Can a Gay person be a True Christian?

[TemporaryCircumstances]

I'm back. I'm making a list and checking it twice.

As i see it i have several issues to deal with.

First issue that needs to be addressed is walking closer with Jesus. For some reason i never felt Jesus ever accepted me.

Second issue is being Gay. I truly believe no one can change their sexual orientation. So i need to work this one out.

Third issue is my breakup with my Lover of 20+ years. I believe its this part which is causing most of my depression.

Last is of course is why was i molested. But this one can wait a long time.

This is what i have come up with in the last couple of hours. If anyone see's anything that needs to be added or taken out just speak up. This is not etched in stone.

Wonderful!
I am so glad you have moved on to get this far.
Now, everything on your list is good in my belief except for the last one.
Why? Why do you need to find out who or how something awful happened to you?
Do you think finding out is going to make you happy?
You are going to get the bottom of list having made huge steps foward and fall right back down.

 

[lv2ski]

The Bible puts that sin as lust of the flesh, which is put away by deliberate decision with consecration toward holy behavior as expected of all disciples of Christ.

Thinking about sexual acts is not even a sin until acted upon. That line in the sand is like looking at someone lustfully by a married person is adultery of the luster. We all see, but have in Christ Jesus the power not to look upon it. Indeed it can take years to finally cast down wicked thinking. Let's all strive to welcome righteousness-thinking instead of stinking-thinking.

That's not true, dwelling in your mind on lustful things is a sin. Though it's not the same as acting it's still sin. Jesus said it's as good as done.. probably because we would do it if we could get away with it.

If it's not then the Lord probably likes you more than me, because He is Johnny on the spot with my thought life. Hes a jealous God and doesn't want us to go backwards.

 

[Utah]

Yes and NO!

Yes a Gay person can be a True follower of Jesus Christ, BUT a True Follower of Jesus Christ cannot practice Homosexuality! Chose either or but not both. If you chose both you cannot be a Disciple of Jesus.

I respectfully disagree.
Gay people can love the Lord with all their heart, mind and soul.
Gay people can go out and make disciple of all nations.
Gay people can serve in the trenches in the Name of the Lord.
Gay people can proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Gay people can often reach people who are otherwise unreachable.

 

[Utah]

homosexuality is an outward expression of Atheism.

I'm flabbergasted by this statement. And I don't get flabbed too often.

 

[lv2ski]

While serving jury duty I heard many people outright confess to crimes, hoping for leniency. That's often granted to some degree, but when the same people are back in court confessing the same stuff, should the court keep being lenient? I say no along with the majority. What we like to see is a criminal yield his self will to solutions the community can provide, be that secular counselling, or submitting to one of the several religious ministries, typically as a resident for months.

How could God be holy while being lenient over someone continually admitting a continued sin? He is the same God Moses knew. He doesn't change. Confessing is a great first step towards repentance because that demonstrates accountability.

A powerful reason a lot of church folks resist the idea of bringing perverts into a congregation is they are parents, grandparents, or neighbors in general who've now witnessed too many awful sights among lesbians and homosexuals. I sat with my family with a gay couple nobody knew was gay, that sat way too close together, one twirling the hair of the other. It offended the whole section of people behind them. They were displaying their "love" for all to see. Heterosexual couples rarely if ever put their sexuality on display for many to see. The ushers asked the men not to return until the Lord should correct their public behavior.

A church congregation is not intended to be a melting pot of sinners, but a means for worshipers to come together to worship, edify, and be edified in the word of God. From there believers go out to preach Christ to the lost and dying world, leading some to Christ, then bringing the new believers along o worship and grow spiritually. No sensible congregation should have to tolerate sensual display. If they do, the best thing to do is depart there and don't return.

I disagree on this case. This man has not been out of this lifestyle that long. He's been reaching out for advice for a couple days now. I think he needsthe grace and space to repent. I and many others have given him solid biblical counsel, it's his to work out.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12*-‬13 NKJV
http://bible.com/114/php.2.12-13.NKJV

Believe it or not, he needs as much grace and patience as you.

