I am dealing with some church members that feel that prostitution, gambling, drugs, etc. should be legalized, which is the sounding points of the Libertarian party. I have tried to explain to them that in order to support the legalization of such things is to stand in direct contradiction to the word of God. Any thoughts or help you can provide would be much appreciated. In Christ's Service, Chuck Davis

More than one political party embraces a sinful political platform, approving activities that God through the Bible condemns as sinful (e.g., pro-abortion, pro-homosexual, anti-God, anti-family). More than just a few Christians approve of or engage in sinful activities (e.g., 1 Corinthians 5:1; Revelation 2:14, 20). More than a few people historically and presently refuse to be warned respecting God's pronouncement of condemnation upon sin (e.g., Jeremiah 6:16; Malachi 3:7).

The biblical facts respecting the scenario you represent are these: FACT#1: God unquestionably condemns a long list of sinful activities, including those listed above (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21). FACT#2: Mankind is forbidden even to approve of those things that God disapproves (Romans 1:32). FACT#3: God's children are obligated to warn brethren and others about the perils of sin, and rescue them from hell if possible (Ezekiel 3:17-21; James 5:19-20; Jude 23). Respecting human freewill, mankind cannot make Gospel obedience compulsory; we can do little to nothing beyond plead with sinners to embrace God and his Word. FACT#4: Every soul will face an individual judgment for which he or she is personally responsible to God (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Revelation 20:12-15). FACT#5: If while this side of Final Judgment, brethren become impenitently immoral, persistently teach falsely concerning the faith or become determinedly disorderly respecting biblical doctrine, faithful Christians must identify and possibly ostracize them until they repent (1 Corinthians 5:9-13; Romans 6:17-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14). FACT#6: As long as brethren are not disturbing the church and willing to be taught the truth, we may bear with them (Acts 18:24-26). Factious persons, though, the church cannot allow to continue unchallenged (Titus 3:10 ASV, NKJV). CAUTION: Conscientious private opinions sometimes do not remain private, but go very public after circulating from house to house (2 Timothy 3:5-8).

Were there "marriage" laws before God? If marriage did exist who married the men and women or were they married in the eyes of God? ~ Lyn Bates

God is eternal, having no beginning or ending (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 93:2; Isaiah 40:28; 57:15; Romans 1:20; 16:26; 1 Timothy 1:17). God brought marriage into existence during creation week when he presented Eve to her husband, Adam (Genesis 2:20-25). Since marriage is an institution established by God, it should be little surprise that God regulates it. People living today turn to the New Testament for instruction regarding God's marriage laws (Matthew 19:9; Romans 7:1-3; 1 Corinthians 7:1-39; Ephesians 5:22-31). God's marriage laws apply to both Christians and non-Christians (1 Corinthians 7:12-14).