged by God. Isaiah was willing to stand up and be used even in a culture full of rebellion and impending judgment. We need to be the next Isaiah and stand up for God’s truth in this perverse and crooked generation who calls evil good and good evil.

                                         What is our Sexual Identity?

       More than ever people are confused, deceived, and taken away by lies. As Christians that

stand for the truth, we need to know the truth and have a universal standard for truth- The Bible. In Colossians 2:8, Paul warns us that we should “see to it that no one take you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Dale Johnson exclaims that embracing homosexuality is “disconnecting from moral authority and embracing biological authority.”^[10] The person who embraces homosexuality excuses his behavior by saying “I was born this way.” Nowadays, people identify themselves by their sexual identity. Just as Christians identify themselves as Christ followers, a homosexual will say “I am gay.” He further prolcaims that this is his lifestyle and how he lives as a way of life and that there’s nothing he can do about it. According to one study, 20% of Generation Z identifies as LGBTQ. As Biblical counselors, it’s important to see and realize how a counselee primarily see themselves. Do they see their identity as homosexual? Many LGBTQ believe in gender dysphoria- their perceived gender doesn’t align with their biology. Radical solutions including hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery are rampant even in children.

            Going on, some heterosexuals give themselves a “sin pass.” They figure that they aren’t as bad as the homosexual because that’s a “special sin.” The truth of the matter is that all sin falls short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). The Bible doesn’t say that only homosexuals will experience eternal torment. The Bible says that any sin that goes against a perfect, holy God can send us to hell. But the hope for the homosexual and heterosexual is Christ’s death and resurrection. His blood atoned for our sins if we would repent and believe. Our primary identity is not in homosexuality or any other sin. We have one of two fathers. We are either of the devil or of God’s children. We are either of the baptism of the Holy Spirit or of the baptism of fire. Our hope is in Christ and Him crucified as our Lord and Savior.

                   Is Same-Sex attraction sinful?

            The culture says as long as I’m not hurting anyone, it’s not sin. What does the Bible say? The Bible says that “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’”^[11] God isn’t concerned with just merely external actions but our hearts. Biblically, the heart (LEV) encompasses all of one’s thoughts, emotions, desires, and volition. Desiring immorality is an opportunity for repentance and returning to our Lord. Former homosexuals that are now Christians may experience same-sex attraction to those that aren’t his wife. From the heart flows the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23) As our heart goes, so go our actions. As Christians, we need to be cognizant of our thought processes because we are one step away from acting on those thoughts. Paul says that we are transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2) I would also go a step further- We are more conformed to the World if we don’t renew our mind with scripture. There is no such thing as stagnation. We are either being more conformed to Christ or more conformed to the World as the days go by. Same-sex attraction needs to be repented of because God cares about our hearts.

                                     The LGBTQ Hermeneutic

            I debated whether or not I should even include a section on a false interpretation. After all, as Christians we should be focusing on the truth and what the Bible actually says. However, I do think it’s interesting to at least see where the professing LGBTQ “Christians” are coming from. It’s important to note that there are professing reformed LGBTQ “Christians” that are trying to promote and affirm the LGBTQ agenda and individuals. One such individual, Matthew Vines, founded the reformation project.^[12] Matthew vines believes there is a Biblical case for affirming the LGBTQ as Christians despite passages such as 1 Corinthians 6:9, Genesis:19, Jude:7, and others. In the following analysis, I will start off with how the LGBTQ tries to use the Bible to affirm the LGBTQ community and follow up with what the Bible actually says about homosexuality in the next chapter.

            According to Matthew Vines, a lot of LGBTQ Christians experience pain. Discrimination, and are not loved. His hermeneutic is not scripture alone but scripture + experience. He argues that people have been suppressing their sexual orientation because they grew up in a conservative environment. Because LGBTQ Christians are being hurt and excluded, there needs to be another way. Next, Vines argues that the church is setting a different standard for Gay people. After all, Jesus went out of his way to include people. To find the lost sheep or the lost coin. Jesus is the defender and protector of the marginalized. Because of the harmful effects of LGBTQ Christians, the LGBTQ community should be included. Suicide rates have soared among the LGBTQ community-Religious faith contributes to the suicide rate of the LGBTQ community.

