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## Being Gay is Okay!

Gay and Christian by Elder Kathi Durst

“How do you reconcile your homosexuality with your Christian walk”? This is the question I’ve been asked most recently about this subject. Most religions and right wing groups have pretty clearly judged us and sentenced us to damnation. The majority of people over the age of eight either agree or have been biased to believe that as fact. Of course, I was taught those same values. Not so much from my parents, but from our culture, on the playground, in school, etc. Although, now, after carefully searching the scriptures for myself and praying endlessly about the fact that I am a lesbian-I have no doubt that not only does God love me as I am...but indeed, He created me the way He wants to use me!
“Those” Bible Verses:
Most of the Bible (Old and New Testament) was written to the people of Israel (the Jewish community). The long lists of “do’s and don’ts” encountered were laws to keep them hygienically clean, safe from the invading territories that surrounded them, and in close/intimate relationship with God the Father. It’s not my intent to reiterate all the literature I’ve read by theologians in support of the fact that Gay Christians are not only possible but also created by God. Instead, I’d like to share what I’ve always known. Long before I ever read the bible, I knew and clung to God’s truths and promises.
Gay Awareness:
I was only four when I realized I was attracted to girls...and yet, I knew even THEN, not to say anything. Of course, at that young age, I had never heard of sex, gay/straight, or anything related to these subjects. I can still remember being keenly aware that I was different than anyone I had ever seen. Many people (including my own family) were probably going to have some difficulty accepting this if I “confessed” it. So I had my first secret from the rest of the world.
My siblings and I weren’t raised in a Christian home. A “good” home, yes, but I didn’t learn about Jesus Christ, the Word, or prayer. After the age of 7, I didn’t attend church again other than maybe Easter or Christmas services. Therefore I never received the damning message about homosexuality, but I knew I would be rejected by my peers as an outcast of sorts if I ever revealed who I was deep within. That was enough fear for me and I remained quiet. But, never did I feel that the Living God had cast me out of His presence.
Salvation Experience:
Late in my senior year of High School, while visiting a friend, her Mom witnessed to me again. She had been in the habit of chatting amicably and reading scripture to me. This particular day was like any other. Except deep in my spirit...I felt and KNEW I was hearing something very sacred and special for me. It wasn’t anything different than what she had been doing. Except this time, God sent The Messenger, His Holy Spirit. After praying for God to forgive me and thanking Him for sending Jesus to cover my sin, I had the most overwhelming feeling and began shaking and laughing. I believe that was just a physical response. But in my soul, I knew my life had just changed forever and I had such a peace within.
How do I know God’s Spirit really came into my soul? The Peace! Had you known me as a kid, you would think I had a charmed life anyway. I loved my parents, school, was popular, Captain of all the sports teams I played on, etc. But NOTHING can compare with having a personal relationship with my Lord and knowing I am His child and He wants me to have total health and happiness. I speak with Him at all times and even better yet, He speaks with me when I need Him the most.
Reaffirming Verses:
One of my favorite verses is Romans 8:1,2. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of Life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Upon studying the original intent and audience of scriptures like Leviticus, etc...I don’t believe that naturally born gays living within God-centered, loving, monogamous homosexual relationships were ever included in the Law given to the Israelites. Even so, along with the above verse and Peter’s vision in the tenth chapter of the book of Acts, I think it’s abundantly clear that Jesus came to fulfill the Law not condemn us with it. The New Testament attests to this.
Another wonderful passage is also in Romans 8, verses 38 and 39. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What a wonderful description to cling to! I have debated with condemning straight Christians who are more articulate, educated, and persuasive than me. But no matter who “wins” the argument, the Bible tells me God loves me no matter what. As long as I believe Him to be my Lord and put my salvation in His blood...I am counted among His children. Amen!
Our prayer at COHSS is that this information will assuage some of the religious abuse laid upon our gay brothers and sisters out there. Whether you know Jesus as your personal savior or not, please don’t be afraid of the bible! We hope this inspires you to get one! Meditate upon the Scripture for yourself with instruction from the Counselor. Read and study it. You’ll discover the Truth about His love and grace. While we can certainly learn from humans, the Holy Spirit is the best teacher and He can and does instruct us into ALL truth. Jesus told us so (John 16:13). Don’t rely on earthly, fallible teachers. Go directly to the never changing, great “I AM”. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

To link to our online study course "Homosexuality & the Bible" click here.

For info on our next "Homosexuality & the Bible Workshop" click here.

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### Bible Reading Plan

#### Monday

##### Leviticus 12:1-14:32

#### Tuesday

##### Leviticus 14:33-16:34

#### Wednesday

##### Leviticus 17:1-19:37

#### Thursday

##### Leviticus 20:1-22:33

#### Friday

##### Leviticus 23:1-25:23

#### Saturday

##### Leviticus 25:24-26:46

#### Sunday

##### Leviticus 27:1-34

##### Numbers 1:1-54

One Year Chronological
www.oneyearbibleonline.com