SOS Monthly Newsletter - September 2003

Witnessing to Homosexuals

Most of us have heard testimonies of people saved from drugs or alcohol. However, many Christians wonder if it is possible for a homosexual to be saved. Churches have debated this issue. Some have concluded that homosexuality is not a sin, that homosexuals are born that way and cannot change. The church, they say, should accept them as they are. Others have taken the opposite position--that homosexuals are reprobates and can't be saved, so we should keep them out of the church and not try to reach them. Many a homosexual has gone to his pastor for counsel, only to be thrown out of the church and have his sin announced publicly. Others were told that homosexuality is a "gift from God" and they should not resist these desires.

In recent years, many homosexuals have come "out of the closet." Every major city has a visible "gay" community. In almost every large church, some members will be struggling with this problem. The church can no longer ignore this issue.

Causes of homosexuality: What causes homosexuality? It is certainly not genetic. If a "gay gene" existed, people with that gene would have a lot fewer children than those who lacked it. This "gay gene" would quickly disappear from the "gene pool”.

Family background seems to be a factor. Most homosexuals come from a family where the father is emotionally or physically absent. The failure of a boy to feel love and acceptance from his father often leads to homosexual attraction during his teenage years.

What the Bible says about homosexuality: In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve (Gen. 2:l8,24). God did not make a second man, but rather a woman. In the law given to Moses, God makes it very clear that homosexuality is sinful (see Lev. 20:13).

In the New Testament, homosexuality is always considered sinful (see Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corin. 6:9-11). 1 Corin. 6, which condemns homosexual activity in the clearest terms, also offers hope. Some of the Corinthian church had been involved in homosexuality, and saved out of it. Actually, homosexuality was probably more common in Greek and Roman society than it is today.

Despite these passages, there are those who maintain that homosexual activity is not sinful. They dismiss Leviticus 18 as "Old Testament." Romans 1, they say, is referring to heterosexuals who engage in homosexual activity, not true homosexuals. The Bible makes no such distinction. As Peter wrote, "the untaught and unstable distort (the writings of Paul) as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16). If a person wants badly enough to believe that homosexual behavior is not sinful, he will find a way to distort the Scriptures to agree with his position.

Coming out of homosexuality: Frank Worthen was involved in the homosexual community in San Francisco for over 20 years. After his salvation, he founded Love in Action, a Christian ministry to homosexuals, and is now director of New Hope Ministries in San Rafael, CA. Frank has spent much of the past 25 years studying the subject. He has identified four components of homosexuality: psychic response, behavior, identity, and lifestyle. Psychic response is what interests someone sexually. Behavior is actual sexual activity. Identity is the label a person gives himself﷓﷓homosexual or heterosexual. Lifestyle includes such things as living in a homosexual neighborhood, having homosexual friends, and going to gay bars.

When a homosexual is saved, God normally deals first with his lifestyle and behavior. Leaving the lifestyle can involve getting a new job (e.g., if he was working in a gay bar), getting a new set of friends, and finding a new place to live (if he has gay roommates). This requires a deep commitment to Christ. Giving up homosexual behavior can also be very difficult. Temptations are everywhere. It really helps if he knows a Christian he can talk and pray with when he is being tempted.

As the ex-homosexual grows spiritually, God shows him that he has a new identity. He is no longer a homosexual, but a new creature in Christ. Psychic response is the hardest area to deal with. It is very hard to control our thought life. We need to fill our mind with godly thoughts. As Christians, we tend to have a double standard. If a heterosexual has lustful thoughts, we dismiss it as normal. If an ex-homosexual has lustful thoughts, we conclude that he isn't cured. In fact, sometimes we encourage him to replace homosexual lust with heterosexual lust.

All Christians are tempted by sexual lust. Only when we yield to temptation does it become sin. We can't prevent lustful thoughts from entering our mind, but we can refuse to dwell on these thoughts, and think instead on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Phil. 4:8). Healing for the ex-homosexual is generally a gradual process. As God deals with the root causes--pride, envy, self-pity, rejection, fear of or hatred toward women, etc.--healing will come in his life.