He has asked for help and many just come on here and lamb baste him with harsh comments and the judgement passages. I respect that you were on jury duty. However I was a chaplain in the jail for 2 years and sat with many who did worse than him. Some turn it around and some, many don't. The only help and healing is in the Word of God. I and others shared that numerous times, we'll see what he does. He deserves at least that much grace from us. Truth and time walk hand in hand.

Plus if you have read any previous posts you would see that he's made huge steps to distance himself from that lifestyle, which I dare say if I could just get a guy in jail to leave his girlfriend who keeps dragging him back into drugs, I would be shocked. He's not acting out on these things, but has a major struggle internally. Which is where God wants to shut it down before it becomes an act. Surely you know that.

The problem is many people don't have any hope for people with these sexuality problems. Unless someone turns to Christ and His renewing and cleansing word I don't either, but that's not the case here.

 

[lv2ski]

"Can a person who is Gay and has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior be a True Christian????"..... Someone who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior would not be gay, it just contradicts itself. Even if their desires fool them into believing they have no control over them, homosexuality is an outward expression of Atheism. My 2 cents.

Atheism, not hardly. Many of them have the problem of finding a right place before God and are deeply troubled by there inclinations. It is certainly a perversion though. Which is why so many are so deeply troubled.

 

[KenAllan]

For the last year or so God has put a HUGH burden on me for living the Gay lifestyle with my Lover. I felt we both needed to start attending Church and stop sinning. Long story short we parted ways and i moved out of the State to be away from that lifestyle.

Did i make the right choice? Maybe, not really sure. I was happy then. I felt loved. I thought if i did this my life would be better, i would maybe feel better about myself. Do not ask me why i did this because even i do not totally understand why God wants me to be so sad, to be so lonely. I gave up this one thing for Him. Its not fair.......

 

[lv2ski]

“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”
Luke 11:24*-‬26 NKJV
http://bible.com/114/luk.11.24-26.NKJV

You did do the right thing. But you must understand this principle that Jesus taught. It's not enough to just quit doing something, you must also turn to the right thing. When you empty yourself or attempt to empty yourself of something bad, you MUST fill yourself with the good thing. Gods word. If you don't you leave yourself vulnerable to falling back even worse..

It's been said the most miserable people in the world are the Christians that ride the fence. One foot in the world, and one foot in God. Too much of the world to enjoy God, and too much of God to enjoy the world.

You can't do this on your own strength.

 

[Richie_2uk]

Can a person who is Gay and has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior be a True Christian????

not if he is serving to masters no, he cant have cake and eat it, he cant be doing something thats fordiden in the bible and be Christ like. for people to be Christians, they have to be Christ like, and there is no scriptures to say that Jesus was Gay. Because he was not, why would he say its forbiden to be homosexual, and go against it? he just cant sin, So to answer your question, to be a good christian, is to be Christ like. and obey all Gods commands and live your life Christ like.

 

[lv2ski]

For the last year or so God has put a HUGH burden on me for living the Gay lifestyle with my Lover. I felt we both needed to start attending Church and stop sinning. Long story short we parted ways and i moved out of the State to be away from that lifestyle.

Did i make the right choice? Maybe, not really sure. I was happy then. I felt loved. I thought if i did this my life would be better, i would maybe feel better about myself. Do not ask me why i did this because even i do not totally understand why God wants me to be so sad, to be so lonely. I gave up this one thing for Him. Its not fair.......

He doesn't want you to be sad and lonely, He wants you to find your fulfillment in Him. Your focus is on yourself and not Him. Again the Word, Start in Matthew and read thru Revelation. You should easily be able to get thru the gospels, the first four books, in a month. 89 chapters, that's only 3 a day. Then keep going at the pace for a minimum. Read proverbs everyday. There are 31 chapters, whatever day it is, read that chapter. Don't piddly dink with this. Wash and renew your mind. And get with God's people. Quit trying to decide what they think, just find a solid bible teaching church and be regular, common and don't miss a service. Don't worry about serving right now, just take in the pure milk of the Word.

