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| Vol. 14 No. 8 August 2012 | Page 13 |
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| Vol. 14 No. 8 August 2012 | Page 13 |
Byron Nichols
In spite of the powerful influence of Satan, who would ever have anticipated the extent of homosexuality that exists in our world today? Perhaps the most disconcerting aspect of it all is the amount of acceptance and favorable publicity that this behavior is now enjoying, in spite of the history of degradation and shame associated with this practice that God dealt with in such a dramatic and forceful manner many centuries ago.
Please understand that this is not an effort to “bash” homosexuals, but is a call to vigilance and righteousness, courage and conviction in our families, our communities, and throughout society as a whole. As both Christians and citizens, we dare not be unconcerned or adopt a “hands-off” attitude toward a behavior that is destroying the lives of thousands upon thousands, including a growing number of innocent victims.
The Term “Gay”
It is not uncommon at all for words to undergo a change in meaning over time. However, to alter the meaning of biblical terms can be a very dangerous action resulting in a conflict with or deterioration of God’s meaning which He conveyed in the Scriptures.
Those who engage in homosexuality, as well as society in general, have chosen to avoid using terms related to this practice that are employed in God’s Word, and they have adopted the widespread use of the softer terms of “gay” and “lesbian.” To take a word that has historically denoted being lighthearted, merry, lively or bright and showy in color, and shamefully pervert it into referring to one of the most repulsive and detestable sins described in all the Bible is most assuredly an act of utter defiance toward God.
With no intent whatsoever to try to legislate for anyone else, I try diligently to refrain from referring to homosexuals as “gays” or “lesbians.” God’s Word uses only forms of the word “homosexual” to refer to those involved in such behavior. I feel compelled to use God’s choice of terminology rather than that of people who have chosen to flagrantly live in and parade their violation of His law for mankind.
The Spread of the Homosexual Agenda
Instead of being embarrassed or feeling shame, homosexuals have become much more open regarding their illicit practices, advertising their behavior and promoting their lifestyle as if it were something to be proud of and commended for. There is an ever-growing group of high profile people who have emerged from their homosexual “closets,” now flaunting and proudly proclaiming their behavior that is unacceptable to God. Their numbers include many prominent entertainers, world renowned athletes, highly influential people in big business and government, etc.
An especially saddening reality in all of this is the fact that countless people who are not homosexuals themselves strongly endorse and defend the idea that this lifestyle is just as acceptable as any other, and that no one should stand in opposition to this behavior. This is true even among a growing number of church groups, resulting in some very serious conflicts within their ranks. Not only are there congregations of various churches now accepting practicing homosexuals into their membership, some are now allowing men and women who are acknowledged homosexuals to serve in preaching and other leadership roles. Numerous churches are actively trying to attract homosexuals without any effort at all to encourage them to give up that behavior. In addition, there are some very large congregations that are specifically homosexual churches.
This Is Not a Political Presentation, But…
For any Christians here in America who may not already be aware of this, we all need to realize the existence of several powerful politicians in Washington who are readily identifying themselves now as homosexuals. Not only that, some states have already made it legal for same sex couples to marry or to at least receive government benefits that up to now have been restricted to heterosexual, legally married couples.
An increasing number of politicians are openly seeking the support of homosexuals by using their influence to help bring about changes that favor these people, at the expense of all taxpayers. Did you know that three of the last six U.S. Presidents have openly sought and supported legislation in favor of homosexuals? Does it gravely concern us as Christians in America that this moral problem is getting worse and worse, and that it is happening with the blessing of people of much power and prominence?
Enlightenment from the Word of God
It’s only fair and proper that God be given an opportunity to express Himself in this discussion, so let us hear from the Lord and His inspired spokesmen on the subject of homosexuality.
Genesis 2:22-24: “Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Genesis 19:3-13: (Rather than take the space for these verses, the reader is encouraged to read directly from your own Bible the account regarding the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.)
Leviticus 18:22: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.”
Leviticus 20:13: “If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.”
Romans 1:26-27, 32: “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due…who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-11: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”
Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
1 Timothy 1:9-10: “Knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.”
Romans 12:9: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.”
Proverbs 14:34: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
God Is a Forgiving God
Homosexuality is a sin, but it is essential that we also understand that it can be forgiven. Remember that 1 Corinthians 6:11 says, “And such were some of you.” Paul had just named quite a list of sins, including homosexuality, and he reminded some of those Christians in Corinth what they had been in the past, and what they had become, and this was possible only because of the love and forgiveness of God. Any penitent and obedient sinner that God is willing to forgive must also be forgiven by those who are already His faithful children.
(Note: I highly recommend F. LaGard Smith’s book on this subject, Sodom’s Second Coming.)