Gay, Christian, and Coming Out: Greg Coles

[@jenisebrooks4308]

Sexuality is sinful when not controlled. When its lustful. Some gay affirming people may struggle because the culture at the time bible was written engaged in same gender sexual activity in different ways. Everytime that type of behavior is explained something extra is with it...lustful...rape..prostitution..idolatry. I believe that is what some folks argument is.

[@endswithme555]

And there you have it. Someone finally got it. We look at the act from the letter of the law perspective without looking at the heart/motivation of the person or Gods intent. To me it’s the sand thing with tattoos, piercing, alcohol, gambling. I’m sure one could find laws/scripture to back up its prohibition, but I think the more proper question is how does the practice of these things weigh on a persons heart towards God. And ultimately, only God can judge and weigh the persons heart posture towards him

[@queentangy]

“You can’t walk a lifetime of sexual self denial based on someone else’s faith.” - that’s what I’m chewing on tonight

[@Yomama5923]

It's straight gold.

[@tatejarrell6417]

@@Yomama5923 Hehe, straight

[@timconley2787]

Whenever I hear someone say they're gay and Christian, I always wonder what they mean by "gay". Does this mean "I'm practicing same sex activity.", or does it mean that "I'm same-sex attracted but I'm not acting this out."? Greg has clarified this for his own story. I'm hearing more and more people say "I'm a gay Christian". I'm just never sure how I should inquire about what this means to them, in terms of their sexual activity or lack thereof. It's not necessarily my business except for the fact that I'm a minister and as our church takes a traditional stance toward sexuality, a person cannot be practicing same-sex activity and hold a position in ministry. I hate the idea that I'm going to end up saying to gay people "You're welcome to our church and we love you, but if you're practicing same-sex activity, you cannot serve in ministry at the same time.". This seems like a mixed message that could make a gay person feel the door of the church is shut to them. I'm open to suggestions on how to navigate this in a loving way but in a way that at the same time is honest about the expectations our pastoral has. It's a tough conversation!

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

If someone says that they are a straight Christian, then what does that mean ?? The straights need to be held to the same level of scrutiny.

[@elizabethryan2217]

​@@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife exactly 👏👏👏

[@elizabethryan2217]

I don't think it is a mixed message. It's completely consistent. Anyone is welcome to church. But nobody should be supported in continuing anything sinful, never mind celebrating that thing. So if somebody is in addiction, adultery, is prone to manipulation or dishonesty, sll these things need to be confronted and dealt with. While there is active, problematic sin in a person's life, I can see very few instances where they should remain in ministry, and certainly not leading it. Imo. 🙏🏼

[@TheRed02151]

@@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife but they don't "need to be " because straight sex isn't sinful, gay sex is. that's your answer.

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

@@TheRed02151 So, you’re saying that straight sex is never sinful, huh ?? I think that you need to read your Bible a whole lot more, given that straight sex is condemned there way more than gay sex is !!

[@QueenCoreen1]

Just because a person knows in their heart that they are gay, it doesn't mean they can't be a Christian who loves God and walks with Him daily. Orientation is not defined by action but by how one sees themselves.

[@hello85967]

As a struggling gay christian in my early twenties, Greg really helped my navigate through life and showed me that living a life for God is possible even as a gay christian. Never thought did I think that was possible; have always struggled with guilt and shame until I discovered his book and Wesley Hill's book. Another 11/10 book. Totally recommend!

[@joycain6837]

In response to my comment on the previous video, I want to say that it is absolutely imperative to be unified as Christians. I remember Carlton Pearson saying you can be gay, you just can’t do gay. The fundamental change in the noun by the adjective is the implication of the acceptance of on going sin that is accepted, at least by some.

[@LifeandLifeMoreAbundantly]

Christianity is a NEW CREATION, a NEW NATURE. Read Romans.

[@07triman]

Saying you "can be gay, you just can't do gay" is like saying "You can be a gentile, you just can't do gentile". it is a distinction without a difference. It is something unaffirming Christians say to make them think they have cleverly threaded some needle between truth and grace. Jesus didn't thread needles, the Pharisees did. Preaching that homosexuality is a sin is a gross misinterpretation of scripture and violates the very heart of the gospel.

