Gay Hate?

[Jay]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I think it would be a greater task to research the character and person of Jesus with regards to how he related to the law. Because we are not called to keep the law... we are called to be conformed into the image of Jesus.

For example, I had fallen into the notion that I was required as a Christian to follow the Ten Commandments... then some Sabbath keepers busted the Fourth Commandment on me. So... I began keeping the Sabbath with them so as to not violate the commandment. And then I read of how Jesus said that the sabbath was made for man... not man for the sabbath. And how Jesus himself called himself the "Lord of the Sabbath". When I received the understanding that we're not called to obey the law... but to be conformed into the image of Jesus, He being our standard, I realized... the entire law was made for man... not man for the law. More specifically, the law was made for Israel. Therefore to live by it would only conform me into the likeness of Israel... not Christ. Christ's righteousness superceeded the law. He demonstrated a love that would heal and allow the disciples to pluck corn on the sabbath day.

I might not keep the law perfectly. I might have my issues in my struggle against my flesh. However, I have learned that Christ demands that I strive to be as much like Him as possible. That requires loving God with all my heart.... and demonstrating that love by loving others as myself... not by keeping some body of laws or list of codes.

I agree with you in part. However, how is a man to know that he may have a relationship with God, if he is never told. Sin has separated us from God, but the only way to know of our sin is through the Law. Thus we need the Law so that we may know where the boundaries are. The Law is made for us so that we may obtain mercy and to judge those who transgress it. Thus there is a need even yet for the Law. However, because we may obtain mercy of the One who wrote the Law, we are not bound by the power of the Law.

Originally Posted by Aquila

Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

We are called to live peaceably with all men. Sadly, many souls that desperately need Jesus (both gay and straight) and will be turned off to Christ.

Regardless of our interpretations on various social issues in our nation... we must be wise.

I agree with this statement too. I believe that there is a much better way to teach and preach against sin. I do not believe that we should be making homosexuality out to be a greater sin than any of the others. Drunkenness, for example, is a far more prevalent sin, however we are more used to seeing it and do not notice it anymore. Further it does not move in direct opposition to the design of God for man. However, it is as or more destructive for all of that.