            According to Matthew Vines, “Our interpretation of scripture can be wrong. Our experience shouldn’t lead us to revise scripture, but should lead us to revisit our understanding of it.” Vines exclaims that false prophets lead to bad fruit. He says that an interpretation of scripture that leads to a lot of harm or bad fruit isn’t a good tree. His principle is that good teachings should bear good fruit (and not harm the LGBTQ community)

            Biblically, covenant-keeping in marriage is between a man and a woman. Vines, on the other hand, argues that homosexuals are capable of the same covenant-keeping relationship- one that is monogamous and self-giving. Marriage is sanctifying. Be denying homosexuals marriage, we are denying them a path to “become more like God.” LGBTQ people should be grafted in to the Christian sexual ethic according to Vines. Homosexuals can have lifelong, monogamous, equal-status partnerships.

            The Usury argument states that in OT times, usury deserved death. However, non-exploitative forms of usury became more common, allowing businesses to start. Today, non exploitative forms of usury have allowed businesses to start and has resulted in thriving economies. Biblical prohibitions have been reinterpreted based on the moral logic behind them says Vines.

            What about passages such as Sodom and Gomorrah? Vines says God already planned to destroy Sodom and that no same-sex sin is connected to Sodom specifically. The sin in Sodom and Gomorrah is general. In Jeremiah 23:14, Jeremiah highlights others sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. He says that the sin of Sodom is arrogance, pride, and a failure to help the poor. The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah are related to general evil. In Genesis:19, the sin wasn’t homosexuality but the intention of evil- gang rape and going after other flesh. In Romans:1, Paul wasn’t condemning same-sex behavior but excess as opposed to moderation. Lastly, in 1 Corinthians 6:9, Vines argues that homosexuality is not an accurate translation. He says while arsenokoites may have referred to male same-sex behavior, it likely would have been exploitative forms of it.

            The LBTQ hermeneutic requires interpreting the text as scripture plus experience. When we can reinterpret scripture however we want, any sin goes.

                     Thinking about Homosexuality Biblically

            Biblically speaking, homosexuality is a sin and is not part of God’s design for the family. When Paul writes 1 Corinthians 6:9, he is writing literally- “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived, neither the sexually immoral, not idolaters, not adulterers, nor effeminate, not homosexuals, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” Going on, Jude declares that the cities of Sodom and Homosexual were set as an example for eternal fire- “just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, having indulged in the same way as these in gross sexual immorality and having gone after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.”^[13] Next, homosexuality was severely judged in Genesis:19. In fact, the men of the city had such an unbridled lustful desire that they pursued the Angels in Lot’s house trying to find the doorway.”

            According to John MacArthur, “The average homosexual has more than 500 different sexual partners. In Los Angeles, it’s even more prevalent- 300 per year or almost 1 different sexual encounter per day. 30% have had over 1,000 partners. Many have had over 1,500. Partners average 10-30 encounters every night in San Francisco bathhouses.” For the Christian, these statistics are generally foreign and unfathomable. Homosexuality is a special sin in the sense that it is unbridled, uncontrolled lust. God destroyed cities because of this sin. Going on, In Isaiah 3:9, Isaiah pronounces judgment on Jerusalem and Judah saying “The expression of their faces answers against them, and they declare their sin like Sodom; they do not even conceal it. Woe to their soul!” ^[14] Next, God gives people up to their passions as the wrath of abandonment. Paul outlines this concept in Romans 1:18- “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them……..for this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions; for their females exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the males abandoned the natural function of the female and burned in their desire toward on another, males with males committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to an unfit mind, to do those things which are not proper.” ^[15]

            So what is the solution to Homosexuality? Just like any other sin, the solution to Homosexuality is the transforming power of the Gospel. In Romans:5, Paul talks about how we were once of our federal head, Adam. But now we have Christ as our federal head- “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned-for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the trespass of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. But the gracious gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound the many………..For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” ^[16]By believing in Christ, one is justified through faith by God’s grace. Even believing in Christ and repenting are gifts granted to us by God (Philippians 1:29, 2 Timothy 2:25)                                     

                                  Conclusion

            Homosexuality is treated differently in the Bible. God judges homosexuality severely. However, in another sense, homosexuality is like any other sin. All sin is sin against a holy God that is worthy of eternal punishment. As Biblical counselors, we need to make sure that we are using the proper hermeneutics in an LGBTQ culture. Passages like 1 Corinthians 6:9 are talking about literal homosexuality and not just merely excess desire like some churches try to claim. The way we interpret scripture will drastically affect our life and the way we live out the Gospel in a world that even tries to use scripture to justify their sin. As Biblical Counselors, we need to be aware of churches trying to claim Christ and homosexuality using “Biblical Counseling.” Historically, churches have always misused the Gospel and scripture to suit their agenda. Today, the LGBTQ community is using a form of false Biblical counseling to affirm their members. However, true Biblical Counseling points people to the way, the truth, and the life. True Biblical Counseling uses proper hermeneutics and exegesis to point people away from sin and toward righteousness. There is hope in Jesus Christ. Even through the trials, ideologies, and evil of this age, we can trust that Scripture is infallible, inerrant, and sufficient. Eternity is coming. There is great opportunity in this present age to be a light in a culture that doesn’t believe in truth anymore. One day the trump will sound. Justice will be served. And we will be with God for eternity. Stay faithful.