[@Dave-if5qj]

😂😂😂​@@07triman

[@JermaineGoldman-q6c]

And don't know about the topic but you know what I didn't even watch the video yet but I can already agree with it.

[@raerae3968]

Totally putting myself out here with my name. But in the vid around 39.0 talking about coming out. You mention ways of testing people out. You have to be careful with this. I tried this in my early high school years. Thoughts of me coming out to close friends and family. So I tried a test. My best friend had a female cousin who was also my friend. I decide to check her response by asking her, " What do you think you would think or do if you found out your cousin John were gay? She didn't respond well. And a week later she had told the rest of the family, a large Italian family with lots of members. Well they took it to mean that I was accusing my friend John of being gay. My relationship with my best friend and his family was never the same after that !! Obviously after that I squelched the idea of me coming out.

[@lanceallenmcginnis1105]

I have not finished the video but Gregs coming out to his parents is unique in that he was deciding to not give into the gay temptation, right? I imagine if he had decided to have a boyfriend or sexual relationship in his coming out, his parents would have had a different response. I have so many questions.

[@josecaua5005]

Oh... i'm brazilian and i really wanna understand this video but i don't speak english good enough hahaha So... there is some possibility to someome put subtitles in this video? :)

[@josecaua5005]

God is good. After two years, I'm finally able to understand waayy better! Hahah ♡

[@joyces.1805]

Seems like everywhere I go someone is recommending a book & I can't read them all or when would I read my Bible? I am SO glad that yours was the book I chose to read, Dr. Greg. I learned a lot & I feel like I made a new friend. (And I love pineapples.)

[@denisechoate]

I listened to Greg's book "Single, Gay Christian after I read "Embodied". I am so glad I did. Both books are so helpful to me in understanding my own child and other lgbtq people in my life. The more I read and listen the more I'm convinced that lgbtq Christians need to be known and loved and valued with their struggles and for who they are as they are. My trans son has a relationship with God and he needs the nuture and sanctification all Christians need. It seems ridiculous to state the obvious and yet I think it needs to be stated, over and over again that the Christians who identify as LGBTQ persons ARE Christians. I love the church, I love my brothers and sisters in the Lord but I see far too much disdain and hatred towards the lgbtq community amongst my Christian friends. I still see and hear unkind words coming from the mouths and posts of Christians and many call that love. How can we call that love if we're afraid of embracing our own lgbtq loved ones? I was sad when I realized my tran son had been struggling all those years with his gender dysphoria and self hatred alone. He was worried we would reject him, which we initially did out of fear for his salvation. He worries about his future and most importantly his relationships with his family and his God. I was afraid to consider what it meant for my son come out and I was afraid of the church and what my Christian friends would say. And I had good reason to be. I hope this changes. I would like bring my son Church Without being afraid we might be asked to leave. Thank you so much guys. God bless you

[@RLDRemembrance]

