Why I Changed My Mind On Homosexuality
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
- Sermon by Pastor Danny (Danilo) Cortez at New Heart Community Church, La Mirada, CA. This message was delivered on February 9, 2014.
I started a non-profit called Estuary Space to provide pastoral care to individuals and families, as well as consultation to faith communities.
Website: www.estuaryspace.org
Email: estuaryspace@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter: / danny_c_cortez
Drew's video: • Coming Out and Christian
To all those who would say that homosexuality is a choice, did you choose to be straight? Did you wake up one morning and think "I'm straight, then"? Can you choose to stop being straight and become gay? Would you have to go through "reparative therapy" in order to 'correct' being straight? And why would someone pick the obviously harder choice in life if they had the ability to just change? Wouldn't you *want* to be straight if a bunch of people would shun and discriminate against you, and make you hate yourself otherwise? And lastly, why would God create homosexual people if it is not a choice?
Everything we do is a choice. That's why God gave us a free will. Jesus on earth was a heterosexual male but chose not to marry, Many other prophets were presumably heterosexual and chose to never marry while others like Moses did marry. Everything is a choice and through Jesus , ALL THINGS are possible.
HarlanLovestone Your answer is woefully inaccurate and handwaves my questions.
***** How so? Even as as a straight male, I must choose to have sex. I do not get the choice whether or not to be upset because of sin, but i do get the choice to act on it.
carlos dejesus When did you choose to be straight?
when i choose to have wonderful sex with my wife.
I am so moved by this. Your humility and graciousness in approaching a topic you know is such a powder-keg is phenomenal. Your approach and how you address people you know will most likely reject you for your stance with such love and understanding has really profoundly moved me. One of the reasons I no longer attend church is the condemnation of my LGBTQ friends and the thought that I cannot raise my children in such an atmosphere where, if they end up part of that community, they will be rejected by their own church. People like you give me hope that this is changing. Thank you so much for sharing this message and being willing to be so open an genuine. God bless you.
Praise God for leaders like you with the courage to stand up for love and against ignorance 🙏 Thank God for you☦️
it is not loving to see someone in their sin and going towards damnation and not warn them but tell them it's okay, you are fine. Spiritually speaking this is the same as knowing the bridge is out up ahead and not warning oncoming traffic because the people in that car seem to be having a good time.
This man is a true Christian. Regardless of this is right or wrong, the light of God’s love emanates from this beautiful human being. A very brave man.
How can one be a true Christian while being wrong about sin? The standard you present is to appeal to emotions and not God's truth.
He said Christ made great efforts to stand in solidarity with people. That is a flagrant lie. Christ called everyone to repentance and it they reject that message, there is no solidarity!
@Blakkset monogamous and committed samesex relationship are not sinful. I'm aware that many people will disagree with me on this based on their interpretation of romans 1:29-26, 1 corinthians chapter 6:9-11, and 1 Timothy 1:9-10 and I don't think that makes you a bad person or "phobic" of any kind for holding that belief, i held that same view for 27 years. But after a lot of studying around those verses and prayer, I've simply come to a different conclusion than you have thanks to reviewing the cultural and social settings in which these verses were written.
Do you believe that a female pastor is unsaved? Do you believe that a woman who doesn't cover her hair in church is unsaved? These are genuine questions, not me trying to play "got ya" or anything like that. I'm asking as this can give insight to your interpretation of scripture.
When I disagree with someone on their doctrine I try my best to do what Jesus told us to do, observe the fruits. Do they put Christ at the forefront of their lives? Do they try to serve others with the same compassion and love that Jesus did? Are they bringing people to Christ?
Just food for thought. God bless.
@@ballinglikechoji6558 he talks about the bride and the groom repeatedly same sex relationships go against his design.
It doesn't matter what pastor "Danny Cortez" has to say about any sin: lying, stealing, lust, and homosexuality. It matter what God has to say. See God will not judge you on pastor whoever's opinion or "change of mind". If anyone corrupts God's word. RUN! Don't trust them whoever they may be.
Camila Alvarez
You can remove "homosexuality" from that list, because it has never been listed to be a sin by God, and you are incapable of proving otherwise.
Jim Maginnis Since college, I have never in my life come across any church denomination or congregation, any fellowship, or any ministry which so effectively taught the Gospel and the basics of Christian living and sharing the Gospel, as did Campus Crusade for Christ. It was through a Campus Crusade for Christ staff member that I first fully understood the Gospel, and that Christ was on the cross to die for our sins, for my sins. CCC never claimed to believe in bringing everyone in the world to Christ by 2,000. That's a ridiculous statement. Their goal is to present the Gospel. It's up to people what they do. I never heard of Bill Bright making such a prophesy, and would tend to think it was a projection for the future and not a vision from God, this having been misconstrued or misreported, or an outright lie. I watched and listened to him speak once. He was only about 30 feet away. I saw a humble man. And with regards to your assertion of his failure: how do you know? The Jesus Film was shown by his organization to literally over a billion people, probably more. Who ever did that? We are perilously close to the end, as evidenced by the rise of the homosexuals, among many other things. The Gospel has been published in all the nations. The Middle East is a powder keg, and soon going to be a nuclear powder keg. The first generation to return to Israel is close to all dying off. The surveillance state and the foundations of a police state are in place. The world economy is primed for economic chaos. How do you know Bill Bright didn't achieve the goal he says God gave him? We're cruising to the end right now.
Camila, you didn't even give the man a listen before condemning his message. At 54:30, he explains yhat he is not here to change anyone's mind; he is merely here to share his story. To intentionally turn your back on love, is simply your choice. But, I would offer the same advice for others who encounter people like yourself: RUN.
@@ifihadahammer7856The same apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: NIV 1Corinthians 6:9 “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 (greek word arsenokoitēs, literally men that have sex with men)”
Of course you will not find the word “homosexual” in the Bible, that’s a term coined in the 19th century, but the Bible is clear on its stance on the topic.
Drew is truly blessed to have you as a father. When I was in my teens I was absolutely miserable. I was so depressed I couldn't focus in school and almost didn't graduate. I went to a Christian high school which made things just about unbearable. I had no one to talk to during those years. I know things would have been so different had my parents been able to understand the issue like yourself. You have the heart of a pastor. One who desires to guide and counsel only with the love of the Lord.
I have to honestly say that this is the FIRST time a Christian pastor's message about homosexuality made sense to me and didn't make me want turn and walk away. I was hesitant to listen to the entire sermon, but I gave him a chance and I was amazed at his change of heart. At first, I was a bit synical thinking "how convenient that your change of heart comes only when it directly affects you". However, I truly believe his change is sincere. After all, we all find ourselves changing our beliefs when we are directly affected and begin to educate ourselves. Whatever your religious beliefs may or may not be, the underlying commonality is that we must all find relative happiness by loving ourselves and each other. Until you can learn to love yourself first, loving someone else is immpossible. Thank you Pastor, for sharing your testimony. It made my day!
opp with this communication skills with this communication to go and it in any action
Well done - even as an atheist, it was worth listening to - logical, truthful and from the heart. And honest, above all.
Thx u pastor danny for encouraging me to back to God. I was so tired and went crazy cause my church always condemned me, even my parent. I dont know what to do?! I pray to God to change my sexual identity, but everytime i wake up, it is still the same, i dont change! But with your sermon, i want back to my Father’s home, even my church here in indonesia condemns me and my community, i dont care! I still want to back to my Father, i want forevermore praise and worship Him. And i’m perfect as God created me. Thx u pastor thx u Jesus.
My prayers are with you Marten. May you experience the full embrace of God upon your life.
You have to know what the Word of God says about homosexuality and you need deliverance.
God bless you there's nothing wrong with you God created you he wants you to be happy he wants you to be the best moral decent person that you can be but does not want you to change who you are you can know more change who you are than a black man become White or a rock turn into water... I pray that you will find happiness in your life God loves you I will meet you right where you're at and accept you and love you because you are his.
This Pastor is more Christlike than most Christians I have ever met!!!!! Listen and rejoice, for this is the GOOD NEWS OF OUR SAVIOUR JESUS.... AND IT IS FOR YOU, TOO!!!! GOD LOVES ❤ YOU.
@@robrising7420 God DOES want us to change who we are. That is what born again is
Thank you Danny. Your bravery is greatly appreciated by gay Christians, their family members and their friends.
As one who loves Christ and who has left the gay lifestyle, this saddens me. My journey has been a difficult and long one, one I wouldn't wish on another soul. I never asked for this cross to bear, but I have finally came to the decision that if I wanted to follow Jesus Christ, I must deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Him daily. So I had to make a decision on what to do. At 55 yrs of age, I have come to this conclusion; "Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace.
God has called you home! God bless you!
Ifihada Hammer He can chose what he wants with his sexual orientation. It's not up to you to shame him for it. It's none of your business!