               Sanctification  Homework Assignments

1. Conforming to Christ and Sanctification are more about beholding Christ than beholding and thinking about our sin. We need to know God and His Character. Read Knowing God by Packer. How do some of God’s attributes affect your daily living?
2. We are transformed by the renewing our mind. Instead of thinking about ungodly thoughts, we need to think of God and scripture. What verses can you memorize to conform your mind and heart to Christ?
3. How will you get involved in Christian Community? I’m not talking about sliding into main service and leaving right away. In order to truly grow with others, we need real relationships and fellowship. What is your plan to do that?
4. What is your daily reading plan like for the Word? Do you desire to be in the Word?
5. How are you going to love and serve others on a weekly basis? We need to get the focus off of ourselves and onto serving God and others for their benefit because we love them. The Christian life is not me-centered but other-oriented.
6. Do you pray daily? Do you pray for God’s desire or selfish motive?
7. What drives you? Why do you do the things that you do? Why do you get up?
8. Are you followable? How are you going to develop into a person that can lead others toward righteousness, maturity, and good works for the right motives?
9. Do you work hard? Sanctification is synergistic. How do you work hard for God’s glory and His purposes?
10. What is the basis for your sanctification?
11. Why do you want to be sanctified?
12. Marriage is one of the most sanctifying experiences someone can go through. It’s an other-oriented endeavor and is a good thing to pursue. What is your marriage plan? Godly men need to prepare for marriage if that’s their desire.
13. Are there any Godly men in your life that are more than just acquaintances?
14. How do you view things that you don’t have? Do you have to have them? How do you live in spite of those things
15. Porn and lust are exploding in the culture. It’s generally safe to assume that most men have looked and pornography. How are you doing in this area?
16. What do you live for?
17. What are your goals?

                  Answers to Homework Assignments

1. God is Holy. Since God is Holy, I’m motivated to be Holy in this life. Holiness stems from his love for He first loved us. If we love Him, we will keep His commandments. Knowing that God is always watching is a humbling reality. We know we can’t get  away with anything and we will give an account. Knowing this provides a catalyst for Holy living.
2. I love Titus 2:10-12 because it talks about living righteously in light of our blessed hope.
3. I’m involved in Steadfast Bible Study with Brian, Foundation with Mark Z, greeting team, evangelism, and adventure club.
4. I desire to be in the Word! If I didn’t, I’d question my salvation (John:8). I read in the mornings.
5. I serve in different capacities as outlined above.
6. I pray for God’s will to be done. It’s not perfect and I probably need more work on my prayer life!
7. I get up to give God glory and live in light of eternity. As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that ultimately, nothing else matters. Sure, I’ll be responsible, work hard, be diligent, etc. But even if nothing else is provided, we can be thankful for salvation.
8. By God’s grace. I don’t feel qualified to lead. It’s the Word that sanctifies us and prayer which can be used as a means to accomplish God’s purposes.
9. I believe I work hard. I substitute teach, teach chess and teach tennis. I’m also in the process of starting a sole proprietorship and getting my own clients.
10. Philippians 2:12 and beholding Christ.
11. I want to be sanctified because every Christian is called to holiness. We want to give a good account in light of the coming day!
12.  My plan is God’s sovereignty. The Lord is the one who provides a wife. I’m involved in church and fellowship. We try and trust with great joy no matter what the Lord provides.
13. I live with 3 seminary guys that got to TMS. They have been a blessing!
14. I have strong desires but I don’t have to have anything. We should cultivate thankfulness for what the Lord provides!
15. I’ve been free for 8 years. Accountable 2 you has been helpful. Lust is all about getting and using. It’s important to be free in this area so that we can develop patterns of giving.
16. I live for Christ and eternity. Living for anything else is insane. This life compared to eternity is very small.
17. Some of my goals include finishing this program, starting a new career, developing as a Godly man, and marriage. However, as Christians, it’s important to make goals and plans with a loose hand. The Lord can give and take away. Your plans may not be the Lord’s plans. The Lord could rapture his church at any time. Get ready.