Sending your child so much love and light, I'm binging on these videos and I'm posting a comment response I did on his channel because it overlapsvand it's long, but your child is beautiful and loved unconditionally no matter the gender transition. If anything it is us who are overly attached to gender and therfore the material. We all have testosterone and estrogen, if we were absolute this would not be the same. We have inherently different changes, the masculine and feminine which upon integration of such distortions we reach chirst consciousness but also gender neutrality which your child may be closer too. "I Am not from this world" remember. I go over it in alot more details on my channel and my book Remembrance but I hope the excerpt below helps. I'm LGBT, very spiritual and split on this and recently I saw this completely different which is not about guilt, shame, sins or even being gay but rather the spiritual benefits of Semen Retention. It something that now has me looking at the whole concept in general. Understanding those benefits answers pretty much everything for every one without stigma or shame or judgement towards anyone and it's also alot easier and motivational to stick to. I channel alot of from Jesus and it was explained to me that unconditional love is a love without conditions, expectations or attachments and for that reason free will is the ultimate act of unconditional love. In that sense I algo saw that while many corralate sex to the attraction or act as sin which I think misses the whole point of love. Experiencing unconditional love as humans it God showing itself to our level of perception and integral to the true awakening process which I don't see any church be much of a catalyst for. So while I could choose to abstein from sex and probably easily to do so, what was not a choice side from the act was that the awakening to Christ consciousness would come through a same sex love. Then the fact that we are eternal beings observing a temporary human experience, and no matter what energy or power you believe in we come from the same one. Anything that is not one is a deviation from the oneness purity but not separate from, just parts to integrate. With that experiencing unconditional love in material embrace is the awakening catalyst and it can be the same sex. Sexual transmutation is very real with such love in human expression and under such conditions isn't as I see, a sin. Perpetual semen secretion with anything could be spiritually challenging but when Jesus absorbed the worst of humanity and forgave it with unconditional love he lifted the density, our layaway plan to Rememberance. When we do the good, bad for better or worse by free will abstinence or gay orgies you will find what does and does not resonate by your own free will, ultimately it's God and unconditional love which will resonate most and by free will you have the path to Rememberance via same sex love and all... So, That's how Jesus explained it to me. Life is not so much about suffering, it just so happens that so long as we are attached we will suffer. The soul doesn't suffer nor unconditional love nor by divine will, we are just overly attached to the world without which is an illusional variable and will always come to pass, the more attached we are the more we suffer but it just so happens we don't understand that until we awaken. It cannot be explained although it can be sent as a transmission. We did not come here to suffer, we came here to remember, it just so happens to remember requires the death of the ego and resurrection of the soul. Ego death only happens by the extreme illusion of suffering. Who and what is suffering? Are you your thoughts, emotions and impulses? No not at all those can be influenced at any time by food and all kind of things. So where does thought imagination and creativity come from? Its divine. If you have a new body every 7 years you're certainly not that either. The body itself is an illusion so attachment to the body at all will bring suffering let alone someone else's. If you're gay and christian I have alot of channeling of this from Jesus confirmed on live stream with prophecy and answering things about Jesus that are unprecedented, and I'm not special for it, it happen to anyone upon awakening. Remember all Ascended Masters where social and religious nonconformist, and kind of insurrectionist too at that. Take what resonates, leave what doesn't. Sending everyone so much love and light.

[@kentfink9509]

So homosexuality isn't sin?

[@endswithme555]

Blessing to you for sharing! You unlocked the God code…God judges and our sole responsibility is to love - no more no less. We take the Holy Spirit’s responsibility of trying to convict and police people based on what We deem as right and wrong when that’s Gods responsibility. Sexual orientation and whom a person chooses to love in a consensual relationship isn’t what makes a person holy/unholy. It’s the heart posture that God judges.

[@PhilAlumb]

You don't have a "trans" son..You have a daughter with deep psychological issues.

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

@@kentfink9509Before anyone could answer that question, one first of all needs to unpack the word “homosexuality”. That question requires a lot of nuance.

[@juliewelch962]

This is so misleading. Once you are saved you become a new creature, you no longer “identify as anything of a sinful nature” The Holy Spirit would not reside with any name associated with something that is an abomination to God. That means any sin. You can’t put old wine in new wine skins.

[@celiafish]

He didn’t sin giving into the gay life style. He was already a Christian when he recognized the same sex atraction. There was nothing to repent… he is laying down do God his attraction and also recognizing that is against God s plan for his life.

[@Willpowerbomb]

It’s no different than saying that we’re sinners saved by grace. Acknowledging that we’re sinners doesn’t mean we’re identifying with sin or embracing our sinful nature. Let’s not get caught up with names and labels and actually listen to how Greg lives his life.

[@zo3n1kos]

You are leading people astray from the Truth. Sin is a condition of the heart that Jesus shed His blood to atone for to redeem us and give us a new heart. You cannot say I am celebate and gay and Christian. That is like saying I have unforgiveness or feelings of hate or lust but it is ok. You make the blood of Jesus of no affect.

