Throughout the year, I group my messages into series so we can tackle specific subjects thoroughly. But in the summer, we change things up.
During June and July, we bring you something different each week. Different speakers, different subjects. It’s just a great time to enjoy the variety that is in the body of Christ.
Last week, we got to hear from Dr. Mark Sherwood. If you missed it, you can find it here. Today, I am bringing you a very unique message. This is one of the few churches where you will hear a message like the one I have for you today.
The title of the message says it all: LGBT FAQ. I figure if they can keep adding letters to it, then I can too.
If you’ve been out shopping lately, you are fully aware that June is PRIDE month. Beth and I were out shopping this past week, and in one store, we were greeted by a huge PRIDE display right in front of the door. We didn’t buy anything there for that reason.
It’s amazing how many businesses are taking part in PRIDE month. I’m truly shocked. But, since they are being so loud about their support of the movement, I figured I’d be loud too.
This month is an opportunity for REVIVAL. I am believing God to make good out of evil by using this ungodly holiday as a wake-up call for deliverance.
God wants people FREE from the bondage of homosexuality and gender confusion. And that's what I am standing for.
You know why I'm so passionate? Because I was delivered from homosexuality more than 15 years ago. Freedom is awesome and I want others to have it as well.
So today I am going to answer common questions Christians have about LGBTQ because I don’t want you confused about these things.
And I am one of the most qualified people you will hear talk about this subject. Because, number one, I once lived the lifestyle and now I’m free. Number two, my understanding of this subject comes from nothing but the Word of God.
You ready? This is going to be like rapid fire. I am going to move through these questions quickly, so buckle up and pay attention.
Let’s start with the most important question:
The answer to this question is clear as day in the Bible. Nevertheless, there are plenty of people who will bend scripture to try to prove God is okay with homosexuality.
Just remember, Satan uses scripture out of context as his ultimate weapon of deception. He tried it on Jesus. He’ll try it on you.
But Jesus didn’t fall for it because Jesus spent more time in the Word of God than a 30-minute sermon on Sundays.
That’s why it's important to spend time in the Word of God every single day because then you can walk in truth and recognize Satan’s deception. Even when he uses scripture out of context.
I can guarantee you that everyone who touts scriptures that they think to prove homosexuality is acceptable behavior has done nothing more than Google scriptures they can use to prove their stupidity.
Seriously, if you think any part of the Bible sides with LGBTQ, you have only proved that you are Biblically illiterate. The Bible is ultra-clear on this subject. Let me show you.
Leviticus 18:22 NLT - Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin.
Romans 1:27,32 NLT - And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NLT - Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.
Notice that two of the three scriptures I shared were from the New Testament. So you can’t even say that it was some Old Testament law that is no longer applicable.
So, what does God say about homosexuality? It is sin. It is detestable. And if you continue in it, it will lead you to eternal death in hell.
Is there redemption for those who practice homosexuality? You better know it. And I am living proof.
So turn from your wicked ways and turn to Jesus Christ. He’ll give you the power you need to walk away from homosexuality and live in freedom.
What if I told you that there are Christians who unknowingly lead people away from Jesus and towards hell?
Everyone who celebrates LGBTQ PRIDE month does just that. Let me explain why.
The argument is, “Christians are supposed to love people.” And I agree. Love God, love others. That sums up the Christian walk.
But the Bible defines love differently than the world. And it’s really simple. God is love.
Can you find me an example in the Bible where God celebrates sin?
He never does because sin is destructive.
True love does not rejoice in sin. It rejoices in the truth. And the truth is, Jesus gives you freedom from sin.
To answer this question, should Christians celebrate PRIDE month, it is a hard NO. Christian cannot under any circumstance take part in the celebration of LGBTQ PRIDE month.
Instead, we must celebrate FREEDOM from homosexuality and gender confusion. It’s time for those held captive by sexual sin to be set free.
This is one of the most frequently used statements you will hear from those who celebrate sexual sin. And they use it because it shuts people down, especially Christians.
But don’t be fooled. This statement is so antichrist it’s amazing that Christians even fall for it. Here’s the truth:
1 John 4:8 NLT - But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
Love is love, right? No. God is love.
Christians really get thrown off by this love stuff.
Jesus taught us that the greatest commandment is to love God and love others. People take this and run with it, using it as an excuse to celebrate things that are detestable to God.
A Christian who celebrates LGBTQ PRIDE month is only proving one thing: they are not following Jesus. They’ve been infected with woke, counterfeit love.