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
I Peter 2:1*-‬3 NKJV
http://bible.com/114/1pe.2.1-3.NKJV

That's the only real counsel for the new life.

 

[eph610]

My brother, we are always good. I appreciate your love and passion. Your church sounds like a place where I would enjoy serving in some capacity. Like you, I'm in the trenches sharing God's grace with those who are hurting the most. I will ponder what you have shared and pray. Blessings always.

I think the real question for you and others on this topic is this:

When should fellow bothers and sisters of Christ begin to see evidence of the fruit of repentance[change] in a new baby brother or baby sister of Christ?

We must always remember that confession is not repentance and that confession is immediate and repentance is changing the mind. Those 2 terms are easily confused, if they are not properly taught.

I Talk to 5 fold gifts all the time about the timing of when we start seeing evidence of true change, what that change looks like, and how we teach preach the application of the evidence of change to your people groups. These 3 questions are found in the Word and the Word is the blueprint for answering them.


What I do not think is right or in the Bible is applying such free grace to the new baby of Christ, that they are placed into the deeper deception, that God loves me just as I am and its OK for me never to change my flesh and mind to match my regenerated and reconnected spirit, because God loves me just as I am. That is not found in the Bible anywhere.

It is of utmost importance that we minister to these new baby's of Christ with all of the fruit of the Spirit. We should leave the application of the hammer and sword of the Word for when they have stopped crawling and are walking in their new identity.

A pastor friend of mine put a few former gay men and former lesbians on his counseling/teaching staff at his church, and it is such a beautiful ministry. These folks are born again, Spirit filled, former homosexuals, who have been called to minister life, love and mentor and disciple these people. The real awesome thing is that my pastor friend makes his staff and layman alike assist this ministry at least once a year. The new baby's of Christ get mentored and spiritually mature sons and daughters get insight into the lifestyle, and learn some things they never knew, that empower them to minister to the homosexual community better and with more love than before.

 

[eph610]

A powerful reason a lot of church folks resist the idea of bringing perverts into a congregation is they are parents, grandparents, or neighbors in general who've now witnessed too many awful sights among lesbians and homosexuals. I sat with my family with a gay couple nobody knew was gay, that sat way too close together, one twirling the hair of the other. It offended the whole section of people behind them. They were displaying their "love" for all to see. Heterosexual couples rarely if ever put their sexuality on display for many to see. The ushers asked the men not to return until the Lord should correct their public behavior.

A church congregation is not intended to be a melting pot of sinners, but a means for worshipers to come together to worship, edify, and be edified in the word of God. From there believers go out to preach Christ to the lost and dying world, leading some to Christ, then bringing the new believers along o worship and grow spiritually. No sensible congregation should have to tolerate sensual display. If they do, the best thing to do is depart there and don't return.

What you describe here is not a church, but a country club of pharisees....

Did the ushers tell the gossiper not come back, did they tell the young teenager making out in the youth room and their parents to not come back, did they tell the young adult unmarried couple committing fornication to not come back? Did the ushers tell the drinkers not come back....did the ushers tell the strife makers and dividers not to come back.

Maybe instead of breaking your arm off to pat your arrogant indifference and smug elitism of what your church is, you should bruise up your knees and faces and eat the carpet and beg God to have mercy on your cowardly and cold hearts.

This is precisely why the hurt and dying is never reached and you sir should be appalled about what you just wrote...

 

[Gr8grace]

When should fellow bothers and sisters of Christ begin to see evidence of the fruit of repentance[change] in a new baby brother or baby sister of Christ?

I don't believe so. I believe it is the WHAT are you looking for that is the real question.



What do you look for that is evidence for you?

 

[Posted]

I think we need to realize that GOD DOES THE WORK, There were plenty of those that "thought" they were doing the right thing and were rebuked by Jesus, THEY BELIEVED but were not chosen yet so they believed in vain. If anyone thinks they do the work unto salvation, they are simply wrong... No one may rightfully boast, unless it is IN THE LORD. Take Gods Word out of context all you want it doesn't change the truth. You will be saved when God says so, This age or another the Will of God that none perish will be done.