[@jenniferrundle6870]

Not true. It's more like a hetero saying they're attracted to the opposite sex but choose celibacy. A "leaning", a temptation, is not sin, it's the idolatry of that, then putting it into action. He knows action would be overt sin.. Greg stated he is desiring to be more conformed to Jesus. That's the heart of it all-what we should ALL be stating.

[@LifeandLifeMoreAbundantly]

@@jenniferrundle6870 i read a review of his book -he mentions the word ‘gay’ 300x and God 150x ... being gay is absolutely an idol to him.

[@endswithme555]

@@LifeandLifeMoreAbundantlyyou classified his idolatry by the amount of times he mentioned gay versus God…lol 😂😂😂😂 Are you serious? How simple-minded is that statement??? That is the pinnacle of a logical fallacy.

[@endswithme555]

⁠​⁠@@jenniferrundle6870 you get it!!! The ultimate goal of the person who has a heart for God is to please him. People who have an orientation towards the same gender, not of their choosing, are no less worthy of God than anyone else.

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

@@LifeandLifeMoreAbundantly Greg is a new creature in Christ. God redeemed Greg. God just chose to not make Greg straight. Simple as that. Are you saying that Greg is not allowed to exist ??

[@Altiebella]

if Jesus is Lord then you're desires are not. A Christian considers the cost, denies himself, picks up their cross and follows Christ. End of discussion.

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

Jesus can still be Lord while we talk about our lives.

[@tracygeddes5867]

At 5.42 I think Preston was having conflicting thoughts because he states that being gay is a sin. But has to acknowledge that others think differently.

[@PhilGeissler]

Christian, Gay, and Coming Out: Greg Coles. I fixed it.

[@laurie1065]

Exceptional observation. Our identity is in Christ first.

[@lisaloo715]

I would be interested in hearing how you guys are interpreting Romans 1.

[@SachelleCambria]

Why do you need them to interpret it. The Bible is self explanatory. All they are going to do is twist it.

[@tracygeddes5867]

Romans is Paul not Jesus.two totally different takes on god consciousness.i will go with Jesus not the opinions of Paul.

[@cliffrogers]

Romans 1 is about idolatrous straight people being given over to their lust for new and extra ways to obtain selfish sexual satisfaction that they go against their own nature and have same gender sex to get off….gay people are already naturally attracted to the same gender…it’s not about us

[@lauraanaya9801]

The Beckett Cook show. It's a Christianity podcast.

[@a_man_with_some_plans]

My guy I'm not really sure but for some reason this entire ministry of Preston is sus. I can't quite put my finger on it but it feels very conflicting.

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

Greg is a new creature in Christ. God redeemed Greg. God just chose to not make Greg straight. Simple as that.

[@a_man_with_some_plans]

@@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife ya I'm gonna call no on that dog.

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

@@a_man_with_some_plans that’s a pity 😢

[@a_man_with_some_plans]

@@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife not really. God certainly didn't make him straight but it doesn't matter. You need to be born again as a Christian. It's funny to me how we serve a God that literally raised himself from the dead, yet sexuality is a mountain that we can't climb...

[@mtbsaathof]

Agreeing on that! Last time I read the scriptures God was omnipotent not incompotent.

[@lezzimars6061]

But In Christ our identify should no longer be gay or lesbian, we are a new creation and we should identify in Him not gay. Because The Bible is very clear on that subject. You can’t be part of both worlds. The label “gay Christian” really bothers me. There is no such thing as homosexual Christian please don’t water down the true meaning of being a follower of Christ 🙏🏻

[@porterp]

That's your interpretation. Just because you don't believe that gay Christians exist, doesn't mean they don't.

[@alexlindstrom555]

God has pretty much communicated with me using the word “gay.” He knows it’s not my all-encompassing identity. It’s just a word. Using the word “gay” as a simple adjective doesn’t have any bearing on my relationship with Jesus or my ability to to follow Him. Even if I married a woman it doesn’t make me “not gay.” It’s just a word. Not an identity. Not a label.

[@lezzimars6061]

@@alexlindstrom555 Then why use It in the first place ?

