Regarding Homosexuality

I. Contributing Factors to Male Homosexuality

1. Lack of connected relationship with one's father (real or perceived)
2. Overly involved mother (seeking to compensate for father's absence)
3. Sexual abuse, 60-70% (by an older male cousin, older boy, etc.)
4. Peer labeling during childhood (fag, sissy, queer)
5. Exposure to pornography during childhood and adolescent years
6. Sexual experimentation during adolescent years
7. Generational sin ("same root different fruit")
8. Deception and embedded lies
9. Susceptible temperament (intelligent, sensitive, artistic, creative)
10. Low self-image
11. Mental then physical acting out of one's internal belief system that develops into a stronghold ("lifestyle")

II. Contributing Factors to Female Homosexuality

1. Lack of connected relationship with one's mother (real or percieved)
2. Lack of emotional relationship with one's father
3. Sexual abuse, 80-90%
4. Sexual experimentation (boys unpleasant, girls pleasant)
5. Generational sin ("same root different fruit")
6. Deception and embedded lies
7. Low self-image
8. Mental then physical acting out of one's internal belief system that develops into a stronghold ("lifestyle")

III. Overarching Themes

1. It is not genetic: no conclusive scientific research; Scripture only affirms heterosexuality
2. At its basic core, it is seeking the paternal or maternal acceptance, affirmation, intimacy, and connection one did not recieve from one's same-gender parent
3. It is not about sex; it is a relational and emotional issue: "Homoemotionality"
4. People do not "choose" to be gay
5. It is a legitimate need for love being met in an illegitimate way

IV. The Process of Transformation

1. One comes to the proverbial "end of the rope"
2. Acceptance of Jesus Christ as one's personal Savior and Lord
3. God inspired conviction that homosexuality is a sin (work of the Holy Spirit)
4. Repentance
5. Discovering identity in Christ
6. Most important is forming a relationship with the Holy Trinity
7. Beginning process of getting to the root causes and contributing factors
8. Through the guiding and leading of the Holy Spirit comes healing of life’s wounds.
9. Deliverance from demonic influence
10. Realignment to Scriptural truth versus the deception and lies (Romans 12)
11. Discovering identity in Christ
12. Most important is forming a relationship with the Holy Trinity
13. Ultimately, it is about sanctification - being made into the image of Christ

V. The Christian's Redemptive Response

1. Balance Truth and Grace versus Condemnation or Approval
2. Repentance of one's own sins (plank in own eye vs. speck in another's)
3. Ask God for forgiveness if we have judged those living in homosexuality
4. Love boldly
5. Listen to their hearts; it is okay to ask questions
6. Speak truth when led by the Holy Spirit or asked by the person (manageable portions)
7. Walk alongside person with love; it is not enough simply to tell them they are wrong
8. Reach out in healthy, relationship building ways ("Discipleship 101")
9. Let the Holy Spirit be the Holy Spirit
10. Demonstrate your acceptance of the person, regardless of the issue
11. Be prepared for relapses or falls; "roller coaster" of emotions
12. Pray pray pray!