TITLE:  Homosexuality
TEXT:  Romans 1:24-28
PROPOSITION:  Homosexuality is a sinful choice.
QUESTION:  What?
KEY WORD:  Myths
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. Homosexuality is not new. As old as the Bible.
2. In USA there are 500 churches for homosexuals.
3. Metropolitan Community Church, Dallas, 1,000 members – largest church composed of open homosexuals.
4. NOTE: This sermon is not against the person (homosexual).
5. This sermon is against the sinful act of homosexuality.
6. My purpose is to clear away some myths and learn the facts about this sin.

MYTH # 1: “Ten percent of the population is homosexual.”

1. The homosexual community has set this theme as their agenda. It is an organized plan to sell the idea that they are everywhere.
2. They try to make it more acceptable – “We are everywhere.”
3. Studies show less than 3% ever practiced it
4. 1% identify themselves as homosexual
5. 1.6% - 2% - engaged in a homosexual act in the last 12 months

MYTH #2: Homosexuals have stable, loving families just like heterosexuals.

1. This is being taught in school textbooks – 1^st grade – “My 2 Daddies”
2. Only 2% of homosexual relationships are “semi-stable”
3. Average homosexual has 500 partners in their lifetime
4. 30% will have more than 1,000 partners in their lifetime

MYTH #3: Homosexuals are a persecuted minority.

1. Attempt to gain sympathy.
2. Catch word – “homophobic” (fear of homosexuals)
3. I am not homophobic (afraid of them). I am opposed to the sinful lifestyle.
4. How persecuted are they?
5. Income averages:
   1. Homosexuals - $55,430
   2. General Population - $32,144
   3. Blacks - $12,166

MYTH #4: Laws should be passed to give homosexuals the same civil rights as other Americans.

1. Already have this protection.
2. What they want are special privileges.
3. Want schools to teach
4. 80% of AIDS patients are homosexuals
5. They want to avoid prosecution for:
   1. Vandalism, interrupting church services
   2. Attacking public officials
   3. Public nudity

 MYTH #5: Homosexuality may be a sin, but it should not be a crime.

1. Many sins are also crimes – murder, rape, incest, child abuse, etc.
2. 24 states outlaw sodomy. 1986 Supreme Court upheld these laws.
3. Now courts are reversing these decisions.
4. Homosexuals comprise 1-2% of the population – but they commit:
   1. 50% of all child molestations
   2. 79% of all teacher / pupil sex cases
   3. 20 times more likely to molest a child
   4. 65% of all mass murders were committed by homosexuals

MYTH #6: Homosexuals can’t help being what they are.

1. Many attempts to find a genetic basis – none found.
2. Studies of identical twins – When one practices homosexuality – other does 50% of the time
3. Bible teaches this is a sin – not a sickness.
4. There is a high cure rate:
   1. Masters and Johnson – cure rate for homosexuals – 71.6%
   2. Cure smoking addition – 20%
   3. Cure hard drug addition - >10%

MYTH #7: Only one verse in the Bible about it

1.        Genesis 19:4-11 – Sodom destroyed

2. Leviticus 18:22; 20:13 – Abomination
3. Deuteronomy 23:17-18 – Not allowed to enter temple
4. Judges 19 & 20 – Sodomites in Benjamin
5. 1 Kings 14:24 – Sodomites in the land
6. Romans 1:24-28 – Reprobate mind, God gave them up
7. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – Not inherit the kingdom of God
8. 1 Timothy 1:9-10 – Lawless, rebellious, sinful, unholy, profane
9. Jude 7 – Gross immorality and went after strange flesh

Biblical conclusions about Homosexuality

1. It is a clear perversion of God’s intention in creation.
2. It is a violation of the laws of God.
3. It is a choice, not a genetic condition.
4. It must be confronted with truth mingled with compassion.