[@alexlindstrom555]

@@lezzimars6061 it’s a good question and I don’t even have all the answers as to why I am personally ok with it. For me it’s just been helpful in accepting myself and also when describing my experiences and telling my story(ies) of faith. It’s also helpful when defending my church and my beliefs in a traditional sexual ethic. My church is routinely seen as “anti-gay” by certain rainbow, “woke” crowds and helps been helpful for me to show them that they do not have a monopoly on people like me. Like Preston mentions toward the end of this interview, let’s not let language get in the way of the bigger picture of the gospel (I totally get it when it comes to groups of people that can only see their sexual orientation and nothing else and play the identity politics game. It drives me up a wall).

[@Travelingthru]

Total agree. New Creation. No such thing as a gay Christian. Lukewarm...he spews you out of his mouth.

[@Maranatha7557]

But our identity is in Christ, not our struggles with any type of specific sin. “Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

Greg is a new creature in Christ. God redeemed Greg. God just chose to not make Greg straight. Simple as that.

[@AHeartsCalling]

Thank you for this video!

[@paulromero1742]

What a wonderful work and response to an individual being a gay activist, telling himself referencing from himself that God affirms himself. It sounds like someone’s trapped inside of their circular reasoning which could never be discern against. Like second Thessalonians chapter 2, verse 11 says says, therefore I will send a powerful delusion upon them getting them to think that I am with them in themselves deceiving themselves. How much would you have to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to help you with your temptations. We would have a better chance of asking a Catholic priest to discern Romans chapter 4 verse 7 in who is the Blessed man rather than this man recognizing of what he felt that it was wrong in the beginning to be gay.. so just like all the other gay activist say he refers to himself and then looks in the Bible, like every other gay activist out there who write the same material in there books referring back to self self so cannot be discerned, against. And there’s your made in the image of God guarantee you that you will not be able to discern against yourself. What would this person have to do to discern that he’s living in self deception. I think he’s willing to go to his death instead of pondering the question.

[@juliewelch962]

You can’t put new wine in old wine skins or else the skins will burst. Matthew 9:17 Mark 2:22

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

Greg is a new creature in Christ. God redeemed Greg. God just chose to not make Greg straight. Simple as that.

[@bifeldman]

From the Euthyphro, Socrates speaking to Euthyphro: “Perhaps I am not wise with your wisdom, but thank the gods I am not foolish with your foolishness.”

[@nathanstafford8412]

You talked to a local guy named John Whittaker? Do you live in Odyssey?

[@Melrosearch7]

Love you guys. Thank you Preston Sprinkle.

[@keithrogers4170]

Is this video part 1 of "What does it mean to be a gay Christian?"

[@clarad7669]

This was great! Thanks for sharing your story and your thoughts Greg.

[@anthonythomas1791]

I prefer Rosaria Butterfield's theology. It's more in line with Christ and the Bible.

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

Rosaria Butterfield is what bigoted pig ignorant homophobia and hate speech look like in 2024. The sooner you stop listening, the better. She’s not pastoring people like us; she’s validating the insecurely-held homophobic bigotry of conservative straight Christians. She gets a massive platform and a lot of influence for doing so. If naming your sexual orientation were a problem, then dishonesty would be preferable to honesty, lying would be preferable to telling the truth, and keeping secrets would be preferable to self-disclosure and transparency. It’s utterly absurd. But that’s Butterfield 😢

[@leslihudson]

Thee words... lemon spray cheese. Delightful! Love you Greg & P.

[@jostinsamuel1996]

Love His Book. The rawness and authenticity its so tangible in his pages. Highly Recommend!!

[@eloiseramsey9276]

I'm so glad Christians are having these conversations because everyone doesn't fit into our idea of normal. And these groups are growing and we need to listen to them because believe it or not God created them and he love them. We need to ask God what is he trying to teach us through them. That's why I like to listen to these conversations because I know God is trying to take me to a higher reality of him.

