Real World Issues

Homosexuality

"Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind; it is abomination." (Leviticus 18:22).

There is a serious movement underway in America and the world to make the homosexual appear normal, that he or she is alienated with certain rights, and that it is an valid alternative lifestyle. They are fighting for rights to be married, and are already allowed in some cases to adopt children. Their movement has not been completely successful (not winning the war, but winning many battles), however, their circle of influence is growing, thanks in part to the media and to Hollywood which portrays them favorably, or as victims of persecution. Even churches and denominations are becoming divided on the subject, with some wanting to allow homosexuals into places of leadership and ministry. But regardless of what modern society may say, the Bible classifies homosexuality as sin and "abomination". Even if you do not believe in God, the sin of homosexuality goes against nature itself, and defies even the theories of evolution, for two homosexuals cannot reproduce.

Homosexuals claim that they were born homosexual, or even that God made them that way. But James says, "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:13-15). Paul said in his letter to the Romans, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness..... For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts darkened..... Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even the women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.... Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." (Romans 1:18-32 NIV).

Sodom and Gomorrah

The twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of this sin of homosexuality, for the men of the towns were completely given over to their lust and totally out of control. When the two angels came to Sodom, Lot insisted that they stay with him in his house. Then "all the men from every part of the city of Sodom - both young and old - surrounded the house. They called to Lot, 'Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.' Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, 'No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don't do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.' 'Get out of our way,' they replied. And they said, 'This fellow came here as an alien, and now he wants to play the judge! We'll treat you worse than them.' They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door. But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house, young and old, with blindness so that they could not find the door. The two men said to Lot, 'Do you have anyone else here - sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.'" (Genesis 19:4-13 NIV). Reading this account, it is almost inconceivable that men could become so perverted and driven by their lust.

This study not a personal attack against homosexuals or against the person. But the Bible is clear that their sin is an abomination. Like any other person living in sin, they are not to be allowed positions of leadership or responsibility within the body of Christ until their sin has been forgiven and they show fruits of repentance. And like persons who commit adultery, fornication, jealousy, pride, or any other sin, they too can find forgiveness and cleansing at the cross of Christ. They were not created that way, and they don't have to live that way.

Listen to Paul's words to the Corinthians, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. AND SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU: BUT ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6: 9-11).

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