In this episode of "Faith, Hope, and Love," we tackle one of the most divisive issues in the modern church: homosexuality. This is not just a theological debate; it is a matter of life and death, as highlighted by the alarming statistics from the Trevor Project. We delve deep into the Bible, examining both the traditional interpretations that condemn homosexuality and the arguments for a more inclusive understanding of God's love.

1. Christians Should Not Judge Non-Christians:

• 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 (NIV): "What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. 'Expel the wicked person from among you.'"

1. The Biblical Case Against Homosexuality is Not Strong:

• We will examine three common arguments:
• Sodom and the fact that the sin of Sodom was not homosexuality but arrogance, inhospitality, and cruelty.
• Leviticus, what Levitical laws are still relevant, and what those, as well as the ones that Paul references actually refer to.
• Matthew 19, and Jesus discussion on marriage, and how this is not a condemnation for homosexuality (but becomes pretty awkward for remarried Christians who claim homosexuality is a sin).

1. The Real Pain and Suffering:

• LGBTQ youth facing high suicide rates due to rejection and condemnation.

1. If I Were Satan, This Would Be My Plan:

• Using homophobia to drive people away from the church and Christ.

On Not Judging Non-Christians:

• 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 (NIV): Christians have no moral jurisdiction over non-Christians.

Traditional Arguments Against Homosexuality:

• Genesis 19:5 (NIV): The sin of Sodom.
• Ezekiel 16:49-50 (NIV): The true sins of Sodom.
• Leviticus 18:22 (NIV): "Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable."
• Leviticus 20:13 (NIV): "If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads."
• Romans 1:26-27 (NIV): Paul's discussion on shameful lusts.
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NIV): "Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
• 1 Timothy 1:9-10 (NIV): "We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for the lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine."

Counterarguments and Inclusive Theology:

• John 3:16 (NIV): "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
• Romans 13:10 (NIV): "Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
• Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV): "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
• Galatians 3:28 (NIV): "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
• 1 John 4:7-8 (NIV): "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been...