                                  Bibliography

Masci, David. “National Congregations Study Finds More Church Acceptance of Gays and Lesbians.”

  Pew Research Center, 25 Sept. 2014, http://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2014/09/25/new-study-finds-a-greater-church-acceptance-of-gays-and-lesbians-2/.

“A Christian Conversation Guide.” Human Rights Campaign,                                  

                   http://www.hrc.org/resources/a-christian-conversation-guide. Accessed 11 Aug. 2023.

Catanzaro, Sam. “Governor Signs Santa Monica-Sponsored Bill That Would Allow Cities to Required All Gender Public Restrooms.” SM Mirror, 14 Oct. 2022,                                                                                                                         

smmirror.com/2022/10/governor-signs-santa-monica-sponsored-bill-that-would-allow-cities-to-required-all-gender-public-restrooms/.

“Advancing LGBTQ Inclusion in the Church.” The Reformation Project, 17 July 2023, reformationproject.org/.

J;, Drescher. “Out of DSM: Depathologizing Homosexuality.” Behavioral Sciences (Basel,

                       Switzerland),    pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26690228/. Accessed 11 Aug. 2023.

Miles, Dale Johnson  Omri, et al. “Dale Johnson.” Association of Certified Biblical 

           Counselors, 7 Aug. 2023, biblicalcounseling.com/multi_author/dale-johnson/.

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^[1] Masci, D. (2014, September 25). National Congregations Study Finds More Church acceptance of gays and Lesbians. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2014/09/25/new-study-finds-a-greater-church-acceptance-of-gays-and-lesbians-2/

^[2] A christian conversation guide. Human Rights Campaign. (n.d.). https://www.hrc.org/resources/a-christian-conversation-guide

^[3] Catanzaro, S. (2022, October 14). Governor signs Santa Monica-sponsored bill that would allow cities to required all gender public restrooms. SM Mirror. https://smmirror.com/2022/10/governor-signs-santa-monica-sponsored-bill-that-would-allow-cities-to-required-all-gender-public-restrooms/

^[4] Advancing LGBTQ inclusion in the Church. The Reformation Project. (2023, July 17). https://reformationproject.org/

^[5] BIBLES, S. (2022a). Holy bible: LSB, 2 column verse-by-verse. STEADFAST BIBLES.

^[6]Heath Lambert is the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church. (n.d.). Oil and water. Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. https://biblicalcounseling.com/resource-library/essays/oil-and-water-the-impossible-relationship-between-evangelicalism-and-reparative-therapy/

^[7] Drescher, J. (2015, December 4). Out of DSM: Depathologizing homosexuality. Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4695779/

^[8]  Drescher, J. (2015, December 4). Out of DSM: Depathologizing homosexuality. Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4695779/

^[9] BIBLES, S. (2022b). Holy bible: LSB, 2 column verse-by-verse, Blue Faux Leather. STEADFAST BIBLES.

^[10] Dale Johnson serves as the Executive Director of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. He is also the regular host of ACBC’s Truth in Love podcast.                                                                                                , Dale Johnson serves as the Executive Director of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. He is also the regular host of ACBC’s Truth in Love podcast., & Seth Leeman is the senior pastor of Noblesville Baptist Church in Noblesville. (n.d.). An evaluation of the sexual identity construct (part 1). Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. https://biblicalcounseling.com/resource-library/podcast-episodes/an-evaluation-of-the-sexual-identity-construct-part-1/

^[11]  BIBLES, S. (2022b). Holy bible: LSB, 2 column verse-by-verse, Blue Faux Leather. STEADFAST BIBLES.

^[12] Advancing LGBTQ inclusion in the Church. The Reformation Project. (2023a, July 17). https://reformationproject.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrMKmBhCJARIsAHuEAPQTG2YLdJ0ASVE4Nck6da_xqZlKDs5tuS9WvYRi2Ta5ObKqcGx5BjIaAjxCEALw_wcB

^[13] BIBLES, S. (2023). Holy bible: LSB inside column reference, Paste -down, Black Faux Leather. STEADFAST BIBLES.

^[14]  BIBLES, S. (2023). Holy bible: LSB inside column reference, Paste -down, Black Faux Leather. STEADFAST BIBLES.

^[15]  BIBLES, S. (2023). Holy bible: LSB inside column reference, Paste -down, Black Faux Leather. STEADFAST BIBLES.

^[16]  BIBLES, S. (2023). Holy bible: LSB inside column reference, Paste -down, Black Faux Leather. STEADFAST BIBLES.