Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Romans 1:21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 1:21 For even though they knew God [as the Creator], they did not honor Him as God or give thanks [for His wondrous creation]. On the contrary, they became worthless in their thinking [godless, with pointless reasonings, and silly speculations], and their foolish heart was darkened. |
Subject: Active Homosexuals: Truly Christian? |
Bible Note: Hi Justme. Thanks for your note. This is a difficult matter. Perhaps there are two different circumstances to deal with: those growing in faith who are still involved in some sinful practice; and those already mature in faith who turn their back on what they know. I think people often need to study the Word for some time, to be discipled in the faith, to experience God's presence in worship BEFORE they are willing to transform their key commitments in life. So we should expect to have people in our churches -- seeking the Lord -- who are quite engaged in sinful practices. We should be inviting them, seeking out our neighbours like this. I repeat my question of before: say a gay couple had bought a house together... and raised a child together... how hard it would be to abandon that life! How many commitments and vows would have to be broken! I don't think the person would see his way clear the first day of conversion. Even after giving one's life to God, there is a sanctification process that takes time. In my own experience, there are deeper and deeper levels of sin that have been given to God over successive years. (start off with obvious things like lying; later deal with pride, or insidious materialism...) I am grateful for God's leading, cleansing, and nurture. I think firm patience plays a role. (Not saying everything is OK -- but acknowledging the struggle.) As for the Corinthians passage -- I think it is about someone moving the wrong direction. If someone were to enter into a new sinful relationship -- where they have known the truth and willfully reject it. I fear we are all being a little theoretical. I posted that other question in this thread, about a "faithful response to gays/ lesbians." It seems that people have many opinions but not a lot of experience. I'd love to hear from a Christian that has worked through homosexual struggles -- to find what blessed them in their church community. Just as we have learned how to help alcoholics -- and there are good resources about this -- we need to find out how to help homosexuals. |