[@endswithme555]

This comment should’ve been pinned to the top for everyone to see. Instead of immediate condemnation and shunning or even entertaining an argument from either side of the aisle, the overarching question is what is God trying to teach His body and the world through this phenomenon at this time. The amount of people going through this is increasing and/or more people that may have been quiet in the past are now feeling more comfortable discussing and owning this part of themselves. So the question now is, how do we navigate these circles? And the first most loving, wise, Christlike thing anyone should do, gay straight, man, woman, trans is to listen and discern what the Spirit of God is saying through these people and their orientation. You my friend hit the wisdom jackpot with this one!!! FWIW: I believe that the reason why LGBTQ Christians are here to stay and growing in number is show the world how deep the grace of God goes and who it extends too. Pharisees people want to judge and be the ultimate arbiters of the grace/love of God instead of God himself deciding who is worthy. Seeing the fruit of the Spirit or signs and wonders following those people that society and the church deemed “unworthy”/“disqualified” would ROCK their “theology”!

[@salem.sigh.bostrom]

Loved this conversation! Sent it to my parents just to help explain things I couldn't word quite well 😂 Thank you!

[@dandathomas6852]

This conversation is disgusting.

[@dandathomas6852]

Homosexual guest…”heeheehee, they just quote the Bible. Heeheehee.”

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

@@dandathomas6852homophobia is what is disgusting.

[@aribbonatatime]

I'm a non offending serial killer. I always wanted to live out my identity but I have chosen not to act upon it because I'm a Christian. One thing that 's sad is how no one in the church has sympathy for people like me. I told my pastor I was a Christian serial killer and he told me not to confess that and that God could deliver me from these "unnatural" desires. I can relate a lot to this video in my own way. Thanks for sharing your story. Jk 😂 No, seriously though sin is sin and the desire to sin is sin as well. Don't identify yourself by the sins you have a urge to commit.

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

Greg is a new creature in Christ. God redeemed Greg. God just chose to not make Greg straight. Simple as that.

[@aribbonatatime]

@@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife If he's been redeemed he shouldn't identify himself with the sins he has desires for. God gave the redeemed power to overcome sin. Instead of wallowing in sin we should denouncing it and turn away from it. The sad part is Christians will tell this guy he's of to identify with this sin but that's only because this particular sin is one that the world approves of. If he identified himself with a sin that the world also thought was wrong Christians would tell him to repent because they would know that the world has their back. For example, if this guy identified as a "Christian white supremacists" you would have every Christian for a thousand miles telling him to repent and turn from that sin because, again, the world would have their back. This gay sin is no different before God just before the world. That's why there's the double standard.

