The Gospel and Homosexaulity

The issue of the gospel and homosexuality is very complex and requires wisdom. Proverbs 1:22 calls us to leave our simple ways, stop mocking, and seek understanding.

Let’s start by looking at the heart of Christianity: the gospel. The gospel is the good news that (1) Jesus came and (2) he died for us.

The good news that “he came” means that God became human and lived among us. In the same way, (1) God calls us to enter into one another lives and seek to love and understanding one another; and (2) God calls us to stop judging one another.

The good news that “he died for us” means that we are saved by what Jesus has done for us on the cross, not by what we have done. It means that whether one goes to heaven or not is not based on his or her sexuality. It is by receiving the grace of Jesus Christ that we enter into a relationship with God; and once we receive it, we can’t lose it. It was never based on our own work. So, our sexual orientation is not a heaven or hell issue.

But, if we love God, we must struggle and ask the question: what does God think about this? So, it is important to examine various passages that discuss homosexuality to see how they guide us: (1) Genesis 19; (2) Leviticus 18 and 19; (3) Romans 1; and (4) 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy. It is very important to read these passages in light of the context and culture of the time that they were written. There are some ambiguities, and therefore, reasonable people can disagree about this. However, Kevin believes that the Romans 1 passage is reasonably clear that homosexual behavior is sinful.

Ultimately, God calls us to be loved by Him, love Him, and love one another. God loves us no matter what! Our differences should not be an obstacle to God or to one another. This should not be a big issue in our relationship with God. God cares more about justice, mercy, grace, love, helping people who are in need, and sharing the gospel of Jesus. We are all on a journey together. We must listen, stop judging one another, and love and support one another.

Here is the sermon:

The Gospel and Homosexuality (Various Passages) - Wisdom for Life: Proverbs - Kevin Haah from New City Church of LA on Vimeo.

Coming Series: Wisdom for Life: Proverbs

We will be kicking off a new sermon series entitled, Wisdom for Life: Proverbs. 

Freedom in the Spirit: A Series on Galatians

Join us for a series on the Letter to the Galatians, entitled: Freedom in the Spirit.

Join us for Good Friday and Easter Celebration Service at New City

Good Friday Service

Good Friday Service will be on March 29 at 7pm at Los Angeles Theatre Center.  Parking validated.

Easter Celebration Service

Our Easter Celebration Services will be on Easter Sunday, March 31, at 9am and 11am at Los Angeles Theatre Center.  This worship service will include celebratory music and a talk entitled, "Spirituality of the Resurrection." This will kick-off a four week series called, "The Spirituality of Jesus."  Parking validated.

5th Annual Downtown Easter Fest

Easter Fest is a time for kids at Grand Hope Park @ FIDM (at 9th and Grand) on Easter Sunday from noon to 3pm.  We will have bounce houses, face-painting, balloons, games, drinks, games, and much much more, all for free to the community.  This is a way to serve the community by providing a fun, safe, and affordable event for families.  For more information, click here.

5th Annual Easter Fest this Sunday at Grand Hope Park

Join us for our 5th Annual Downtown Easter Fest at Grand Hope Park @ FIDM in Downtown Los Angeles at 919 S. Grand Ave at the corner of 9th and Grand. The Easter Fest will be from noon to 3pm.

We will have bounce houses, face painting, Easter eggs, bubbles, arts and crafts, popcorns, and much much more, all for free to the public.

This has become downtown tradition as this is our fifth year of doing this.  Last year, we had a great turnout (about 700-1000 people).  We are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.  KCBS-TV selected this event as one of the best Easter events in Los Angeles.  

I would appreciate if you can let the community know about this event.  This is an event for the community, not the church.  So, we are trying to get the word out.

More more information, check out: http://www.newcitychurchla.com/easterfest/