JESUS and the LGBT

There is every reason to believe that even today “the friend of the tax collectors and sinners” (Matthew 11:19) would not react otherwise than He did two thousand years ago. This moment is recorded in John 8:1-11. He may no longer write with His finger on stone, but He would certainly say today: “Let him who is (without) sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7

So would Jesus still act the same today?

The Bible is the Word of God, as Jesus is the Word therefore God in the flesh, He does not change His principles and mandate over time. Jesus does not diversify the way He sees things from one generation to another or from one individual to another. Maybe today the scribes and the Pharisees and not only them would have a stone in their hand. Maybe today simple believers raised in the shadow of the Law would be there too?
One thing is certain, none would have the courage in front of Jesus, to lift the stone and strike a lesbian woman.

The good part of this biblical story is the people did not see the (plank) in their eyes at first, but after they were convicted by their conscience it was removed one by one, beginning with the oldest to the last. As of then and today, a minimum of biblical knowledge should remind everybody “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Who can say if sodomy and fornication, is more condemnable than the crime of theft? From a biblical perspective, what could be the difference between a married woman aborting her child and a person who has changed their sex?

They may be significant in our minds but in God’s eyes, these differences matter not because a greater or lesser sin is still a sin. It’s like saying there can be a smaller or bigger (spiritual) death. Yet spiritual death is just that death or separation from God for eternity. Moreover, for those who are in the house of God and boast in the law, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” 1 Corinthians 10:12.
This should remain a warning to all believers lifelong.

If we want to be on the same page as Christ, the warning in Revelation reminds us there is a “lukewarm” state in His house the Church. This poses unexpected problems for those who say to themselves that they are “believers” in God. That’s because you don’t have to be distant from God to be an atheist, yet still be under the sign of spiritual death. It’s enough to be in His house, but you can still be in the situation of: “I will vomit you out of my mouth. “This is because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold,” a superficial love Revelation 3:16. I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! This is according to the principle: ” For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will required; and to whom much has been committed, of him, they will ask the more.” Luke 12:48

A verse from the book of Revelation 21:8 enlightens us more leaving many speechless: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

This Bible verse goes beyond the appreciation of being “interesting.” Here it’s specified to our surprise that the first targeted are not those who make up the sexual minority of the LGBTQIA but the cowards and the fearful. The cowards and the fearful open up the “path of death,” but the sexual deviations only complete the list of those who will be eternally separated from God. Being fearful is the reverse of faith and, respectively, one of the faces of unbelief. Unbelief, fearfulness and disobedience are at the top of the “blacklist” when we talk about God.

However, there is another good part to this story from John chapter 8. We find it in verses 10-11. Here, Jesus says one more thing, which means a lot, and its value remains unchanged over time and generations. He asks: “Where are your accusers? No one has condemned you?
I do not condemn you either.”

This whole story confirms the truth that Jesus told elsewhere: “For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world” John 12:47.
But after this: “I do not condemn you either.” Jesus said something else too equally important, He said: “Go and sin no more.”
Without this, the truth would have been only half told. We have every reason to believe that He who “sat down with the tax collectors and sinners” would say the same thing today: “Go and sin no more.”

We can deduct from this statement that God does not change His principles from one generation to another. He is the same both in the biblical days and in modern times.

God knew that “lawlessness will abound and the love of many will grow cold. Matthew 24:12 however, does not determine if He will lower the bar of the value of love. He multiplies His grace, adds more to His long-suffering, but when it comes to love God does not move the boundary, He remains steadfast. In other words, God does not accept half measures in love. But we also must admit that we as humans do not accept it either. This is because no one wants to be partly loved, or partly deceived. This proves that love has an unwritten law, a law that is moral in its essence and deeply rooted in our genetic code.

