“LGBTQ+” is a politically charged acronym. As a result, many Christians feel the need to talk about it, but are afraid to discuss or ask questions about the topic. Nevertheless, if Christians are to disciple one another well, we must address such questions.
In part 1 of this post, I focus on the LGB part of LGBTQ+. While these letters are all from the same alphabet, the LBG focuses on questions of sexual orientation, whereas the TQ+ primarily concerns gender identity. I will address the latter in part 2 of this post.
A Few Issues Regarding Same-Sex Sexual Encounters
I taught on the subject of same-sex relationships again this summer. Some points that continue to stand out to me are that:
- When Paul brought up the issue of homosexuality, his aim wasn’t to convince people that same-sex romantic relationships are wrong.
- While the biblical authors obviously knew nothing of committed, monogamous, same-sex marriage, this doesn’t mean that they have nothing to say about it.
- Christians shouldn’t bother arguing over the cause of same-sex attraction—it doesn’t really matter whether or not people are “born gay.”
- We are all saved by the grace of God.
If you would like to hear more of my thinking on the subject, I invite you to listen to the audio from my teaching session here:
You can download the mp3 audio file by RIGHT clicking here.
Other Pentecostal Resources
You might also consider looking at these resources from Pentecostal organizations:
- “Homosexuality, Marriage, and Sexual Identity” (Assemblies of God, USA)
- “Same-Sex Marriage: A Biblical Perspective” (Church of God, Cleveland, TN)
None of what you will find above is distinctly Pentecostal as such, but these sources do reflect how many Pentecostals are thinking about this topic.
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You might also be interested in these posts:
- LGBTQ+ (Part 2): Pentecostal Reflections on Gender Identity and Being Transgender
- Christian Evaluations of Homosexuality: Books Presenting Multiple Views
- MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying): Pentecostal Perspectives
Andrew K. Gabriel, Ph.D., is the author of Simply Spirit-Filled: Experiencing God in the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit as well as three academic books, including The Lord is the Spirit. He is a theology professor and VP of Academics at Horizon College and Seminary and serves on the Theological Study Commission for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. You can follow him on Facebook or on Twitter.
AOG and COG have got it right. Will the PAOC make such a clear statement? If not, they will lose many members
I like how you covered most if not all the arguments. It ultimately doesn’t matter. We’re not to fulfill the lust of the flesh. Many enter the kingdom with much baggage, others born with defects, and like Jacob who wrestled with God walks with a limp until they die. Love embraces and speaks the truth in love.
Sir you need to get saved for real. You have let satan deceive u and now u are leading others to their demise. God considers homosexuality to be an abomination. Leviticus 18:22 it’s detestable. Gods law never changes he is the same yesterday today and forever Hebrews 13:8!!!
Hmmm…it seems that you didn’t listen to the recording of the teaching. I would invite you to do so.
This is not audio re LGBTQ issues, it is MAID
Try again. It seems to be working fine for me. I will post a link again here for you: https://www.andrewkgabriel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gabriel-LGB-Can-We-Condemn-Them-2019.07.03.mp3