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

@@aribbonatatime As a person who loves and follows Jesus, and at the same time experiences unbidden gay attractions (and as a Christian is therefore completely celibate) myself, I guess that it might be helpful to help define some terms. Safe = for Greg and myself means not being endlessly expected/demanded to make ourselves straight or else dishonestly sweep our orientation under the carpet in order to prove sanctification and therefore be acceptable in God’s church. The expectation that celibate gay Christians must become straight is like expecting a goldfish to climb a tree. It causes shame and a sense of failure. We celibate gay Christians know that God in His Sovereignty can do absolutely anything. However when God chooses to say “No” to our endless prayers to become straight, then what are we to do ?? We, like Paul who accepted his thorn, we accept that we, like you, continue to endure the effects of the Fall, but with Holy Spirit strength through Who’s help we can flourish and witness the Gospel. That is better than going through life enduring endless shame being like a failed goldfish or a failed Christian. What are the effects of the Fall ?? Well, experiencing gay attractions is one of them for Greg and myself. For you, it might be the shame of not wearing any clothes in public (because that too is an effect of the Fall). I completely reject identity theology (which says that I am not allowed to honestly describe my reality to others as my testimony). Yes, when Jesus saved me he completely changed my heart and my instincts and my direction in life, and to follow Him in odedience. However God did not choose to change my orientation. (If anyone doesn’t like that, then they should take up their argument with God, and not people such as Greg and I, LOL 😂 !!) I reject identity theology in regards to us celibate gay Christians because it is not Scriptural (Look up “identity” in any translation of the Bible. You’ll never find it used in the way that straight evangelicals use it to thump us celibate gay Christians), and it also encourages dishonesty. Identity theology says “you’re not allowed to say that you’re gay because that’s identifying with your sin past”. Well hello !! My gay orientation hasn’t gone away. It is still present. And I am celibate out of obedience to God’s design for human sexuality, so what’s your problem ?? So, as far as I am concerned, any demand that I completely hide my orientation is just trying to sweep it under the carpet and it forces people such as Greg and myself to re-cloth ourselves in perpetual shame that Jesus took from us at the Cross. I also suspect that identity theology is nothing more than a thinly disguised homophobia (‘Christian’ homophobia = hatred and disgust for gay people and so wanting them to not exist or else to become completely invisible in the church). Yes, Greg and I are new creations in Christ. Christ has changed our hearts. Christ has changed the course of our lives. We obey Christ’s’ calling on our lives by stewarding our sexuality in complete celibacy, in thought and in deed because God, in His wisdom, has not chosen to remove our same sex attraction. If Romans 8:28 is to be fully believed, then we must believe that God in His Sovereignty can use anything, including a gay sexual orientation as a testimony to God’s goodness. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ Greg has a testimony to God’s goodness. I have a testimony to God’s goodness. There are people out there who need to hear these testimonies to God’s goodness. So, why are so many ‘straight Christians’ throwing stones at Greg when he offers his testimony ?? I guess it’s often because, like the Pharisees, they love ‘their’ law, more than they love the Gospel.

[@SachelleCambria]

@@KevinBrowneenjoyinglifeGod chose not to make him straight? Are we talking about the same God who wiped out Sodom and Gomorrah over homosexuality. God made every man to be with a woman, I’d call that being straight.

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

@@SachelleCambria God didn’t make St. Paul to be with a woman. God is Sovereign and He is allowed to say “No” to Greg’s prayers to be made straight.

[@StandUp777]

Very misleading.

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

Greg is a new creature in Christ. God redeemed Greg. God just chose to not make Greg straight. Simple as that. Are you saying that Greg is not allowed to exist ??

[@LorindaPretorius]

I thoroughly enjoyed this coversation! Would love to see more of these ...

[@joshdunham6162]

oh my gosh I think I read the same book Greg mentions at the beginning! I felt pretty similar on the gay part of it as well!

[@ashleekrongaard2268]

This was really helpful, appreciate his perspective

[@brfinger]

Greg is a good guy. :)

[@F53802]

Both Old and New Testaments clearly say that your either a Christian or gay, but you can't be both.

[@Rage_Harder_Then_Relax]

You can be whatever you want to be. And no one, including yourself can change it to something that you think it should be. Don't like it? Tell someone who cares because it isn't what most people think. That's also why people are leaving YOUR Christian churches in droves. They see your hate and double standards and your hypocrisy and your agreement to it. The end of your religion is inevitable. We don't live in a society full of people who can't read and don't know how to use common sense and nuance. We don't live in that time anymore. People see more than surface level. People can scratch the surface today and it's called enlightenment. We are still in that age where organized religion is now outdated for most western countries. Religion served it's purpose when we didn't know how simple things worked like the weather for instance and not caused by some God because he's angry. It's ridiculous and childish to keep following and preaching these stories in a book that's been written by so many different authors and none of it can be proved in a tangible way. Again, that's why people are leaving the church and religion in droves. People are much smarter...."Thank God".

[@F53802]

@@Rage_Harder_Then_Relax why are you thanking a God that you dont believe in?

[@LifeandLifeMoreAbundantly]

@@Rage_Harder_Then_Relax people are leaving the church because they’re not hearing or understanding the actual gospel. Read Romans with a good faith heart and ask the Lord to show you the truth if you want to understand Gods plan to save you.

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

Greg is a new creature in Christ. God redeemed Greg. God just chose to not make Greg straight. Simple as that.

[@alexlindstrom555]

I loved this! I’m trying to be part of conversations in my own church about being gay within the lens of a traditional sexual ethic.

