First, Jesus addressed the homosexuality issue when he brought the standards of marriage and sexuality back to the Creation (Matthew 19:4, 5).  At creation, Jesus claimed that God made “male and female.”  And that because of this creation of human kind “a man will leave his father and mother and cling to his wife.”   By limiting the marriage relationship to men and women, Jesus is speaking against homosexual practice (and much of our common divorce and remarriage practices as well).
 

  Second, the Greek word Jesus uses in Matthew 19:9 condemns homosexual practice.  The word is porneia. The word refers to any “unlawful sexual intercourse.”  This would include homosexuality.  Thus, Jesus does deal with the issue of homosexuality by his usage of this word.  He also condemns incest and bestiality.   (By the way if we use the logic found in our introductory question we would have to say those two are okay as well).

 Third, it really doesn’t matter if the condemnation of homosexuality is in the red letter part of your Bible (red letters normally show quotations from Jesus).  There are many things Jesus does not condemn directly.  This does not mean they are acceptable.  Instead, it simply means Jesus did not have the opportunity or the reason to speak on those subjects, or the writers of the Gospels, under the inspiration of the Spirit, determined to not include them in their gospels (see John 21:25).

Finally, those who claim only Paul condemned the practice, not Jesus, fail to see the work of the Spirit in the writings of Paul.  Paul wrote by inspiration of the Spirit.  The Holy Spirit was sent to the apostles by Jesus to “remind them of what they had heard” and to “lead them into all truth.”  The Spirit continued the revelation of Jesus.  Thus, what the apostles wrote are the words of Jesus.  Therefore if any New Testament writing condemns homosexuality, then it is safe to say that Jesus condemned the practice.

If we believe that the Scriptures are all the words of God, then we will not continue the practice of pitting Jesus against later New Testament writers.  All of the New Testament, not just the red parts, reveal to us the teachings of Jesus.  Those who want to live under His Lordship will submit to it all.  Therefore, Jesus deals with the homosexuality issue, and states it is sin.

 In discussing Fornification, what is fornification in relationship to marriage, and relationships. Same application is applied as it is sin.

One scripture I use often and keep in mind is  Romans 1: 28-32

 THere are many more .Many have a confusiion between spiritual food and earthly food.
  The god of the world tells us not to believe in GOD . It confuses people as to who they are to believe. We have a choice who to follow, the prince of this world , who Jesus identified( Jn 12: 31) or the SON OF GOD and His inspired scriptrures.
 

GSDguy, I beleive that belief belongs in the realm of personal matters.  I believe it doesn't matter what I believe or what you believe, my soul is not for sale or rent, it's mine and mine alone.

As far as religion goes, I think it can be a good thing, but is mostly used for power and control, so I don't follow any of them.  Not one of us knows what happens after death and to presume that you are certain enough through just faith to rule over another human being is not only arrogant, but evil to nth degree.  If you believe something, then live it!  But don't expect the whole of humanity to follow, just because it makes some kind of sense to you.
My personal opinion on religion is to teach children to read and comprehend what they read.  Once they are adept at both reading and comprehension, hand them a book, be it the Torah, the Qaran, the Bible, etc. and let THEM tell you what it says the THEM.  When you are schooled on interpretation, that's cheating (also called indoctrination).

I did indeed mean what I said about religion and penises.  I'm personally not offended by penises, the word nor the appendage, but the point is, they both are near and dear to their owners and PERSONAL!  I'd gladly use "vagina" in place of such an offensive word, but I've never heard of one being rammed down somebody's throat!

Asking for prayer from those who will, for my grandaughter who was diagnosed with cancer today
thanks, Hank

Hank, so sorry to hear that, stay strong.

desert dog, I'm so sorry to hear that!  How old is she and what kind of cancer was diagnosed? 

Sorry to hear Hank. Prayers to your granddaughter.

Thanks, I don't know what kind it is yet she called and was upset. She had a lump removed from her neck last week, then drove here saturday for my birthday. She was in a lot of pain while here but they just got the biopsy back today. she is 26 years old and has 2 little kids. both her and her husband are school teachers in Seattle area. She has always been my baby girl.

Hank 

I'm so sorry Hank.  :(
 

I'm praying for healling,  for comfort and for strength.

 

Dear Hank, all things said here pale in comparison to your dear grandaughter's diagnosis. My heart breaks for you and your family. Keep the faith, my friend, and never stop thinking positive thoughts. We will all be supporting you and her in our own best way.

desert dog: My thoughts and prayers are with you, I pray for your granddaughter to beat the cancer.




  
  

BY KATHERINE MANSFIELD

POEMS : 1917–1919