France Filiault
He is stating that being gay is a bad thing, and that is WRONG! Multi-millions of men women and children have been harmed, killed and committed suicide because they were told that homosexuality is wrong, or that it is a choice. Not to mention the mental anguish and issues it has caused people, for something that is perfectly natural and normal. It is very much my business, most of all when they post it publicly.
Ifihada Hammer As someone who is not Christian (not offending) and does not understand that God will lead you and help through. I have heard many stories of gay people, turning to God and they are happy. It isn't your cross to carry and you don't know these people.
France Filiault I’m one of them. I turned to The Lord and now I’m delighted in Him, but you do not know Him. Ask The Lord Jesus to help you stop sinning once and for all and baptize you with The Holy Spirit for only the pure in heart shall see The Lord.
thank so much to stand and research all this for us. I lost my uncle last year. it was so sad. He was gay and never spoken openly about it. He knew that he had HIV and went to die almost because he did not want to share with family, It broke my heart.
I grieve for your Uncle and for your broken heart!!!Having to hide his authentic self because of the mistakes of the church is so unfair, and so unnecessary!!!! Jesus would never treat these dear marginalized people this way...do we want to let Christ love people through us, or do we want to cling fiercely to our judgment of others, or do we want to listen and obey the Lord? Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
“Today, if you will hear His voice,
8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
In the day of trial in the wilderness,
9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me,
And saw My works forty years.
10 Therefore I was angry with that generation,
And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart,
And they have not known My ways.’
11 So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”
We enter the Lord's rest when we open our hearts to the Love and mercy offered to us all (including the LGBTQ community) in Christ!!
Very sorry. HIV is a sickness of disobedience of sexual immorality
You can change the doctrine but you can never change God's Word.
Actually, I think the pastor is going to the original meaning, not the "changed word" you refer to!! Can you show me in the Greek New Testament where the condemnation of "homosexuals" would be?? I am sure you can point it out in the English translation, but NOT in the original Greek! Because it ISN'T THERE! The word "homosexual" wasn't even in the Bible until 1946!! PLEASE do your homework before spewing ignorance!! Otherwise you might make people think Christians aren't very smart!
The scriptures frown on sin. Including every sexual sins. Whether gay or straight, sin is sin in GOD'S eyes!
This pastor isn't right.
While he was fighting the gays in the church, his son was doing things behind his back. Now that it's in his household, he can't fight any longer. And has given it legs to run wild.
Wow!
This is my opinion, and I don't care what others think about it.
@@opheliasarnyeneh6566you’re condemning and God don’t like that either
@b__monet3565 : Where in the bible does it say what you are saying?
As for me, I'm standing on 1 Corinthians 6 : 2 - 3 and
John 7 :24 -
If, according to you, I'm judging, then my judgment is righteous.
Sin is sin, and I will call it out wherever I find it.
People will hide behind " do not judge" to continue to do crap.
I'm in the position to call out anything resembling sin. And if it's judgment according to you, let it be.
Regardless of someone's sin, you have to love them like yourself . Christ loved you , regardless of YOUR sin. Including myself
Yes, but He told the to go and sin no more.
This is one of the best things I have ever watched. I've always worried about my soul after I die but this just solidifies my thoughts that what God wants is for everyone to have unconditional love for one another and treat each other kindly. This has really helped in my journey on finding myself and my walk with God. So many young people need to see this, it could help them so they don't have to go through years of pain and fear. You are a true man of God.
All the comments condemning him for what God’s word clearly says.....has me wondering if these people even listened to the full sermon 🤦♀️
What does God's word state regarding homosexuality? I have a sister who is a transgender male. While I don't agree with her choice and do not accept her as a male, I don't love her any less. I pray that God will deliver her out of this. Not agreeing doesn't mean hate.
@@robertbishop5357 you are doing nothing wrong. We are to love everyone. You are correct in saying there is a difference between love and accepting. Ii pray your sister does the will of our Father before she doesn't have the choice anymore.
What does Gods word say about homosexuality?
@@djackson8047 my brother there's no question when referring to Scripture how our Father sees homosexuality. It is made clear without dispute that it is considered to be a sin. That being said, this does not mean The Father hates homosexuals as our Father LOVES the sinner and HATES the sin.
Y’all literally need to watch the full sermon. 🙄
We were exhorted as Christians to die to self daily All this man is talking about is me me how this feels how that feels we are created to serve the Creator
That was an amazing example of what Christianity should and could be.
This man is brave for giving this speech despite all the people who will turn against him as a result. Respect.
All he is doing is leading foolish people to Hell.
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love
+bulldogsbob because going to hell for getting married makes a lot of sense.
my prayers to you bulldogsbob. i pray the pharisee spirit that has engulfed you be brought to light and you see it for what it is. Amen
Anthony Matt
What in Scripture do you have to support your view?
What an awesome pastor and father!! I find it so amazing and inspiring when Christians TRULY teach, preach and practice the LOVE of Jesus. When a Christian tries to walk in the footsteps of Christ and BE Christ-like. Wow…now that's a powerful message! The passing judgement, fire & brimstone brand of Christianity is so full of hypocrisy and devoid of ANY of God's LOVE.
***** Jesus did say, "Go and sin no more!" Sin to Jesus, at least, as I see it, based on my studies, is whatever violates the royal Law of Christ: love thy neighbor as thyself. That is the Law. Adultery violates the royal Law. Homosexuality, in general,does not.
Carlton Williams As I understand it, the commandments of Jesus are all based on the utterance, "you shall love thy neighbor as thyself". That is why, if you do this, you do well (James 2:8). Implication being, if you do not love others as you love yourself, you are not doing well. This Law is also the very same one Paul says justifies someone (Romans 2:13).
Without the judgment of God on sin ("fire and brimstone"), there is no Christianity, because there's no need for Christ.
We don't need anyone to tell us "Be nice to each other." We already know that.
God's love doesn't leave us in our sin, but saves us from it.
Carlton Williams I disagree with your personal understanding of what the bible means via what it is saying. To love your neighbor as yourself is equal to keeping God's commandments because all of God's commandments are all summed up in the utterance, love thy neighbor as thyself. This is understood once the bible is read in Koine Greek. Your 21st century mindset regarding homosexuality is not at all what was being addressed in biblical times. The bible speaks of two laws: the law of Moses and the law of Christ. Nobody is justified by the 'works' of the law (ie. the law of Moses). However, a person is justified by doing the requirements of the law (ie. the law of Christ), which his to love others as self (Romans 2:13). It's the reason why Paul said an uncircumcised man is keeping the law, despite him being uncircumcised: because he does what the law of Christ requires. Being uncircumcised breaks the law of Moses, but it means nothing in light of the law of love. Two laws are being addressed in the bible, but since the word 'law' is used in modern bibles, readers do not always know, it's addressing two different laws. No differentiation is made in English translations. The law of Moses was replaced by the law of Christ (ie. the law of loving others). When you love others, you are loving God. Matthew's goats and sheep story by Jesus supports that. Read it, again, please.
You understand nothing of the passage and really need to look up what the passage in Romans truly means. Not a misunderstanding of the text.
This man is far too nuanced and wise to last long in the Southern Baptist church. If you can't reduce it to something that can be said in 30 seconds or less, it will never fly. But he is going to be fine; he is confident in the Holy Spirit, and that really does give clarity. And for those who say he changed his position just for his son must not have listened to the sermon. He plainly says he did not know about his son until after he had changed his mind.
Danny, thank you. For your bravery in risking your job for your beliefs, for your time and sincerity in looking for the truth, for your kindness, and for your passion. Thank you for putting such well-chosen academic words to a truth I have known for ages. You have a beautifully open mind and heart, and you are making a difference. Great job.
I'm a Christian and I'm far from being perfect. My battle against sin has always been an uphill one because the word of God is as it is - it doesn't change just as He doesn't change. "We have all sinned and fallen short of His glory" No matter how big our problem may seem, they all passing away. Let's therefore fight to remain anchored in the Word because it is everlasting. God be with you, brother, Danny.
Jesus went to tax collector's homes He went to sinners homes He didn't become a tax collector and he didn't become a sinner He was unyielding in the truth
AMEN. There is NO WAY that Christ meant for us to be gods and condemn minorities to a life of solitude and self hatred. Love IS love. We are not talking about perversions, cheating, evil acts or porn. We are talking about denying people intimacy and love that we straight people take for granted. May God bring a change to this and free the opressed and let them love.
Well done, sir! As a gay man, I'm proud of your change of mind on the subject! Congrats to your son as well for finally living a free and open life.
Love! Love!love!! I became born again on May 8th 2014! I went from living in the flesh to walking in the Spirit! I became a new person and felt all my sins were washed away!! Since that day, I prayed that God would take away the desires for the same sex away from me, just to please others!!! I would take a pill to be straight just to please Others!!! I prayed and I prayed and I cried myself to sleep asking God to take away this desire from me, that I have as long as I can remember!