These, and many more prove the intransigence of this law, but also the biblical truth that “For love is as strong as death, jealousy is as cruel as the grave; its flames are flame of fire, a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it. If a man would give for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly despised.” Song of Songs 8:6-7

In love, more than ever, there is a resemblance between man and God who created man in His image and likeness. Love for us means the life of the soul. Wars were started in the name of love and lives were forfeited for it. Songs, poems, and love stories immortalize the beauty of the relationship between a man and a woman that compliment each other. This showcases the beauty of love, its value and its purpose for our life.
The Bible is one giant love story to God, and his journey towards our acceptance and forgiveness of self and others. Within the scriptures, love is what fuses people together against hate and dishonesty.

Love is what keeps us from brawling with our enemies and sparring with those who disagree with us. Yes, the great waters of our lives can divide and conquer but it will never be able to extinguish love. love does not build upon the recognition of an (identity), or value, it simply exists. Today, true love is replaced by surrogates, trampled on, and disregarded. But it remains steadfast forever for those who respect its law, principles, value and power.

From this perspective the fruits of love, the children of God increase its value and give it the perspective of continuity linked to eternity and eternal life. Love is woven into dreams, the threads of trust and togetherness. Its roots are not in the earth, but in heaven. Another very important thing to note. The woman did not react by justifying herself, but fully accepted the accusation of being a sinful woman. But not even her accusers recognised their sinful condition, by the conviction of their conscience being nagged by the spirit of God. If the frightened woman had raised her head and extended her accusing finger to them, this story would probably have had another more gruesome outcome. The difference was portrayed by her humility and a minimum of common sense by her accusers. When the accusers recognised their wrongdoings, she responded with her head firmly bowed. This was considered to be repentance because she did not even ask for forgiveness.

The humility of the woman who was “caught” in the end by the Law of God, as well as a little common sense by her accusers, reminds us that God is the One who has the sceptre of judgment firmly in his hand. He has the last word in the judgment of everyone, “caught” or “not caught”, of those who are accused but also for accusers too. The word of God reminds humanity that he has (not) been given the right to judge others because there is a risk of “judging ahead of time.” Moreover, man is suggested to judge himself, not other people. The Bible teaches, “For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.” 1 Corinthians 11:31.

Romans 2:2 continues “But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practising such things, and doing the same that you will escape the judgment of God?”

Maybe someone who is not in the LGBT minority. But the probability is high that he or she would be found by God in other categories of sinful practices. An encouraging conclusion stands out. The difference in the Bible is not how many times people sinned in biblical times. The difference is given by their attitude, the woman did not raise her head showcasing her immorality to her accusers. In her favour, the woman’s accusers were not proud of their actions and attitudes to the end. In this event, and also in all cases, the difference is made by man’s humility and God’s grace and goodness in others. Within the goodness of the Bible and the moral standing of God, this urges us to repent. The book of Romans is very clear: “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” Romans 2:4

Both yesterday and today we have a period of grace to wake up, repent, believe, water baptism and receive the Holy Spirit: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Romans 3:23.
Yes, this is the reality: “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body” James 3:2.

Accepting and acknowledging the truth is hard for all. Let’s not wait for others to “catch” us or for the notion of tomorrow. There is a risk that we will no longer hear the message “I do not condemn you.”

The attitude of Jesus yesterday and today reminds us that we are still in a time when God bestows mercy. He grants mankind occasion to experience both good and evil for the benefit of our souls, in the hope that the soul can go “home,” to what is good, beautiful and true, as He sees, and as presented in the flavour of the Word. Acknowledging one’s guilt is only half the part of the solution.

The other half was taught by Jesus to “sin no more.” This is the truth in the relationship between man and God. What a relationship with God means is that we are receiving communications from God about himself both through his Word, Jesus Christ, the apostles and through history. God’s speaking is made known to us by the present presence of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. That’s half the relationship, as He takes the initiative. Acknowledging the condition of a sinner is in attitudes of humility followed by the conviction to stop sinning therefore proving that Jesus who is the life, is knocking on the door through the spirit of truth.

The spirit of life and the spirit of truth are fused. The Holy Spirit is still fighting in us and for us for both the salvation of our soul and for our sanctification. It doesn’t matter the nature of the sin. It does not matter the measure or the distance between man and God. What’s important is to recognise our fallen condition and return to God. God’s word helps us understand how God sees things. His word makes it clear that on the last day’s sin will come to the top. But “where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” Romans 5:20.

