A response to the issue of homosexuality

From homosexuality to the Gospel
- Ian Carmichael
Have you noticed how often non-Christians raise the issue of homosexuality with us these days? "Why is the church so anti-gay?" "What do you think about gay marriage?" "How can you be against two people being in a long-tern, loving and supportive relationship? Why should it matter what gender they are?" Next time a non-Christian raises this topic, instead of fumbling around, try responding with "Why are you non-Christians so obsessed with sex ad sexuality?" Expect your non-Christians to respond like this: "What do you mean? It's Christians who have always been obsessed with sex!" Then you can say, "Hey no, that's not true. I don't want to talk about sexuality at all. I'd much rather talk about how God has shown his love for us in sending his Son, Jesus, to rescue us. That's a far more important topic to talk about. Can we talk about that together?"

- From BRIEFING 368

GGATHND: Part III - False Identities

I just read this most amazing book called "God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door" by Alan Chambers and the Leadership Team at Exodus International. It's so wonderful I just have to share bits and pieces from it! It's written so graciously and humbly, yet uncompromising on the truth that ALL have sinned and that Jesus has died for ALL :).

On the one hand it recognises that there are practical tips and guidelines to follow when dealing with homosexuality, as it is a unique sin in some regards. On the other hand, it's written realizing on that homosexuality is like all other sin in God's eyes and therefore deserves no 'higher abomination' status than other sins. In that regard, it's been a really helpful reminder of who we are as Christians, how sin affects us, and how to minister to others.

The third post is on false identities:

Interestingly, just as the term 'gay' or 'homosexual' indicates a false identity, actually so does the term ex-gay. The desired change in identity should pull the focus from the sin or struggle with sin and onto the true, fully righteous, fully holy identity bestowed on them via the Cross of Jesus Christ. This concept is key for the people leaving homosexuality because it forces them to accept that who they are is not changed or altered by feelings or even actions. They begin to find freedom from untrue definitions of who they are and to accept who God says they are. They discover who they really are in Christ, and they experience true freedom (p.73).

By the way, this search for identity in Christ alone isn't unique to people leaving homosexuality. All people, at some level, are on a quest for true identity. People search for identity in heterosexual promiscuity, drugs, alcohol, work, money, and relationships. Coming to grips with our legitimate identities as men and women in Christ is essentially the same process for all Christians (p.71).

Healing comes when we adopt Christ's heart and attitude and learn to apply that to how we feel about ourselves (29).

[If every time you read the word 'homosexual' and don't feel that that sentence applies to you, just insert one of the many sins you struggle with].

*All extracts from Chambers, Alan. God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door. USA: Harvest House Publishers, 2006.

GGATHND: Part II - Ministry

I just read this most amazing book called "God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door" by Alan Chambers and the Leadership Team at Exodus International. It's so wonderful I just have to share bits and pieces from it! It's written so graciously and humbly, yet uncompromising on the truth that ALL have sinned and that Jesus has died for ALL :).

On the one hand it recognises that there are practical tips and guidelines to follow when dealing with homosexuality, as it is a unique sin in some regards. On the other hand, it's written realizing on that homosexuality is like all other sin in God's eyes and therefore deserves no 'higher abomination' status than other sins. In that regard, it's been a really helpful reminder of who we are as Christians, how sin affects us, and how to minister to others.

The second post is on ministry:

As we consider ministering to those whose lifestyle we don't understand, we must always remember to offer them the same grace, understanding, and love that Christ offered us! (p.17)

There isn't a special antidote for ministering to those with same-sex attractions any more than there is one for ministering to those with an unhealthy love for money, food, heterosexual sin.. Or whatever. The same God who sent His son for you, sent His Son for the homosexual.
[...]
After all, God wasn't after my homosexuality; He was after my heart. (p.17-18)

[If every time you read the word 'homosexual' and don't feel that that sentence applies to you, just insert one of the many sins you struggle with].

*All extracts from Chambers, Alan. God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door. USA: Harvest House Publishers, 2006.

God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door: Part I - Transformation

I just read this most amazing book called "God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door" by Alan Chambers and the Leadership Team at Exodus International. It's so wonderful I just have to share bits and pieces from it! It's written so graciously and humbly, yet uncompromising on the truth that ALL have sinned and that Jesus has died for ALL :).

On the one hand it recognises that there are practical tips and guidelines to follow when dealing with homosexuality, as it is a unique sin in some regards. On the other hand, it's written realizing on that homosexuality is like all other sin in God's eyes and therefore deserves no 'higher abomination' status than other sins. In that regard, it's been a really helpful reminder of who we are as Christians, how sin affects us, and how to minister to others.

This first post looks at various bits and pieces on transformation from the book:

Transformation is a process. Many Christians struggle in their forward movement to maturing. God is gracious and more than able to love us in spite of our fallibility. And that's our task: to effectively communicate God's grace and power to change to a world that thinks to be a Christian one must either be perfect or a hypocrite (p.17).

The gospel isn't just about the hope of eternal bliss: it's about living a transformed life as a citizen of God's kingdom! The Scriptures demand and promise the same of homosexuals as of every man, woman and child: transformation (p.53).

The Holy Spirit works change in the homosexual in the same way He works change in each of us. We begin to seek Him and align our hearts with His heart. We desire more and more to live life in accordance with His Word. As our hearts become aligned with His heart, we begin to desire what He desires. He changes us, and we are no longer what we were. We grow in the knowledge and satisfaction or who we now are, and no longer desire to live in the pit of a false identity. We become God-focussed, rather than self-focussed. We wait on the Lord, and He fulfils us (p. 75-76).

[If every time you read the word 'homosexual' and don't feel that that sentence applies to you, just insert one of the many sins you struggle with].

*All extracts from Chambers, Alan. God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door. USA: Harvest House Publishers, 2006.