The Holy Spirit told me to seek this out. The Holy Spirit is with you Pastor Danny! I have so much peace now! You followed your heart while listening to members of your community, which led you to the truth!!!! I am a straight woman, but have many gay friends. I do not believe homosexuality is a sin. I simply do not, because of similar conversations I had with my gay friends, my open mindedness, education, intelligence and well heck, just my heart knows. They should be allowed to be exactly how God created them, and the Bible is often cherry picked and not read within history and context, leading to hate and bigotry towards many groups of people. Also, people forget that Jesus didn't throw down the Bible when he was ascending into Heaven! He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit! The bible has the static of human beings, and needs to be considered carefully. You are brilliant and wonderful!!!
God Bless You!!!!
God will not bless him or you if you support sin.
Lady the Spirit told you nothing, the sexually immoral will die in their sins, that’s what Gods word says. The scriptures were written by Holy men of God, which is the inspired word of God through his Spirit.
As a 60-year-old, gay man, married to a man, after having been married to a woman. Your sermon may have saved me from suicide.
I pray that you will flourish and thrive in who God created you to be. May you live in peace and no longer live in shame. Blessings to you my friend.
Then you are condemning yourself to Hell.
Two men are not a marriage. Two women are not a marriage.
Hope you're doing great ❤️
Keep in mind that Danny isn't your GOD. He didn't die for you. Not because he has confirmed every sin means that GOD is doing the confirmation.
Every sinner will see hell. Including those confirming the sin.
If a man/woman is genuinely born again, the HOLY SPIRIT does a " number on him. Sin has no choice but to break its hold off them. That's why some people go through deliverance to complete the process.
Everyone is fighting with something, and we can't just lie down in it and pretend it's okay with the creator.
The wages of sin is death.
Eternal separation from GOD.
All of these "times" Jesus broke boundaries, the sinner repented, and turned from their sin...... Jesus does love the sinner, but he will not nor can he ever accept the sin.. His own Father couldn't even look on his own Son...., while he hung on the cross for the sins of man... Your opinion doesn't change scripture.. He says go and sin no more, should we continue in sin that grace may abound God FORBID...!
Most of what he says is simply not true. Not all homosexuality in the ancient world was violent, and Paul is very clear in what he means in Romans 1... As far as I am concerned, people can try to reconcile Christianity with LGBT-activism if they want, use the 'bad fruit'-argument if you want, but please don't try to falsify very clear passages from Scripture. Just to name one thing: Paul might have been thinking about Caligula, but he is speaking about gay men and women in the plural, so he is not talking about a single 'emperor' or 'president.'
We could not change God's word by emotions. Jesus looks at faith in us. Faith is founded in His Word. period.
Guiller Luceno The Bible is NOT the word of god. It is the mortal interpretation of what the believe it to be.
@@yettobseen I honor your belief. You may be sincerely believing such but with the complexity of the universe, man tends to be limited which zeroes in to the belief in the immortal omnipotent God, and the Bible chronicles His love for mankind which is only explained by His terms.
Guiller Luceno sure I can see that completely. Why is it as children we’re told about god and Jesus, the Easter bunny, Santa Claus, tooth fairy etc. as we move from adolescence to adulthood all should be left behind in our childhood, and all but one is. They were all used during our childhood to teach us lessons on how to be a good loving person. That’s what I got out of my childhood, so what happened to the people born say after 1970? We’re such a nasty society where lies & lying is so acceptable when it’s shameful truly shameful what we’re doing. TO EACH OTHER. not the United States but rather the Divided States of America. I’m glad I’m my age and don’t have but a decade or two to go.
‘The letter kills but the Spirt gives life.’ Amen
*god judges on merit. people judge on popularity. thank you danny, for following your heart against popular opinion.*
So genuine, so heartfelt, such loving-kindness. Courageously fearing not the judgement of men, but trusting in God's words in your heart about his Word.
God's Word condemns such behavior from the Old Testament to the New One. So what is he doing is exactly the opposite what you wrote, he trust on judgement of men and rejects Gods word.
@@nikokapanen82you obviously didn't listen to this video bc this man clearly cites the Bible and Biblical scholars to come to these beliefs.
@@firechyld
That fact alone that he claims that his son is perfect the way he is, is already a serious sin. The Scriptures are clear that none is perfect, all are fallen and sinful and need a Savior to get right with God.
The story about your son was amazing, great that you actually get to know him now.
I have to admit that it brought a tear to my eye.
@S.g. W I'm not entirely sure that anyone could possibly word it any better. Bravo to you Sir..
Theological facts do not support a anti lgbtq view. Unless your a calvinist. Are you?
Youve changed your mind but God hasnt changed His.
Renee Washington
God never had a issue with it, like some of you Biblically ignorant religious hypocrites do.
You're right God never had an issue with it. When he torched Sod and Gam that was His final answer
Renee Washington
Can you tell me why it is that some of you Biblically ignorant Christians believe that the sin or even one of the sins that got S&G destroyed had something to do with homosexuality when not one Israelite/Hebrew/Jew ever has taught that in almost 4000 years?
Nevermind, I will tell you why that is, it's because you have either fallen for the lie or want to believe the lie that it was due to that. Why don't you tell me what Jesus stated was the reason S&G were destroyed was?
It's truly amazing how unbelievably ignorant some of you religious folks are regarding your own religion.
Renee Washington
I have called you no names, I have simply stated obvious facts regarding you. If you do not like those facts about yourself, I recommend you do something to better yourself and purge them from yourself. You can continue perpetuating the lie that any and all homosexual sex for any reason is a sin, that has caused nothing but harm and death to multi-millions of God's children, and do it claiming to be some follower of Christ and misusing the inspired Word of God in some lame attempt at justifying the evil you want to continue. It's your choice.
I love this! I cried towards the end part, I think God has been changing many of hearts about this and I'm glad were waking up!
This is from Satan not God.
@@bulldogsbobYou're spreading hatred. May you once find peace in yourself and spread love.
The devil is gaining more souls through this lifestyle.
People, JESUS loves us all but not our sins.
We all need to be washed in the blood of the Lamb (JESUS CHRIST'S)
Well. I cried, and couldn’t stop for pretty much the whole sermon. I bawled my eyes out. 2020 is almost over and I still feel all of my Christian friends and family would be disappointed in me for who I so desperately want to love and be loved by. I was always so insecure, too, about how I’m not a scholar so I can’t make an informed decision. I don’t know the Greek words or the context. Despite being as sincere and searching as I can be as a Christian, I never felt my views of the lgbt community could ever be considered a “correct” opinion by even myself, no matter how many times I kept drifting towards it. And I always, no matter how I tried to put it out of my mind, drifted back to it. But then you said you looked, and listened, and immersed yourself-which is where I started crying louder, because that was what I had done. I listened. I had compassion. And my heart bleeds for these people who have been abandoned and cast out and who are so unloved and abused by people of faith.
I have no idea if you will ever see this, but thank you. I mean it with my whole heart when I say that I hope God blesses you endlessly for your kindness, for your willingness to look into something so many people consider unnatural and unlawful and disgusting. Thank you for showing me I’m not the only one whose compassion has changed my thoughts. I have been listening to RUclips videos for hours looking for some reassurance of my identity and finding next to nothing but bitter and aching disappointment. I think I’ll be able to rest a little easier tonight.
Pastor Cortez. The more people such as yourself speak divine truth from the heart, the more likely it is that one day I will return to the church. We're not there yet, but I've longed for a connection to God since I left and one day I truly believe that I'll feel welcomed as God intended.
God’s Word is eternal and true. Truth does not change with the winds of politics or social mores.
Pastor Danny, can you please answer some questions for me, because I cannot seem to get these issues solved:
1. You said your son was perfect. How does this reflect on the Gospel that says no one is perfect in Gods sight and all have to repent from their sin, even their mose intimate sins?
2. Can you please point me to ANY scripture where there is a promotion of "loving committed, monogamous same sex relationships"?
3. And if marriage is not between a man and a woman then why limit the number to 2 if the number 2 does not stand for the two sexes? Why not three men? why not 5 men? Why not 13 men?
The old polygamy argument is especially ironic. Not one of the 72 nations or 19 states that have approved marriage equality have then approved polygamy, but where do we find polygamy very common? In the bible.
Nakdimon316
Matt 19:12. The born eunuch.
Whoredom is abominable!!!!
Study your Bible.
1. all children are perfect to good parents.
2. 1 and 2 sam with david and jonathan
3. marriage was 1 man and many wives in the OT
Nakdimon316 just one question: Did you listen to his sermon?
@@yettobseen I did
When we deny what Jesus can do to set people free from their sin, we dishonor him. When we deny people the reality of Christ working in our churches to deliver people from sin, we fail them.
Monte Vigh
Do you know what is sin?