This reminds us that God is not taken by surprise by man. Yes, we can talk about sodomy and the human and moral consequences of organic changes. Some of them are irreversible brought on by transgenderism, and many other things that are today or may appear tomorrow. Mankind is constantly moving the goalposts to more diverse and more differing ways from the norm. But when the Word comes regarding the reconciliation of man with the Creator, nothing prevents this more than a lack of humility and repentance.
This is the lack of recognition that we have fallen from his good, pleasant and perfect will.

No one knows better than a believer who has repented and understands the Bible verse from Luke’s gospel: “Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Luke 7:47. That’s because: “The things which are impossible with man are possible with God.” Luke 18:27.

It doesn’t matter how many letters define the sexual minority of a community like the LGBTQ. From this perspective, other letters could define other groups which may include you and me. For example, GLBEFN: G-gossipers; L-liars; B-boasters; E-envious; F-fearful; U-unbelievers; D-Drunkards; M-murderers and the list can go on.

Nothing prevents God in His love for a man who He created in His image and likeness, nor even the sins that belong to the “depths of Satan. “He is “longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” 2 Peter 3:9. The encouragement given by God through Isaiah is addressed to all, both accused and accusers: ‘Come now, and let us reason together. Says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18. This is also addressed “to those who exchange the truth of God for a lie, to those who: became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened to those who God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonour their bodies among themselves. Or to those who God gave them up to vile passions.

For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise, also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, a man with a man committing what is shameful.” Ultimately, He addresses all: “They did not like to retain God in their knowledge, to all those who are deserving of death, and who not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:18-32.

Today, God tells everyone (Come) while we are still able to, as we are living in a period of grace. But there is also a “tomorrow” that may be way too late for many of us. Yesterday and today, Jesus has been consistently saying “Go and sin no more,” but tomorrow one day He will not say these words to us ever again.

Today we have the Word, we can converse when we want, we can throw stones at whoever even in anger to a holy God. But also, we can say, “Forgive me, Lord, for I have sinned. God is verbally silent in His love for humanity. But tomorrow we will all be silent and every knee shall bow as He will speak.

Nothing prevents God from looking into the eyes of man “made in His image and likeness.” This is because the human soul was designed in conjunction with God. However, doubt, unbelief, disobedience, and many more, push us further away from the God who created us, limiting the chances of our fallen state being able to be repaired. All these things are added (pride) which together adds more obstacles.

Pride is the visible expression of turning one back to God. What God hates the most is not the sin itself, but man’s attitude toward sin. From this point of view, pride reveals the true nature of the man who knows better than God. Therefore, where there is pride, there is no room for anything else or anyone else including God. Moreover, where there is no humility, neither is the Spirit of God. In this instant, we can speak about another spirit, the spirit of the world, which “lies under the sway of the wicked one.” 1 John 5:19.

The world lies snared in deception, government and media lie. “According to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works he the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience” Ephesians 2:2
“In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4

No one understands pride more properly as the god of this age. Pride was also the cause of his fall from grace with God. On the other hand, the Bible teaches one very important fact, that we shouldn’t fight with one another. This is because: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12.

From another point of view, also according to the same Word of God, those who did not receive the solution given by Him, through Jesus Christ, were also judged. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God,” John 3:18.

Tomorrow the judge’s sentence will be swift and final to some of those who are accused today. Unbelief and courage will no longer be useful by anyone and the pride flag will no longer flutter. But also, the same will be bestowed to others, who are the day’s accuser and of yesterday, because their faith and hope have not helped them keep on the right path. Nor did they rid the fear of telling the whole truth and paying the price for what they believe.