[@micahhenley589]

One of the great things about being a child of God is that you are given the power to fight your inner sin. Jesus said "If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." A lot of people fail to understand why sin is so bad. The reason sin is so destructive to us is because it blinds us to the beauty of God. Matthew 5:8 says "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." So what's the reward for being pure and holy? You get to see the face of God! That's the motivator that drives Christians to strive for holiness and sanctification. The reward isn't wealth, health, or earthly prosperity and Christians don't want any of that. Christians want intimacy with the Son of God. Psalm 63:1 says "O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Another important thing to understand is that our brain chemicals are not God. Therefore we can tell them "no". They do not have the final say. But a lot of people mistakenly think that their brain chemistry is God! They wouldn't dare deny themselves or tell themselves no. Sadly, this country is filled with people who bow down to their own brain chemistry. They are enslaved to whatever their brain wants in the moment. They're always thinking in the short term and they never think about the long term consequences. It's this type of attitude that drives the pornography industry, the homosexual campaigns, and the transgender moments. I'm reminded of Judges 21:25 which reads "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." This is of course ironic because Israel *did* have a King. The LORD was their King but sadly, they did not recognize Him as their King. In Luke 6:46 Jesus said "Why do you call Me Lord and don't do what I say?" It is idolatry to worship our brain chemistry. We are not God and are brains aren't God either. There is only One Creator and heaven is His throne and earth is His footstool. Didn't the LORD clearly say "You shall have no other god's before Me."

[@garypreston]

the choice is not to be in a opisite sex marriage or be celibate. You have the choice of bing in SS relationships. I would say that is the only choice that is honest.

[@kennethbailey9853]

😊😊😊❤

[@pgr111]

Very insightful, I enjoyed this discussion.

[@SeenAndKnown]

Have you 'unhitched' from the OT as Andy Stanley proposes? This isn't even NT theology.

[@cjr258]

They both sound confused and lack clarity in their views.

[@michellesanchez9]

Same attractions regardless if it is not sexual to the same sex is Sin. I once had attractions towards woman and I am a female. I did not always act on my same-sex attractions before I knew christ, the reason why I say this is, now that I have come to know his word, and what he desires, I know he would not want me to have any attractions in any way that is not pure or Christlike in nature in how I view other woman and attraction to same sex is sin, regardless of what we think or how we feel or try to categorize attraction, I love people, and I care for others the way Christ has loved me, but I believe this can cause more damage to those who are struggling with this lifestyle/sin. I am not saying we will not struggle with sin, but Jesus helps us overcome this, and we should not diagnose sin as a permanent issue to justify anything God is clearly not pleased in. Regardless if you are heterosexual or not. I am a sociology major and can whole-heartedly say that the gospel cannot be compromised no matter how we quantify certain concepts we cannot distort to suit what we desire. I hope that this will not come across to be shameful or judgemental in anyone's walk, but I sincerely write this with a lot of respect and honesty. I am in no way trying pose self righteousness but I pray that we will have open hearts and open minds to how this can decieve the body of Christ and everyone who our lord and Savior loves. I pray that God will give this channel wisdom and discernment towards this issue. I love Preston Sprinkles heart, and videos but brother I plead for you to pray to our God and look into the scriptures to guide you, I pray that we will not be decieved and we will look to God personally in this matter. With all Christ's love. Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 1 corinthians 2:3-5 My teaching and preaching were not with words of human wisdom that persuade people but with proof of the power that the Spirit gives. This was so that your faith would be in God's power and not in human wisdom.

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

Lust is sin. Ongoing attractions, unbidden and not entertained are not sin. To say otherwise is to tell Greg that he is not allowed to exist !!

[@jfkr77]

God can still save you

[@henrymayesjr6639]

Thank God for the Savior of the whole world!!!

[@KevinBrowneenjoyinglife]

Greg is a new creature in Christ. God redeemed Greg. God just chose to not make Greg straight. Simple as that.

[@tracygeddes5867]

Amazing how Christian’s are really good at pointing out the sin in others but conveniently avoiding their own lusts.