@@Santhony177 Of course I do. The good news of great joy is that a Savior has been born, who is Christ the Lord. He was named "Jesus" so we would know in his very name that God saves his people from our sins. As Paul said, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Jesus proclaimed the good news that the time prophesied was fulfilled in his coming, that the kingdom of God was now at hand for us to enter, and that we only had to repent (change our minds about our sin) and believe the good news to enter the kingdom. Paul had to repent of his sinful life as the most respected of Jewish zealots. Our message to sinners is the good news that we have a Savior. If we do not describe our sin-problems in light of our need for salvation from sin we deny people the good news of great joy that is for all the people.
We live in a culture where pleasure is more important than self sacrifice. The message of the Cross is Death for our flesh. If temporal comforts and pleasure are more important than eternal life, we will not accept our own cross. If you are a Christian struggling with any besetting sin, you are well aware of this battle with the flesh. The Gate is narrow. He who endures until the end shall be saved. God help us.
Last Chance
How do you know your reading it wrong or from a different perspective?
What if people being gay is to teach us Straight people the lesson of love? Or that the gay people are enduring the hate and struggles and they will be rewarded for those that endure to the end...
Pastor Cortez, God bless you for making this decision and for sharing the spiritual journey that led to it. Do not be discouraged by those who try to declare you "no true Christian" over this. Only you and God are capable of judging whether you are bearing good spiritual fruit.
You are not biblical base for you decision it is not an emotional decission you r leading the sinners down the wrong parth
you changed your mind because of feelings. God's Word says NO but you feel yes. you need to repent, we must not live by what we feel first and foremost, we must live by God's Truth
Amen.
Oh shut up!
Truth should never change to accomodate those living in sin...it doesnt matter what attraction homosexuals may have...all of us are sinners...called to repent! We are never to say..well im attracted to sin and change the message of God's word...we are to be transformed by the word of God...
So you are saying that we can be transformed from a man to a woman, or from a woman to a man??
a man is a man..and a woman is a woman...Im pretty sure you know that scott....transform means to correct your faulty thinking..and think according to the word of God..
***** One must correct their faulty thinking and think according to the Word of God, but according to whose interpretation of the Word of God, Judy?
Why is it all about sin with homosexuals, their lives is not about sex and just sex. It amazes me how people blindly think that heterosexuals don't practice anal sex ahahahaha. Please, get a grip on yourself!.
Honestly we are trying to help open the eyes of gays everywhere. I want them to know our God and Savior Jesus Christ. If someone feels bad and is driven to suicide because of what the Bible says, how is it that is our fault? If you got a beef with God then take it up with him, not us. Mark Cloud
THIS GAVE ME LIFE!
I’m so sad though my parents can’t watch this sermon for they don’t speak english, but I’m still fighting... hopefully one day the holy spirit will convince them, He is the only one who can do this for me right now!
This pastor said that even if there would be a pill which could make his son to become normal, he would not give it to him because he sees him already perfect.
This is a flat out denying the truth and righteousness and following his corrupted emotions instead.
@nikokapanen82 I don't know about that. What I do know is, that I'd love my son and daughter whether they were gay or not. And that as they are, they're good and beautiful and loving people. Perhaps you'd best try and listen to what this pastor says.
This is why God is the judge. We don't know folks'inner battle or struggles. Jesus can go on humans behalf.
The reason why you felt dread with those words you mentioned at 10:15 is because they are unbiblical. The way to solve the sin of homosexuality, like ANY OTHER sins, is through the power of Jesus Christ. Yes, many Christians have not spoken with grace, but it in no way means that they are wrong. Homosexuality does not cast anyone into hell anymore than jealous, adultery, lies, stealing does. Not repenting in Jesus Christ does.
Bless this man and the work he has done and continues to do.
It should be instructive to anyone to consider how thoughtful and prayerful this sermon is in contrast with some of the more venomous responses in the comments section. You shall know them by their fruits indeed.
John Davies Danny’s fruits are rotten to the point of death
The main issue of the video aside, it’s so sad to me how “the church” (I put that in quotes because there are many churches) has so widely embraced the politicization of faith. “Liberal/Conservative, Democrat/Republican” & asking fellow Christians “who’re you voting for?” Like you’re testing them are all words & phrases that have no place in Gods house. I’m not attacking conservatives when I say this (because my closest loved ones are conservative) but we all know which party snaked it’s way into our pulpits & started telling Christians back in the 80’s “We’re the real party of Christianity, join us!”. That’s sick & wrong. My faith may influence who I vote for but my politics in no way shapes my faith. Pastors shouldn’t be endorsing candidates from a pulpit. That’s a gross abuse of power. Don’t be swayed by candidates using catchphrases, waving the flag or talking about how great they supposedly think the Bible is. They just want your vote. Period. I know I’m not alone in this, as I know there are conservative & liberal Christians who both feel the church has gotten way too comfortable being in bed with politics. It only further divides & breaks the body of Christ. 💚
Pastor Danny, don't ever mind what awful things you hear from people. Just love love love love your son and don't leave him alone!. He needs you, all children need their parents.
I read some of the comments here, and I find it sad, that so many of you could be filled with such "SELF-RIGHTEOUS" indignation. I don't think one of you even bothered to soak in what this man was saying. I find it PATHETIC the state of some of the (Fake) Christian Church in America today!
When his son said that if there would be a pill which would make him straight, he would take it right away, then this pastor says that if there would be such a pill, he would not give it to him, because his son is perfect the way he is. At this moment this pastor lost all truth and righteousness and followed his corrupted emotions.
@X-ians stink
I have to admit, i've been thinking about it for quite some time, trying to take the right attitude towards it.
What is clear for everybody, that a desire to stick your penis into another mens rectum is a perversion of order. Nature made the butthole for one reason - defecation, to get the poop out. So when you stick your penis there, you are perverting the natural order. Therefore i wont ever accept homosexuality as a norm, as something ordered but i will tolerate it because it does occur in nature.
@@nikokapanen82 The fact that his son felt that way is an indication that, for him, being gay is an attribute (innate/natural wiring). As I am naturally completely heterosexual, it's easy to see that being gay must not be a choice (after all, being gay would not be a "choice" I could make!)
@@FiddlingCPA
But such condition is corrupted and what his dad said that his son is perfect the way he is, was a big no. We have to acknowledge our corrupted nature whatever it is and admit the way it is and keep asking God for help to get rid of it or to keep it in control. There are countless of testimonies found on RUclips where former gays are testifying how with the help of Jesus they either got freed from such desires or got their desires numb so that they dont bother them anymore.
@@nikokapanen82 There are also countless stories of "ex-gays" who at one time had such a testimony, and then either ended their straight marriage (letting themselves be talked into heterosexuality didn't do any favors for their actually-straight spouse) or ended their lives.
Thank you for sharing this! So many of us go through similar journeys and it is wonderful that you have been brave enough to put yourself out there, to love your son and others openly with a full love. This is true Christianity, to look past others and into your own heart and relationship with God. I am so glad for Drew that many of your church members have opened their hearts. This will have such a positive impact on you all!
True Christianity is to show people that they are sinners living in a fallen world, not make excuses for that sin and allow people to continue living in it. True Christianity doesn't say homosexuality is good, nor does it say that homosexuals are worse or more sinful than a heterosexual who is also corrupted with sexual immorality. While 'True Christians' might welcome an attitude that says 'We are all sinners in need of God's grace, we can't condemn you but will help you be reborn' nobody who has actually heard Jesus' teaching on marriage or Paul on sexual perversions could say that it is not sin.
zorionto
Who are you to speak of "allowing" - it aint up to you - your only authority is upon the state of your own soul. "Judge not lest ye be judged" - but I guess its okay for you to judge others cos you think so highly of yourself you presume to "allow" others. For shame.
I'm really not interested in your replies. My comment was toward Pastor Cortez in the video. Don't waste your energy trying to debate with me, as I am much stronger than to take that bait.
I'm not trying to provoke you into any sort of anger, I'm only pointing out that you called something true Christianity when it is definitely not.
And I'd like to point out that you are wrong, in my opinion. The way you read your Bible is certainly a lot different than the way I read mine. To each their own. My belief is that true Christianity is what this man is doing. It's really not your job to convince me otherwise and your opinion is no more valid than mine. I have lived the life you describe, was miserable, and now prefer to show my connection with God through love rather than self righteousness and condemnation of others. Also, your ending assumption is wrong. I have extensively studied both the teachings of Paul and Jesus, of which you speak, both in English and Greek. I have studied religion at two separate universities connected to two very different denominations. I have discussed with theologians of many different orders. And guess what? I do say that homosexuality is not a sin. Please do not assume that only those who think as you do are intelligent, educated, and churched. Many of us believe that love is love just as strongly as you believe otherwise. And your dismissal of our beliefs do not make them any less real.