 

[kaylagrl]

For the last year or so God has put a HUGH burden on me for living the Gay lifestyle with my Lover. I felt we both needed to start attending Church and stop sinning. Long story short we parted ways and i moved out of the State to be away from that lifestyle.

Did i make the right choice? Maybe, not really sure. I was happy
/then. I felt loved. I thought if i did this my life would be better, i would maybe feel better about myself. Do not ask me why i did this because even i do not totally understand why God wants me to be so sad, to be so lonely. I gave up this one thing for Him. Its not fair.......

Im hoping you dont mind a kind correction. God owes us nothing,He gave His Son for us. The Bible says there is fun in sin for a little while. So yes you were happy. Sin makes us happy,for a time. But the payment comes due,and then is it worth it? You gave up one thing for Him,but what did He give up for you?! Do you think there is any comparison? At all? Not even a sliver of what He gave up for us. You'll make your own choice. Maybe people have remained celibate their whole lives after losing a spouse or have not found a partner. The Bible says to count the cost,and that is where you are at.Are you going to go away like the rich young ruler,sorrowful because you couldn't give up what makes you happy and follow Him? The Bible says to take up your cross and follow Him. He gave His life for you, all He asks is that you follow Him. Eternal life,temporal happiness...You decide.

 

[royalscot]

i have to laugh, to some of the folly on this topic forum, who appointed you judge of your own salvation. when did you save your self.
if all have sinned and fall short of the glory of god. why would god send a saviour. and now that the saviour has already been , why are you returning to law. even paul warns of this. (gal 5 ) to the jewish converts there is a change.




42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the deadActs 10

21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.Galatians 2

21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 5

17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.Romans 5





note...... the free gift of righteousness or in simple terms a gift from god to you.

 

[AuntieAnt]

What you describe here is not a church, but a country club of pharisees....

Did the ushers tell the gossiper not come back, did they tell the young teenager making out in the youth room and their parents to not come back, did they tell the young adult unmarried couple committing fornication to not come back? Did the ushers tell the drinkers not come back....did the ushers tell the strife makers and dividers not to come back.

Maybe instead of breaking your arm off to pat your arrogant indifference and smug elitism of what your church is, you should bruise up your knees and faces and eat the carpet and beg God to have mercy on your cowardly and cold hearts.

This is precisely why the hurt and dying is never reached and you sir should be appalled about what you just wrote...

This is the most truthful revelation I've read on this site in a long while. It's a glorious breath of fresh air to witness someone stand up and intercede for hurting people.

 

[Magenta]

Did the ushers tell the gossiper not come back, did they tell the young teenager making out in the youth room and their parents to not come back, did they tell the young adult unmarried couple committing fornication to not come back? Did the ushers tell the drinkers not come back....did the ushers tell the strife makers and dividers not to come back.

One of the things I like about the 12 step rooms is that people
are always told, no matter what, to keep coming back.

 

[CS1]

I respectfully disagree.
Gay people can love the Lord with all their heart, mind and soul.
Gay people can go out and make disciple of all nations.
Gay people can serve in the trenches in the Name of the Lord.
Gay people can proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Gay people can often reach people who are otherwise unreachable.

I disagree nor is it biblical to suggest only gays can reach gays . The truth is the Holy is the One who bring them to Christ when the Gospel is proclaimed Paul said it in Roman " I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for IT IS the POWER of GOD unto Salvation . a sexual preference has no power to lead one to Christ anymore than a person who is addicted to drugs . Only the Testimony of those set free from Drugs sexual sin , and any sin for that matter is completely a God thing not a gay thing.

 

[Magenta]

I disagree nor is it biblical to suggest only gays can reach gays .

Did somebody actually say that? I saw someone say that gay people can often reach people who are otherwise unreachable. One thing is for sure: the hatred toward gay people in the Christian community is a huge turn off for many people, including other Christians.