Page 179 - Push Back

Chapter 17

Jude 22-23
And refute so as to convict some who dispute with you, and on some have mercy who waver and
doubt. Strive to save others, snatching them out of the fire; on others take pity but with fear,
loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality.
[Amplified Bible]

Numerous readers have written to inquire about how Yahweh would have them relate to people
involved in homosexual behavior. Encounters with homosexuals are becoming more common.
Some Christians find themselves working with homosexuals at their place of employment. Some
have family members that are homosexuals. Increasingly, believers are encountering other
professing Christians who say homosexuality is acceptable. Is there a difference in the manner in
which believers should relate to Christians and non-Christians who are engaging in, or supportive
of, homosexual relationships? The Scriptures provide clear counsel on the matter.

I Corinthians 5:9-13
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the
immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters; for then you
would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called
brother if he should be an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard,
or a swindler-- not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do
you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove
the wicked man from among yourselves.

The passage of Scripture above reveals that there is a difference in how Christians are to interact
with immoral people (which includes those engaged in homosexuality) in the church, and outside
of the church. Christians ARE instructed to judge the evil in their midst. Christ laid out clear
instructions on how church discipline is to be carried out.

Matthew 18:15-17
“If your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your
brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of
two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to
the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a