I really liked this message. I believe that no matter how a Christian feels about the subject of heterosexuality, the love should not be missing. A Christian should love Str8 people just as much as you do sir. It doesn't matter if I have a son or daughter or if I don't have either. I should love my neighbor as I love myself. That is the minimum requirement that the Bible tells me. Thank you for posting this video.I really li
I still have those desires, God has not taken them away from me! I am grateful for this message and the message of love and salvation!! I am gay and God still gave me the gift of eternal life! Time is running out! John 3:16!!!
+Lewis Rhaburn Please Watch: Relationships, Opposite Sex, Same Sex, Homosexuality And The Church: By
Pastor Michael Kelley for a balanced and BIBLICAL VIEW.
ok thank you texasfenderbender, i wil check it out. God Bless You!!
We ALL have desires from the fallen nature the key is choosing to not act upon them and depending on his grace. Bless you my Brother! Lewis Rhaburn
yes brother I have come a long way and I have chose to deny the flesh, take up the cross and follow Jesus, i must confess that i have fallen a few times but through the grace of God confessed my sins and keep trucking! God bless you!
You people are completely in the dark. Dont you know that original sin is nowhere to be found in the Bible, it was invented by Paulus. No sin, no falling just us humans learning from mistakes and growing. Stop being brainwashed and start using your heart and your brain, that is why they are there, to use them, not to deny them!
*Came here to enjoy the sanctimonius condemnation by religiots and wasn't disappointed!*
FINALLY! A man of God worthy to be called such. An open heart and open mind. Willing to show himself "studied and approved".
Once again Pastor Danny, when I see this sermon, I am so awestruck by how God has used to give hope to Drew and the LGBTQ community (like my son). Blessings!
What an amazing sermon! I hope that this loving and progressive message opens the eyes of many people who harbor archaic homophobic notions. God bless you and your family, Pastor Danny Cortez!
He can change his mind, but he can never change the scriptures
Fantastic sermon, this man seems to have a learned mind combined with a caring heart.
Buck Young As a straight non-Christian I don't have a horse in this race either way really, I think the Bible is the best evidence against itself, but you go pray the gay away if you wish. Just be aware that isolation and rejection by the church and nuclear family is a major cause of teen suicides. I know personally gay people who were incredibly depressed and scared as teens, and are very happy now after having accepted their feelings and established their lives as gay people. This shows that their anguish was due to society not accepting them, not that they had anything "wrong" with them.
Buck Young I guess we will just have to agree to disagree. I don't believe that Christianity is the truth, so that was always likely to happen. There clearly are Christians out there who disagree with you, this man included.
***** I'm sure Buck Young knows all about the joys of the prostate, his name is just perfect for the cowboy themed alter-ego of a rent boy after all
+TheYes Dave. Unfortunately, you are listening with flesh ears. Gods word is clear that men with men and women with women is sin because God made male and female to create. It goes against Gods design for a male and a male and a female with a female. You can not multiply with a female and a female or a male with a male. Even a child with the Holy Spirit can understand this. Just because you have flesh desires does not mean its pure. In the same way my flesh wants to have sex with every super model there is, but Gods Word says I can't do that because it's fornication and its sin. The only way to be delivered of that want is to allow The Holy Spirit to stop me from wanting it. It is my choice to obey or disobey.
False religion may have done all these things. False religion forces you to die for it, Jesus died for you and would never condemn the righteous.Gods,Word is only unclear to those who have not The Holy Spirit. If you have rejected Him you will not be able to Spiritually hear God speak through His Word because it is inspired and written by The holy Spirit. But if you reject Him and His love for you, you will spend eternity without love in hell. Satan will remain your god and you will be bound, mocked and tortured for eternity because you have rejected the righteousness of God and His love to save you from satan and sin. If you want to live in sin, then you will spend eternity in hell where God condemns sin, satan and his demons. You don't know when you are going to die and one day you are going to die.. The clock is ticking..Seek Him while he may be found.
Agree with every word you say. My youngest Son is an adult Gay man. Like you with your Son I love him unconditionally and I affirm him for who he is. As with both of my Boys I was there when he was born. I and now divorced from his Mother and remarried. I still choose to follow Christ and give my life to him. I don’t go to any Church anymore and have not for a long time. I live in the UK. GOD BLESS YOU and your ministry for Him.
The lecture I have waited 30 years to hear! Thank you Pastor Danny, God bless you and your family.
PS: I like to imagine that at the end there was tremendous applause!!
Little Kiwi well God hasn’t changed his opinion on it. Jesus saves - not Danny cortez
Thank you for your willingness and courage to take and share your journey.
hearing this made me so complete. I've struggled a lot trying to be a real person - emotionally and spiritually- just to fit myself to everyone because i am gay. But Jesus made me realized that he loved me for who i am and live life peacefully with faith to Him.
Homosexuality is an act and not a person.
have you ever met me somewhere? Did you know me for so long? how could you say that the fact that you never know me. Don't judge people by what they do. Get a life.
I presume you are homophobe. what's wrong of being gay? will you try to fill my shoes for just a day and you'll see how hard to live with radical people just like you.
+Steven JG you can't just say that is that. get rid the speck in your eye first before minding mine.
***** I am so fed up trying to understand other people. would you believe me if i say that i am Christian? to be exact, a true active christian. you may be perplexed but that's the truth. I tried to console myself so that i may at least lessen the burden i carry. I'm glad that Jesus has never condemned me and that is what i believe.
Matthew 18:7
Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!
I recommend anyone watching this, watch the entire video before commenting. It was hard to listen on some points and I am so glad I watched and listened carefully to the whole video. This was such an amazing testimonial on how great our Lord Jesus Christ is. Thank you for your courage Pastor Cortez to share this journey and make this public. By the 40 minute point I was crying by the 48 minute I was kicked in the gut, I did not see that coming. By 50 minutes I was sobbing. God is good. As a note, I went to watch many youtube videos because the Lord put an impression on me to recognize hate and it did not feel right. When I expressed what God impressed on me to someone I thought was a good friend that was clearly speaking with a homophobic bigoted tongue they told me since they disagreed with me they could no longer fellowship with me, a bit of shock but to me it felt that treating me that badly was a confirmation of that. Thank you again. Faith in Jesus is the way to Salvation it is the Devil that is chasing Gods children from the church. I choose to stand with Christ my Lord.
Obeying God and oppose sin doesn't make one s homophobe.
+bulldogsbob I have a very traditional pastor with 40 years experience with 2 doctorates, one in Theology and another one in Christian Ministeries. He explains same sex attraction is NOT a Sin. I suggest that you treat all sin the same. Having babies out of wedlock, drunkenness, lying and so many other sins are much more of a worry than trying to guess what people are doing in a bedroom (kind of gross to me trying to imagine you having sex even though your straight - bulldogbob Porno?) . Obeying my God, Jesus Christ is following the commandments He gave which were only two - 1 of his commandments covered 1-5 out of the 10 commandments and the 2nd covered the last 5 of the 10 commandments. In case you don't know the only two Commandments Jesus gave they can be found in the bible Luke 10:27, Mathew 22:37-38, Mark 12:30-31. If you are focusing on men unknown and strangers to you having sex then you are a deviant or homophobe. My friend sadly is a homophobe because he was so focused on two men's penis and yet had a drunk driving arrest from wrecking a car while driving drunk. To me the drunkenness is more of a worry because a drunk driver killed my children. I know you are not a homophobe Bob because you love and obey God's 10 commandments in all things in your life right? No time to worry about others if you concentrate on your own sins.The real sin is Fear, Anger and hatred. If you have that you have let the Devil into your life. THink about it
Nani Moneypenny I never think about what a person does in their own home, however when people like this false teacher claim a sin is not a sin and that Christians must support mockeries like gay marriage the new have a problem.
And you seem to ignore that ONLY homosexuals are demanding that their sins be called a good I don't see drunks demanding that their sin be ignored and celebrated.
+bulldogsbob Really? wow. I guess I dont see thing like you all do. There is hypocrisy everywhere. Church says don't gamble yet to do a "legal" raffle in my state I had to register with the Gaming Commission - it is a misdemeanor if you don't yet I know there are churches out there selling raffle tickets they just dont register. So who defines what gambling is? Church or State? Alcohol ads are legal. Check the one below out but hey but prohibition is repealed. Many pastors are alcoholics and Americans are going to elect a liar president. ww2.valdosta.edu/~jcpatterson/alcohol_files/image002.jpg
Nani Moneypenny
Do you see any but homosexuals and their supporters demanding that scripture and marriage be changed to suit their sins? I don't
And there is nothing wrong with alcohol as long as you don't get drunk or addicted to it heck Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding
I'm happy to hear that the pastor has changed his views on homosexuality. He needs to continue to spread the word of acceptance and love and respect and understanding to everyone. Help people become aware of their negative thoughts and actions and their impact on the gay population. The last thing he needs to enforce to his son is to hate himself. There's a high suicide rate in people who are gay. Can you imagine losing your own son because of your hatred? He should encourage his son to be honest with himself and his family, and encourage him to find love, to have a healthy relationship with a man, and to be there for him when he gets married.