The ignorance or non-recognition of the truth is a major stumbling block between man and God. But also, the non-recognition of the absolute truths of God are one of the most important obstacles on the path of faith. Today, as yesterday, Pilate once asked “What’s the truth?”
To Pilate or many others, Jesus may turn His back and not answer. Maybe it’s because they deliberately pretend to ignore the Bible, yet people know about salvation, heaven, hell, judgment, death, and many other topics of the scripture, yet turn a blind eye. Even disciples of the church understand that sinners go to hell, but many glosses around the subject.

But again, God’s goodness and grace make the difference. Many LGBT people have good knowledge and understanding of the Bible, yet seem to dabble in other forms of spiritual ideas and books?

But the love of God and the fear of Him is the beginning of wisdom. Humility and repentance have helped many to receive the truth in their lives, and therefore Jesus can rule their lives. Time has been given by God, who is waiting for everyone like a heavenly Father on the doorstep of His house. Yesterday and today mankind has the word. But tomorrow Jesus will have the last laugh. They know that our love for each other is more than tolerance. True love includes indulgence in terms of truth. We know the letter of the Law can kill. But also, the truth told without love can kill. From the same perspective love without truth in essence is hypocrisy.

But here, too, God comes up with the solution. The Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of life. love and the Spirit of God make all the difference. But for everyone to know the truth, no special practice or special intellectual training is needed. A sincere humble heart is enough of a desire to return to God: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7

All we need to do is “That they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” Acts 17:27

Jesus Himself takes a step forward, clarifies and directs proceedings in all their diversity. He says “I am the way, the truth, the life”
This is to differentiate between the many competing paths that lead to the wandering of the straight and narrow path to deception and spiritual death.

Therefore, the Word of God sternly warns: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil and unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:12-13.

This idea is amplified in other verses: “Do not be deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

But this warning is said in the context of (today) being a period of grace. A period of favour given to the man who can return to back to the kingdom: “And He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” Isaiah 55:7.
This is a favour not granted to the angels but only to man. The World is indeed a treacherous place full of deception, but one has a choice as to where he or she wants to take one’s character. The government lies to us, the science lies to us, history lies to us, politicians and the elite warrant that we do not deviate from the illusion that maintains society’s structure. Lying, it turns out, is something that most of us are very good at. We lie with ease, in ways big and small, to strangers, co-workers, friends, and loved ones. Our capacity for dishonesty is fundamental to human nature but makes us terrible at detecting lies. Being deceitful is woven into our very fabric, so much so that it would be truthful to say that to lie is human. But was God taken by surprise by this?

Did He not know that in the last days “knowledge will grow” with all the consequences that flow from it?

So let’s ask the question, did the Creator of the universe know that knowledge would bring with it the experience of good and evil, in measures and forms hard to imagine in other times past?

Didn’t the All-knowing understand that science and technology would form both good and evil having the potential for man to depart from His will?
But even though God knows everything He still permitted mankind access to the forbidden fruit. In doing so He did His part in allowing free will. God knew that humanity would go on to modify the original project of His creation on all levels, entering into the mysteries of human nature and strange flesh, taking away His image and likeness and the standard-bearer of His Holy Spirit.

The Bible verse in Genesis 3:5 makes it clear that God was no stranger to the possibility that man “He shall be as God, knowing good and evil” through knowledge, and science. Today, man has assumed the role of god, knowing good and evil. But there is also a “tomorrow”. Then the Creator of all that came into being through His Word will ask mankind for breach of “copyright”. Then the plagiarists will be held accountable, according to the articles of His divine kingdom Law. Articles that speak about the everlasting distance from God, and the punishment of eternal death. On the day of judgment, humanity will have to prove his breach of copyright, and why he has (mixed) basic elements, diversity and ideas that are different from His initial Project. The Lawgiver will hold man accountable for everything he has done, thought and spoken. Secret sins and desires will all be exposed to everyone. But until then, the Love of God urges us, as Paul did before, to direct our thoughts, prayers and words: “Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?” 2 Corinthians 11:29.

This will help us to be closer to the perspective of those who follow in the footsteps of Christ, the only begotten Son of God who bestows grace. Grace for all, both for the defendants and the accusers.

You are also invited to watch the video on the same topic.

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