1 Corinthians 13 gives you a very detailed explanation of God’s love. People quote the first part of it all the time, but have you ever considered what it says a few verses in:
I Corinthians 13:6 NKJV - Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.
The LGBTQ movement is iniquity. It is sin. God hates it because it destroys people and sends them to hell.
So, if you really want to love people, do it God’s way. Don’t celebrate things that will send them to hell. Celebrate Jesus who frees you from sin.
When it comes to homosexuality, this theory, that people are born that way, is used often in hopes of convincing others that unnatural sexual preferences will be viewed as natural, healthy expressions.
Well, there is nothing to prove that homosexuality is some genetic disposition that cannot be escaped. Even Harvard did a study and could not prove people are born gay.
It’s well known in the scientific community that if homosexuality was genetic, then if one identical twin was homosexual, then 100% of the time, his brother would be too. But it’s not the case.
So there’s nothing to prove that people are born gay. But there are plenty of people who can prove otherwise.
I am one of many who used to be full-on homosexual. But now, for more than 15 years, I have been full-on heterosexual.
I’ve been married to my wife for fourteen years. Not once have I slipped back into a homosexual relationship.
I wouldn’t go back to a life of sin for nothing. I have been blessed by God with freedom from sin and the reward of my beautiful wife and five kids.
No one is born gay. Homosexuality is an ungodly behavior to be delivered from. And Jesus gives you the power to step into freedom. He did it for me. He can do it for you.
You may have never struggled with homosexuality, but you know probably someone who has. So this is a question almost every Christian wrestles with at some point.
The Bible says that salvation requires two things.
Romans 10:9 NLT - If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
So, two things. You must believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. And you must openly delcare Jesus is your Lord.
What does that mean? It means that you made a decision to abandon your own desires and pursue the way of Jesus. Because, when you believe in Jesus, you follow Jesus.
Salvation cannot be earned with your right behavior. Salvation is given to you as a free gift when you submit your life to Christ. But, since you are submitted to Christ, right behavior shows up as a result of your salvation.
For a little while. But it doesn’t take long to figure out that homosexuality is not the way of Christ. And since you are openly declaring Jesus as Lord, you are going to have to leave that lifestyle.
If you don’t abandon homosexuality, you are revealing that Jesus really isn’t your Lord. Instead, you are saying, “My way is better.”
That’s why this is called the PRIDE movement because everyone who participates is saying, “My way is better. I don’t care that I just destroyed my family. I don’t care that God doesn’t like it. I’m going to do what I want.”
And I want you to know something about pride.
Pride turned angels into demons. Pride turns believers into unbelievers. Jesus can’t be Lord if you are.
But know this. When Jesus becomes not just your Savior, but your Lord, when you truly submit yourself to Him, He will give you power to find freedom from homosexuality. He did it for me, He can do it for you.
Last month, right here in Owasso, a PRIDE parade took place at the city park. This tells us that it was approved by the city. And get this. It was sponsored by Owasso Pediatrics.
One of the biggest pediatric clinics in our city, supposedly dedicated to the health of our children, is sponsoring sexual perversion that will destroy our kids.
I’ve been hearing news reports of dragqueen shows being promoted as kid-friendly. And parents are taking their kids to these open displays of perverted sexuality.
This is how thick the deception is and I want to make sure that you haven’t fallen into it.
Homosexuality is destructive. And our children are the target. Satan wants to destroy children. If he can’t get them through abortion, his next assult is sexual perversion.
If you are taking your kids to pride parades, and to shop at stores that openly promote sexual sin, you are playing a part in the destruction of your own kids.
Parents, wake up. Teach your kids that homosexuality is destructive and that God designed them to be the gender they are. You will not find fulfillment any other way than God’s way.
Keep your kids out of the path of destruction. Keep them away from everything PRIDE, because it is far from innocent.
Don’t shop at the stores that have these PRIDE displays. Don’t take your kid to Owasso Pediatrics. There are plenty of other great doctors in our city.
Don’t allow TV and movies that have gay characters. Protect your kids from everything PRIDE because it is out to destroy them.
This leads to the next question:
Kids are in a tough spot. The LGBTQ movement has forced its way into sex education and sexual perversion is now celebrated as something to be proud of.
This is something they encounter every day at school. So it's really not surprising when a kid struggles with their sexual identity.
But, as a parent, what do you do?
First of all, don’t freak out. Homosexuality is not a life sentence. It is a season of confusion, and you can help shorten that season.