I wish you and your family the very best! You are the first person in my long life that has spoken about Christianity with an "out of the box", approach/view. I wholeheartedly agree with you on your view of this subject. Thank you!
I would hope you start a church that ALL people are welcome! Now that is a church I can believe in.
Thank you for being brave enough to share this message, Pastor. Who are we to deny a seat at His table, when there was a chair for each of the LGBTQ+ community all along. God, forgive us. 💔
There are many ways to examine why people are prejudicial and
judgemental of same-sex relationships. You can look at it from a moral
aspect and in that case you oftentimes find people are quick to take
verses from the bible and make them fit their own theories, but when taken in
context these messages have a larger theological meaning. It would be
like me saying men who eat too much meat and potatoes are committing the
sin of gluttony and then suggesting we should never eat meat or
potatoes. You see how the excessive action is the sin and not the food?
Same goes for misuse of sex - there is sex that comes from love which is
good, or sex that comes from lustful indulgence which is immoral, it's
not because of how the parts are fitting together, but because of the
mental state surrounding the sex act. Read scripture in context to get
the real picture.
My dearest friend I write to you to share that this has brought me back to the love I felt from God before I think we've been sharing the wrong message we should be teaching if God's love and not hate. I hope this reaches you with kindness and love and that you feel the love I feel from God
I feel nothing but love, hope and peace inside my heart with this sermon. I was in tears.
Jeremiah 17:9 9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Don't trust your own heart. Instead trust God's word.
@@richardwype7622 thank you for that. I love the sermon. I believe it.
@@richardwype7622 I trust my father YHWH to guide my heart and mind with the truth and good.
Positively one of the most inspiring sermons I've ever heard. Thank you for being a man of hope with an authentic message of Christ. Thank you!
This is anything but an authentic biblical message
Thanks for sharing this message. I think we all need to really search our hearts on this issue. I never thought I would begin the journey of searching myself until our daughter told us she was gay. She has her degree in pastoral ministry and loves God. I wish everyone could hear this message.
We don't need to search our hearts, we need to search the Scipture.
Linda Hartung
I’m so glad your daughter has a mom who was willing to do that. What a profound act of love. ❤️
God is against sexual immorality.
Help her through the Holy Spirit to be free of SIN
@@J_a_s_o_n I am so shocked at those who have agreed to all he said… the world is mad!!!
@@MarishaManning we were warned in the last days many will depart from the narrow road.
I'll be addressing this in a special Sunday edition of the Pulpit & Pen Program in a Radio Free SBC segment. We'll discuss why this man, and his church, are anathema.
Will you also discuss how we as a society and a church body have become accepting of so much that God would disapprove of and in so doing we've been incredibly hypocritical in how we've treated those of the GLBT community? Will you discuss how homosexuality is no more of a sin than gluttony, drunkenness, greed, idolatry and so many other behaviors that we in the church don't give a 2nd thought to? Will you discuss how it's wrong to marginalize a group of people for no reason other than because they're different than you? Lots to discuss here. I hope you talk about it all.
***** Yes, the bible says it's a sin just as the bible says lots of things are sins but yet we partake in them anyway, all the while the church and society give them a pass. How is it a red herring? Because it points to the hypocrisy of too many in the church who focus so much of their attention on homosexuality while ignoring sins of idolatry, a sin spoken of much more frequently in the bible than homosexuality? Put yourself in the shoes of someone in the GLBT community and try for a minute to imagine yourself in their situation...being told that you're an abomination and that you don't measure up or that you're unworthy of serving in the church. And you're concerned that the world is shoving homosexuality in your face? Wow. Take a look around and try to have some compassion for a change for this group of people who have been marginalized their entire lives. My comment is not a cheap shot but yours is an ignorant one.
***** Hey Adam, take a look around the next time you roll into your church's parking lot. Look at all of the bling out there in the lot. Follow some of your fellow church members home and see the ridiculously expensive homes they live in...perhaps stay and watch them cheer on their favorite sports team while you consume ridiculous amounts of food and beverages. Maybe look over their shoulders without them knowing while they surf the net and see what sort of sites they frequent.
There's lots of idolatry and countless other sin happening out there and our church leaders are saying little to nothing about it. Why? Because they're caught up in it as well.
Which is spoken of more in the bible...homosexuality or idolatry? If God was stressing one over the other which do you suppose that would be?
Yes, we should be against all sin but until we can all agree on that why is it okay to focus on the sin of homosexuality rather than all of the other stuff that the rest of us are indulging in? It's hypocritical, Adam and it's wrong.
Do you expect to win anybody in the GLBT community over to Jesus while you maintain this double-standard? I'm guessing you'll have a difficult time doing that. How about we not focus on whatever it is that they're working through in their lives and allow God to do that if he feels the need to. Worry about yourself. Worry about how you can better be like Jesus and see the world through his eyes and not the eyes of those who are so quick to want to judge others.
Eli P. Eli...that's not my point. My point is that we're hypocritical because of our laser-like focus on homosexuality while at the same time displaying a ho-hum concern about other more prevalent sins. Why?
Eli P. The man in the video is asking for an acceptance of homosexuality on a level with our acceptance of so much other sin that we proudly display and have come to accept in our lives of excess. Do you not see that? We all have our idols that we have no intention of putting aside while at the same time we're expecting those in the GLBT community to somehow change before they can be accepted within the church. How is this not the height of hypocrisy?
Do you feel that God can change the homosexual through prayer?
What an inspiring message from a true Christian. After reading some of the commentaries posted by others, I'm more and more thankful and grateful that people like Danny Cortez are out there. The way some of his detractors quote "studies" about gay people having been sexually abused as children, etc., are so blatantly absurd.
Thank you Danny Cortez!
YOU ARE A GREAT PASTOR AND A GOOD DADDY!!!!!!!!!
I only wish I lived closer to your church cause I would go...any child of God that has the courage to preach the truth of Gods love like you have just done...that's where I would like to go...I pray that the people of planet Earth will see THIS way of thinking, YOUR way of thinking pastor...before it's too late...cause I feel with "ALL" my heart, that God is getting ready to send His Son back to this world...VERY, VERY soon! And people that are busy arguing and fighting and not loving and understanding are going to be in a world of trouble.(It would be tragic if the elders of your church do not agree...being The "Elders", I would think that they are as wise as you!)
Your screen name is "Hoping to be wheat, Not a tare" and you promote this man's Homosexual opinion. I hate to break it to you, but it sounds like you might be a tare, but I hope not.
Tares always take the opinion of the world and chastise the "Church". So think for a minute and tell me this: Is the push for homosexual equality coming from the Church, or from the world? Then ask yourself, which side you're on..i think that'll answer your "Hope".
2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when people will not
put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they
will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
bobaom what you don’t realize is that this actually isn’t what he wanted to believe at first. You probably didn’t listen to the full sermon but he talks about how he wanted to disbelieve in the acceptance of homosexuality as he did for many years. But it was god that changed his heart.
Pastor Cortez thank you for sharing your personal family journey.
Yes thank you.
Thank you Danny for your kind and considered remarks. You are a true Christian.
Pastor Cortez was open-minded enough to actually *listen* to lesbian and gay individuals. This made it possible for his heart to open and his mind to change. Many in the Christian churches bang on about a small set of proof text Bible verses but refuse, perhaps even fear, to listen to gays/lesbians; it is no wonder God does not open their hearts or minds.
Respect, just respect for this man ❤
The Bible is very easy to read and understand. In 1cor 6:10 it says that men who lie with men , will not inherit God's Kingdom.It also talk about fornicators and adulterers.But then it goes on to say, But that is what you were , but you have been washed clean. Yes alot of us were born that way and yes it is not fair that we should have a life of abstanance.(sp).But our life is but a mist in the night as compared to living in heaven eternally.R
It's sad that you don't even realize how disgusting what you said is. A life without an intimate relationship with someone you love when you desire such a relationship is torture. And if your god advocates for something like that, then he should be put on trial for crimes against humanity. He's just lucky he doesn't fucking exist. By the way, saying to a person "if you don't love me I will torture you for eternity" would be classed as abuse if done by a human, but because he's a deity, who by the way, should be wiser than all of us, he gets a pass? Fuck that shit. The best such a being is going to get out of me is a raised middle finger.
HI
Deliverance from homosexuality doesn't mean you from then on have to abstain from intimacy! It just means you can then enjoy NORMAL intimacy, in a man woman marital relationship. Check out the many testimonies posted on RUclips on this. Shalom to us only in Christ Yeshua,
@@toosiyabrandt8676 Ugh! You people really are shameless and infuriating, but it's pointless to talk to you. All you're interested in is pushing your awful religion down other people's throats, making them miserable. Go back under that rock you crawled out from.
@@carmensavu5122 Hi
Doing what Christ Yeshua said to do until He returns to rule us ALL with that same law. VERY SOON< as it has now been 6000 years since He created the Heavens and the,Earth
@@toosiyabrandt8676 Ok you must be a troll. At least I hope you are, because the alternative is just fucking sad.
