June 2012

Reaching the Homosexual

Photo 1 Outreach Photos 011

Bridgepoint Community Church, Pacifica, ministers at Union Square

Dear Christian friends,

In last month’s newsletter, I shared some excerpts from a paper published in 1987: The Overhauling of Straight America by Marshall Kirk and Hunter Madsen. This paper outlined a six-point strategy to radically change American public opinion on homosexuality in a very short time.

This may have been the most successful public relations campaign in history. American public opinion on this subject has dramatically changed in a little over 20 years since this article was published. In 1972, 73% of Americans believed homosexual relations between adults were always wrong. In 1992, the results were the same. However, by 2010, only 44% of Americans believed they were always wrong and 49% believed they were sometimes morally right. President Obama was undoubtedly aware of this change as he recently decided to support same-sex marriage.

Today, TV shows are filled with gay characters who are portrayed in positive ways. Every time a homosexual is killed or commits suicide, the media makes a huge issue of it. Every time a homosexual does something wrong, the media is silent.

When Christian actor Kirk Cameron appeared on CNN to promote a movie, he was asked his views of homosexuality. He answered that it was “unnatural” and “destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization.” Immediately, dozens of celebrities condemned him. Roseanne Barr called him an “accessory to murder.”

The Kirk and Madsen strategy to “make the victimizers look bad” is well under way. When California passed Proposition 8, which declared that marriage is between a man and a woman, people who helped fund the initiative received death threats and some lost their jobs. Those who oppose same-sex marriage are called “haters.” Any time a homosexual commits suicide, these “haters” are blamed for their suicide.

The California legislature is considering a new law (SB 1172) that has a good chance of being enacted. According to attorney Brad Dacus, “If parents are caught being non-supportive of their child’s perception of homosexuality in any way, then that is deemed abuse by parents under this statute and grounds for the government to permanently take that child from their parents.”

How Do We Respond?

Our natural tendency is to respond by trying to put Christians in influential places in society, or engaging in political action. In some states where there are many Christians, it would be possible to elect candidates who reflect our beliefs. However, in states like California, that would be very difficult. Every year, the number of people who reject Biblical morality increases.

The reason the “gay” rights campaign succeeded is that most of those in the entertainment industry and news media already supported their cause. Unless we could change the views of the majority of the decision-makers in the entertainment industry or somehow replace these people, we could do little to change public opinion. The only way I can see this happening is if somehow there were a massive spiritual awakening in which large numbers of people, including entertainment executives, were saved.

If that doesn’t happen, this trend will probably continue. In that case, we are likely to see the fulfillment of this scripture: “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” 2 Tim. 3:12-13. Meanwhile, what we can do as Christians is obey our Lord’s Great Commission, seeking to bring the gospel to a lost world, including those who struggle with same sex attraction.

Understanding Homosexuality

In speaking about homosexuality, we need to use clear and precise language. What is a homosexual or “gay” person? Is it a person who experiences same sex attraction? Is it a person who labels himself “gay”? Is it a person who has sex with those of his gender? Those are three totally different things, but we use the same words for all of them. Similarly, the term “sexual orientation” can refer to all three things.

According to the Bible, temptation is not sin. In Hebrews 4:15, we are told that Jesus “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Some people are tempted by homosexual lust. Most are tempted by heterosexual lust. Being tempted is not sin, but yielding to the temptation is sin. Some people experience “same sex attraction.” This means that they are tempted to indulge in homosexual lust.

Why does someone experience “same sex attraction”? This, like so many things, is a result of the fall of humanity in Genesis 3. All of us are born with a sinful nature, and that nature expresses itself in different ways in each of us. Most likely, there are environmental factors and personal decisions we make early in childhood in response to our experiences that contribute to this. At present, there is no convincing evidence that genetics are involved.

Few if any people actually make a conscious decision to experience “same sex attraction.” At some point, normally in their childhood or teen years, they realize that this is something they experience. Usually, they find this experience troubling and wish they were “normal.”

Increasingly, society tells them that they are “gay” and that they will only find fulfillment if they give in to their desires, come out of the “closet” and take on a “gay” identity, and find someone of their gender to have sex with and possibly a lasting relationship.

What we as Christians need to tell them is, first, that “same sex attraction” is not in itself sin. It simply describes the kind of temptation they experience. As Christians, we are called to resist all temptations, including this one. We can live a happy, satisfying life by saying no to temptation and yes to God. That is what God has called every Christian to do.

We need to help the Christian who experiences “same sex attraction” to realize that God loves him as much as He loves anyone else and that the nature of his temptation need not interfere with his happiness or ability to be used by God. His situation is not really much different from anyone else’s. All of us must resist sexual temptation. This isn’t easy for anyone. Each of us has his own cross to bear.

Many Christians who experience “same sex attraction,” if they learn to resist sexual temptation, will one day find someone of the opposite sex with whom they can have a good marriage. Others will find that God has called them to remain single and celibate. Many with “opposite sex attraction” will also remain single and celibate. Paul said it is actually better to remain single, since it allows us to serve God without the distractions brought about by marriage and family obligations.

SOS-San Francisco

July 4-7

We have set the dates for this summer’s SOS-San Francisco outreach. This is our 33rd year, if you begin with 1980. But actually we held our first summer outreach in 1979. That year we did not have a meeting place, but we met outside on the streets every afternoon. It looks like we will be returning to the 1979 format, since we do not have a church to meet at or house workers this year. If anyone lives in the SF area and can house one or more workers, please let me know. Otherwise, I can send you information about (relatively) inexpensive housing in the area.

Coming Events

Note: Outreaches are subject to change. Call (510) 282-5629 to confirm outreaches or for more information.

Friday June 1, 8, 15, 29 7:30 – 10 PM Witnessing in San Francisco neighborhoods.

Sat. June 2 11 AM – 1 PM San Francisco Outreach, Fisherman’s Wharf (Jefferson St. near Mason) 3-5 PM Union Square (Powell & Geary St.)

Sat. June 9 12-4 PM San Francisco Outreach (5^th St. and Market)

Sat. June 16 12:30-4:30 PM Berkeley Outreach (Telegraph & Haste St.)

Sat. June 30 1-5 PM San Francisco Outreach Dolores Park (19th St. and Dolores)

On the Streets

On Friday April 27, we witnessed at the SF Giants baseball game. Tens of thousands of people attend the game, and many of them heard the gospel as they left. A drunk man knocked a tract out of Dave S’s hand. His wife apologized on his behalf. She said her husband’s father is a preacher. The wife was quite receptive to the gospel. Eddie witnessed to a “gay” couple. One was a Muslim from Somalia, the other was a cultural Christian from Nigeria.

The next day, we witnessed at Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. We met Aaron, 28, at the Wharf. He was a backslidden Christian from Texas and was drunk. Several of us ministered to him, and Steve C. left him his phone number. The next day, Aaron called Steve and he picked him up at the Wharf and took him home. He stayed with Steve a few days and then Steve took him to the Bay Area Rescue Mission. He left after a short time. Please pray for Aaron.

Ministry Needs

Last month, I mentioned Serena, who we prayed for at Fisherman’s Wharf a few years ago and is still following Jesus. When I posted our newsletter on Facebook, Mary wrote, “I remember praying for Serena that day in McDonalds. We kept in touch by phone for over a year on and off… She had some good people helping her at her church, gave her a baby shower, etc…she was surrounded by support… this is a big part of helping a new believer or person recently freed from drugs and alcohol…we need to include them and love them.”

Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support for this ministry. Our summer permits will cost about $800. We still have two openings in our ministry house for Christians who are serious about evangelism. I hope many of you will join us for an outreach this month.