Start by affirming your love for your child. They need to know that your love is not dependent on their choices. You don’t love them less because they’re struggling.
You love them unconditionally, so you help them out by getting real with them. Tell them how dangerous homosexuality is and how challenging it is to get away from it.
Paint the picture of what it will be like to end life as a homosexual alone with no kids, no grandkids, no legacy. The only thing you’ll have to show is a life of brokenness, shame, and regret.
Culture is working hard to convince kids that homosexuality is fun and games. So, you need to be diligent to let them know the truth: it is destructive and keeps you from God's plan for your life.
Not only that, but if you submit your life to homosexuality, the likelyhood that you’ll be saved at the end of it is slim. Continuing in homosexuality is a path towards hell.
So, find stories of those who found freedom from homosexuality and share them with your kids. Show them freedom in Christ is better. Living with Christ is better than living in sin.
There are combinations of factors that contribute to each person’s unique struggle with homosexuality. The first one I want to mention is what is going on in the media.
Make no doubt about it, the trash that is on TV these days plays a huge role in the increase of people who struggle with same-sex attraction. That’s why, if you want to protect your kids, you can’t allow anything that has an open display of homosexuality.
Another factor is sexual assault. There’s a study that revealed sexually abused young males are up to seven times more likely to self-identify as gay compared to their peers that weren’t abused.
Probably the most common factor that leads a guy into homosexuality is the relationship he has with his father. Dad plays a pivotal role in his son's gender-identity development.
Listen dads, it's up to you. The mother-son bond is crucial in infancy. But as your son grows up, you need to take the reigns and teach him how to be a godly man.
The issue for women is slightly different. They tend to struggle with gender identity when they experience femininity as either undesirable or unsafe.
Sometimes this is from being sexually assaulted by a male. Other times, it's because their mother appeared to be weak or openly declared dissatisfaction with her role as a female.
No matter what the cause is, you don’t have to revisit your past to find healing. I only bring these things up to relieve you from some of the shame you are feeling about this issue.
If you are struggling with same-sex attraction, something happened in your life that altered your true sexual identity. In other words, you weren’t born that way. So, you don’t have to submit to these temptations.
That’s all they are, temptations. You don’t have to feel guilty about temptation. We all have to deal with it. And the temptation of same-sex attraction is no different than the temptation to gossip.
It only becomes a problem when you act on the temptation instead of resisting it. Here’s how James explains it:
James 1:14-15 NLT - Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
In other words, temptation, if not resisted, gives birth to sinful actions. And if you continue in that sin, it will lead you to eternal death in hell.
So, can we overcome temptation? Yes! The same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead lives in us. Jesus was tempted and never sinned. That power lives in us!
Take a look at this:
1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT - The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Don’t believe the BS gospel that says, “You’ll sin every day. So just hold on to grace because you’re going to need a lot of forgiveness.”
Jesus is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. But He also gives us power to live free from sin.
God always provides a way out of temptation through the power of Jesus Christ. And who is Jesus? He’s the Word of God. And how did Jesus defeat temptation during the forty days in the wilderness? With the Word of God.
If you want to live free from sin, then give your Bible some love. It contains everything you need to defeat every temptation and live free from sin.
Here are some scriptures you can use against the temptation of same-sex attraction.
Galatians 2:20 NLT - My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Romans 6:22 NLT - But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.
Ephesians 4:22-24 NLT - Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
These are three of hundreds of scriptures you can use to defeat temptation.
But know this. Jesus didn’t defeat temptation without the Word of God. You can’t defeat temptation without the Word of God.
Speak the truth in love. We don’t have to be hateful. We don’t have to be mean. But we do have to speak the truth.
This means we can play no part in this celebration called PRIDE month. No way. And we should steer clear of anyone who does.
We don’t celebrate sin. We celebrate freedom from sin through Jesus Christ.
One final word for those of you who have never struggled with this. You tend to say things like, “I just don’t get it. I don’t know how anyone could be attracted to the same sex.”
Saying things like that is not helpful to the person looking to find freedom, it’s actually destructive. It makes them think this must be that one rare sin that is unescapable.
But now you know, the reason they struggle is most likely because of something tragic that happened in their childhood. Let that stir up your compassion.
And now you also know that homosexuality is not a life sentence. So let that get you excited. Freedom is just one choice away and you can help them make that choice to follow Jesus.
If they don’t want that freedom, leave them to their sin and pray for them. If they do want freedom, help them out. Use everything I taught you today to lead them into freedom.
