Homosexuality
 

What talking points do you use when trying to convey that homosexuality is a sin? I've tried the scripture but am new in this arena.

Re: Homosexuality
 

I think that not focusing on homosexuality by itself but by discussing the sinful nature of any sexual contact out of a marriage union won't alienate any specific group of people that may be listening to your witness.

You could always start by stating that any unrepentant sinner will burn in hell for eternity. Good luck with it!

Re: Homosexuality
 

The following scripture explain that there is a leaving of the natural use of the woman, and a discussion can start by pointing out that no one is born without the application of the natural use. If there was no more people following the natural use, extinction would occur in a single generation, this can't be argued with.

Therefore there is that which is natural, so it follows that the other is not natural, is against nature, is not according to the design and natural order.

It is not far down that line where the mind takes a turn, not liking to have God in their knowledge, and they move into the reprobate mind stage.

Rom 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Rom 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Rom 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Rom 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

Truth can only really be established by the scriptures, so if you try to discuss truth with someone that rejects the scriptures, you have no common ground, no point of contact that will help them. If anyone is willing to consider the scripture, you have a chance to help them.

Re: Homosexuality
 

Or, one could start out by offering what God can do to cleanse someone who's caught up in sin. If I was the person stuck and needed a way out, I don't think I'd want to hear "an unrepentat sinner will burn in hell for eternity" before hearing about what God wants for me and what He can do to get me there. I'm just sayin'...:highfive

Re: Homosexuality
 

I am getting deeper into this than I can answer. I'll try to get answers from the pastor Wednesday, but I found out the guy at work is a Unitarian Universalist. I found some info here http://www.uua.org/ The jist of our conversation went like this,
Him "Why does my life concern you so much?"
I'm sent to spread the gospel of God's love and Salvation"
"Pestering me about me and my family being immoral doesn't sound much like love. Am I supposed to dissolve my family(he has a partner and a daughter)?"

I had to paraphrase of course, but knowing that there is more than him involved, and I am only talking to him makes me feel like I'm 1 against 2.

Re: Homosexuality
 

Is it really that difficult? Is homosexuality = sin a mystery of epic proportions?

What's the context? Someone debating with you? A person struggling?

Re: Homosexuality
 

Your goal is not to get him to quit being a homosexual. It's to share the Gospel. If he's not interested, then move on. Only the Spirit can lead and draw.

If he claims to be a believer of Jesus, a relationship is the best way to have this conversation. But if you insist on a debate-format, there's plenty of fodder out there. The Dallas Theological Seminary had a website with great papers on the topic.

Re: Homosexuality
 

In this particular situation, the best you can do is allow the fruits of the spirit operate and let God take it from there. He'll (talking about the guy) take notice, if he hasn't already from what you answered his question with, and either reject it or have a God-lead convicted heart. Don't pursue anything further. Can you imagine how many times he's been probably been told where he's going as a result of his lifestyle? He's not there yet. So, let God change him and you live your example by actions more than words. :thumbsup

Re: Homosexuality
 

Thanks all. I guess I don't need to know as much as I thought.