You are light years ahead of so many other pastors. But in my understanding, it's not a race: it's an inward spiral of reflection and truth-seeking. I have wrestled with my Church (Catholic) as a straight man, and I have come so close to despairing and leaving when messages of shame, intolerance and hostility emanate toward the people who need love and fellowship and support. I may have to walk away altogether, but I meet priests like you who seem to recognize what "giving life" is all about. God Bless You.
Deep, deep thanks, Pastor Cortez for bothering to be so honest, so forthright about how your discernment has slowly changed over the past 15 years or so. As a religious studies graduate student, way back when, I enthusiastically support your identifying the experience elements (person + pastoral ministry experiences), along with the scripture-scholarship elements (focusing on the hermeneutic carefulness one needs to walk the path for as many years as you have), plus the courage it takes to inquire when others are seemingly so certain that the matter is closed and final for faith communities.
I am not sure even yourself are completely sure of what you're teaching your congragation.
I was watching the video of a happy married gay couple where the one perfectly completes the other, where I saw true happiness and wholeness between two people who are in love with each other, true love. Fortunately or not this video was in the related videos for some reason. I saw and listened to this great pastor, a true pastor as I would like to call him, his journey and his true effort to understand the complex issue of human sexuality with an open mind, outside the narrow, close minded barriers religious dogma puts. Thank you Mr. Cortez for standing up bravely, it's people like you who may keep religion alive in a world more and more educated and able to leave the shackles of religious myths who through the ages only served the purpose to divide and control people. Divide and Conquer. That's religion in a few words.
Then I made the mistake to read the comments and the true face of christians showed : Self righteous, hating, judgemental people with severe superiority complex and a need to impose their beliefs to the others as some form of "truth" they only hold and which derives from a 2000 year old text written by people who had less than a 10th the scientific knowledge we have today and who were trying (unfortunately succesfully) to establish belief in a supernatural deity that not only is used to "explain" the creation of everything in ways science has disproved again and again but also wants to impose its morality on random biological occurences in an ever evolving universe : the humans. It's so irrational that we, as a society, allow such people to still not only spew hatred publicly against people in all their delusion and self righteousness but create public policy imposed on people who do not buy into their dogma ! That's the irrationality we live in unfortunately.
But thankfully it's those people who are leading the way to the demise of organized religion, the largest plague societies still suffer from. More and more people are waking up, realizing what purpose this "god" and his hatred for women, lgbt people and anyone who is different in general serve.
I do respect people like Mr. Cortez even though I disagree with his beliefs though. I won't go around telling anyone what they can believe in of course, when these people are like Cortez : non judgemental who do actually do serve a purpose through their ministry and focus on the good aspects of their religious dogma. The christian dogma does have some good elements if written properly : love your neighbour, be non judgemental. It also has some bad elements (or bad translations of those elements) driven by the temptetion to serve the dividing purposes of religion and obvious lack of basic scientific knowledge on issues such as human sexuality etc.
I will never respect nor I have to respect people who try to impose on me their imaginary concept of "sin" and moreover incorporate it into civil law to prosecute and penalize people for who they are. Look at what the "good christians" in Nigeria, Uganda etc are doing to LGBT people. A vast amount of christians in the western world would do the same things, should they have a chance to do so. Drowned in their own self rightousness and delusion, they can be some of the most violent and radical elements on earth. Sad existences, brainwashed into believing they have a certain right to preach and prosecute people who are just being who they are. Moral absolutists with perverted minds who continue to compare child rape with homosexuality. And that's why prosperous, educated socieites are turning their backs to you and your divisive rhetoric and dogma : Because we are sick of it. Thankfully societies built on factual knowledge, respect for diversity and humanism are winning ground over the dark ages of dogma imposition. And the religious extremists cannot stand that.
It's people like Mr. Cortez that will keep religion alive, if it is to survive. I have the utmost respect for this man and his journey and I want to thank him for showing that not all christians are the same. I do have christian friends who understand religion as a personal spiritual matter and fully support the civil rights of LGBT people as well. These christians exist and they have to speak up and not allow the hating extremists continue to rule.
In a perfect world religion would not exist. People would have one less reason to fight and judgemental attitudes would be severely limited. Unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world. That's why we should have people like Mr. Cortez speak up and share their journey towards realizing certain natural realities.
I gave a follow up message to this video at the GCN conference in January 9, 2014. It begins at the 21 minute mark at this link: ruclips.net/video/MJTuAX6iLnQ/видео.html
Danny Cortez
God bless you!
The iconoclast
All of your ignorant opinions aside, here you go...
Yes, at face value, and ignoring any and all context, Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 do appear to be stating that men are not to have sex with men. First off, that leaves women out of it, but that is commonplace in the Bible. However, we are again, only taking those verses literally and at their face value, and ignoring any and all context. So, it is literally and at face value, only referring to men, not woman.
There is Scriptural, Biblical and cultural context in all of the Scriptures, it's irresponsible to remove that context from the Scriptures, and ignorantly take them at face value.
Do you admit that the Levitical laws that state that the mixing of fibers, crops, cattle, and the restriction on food and how ones is to keep their hair and beards, among others, were for that culture at that time? Do you admit that the parts in Leviticus where it refers to Pagans rituals like child sacrifice, were pertaining to a certain cultural religious aspect of their time?
If so, then you must agree that taking verses literally and at their face value, is irresponsible at best, and that not only the Scriptural context is required when interpreting the meaning of a verse and what it is referring to, but Biblical and cultural context is required.
The fact of the matter, in this, is that not even Biblical Scholars agree on exactly what those verses were referring to. There are many interpretations on them and what they are in reference to. The fact that you think you know exactly what they are referring to, can only mean that you are either God, or Moses resurrected.
Then there is the fact that Jesus relieved us from the Levitical laws, and all of the "Law of Moses", and I provided you with a link that backed that up. So, I will not bother wasting any more time on any Levitical laws.
Here are many links that provide various different interpretations and what they were referring to. Obviously I have chosen the ones that tend to back up what I claim, and I am sure you could find ones that back up your claim. That is the point in this, you are using some verses written thousands of years ago, that nobody knows exactly what they are referring to, and causing nothing but harm by doing so.
Here is the link dealing with how we are no longer under the "Law of Moses". And, I got it from a site that agrees with you on homosexuality.
www.gotquestions.org/abolish-fulfill-law.html
Here are some links that deal with those verses in Leviticus.
www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org/biblical_evidence/leviticus.html
www.religioustolerance.org/hom_bibh5.htm
www.stjohnsmcc.org/new/BibleAbuse/Leviticus.php
www.gaychristian101.com/in-hebrew-does-leviticus-1822-really-say-while-with-a-woman.html
ruclips.net/video/o_D5Oa5n1nY/видео.html
The iconoclast
Religious hypocrites like you have tried very hard to twist the Biblical Scriptures to justify your homophobia, this is far from the first time people like you have misused the Scriptures to try and defend your personal mental issue/s.
You should try being more of a follower of Jesus, and less of a follower of eisegesis for a change.
The iconoclast
Coming from the likes of you, I take that has a huge compliment. So, thank you very much :)
The iconoclast
You are proud of being a Biblically ignorant religiously hypocritical person that allows your personal mental issue/s to override the Inspired Word of God. That speaks volumes about you!
Trust in the Lord with your whole heart. Don't lean on your understanding of things. Proverbs 3:5
God knows what is best for us. He specifically condemns any sexual relationship except for that of one man and one woman inside of marriage. He knows what is best for us and I trust him. After all, he created us, he must know what is best for us. Much love.
nickev96 You really have no understanding of anything....do you.
@@genghissmith4949 just what do you think I need to understand? The Bible is God's word. God clearly states there is to be no sex outside of the marriage of a man and a woman. I don't grab my car manual and start tearing out pages I don't agree with. I don't tell my doctor she doesn't know what she's talking about. I don't tell an engineer how to draw his plans. See, God made the family. It was his idea. He gets to say how it works. Our opinions of how we feel, or what we don't like are irrelevant. Not that he doesn't care about us. That's the thing, it's because he does care about us that he has boundaries he expects us to follow. The guard rails on the highway aren't there to make you feel hated or unloved, they're to keep you from killing yourself. It's like you all are telling God, but I want to drive off that cliff....I'm going to do it my way because (fill in the blank) ie you're wrong about it God, the people who wrote the Bible were so old fashioned, Paul was just talking about men being with underaged boys, love is love, you gotta be woke, and any other excuse you can come up with.
That is why his word says TRUST in him with all your heart, not in your understanding.
nickev 96 Yes, nick, I know you THINK you understand, but of course you don't. Why did your god create humans to be highly sexual creatures? The fact is he didn’t....there is no proof whatsoever for the existence of your petulant god.The fact is marriage is a MAN-MADE concept, so pre-marital sex is natural and not a sin. I always find it hilarious when you religious obsessives stoop to comparing your religious insanity to well-crafted safety measures.....it simply shows your complete lack of viable points!
