In this video, Pastor Daniel discusses the controversial topic of homosexuality, specifically because of the controversy among Christians. This topic has often caused extreme groups within Christianity, with one group claiming it is acceptable, while the other group acts as though God hates homosexuals themselves above all else. As is often the case with extremes, per the Bible, neither one is correct.
In contrast to the first extreme, which claims that God considers a homosexual lifestyle to be acceptable, the Bible, which Christians believe is God's special revelation to humanity, makes it very clear that God considers homosexuality to be a sin, and it also reveals that God hates all sin. So, any Christian claiming that God accepts homosexual lifestyles as being fine, is either ignorant of the Bible (which can include misunderstanding it), or is lying.
In contrast to the second extreme, which claims that God hates homosexuals themselves, the Bible makes it very clear that God loves us, even while we are sinners. Christ even showed the ultimate love for all sinners (which includes homosexuals), by dying on the cross for their sins (John 3:16, Romans 5:8).
So, looking at the Bible holistically, it can clearly be seen, especially in the Old Testament, that God has always, and will always hate all sin. However, as can clearly be seen in the Gospel message of the Bible, God still loves the sinner, and wants them to come back to a right relationship with him, which has been broken by sin. So, He loved them so much, that He sent Jesus to pay the price for mankind's sin, making a way for them to come back to God. Those who come through Jesus, will no longer need to be condemned for their sins (John 3:17)
Basically, God loves the sinners, but hates their sinful ways, just as a parent may still love their child, but hate their sinful ways.
So, what does this mean for Christians? Well, Daniel proposes four Bionically based ways that Christians should respond to homosexuality.
1. Never accept something as right when God has said it is wrong (such as homosexuality). When Christians tell people that their sins are acceptable to God, then they may never truly come to repentance because they do not think that they need to. Until someone understand the consequences of their sins, they will never understand the magnitude of God's grace and forgiveness.
2. Don't judge hypocritically (such as by claiming your sins to be more acceptable than homosexuality). The Bible makes it clear that any sin is enough to separate us from God. So, yes, homosexuality is a sin that separates a person from God, but so is lying, stealing, lust, etc.. Don't act as though you are more deserving of grace than them (No one deserves grace. That's why it is considered grace)
3. Love them (Even Christ showed the ultimate love for sinners, including homosexuals, by dying for them). Not only are we commanded to love everyone, even those that one might consider there enemy, but it would be hypocritical to show hate for a sinner when God shows love for you, considering you are also a sinner.
4. Warn them (If we truly love like Christ has commanded, then we will want to warn them of the consequences). There can be, of course, eternal consequences for homosexuality (damnation, if never saved), but also earthly consequences (such as HIV). The Bible makes it very clear in Ezekiel 33 that God will hold us accountable when we do not warn people of the consequences. If we love someone, then we will not accept there wrong doings as right but will, rather, try to confront them and warn them of the consequences
