What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality

August 27, 2012

27. Larry L. Bartlett says...

While Mr. Whitherspoon III made many valid comments, his use of the word, "inappropriate behavior" as a substitute for the word "sin" or the phrase "exceeding sinful" or the word, "abomination" watered down God's statements on that "behavior". I have long since preached that it is the sin of sodomy, that makes you a sodomite. Anyone can have most any "feelings" at any given time. It is NOT what you feel like - it is what you DO. Only God (Jesus) knows the thoughts and intents of the heart!!! What you would do, if you could do, in the sight of God, you have already done!

August 27, 2012

26. Larry L. Bartlett says...

The Lord Jesus Christ wrote the WHOLE of Scripture. Many of you have a low view of God. Jesus is God, the Son! These three are one . . .

August 27, 2012

25. Larry L. Bartlett says...

The Lord Jesus Christ wrote the WHOLE of Scripture. Many of you have a low view of God. Jesus is God, the Son! These three are one . . .

August 27, 2012

24. Kobus Storm says...

Why do we make so much of things Jesus did nor even mention? Seems to me the things He was troubled with most is, envy, religion, lies, hypocrisy, being judgemental, lack of commitment, hate, un forgiveness , unbelief etc, not homosexuals, alcohol, smoking, swearing?

August 23, 2012

23. Bill Williams says...

@akindele and hener, I agree about the sinfulness of homosexuality and their need for repentance, the same way you and I also need to repent of our own sins. But just a suggestion: I doubt you'll be able to help lead many homosexuals to Jesus by referring to them as "homos" or any other derogatory term. Treat them with respect, treat them as human beings, and they may be more likely to listen. @everyone, let us make sure we don't single out homosexuality as worse than any other sin. If anything, pride is a much bigger sin, for it is the one most opposite to Christ's self-giving nature. And what about other, more "socially acceptable" sins, such as gossiping or gluttony. I don't recall reading any articles about whether "overweight" people are qualified to be pastors! Some of us who are pointing out the speck of homosexuality in other people eyes, may have logs in our own eyes. Let's keep that in mind!

August 23, 2012

22. John E Miller says...

The word of God could not be clearer on this issue. Cor.6:9-11 leaves no doubt as to the mind of God on the matter. Would we have fellowship with an adulteror? Would we sit and listen to a drunkard? Would we consider a swindler to be fit for membership of our church fellowship? These sins and others are classed along with fornication, homosexuality (effeminate) and other obviously ungodly lifestyles. Only when the sinner has repented and turned from sin, whatever it is, is he or she been made suitable to have an ineritance in God's kingdom. What we must accept humbly before God, is that the seeds of all these sins can be found within our own hearts and minds and must be constantly judged in His presence. Let us constantly give thanks for the water and the blood that flowed from the dead Saviour's pierced side.

August 22, 2012

21. hener olesco omadto says...

Watering down homosexuality to just merely a behavior will only lead deeper bondage to that sin. Because the behavior is just the manifestation of lies that the person believes about himself. Embracing a lie about your identity is an act of rebellion to God, and yes, I agree that all homos should be called to repentance but not just for the external behavior that the lies manifested in their life. Just like cutting a tree cannot be fixed by just trimming its leaves, you need to dig down to its root in order to successfully deal with it. God's Mercy welcomes all types of sinner while His Grace changes them.

August 22, 2012

20. akindele akinwunmi says...

if we follow Ben's reasoning, then a man or Woman may who have beastial inclinations may take a dog as a wife and remain faithful to it in a monogamous sexual relationship, such a person is still worthy of ordination because we have to love everybody. it is very shameful that so called professors are mystifying the gospel. The word of the Lord is very clear, if you add or subtract from it your portion is in Hell. simple Homosexuality is ungodly, strange, and demonic. HOMOS NEEDS deliverance , they are blind and the blind cannot lead the blind or the sighted, they can' t be ministers they can't even be called Christians.

August 22, 2012

19. akindele akinwunmi says...

if we follow Ben's reasoning, then a man or Woman may who have beastial inclinations may take a dog as a wife and remain faithful to it in a monogamous sexual relationship, such a person is still worthy of ordination because we have to love everybody. it is very shameful that so called professors are mystifying the gospel. The word of the Lord is very clear, if you add or subtract from it your portion is in Hell. simple Homosexuality is ungodly, strange, and demonic. HOMOS NEEDS deliverance , they are blind and the blind cannot lead the blind or the sighted, they can' t be ministers they can't even be called Christians.

August 22, 2012

18. Terry Baird says...

The two concerns that I have about this presentation is that it is impossible to understand homosexuality in light of genetics (if homosexuality was possible through genetics - then by reason it would die out in a generation - no reproductive abilities) therefore it is a choice; and choices are a matter of the heart, not just a behavior.