We don't need to come up with excuses, sad man; you types have lost the discussion as soon as you start typing, praise the lard! 😄😄😄
I'm not a scholar just a saved sinner. I was lost in a lifestyle of drugs and alcohol which in turn made for a bad marriage and a completely messed up life and Christ loved me, And he saved me thank God! I am no stranger to the need of love and forgiveness, I have gay family members that I love so much but Jesus wants me to love them enough to share the truth in love. Isn't that what the gospel is all about? Jesus saves us from our sins and a good physician doesn't leave his patients ill right? I'm so glad no one told me that I was fine just the way I was all high and drunk all the time. How would it be if we told a murderer to go on murdering and that's how God made him. I was high on dope the night I stepped into a church and Christ met me there stirring in my heart and he was faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleansed me from all unrighteousness. Awesome! He did it!! The blood of Jesus, Holy Spirit has the power to free us from our sin. Didnt Christ himself say to the prostitute "go and sin no more"? I'm greived at Danny's testimony because I know God could heal his son. But now Danny has not only embraced his son's homosexuality (indoctrinated by the system) but encourages him to stay in it. Tragic. There is no fruit in staying in our sin when God has given us the power to be healed. Yes we all have struggles but don't we desire to be delivered no matter how small? I would love it if my gay sister would come to church with me to hear the truth and I agree that we should love sinners of course! But what is love? Is it leaving people in sin that destroys and brings death? Or to offer Gods truth of healing and forgiveness? The prostitute as we remember became free from her sin, We are told not to use grace as a cloak to sin. To love a sinner doesn't mean we join ranks with them. Have we forgotten about the garden of Eden when Satan said to Eve, has God said? That's the very question that kept coming to me as I was listening to Danny. What the word homosexual means in the Greek, Hebrew or whatever is beside the point, we know that in that story alone it's plain to see that God made man and woman to fit together as one flesh. Whether a barbaric pedophile or a nice 21st century lesbian couple (Angels of light?) We are to minister the truth in love. These are strong delusions under the guise of the goodness of our Savior. These are definitely the last days and we need to be careful not to fall for a strong delusion. Wow.
My belief in homosexuality has changed too. I used to be part of the LGBT community and lived the lifestyle. I strayed away from the church and eventually Jesus because it wasn’t compatible with my sinful lifestyle. My lifestyle got more and more sinful and I was also getting into idolatry and New Age beliefs because it felt it was more loving and accepting. But by the grace of God , I was led back to Jesus and I have left the lifestyle. I still have attraction to the same sex but chose to live a chaste life. God’s love is so much more than any temporary love in this world. I don’t identify myself by my sexual attraction any more. I disagree Pastor, it doesn’t mean I cannot fall in love have deep love for anyone for the rest of my life. You are confusing love with sexual expression. Eros vs Agape. Agape is deeper. I can fall in love and express it spiritually or in a filial matter. Celibacy can be a beautiful gift to God. I think the culture puts too much emphasis on sex. Chaste love can be very beautiful. I feel a little lonely because I can’t have children or a family and will be alone but I strive to find love for my nieces and nephews and other people around me.
You have a really good point, I also feel like he confused love with sexual attraction.
What an unfulfilled and boring life you must live!!!.
@@thomasalmond3311Isn't the point of the Gospel to fulfill God's will?
Thank you for sharing this. Your congregation is very fortunate to have you, even if they disagree, because your compassion and moral and intellectual courage is rare in this world.
Very sad. A flaming example of following a different gospel and praying to an idea of Jesus rather than the Christ of Paul’s gospel. The unclean spirits that Jesus cast out are still here today. But instead of casting them out now professing believers except and embrace them. If God’s Word isn’t your standard...THEN YOU HAVE NO STANDARD! “When the Son of Man returns will He find any faith left?” I too, Lord, am starting to wonder.
I'm so late but AMEN!! that's the truth we are in the great falling away of the church and the body of christ.
I believe I understand your reasoning and process you have gone through to try and resolve this issue. I would say to you in love that if at the end of the day you are still left with guilt then you have not pushed through to lay it at the feet of Christ. Your battle is with the principalities and powers of this world and not with the Lord.
Has GOD changed his mind on sin?
Nope. Danny changed his mind on the way these passages had been misinterpreted!
Why are Christians too lazy to do their homework on this issue???
Rubbish, have you seen ex gay testimonies are they set free from their sin or is it a croc to you?
JR, I have seen many of them! And I have never seen a documented case where someone's sexual orientation has changed. They changed their behavior but that is all. So, in your words. "It's a croc."
Your problem is that you don't understand the original meaning. You are relying on the English translation.
Go find one then and ask them, thats the only way forward here.
I hope I have sufficient humility to comment on this topic without stirring up vitriol, as it is truly an agonizing subject. But I have one question - a serious question - I would like to pose for responses as I wonder what others think about it. That is, for me the most touching argument is the one in which people say, "Why would God expect me to live my life alone, or to never know intimacy, in order to follow Him?" But there are times and places when/where to follow God faithfully means not only to be denied fulfillment in huge ways, but to be literally butchered. Deprived of life, beaten, spit upon, jailed. Starved. Shunned by family. Many thousands of faithful believers have endured (and endure) this for no other reason than that they would not relinquish or renounce their faith in Christ. Is it unthinkable that God would ask someone to be single and chaste?
You have a good question here man, nonetheless it is very easy to answer it with scripture.
Psalm 27:10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
Then we have Jesus Himself saying this :
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Look at this also: Titus 3:5
He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
BY THE WASHING OF REGENERATION AND RENEWAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Also the Lord Jesus Christ told us already that we will have trouble in this world, this includes any kind of trouble including fighting with your own sins.
John 16:33
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
And people will hate you no matter what! "friendship with the world is enmity with God"
Matthew 10:22
And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
I don't know if you should stay celibate, but Paul calls us all to better stay celibate only if you can resist temptation if you cannot you have to get married, however same-sex relationships/marriage is a sin, and there's no question on that, the rest is just emotional things that we as human put it, this man wants to change a whole church because he has strong affections towards his own blood.
Nevertheless we have to be prepared to even say NO to our own kids for His sake name! For Jesus, otherwise you're lukewarm and you will be easily deceived by the Anti-Christ with fear. I know this must be hard for him, but he already gave himself unto Satan, he opened his mind to him, just because of his son.
It's simple take your cross and follow Jesus, your cross might be this!
The bible makes clear even in the new testament, man with man, woman with woman equals sin big time!
Eli P. Really, this pastor's arguments are all the same arguments made when a spouse is in a "loveless marriage" (I know that's a misnomer) and they fall in love with someone at work, someone who is honestly a "better fit" for them by almost any standard of personality, etc. I'm certain it is agonizing to sit in front of this person and tell them they have to terminate this adulterous relationship and instead invest themselves in the failing relationship, even if they themselves are not the primary reason it is failing. I'm sure the person who receives this counsel is devastated and feels like they are being thrown into a bottomless black well. But the counsel is sound if the goal is to please and obey God, not to make yourself happy. I have no doubt whatsoever that many people are "happier" if they do what they want instead of obeying God. Just like the apostles would have been "happier" if they'd spent their remaining days fishing rather than being hated, stoned and martyred. Very, very tough issue, but this pastor's reasoning is not sound, even though he is obviously a very kind man.
What's tragic is that this is an "agonizing subject" in the first place.
The bulk of opposition to homosexuality is grounded firmly in the archaic teachings of primitive "holy books."
In other words, theologically justified bigotry.
Happily, minds are changing quickly, and it's only a matter of time before homosexuality is a nonissue. (As usual, conservative Christians will attempt to hold the line against modernity--and, as usual, they will lose.)
I disagree with this pastor, but I love all people. Lots of people do things I do not believe I am at liberty to do as a Christian. I don't hate them, or anyone. This issue isn't any different.
Michael, it is not unthinkable that God would ask this of someone -- but the church has NO PLACE to ask this of someone. Celibacy, sacrifice, martyrdom, are between God and the person being asked. God doesn't call people to celibacy in groups, by default.
That wasn't God, that was satan
Darling, God made you gay for a reason, and you can't ever get rid of that. You need to look to find a constructive way of doing good works, as an active homosexual or otherwise.
Yeah, let's put it like that. If you happen to be gay, make the best of it.
I just want to tell you thank you for breaking this down. I knew I read it before was having an argument with an international local evangelist who made a post where him and several male Christians decided it was ok to abuse me with God's words. I knew the pastor growing up but he made many mistakes and on his second marriage in which i support but he rather quote romans 6:23 instead of recognizing his life is no different than mine or anyone else in the LGBT community. But I am happy we have pastors like you out here. Many people and Christians keep missing the point. I wish they wouldn't!