Witnessing to homosexuals: In a sense, witnessing to homosexuals is no different from witnessing to anyone else. We have one gospel to present to all people--gay or straight. Everyone needs to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Once they know Him, He will do the changing in their lives.

Usually, you don't need to bring up the issue of homosexuality. Often, gay people will bring it up themselves. In response, we can briefly explain that homosexuality is a sin, but it is possible to put aside that lifestyle with God's help. Avoid getting sidetracked into a long argument about whether or not homosexuality is a sin. Ask the person if he would be willing to turn away from homosexuality if God showed him it was a sin and helped him to change. Many homosexuals are very much aware that their lifestyle is sinful, and want to change. You can assure them that change is possible with God's help.

In San Francisco, we have experienced a great deal of opposition from some homosexuals who do not want the gospel preached in "their community." As the gay rights movement spreads, you can expect increased hostility to the gospel by homosexuals throughout the country. We need to reach these people now, before they become more hardened to God's Word.

You don't need to come from a homosexual background to witness to gays. In fact, straight Christians have a great advantage--they aren't tempted by homosexual lust. Many gays really want a heterosexual friend who will love and accept them. Many would like to marry and live a "normal" life. Be yourself, show love to the homosexual, and share honestly about your own sexual temptations and how God is helping you with them.

Finally, don't neglect follow-up. When the homosexual prays to receive Christ, you should help him grow spiritually. This means spending time with him, taking him to church, helping him with problems, and possibly helping him to find a new place to live. Although it's easy to get discouraged when someone you've ministered to falls back into sin, remember that God is still working in his life. Continue to pray for him and be available to talk with him.

Homosexuality is one of the most difficult things to come out of. Unfortunately, many ex-homosexuals backslide. Often, it takes years of prayer, counseling, and God's dealing for a person to get free. Living in a Christian discipleship house can often be helpful. Close Christian friendships and church involvement are also very helpful, but many Christians do not feel comfortable relating to ex-homosexuals.

I hope that this teaching will help you understand homosexuality better, so God can use you to reach homosexuals with the gospel.

Exodus International is a network of Christian ministries to homosexuals. They can provide helpful literature on various topics related to homosexuality, as well as provide counsel for those struggling with homosexuality.

They can also refer you to an ex-gay ministry in your area. Most of the people in these ministries have come out of homosexuality, and understand what is involved in getting victory over it. Exodus can be reached at P O Box 540119, Orlando, FL 32854, (888)264-0877.

	Canadian youth witness at UN Plaza
	Raymond prays with three people to receive Christ at Union Square.
	Four Corners Church, Turlock, ministers at Powell and Market St.
	Paul Coca ministers to teens from Norway

Coming Events

Note: Outreaches are subject to change. Call (510) 531-5325 or 541-9903 (cell phone) to confirm outreaches or for more information.

Friday September 12, 19, 26 7:30-10 PM Witnessing in San Francisco neighborhoods. (Call for location).

Sat. September 13, 20 12-1 PM Powell and Market St. 2:00-5:00 PM UN Plaza (7th St. and Market), San Francisco.

Sat. September 27 12:30-4:30 PM Berkeley Outreach. Telegraph and Haste St.

Involving Youth in Evangelism

During the past few years, we have been seeking to involve more high school and college youth groups in our evangelism outreaches. We need to train a new generation of Christians to reach our world with the gospel. You can help us by talking with your church’s youth leader about bringing a team to one of our outreaches. Some of you may want to contact other youth leaders in your city. Please pray that more youth groups would witness with us. Many teen mission trips involve little more than painting churches or feeding people. Youth drama skits are effective, but youth also need to learn to do personal evangelism.

In July, I was able to teach evangelism to a team of 30 youth, some of whom came from Canada and the rest from my home church. They witnessed with us on Friday night and Saturday and performed several drama skits and dances.

Thank you for your prayers and financial support for this ministry. Our Tape of the Month is Witnessing to Homosexuals. Instead of complaining about the spiritual darkness in this world, we need to bring the light of the gospel to people.

Yours in His love,

Larry Rosenbaum