August 20, 2012

17. Earl Stewart says...

One of the reason that homosexuality is debated in my denomination (PCUSA) is the myth that is put forth that people are born gay. In my MA in Pschology, no research in genetic has demonstrated a causal relationship between homosexuality and genetics. Yet, the myth keeps surfacing and believed. What is also missing in the conversation is the change in sexualy attraction that some gay men and women have experienced toward those of the opposite sex. I know men and women who have gone through that transformation and have been happily married for years. I appreciate Dr. Witherington's scholarly presentation.

August 20, 2012

16. Mike Ingo says...

I thought this was very well presented in a realistic format. I do question his statements in regards to inclinations however. Outward behavior is indicitive of inward desire. Did not Jesus say that us guys should not look upon a woman and lust after her? Does His teaching not apply across the board?

August 20, 2012

15. Ginette Marie Dun-Robin C says...

You can easily miss that point! LOVE GOD and your NEIGHBOUR! The real truth! Here is the fallout--all most all, if not all our behaviour is lacking in some way! Perfection --to be perfect is -- a model from hell! Only Love --- Perfects! And certainly this is what we are worst at! And that is Perfect Love! Truth is all that is real. All that is real is true. Dr Q

August 18, 2012

14. Ron Hietsch says...

Doesn't 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10, for example, speak directly to the issue of homosexual behavior? arsenokoitais/sodomites

August 18, 2012

13. Paul Zeron says...

It is more than just behavior. Paul in Romans talks about men burning with lust one towards another. This is an attitude. Jesus also talked about sinning in our heart (adultery, murder) not just in our outward behavior. Basing a theology on not knowing is not wise. We don't know that there is not a necrophiliac gene, man-boy-love gene, bestiality gene...that doesn't permit us to stay neutral on the issue of where homosexuality comes from. It comes from the heart. We are supposed to mortify the flesh, not merely fail to act on its impulses. There should be a mastery of our passions. Paul speaking to Timothy addresses more than being of good behavior. He also speaks of his internal character: sober, not greedy, patient, not covetous. Having an outward behavior but not an inward holiness was one of the problems that the Pharisees had.

August 18, 2012

12. Paul Wallace says...

For the most part I agree with your presentation and with the pastor that said our churches have a much bigger problem with pornography. In regards to ordination, IMHO you are missing the qualification of "a one woman kind of man" and the cause behind homosexuality in Romans 1.

August 18, 2012

11. Verlin Thornton says...

Well stated, and I agree.

August 18, 2012

10. Chad Richardson says...

Being part of the southern baptist convention, this is the second time I am ashamed that we have spent part of our time focusing on one sexual sin. I struggle with the fact that half of our men sitting on the pews are struggling with pornography behavior and adultery of heart and physical behavior but we like to spend our time focusing on something that only 1 to 2 of the entire countries population is struggling with yet it makes headlines. This is by far the best presentation I have ever heard from anyone and I concur that to stick one sexual sin out there away from the rest is not what the bible does but most of the time lumps them together. Thank you for such a wonderful explanation.

August 18, 2012

9. Theodore Payne says...

Well presented, I believe that our congregations need to understand the biblical concepts concerning same-sex unions. yet our assignment is preach the truth regardless of the sin.

August 18, 2012

8. Archie Slaton says...

Ben , what is the Biblical view of same sex marriage? I was not clear on ordination of so called homsexual marriage. Thanks , Archie

August 18, 2012

7. Archie Slaton says...

Ben , what is the Biblical view of same sex marriage? I was not clear on ordaination of so called homsexual marriage. Thanks , Archie

August 18, 2012

6. Matthew Roberts says...

Thank you, brother Ben, for a clear and comprehendible biblical explanation of the issue. I wish more of our clergy brothers saw/understood/communicated these concepts more succinctly.

August 18, 2012

5. Matthew Roberts says...

Thank you, brother Ben, for a clear and comprehendible biblical explanation of the issue. I wish more of our clergy brothers saw/understood/communicated these concepts more succinctly.

August 18, 2012

4. Pastor Paul Hamrick says...

This is one of the reason our denomination is going thru a division. Many churches are either sticking their heads in the sand about the issue or caving in to pressure from the radical homosexual camp. Sadly, the radical homosexual camp is more commited to seeing practicing homosexuals being accepted as normal than those who hold a biblical view of sexuality are willing to make a loving stand for truth. Great presentation, thank you.Pastor Paul Hamrick Quaker pastor

August 18, 2012

3. Mark Walter says...

I agree, best biblical explanation of how the bible sees same sex anything I've ever heard or read. Well done!

August 18, 2012

2. Jim Ressegieu says...

Thanks Ben! This is the most clear and concise viewpoint on homosexuality/sin (we are all sinners)/being welcome in the church. My only issue with the whole message is that it seems that many mainline churches (read more liberal than mine) ordain homosexuals who are married or involved in a same-sex lifestyle and/or the church blesses or even performs in some states same sex unions--this is NOT biblical!

August 18, 2012

1. David Buffaloe says...

Very well presented, and I concur