Homosexuality: What does the Bible say?

Are you aware of the Biblical passages that speak to homosexuality as a sin? Do you understand God's purposes in sex and its intention for existing within the heterosexual marriage relationship alone? I have been extremely surprised at the number of people I have met who justify or tolerate homosexuality as natural and not sin, and who have no idea what God says about it. Instead of seeking, following, and trusting God's Word, they have decided to listen to and follow the cultural "norms" of the day. I am currently writing a research paper on the main homosexual church in America(Metropolitan Community Church=MCC) and have (as I expected) found many disturbing things in the process. In both speaking with homosexuals and reading their interpretations of these passages, it amazes me the ignorance and lack of intellectual honesty that is found in their dealing with the Scriptures. The current moderator of the MCC, Nancy Wilson, goes so far as to state and imply that Biblical characters such as David, Saul, Jonathan, Ruth, Naomi, John, & Paul are homosexuals (Our Tribe: Queer Folks, God, Jesus and the Bible , p.149,153,157, & 163). She even goes so far as to describe Jesus by saying "I believe that the most obvious way to see Jesus as a sexual being is to see him as bisexual in nature" (Our Tribe, 147). Nancy Wilson's book is so full of feminist and homosexual rhetoric that it is hard to believe that anyone could seriously follow her as a "spiritual leader." The MCC itself convolutes Scripture and maligns the cultural context of the day in a ridiculous attempt to justify the sin of homosexuality to themselves. Interestingly enough, they will affirm the Apostles and Nicene Creeds only to later twist and discredit the Scripture they are based upon. Their low view of Scripture is evidenced in their stated beliefs by failing to regard Scripture as inerrant or infallible. Nancy Wilson even states "the Bible is an elastic, resilient friend who bounces back and even talks back when I question it" (Our Tribe, 75). The Scriptures are clear, whether reading the original Hebrew, the original Greek, or any academically faithful English translation; homosexuality is a sin. Anyone who states otherwise is simply placing their personal opinions and judgments over God's inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word. See for yourself what God has to say about homosexuality... Romans 1:24-32

Genesis 19

Leviticus 18:22

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Galatians 5:19-21

Ephesians 5:3-3

1 Timothy 1:9,10

Jude 7

Romans 1:24-27, 32 " 24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. 26Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27In 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...32Although 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. "

The best news available though, to homosexuals and all of humanity (we have all sinned), is that God's grace is sufficient to forgive us and cleanse us, should we choose to repent and turn away from our sins!

1 John 1:9-10 "9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."

From www.gotquestions.org:

• What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
• Is it possible to be a gay Christian?
• What does the Bible say about gay marriage/same sex marriage?
• What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah?
• What does the Bible say about bisexuality?
• What does the Bible say about transsexualism/transgenderism?

Church Membership - Charles Spurgeon

"If I had never joined a church till I had found one that was perfect, I should never have joined one at all; and the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us.” Charles Spurgeon on church membership from his 63 volume sermon series, 2234.633

The Pursuit of God - A.W. Tozer

Do you thirst for God? Do you desire to grow closer to God and want nothing but Him? In contrast to The Shack, A.W. Tozer's The Pursuit of God is an outstanding Biblical description of God and how our lives should be radically transformed in our relationship with Him. I am only through three chapters of it (listening to an audio version), but can already tell you what an amazing handling and exposition of Scripture He does in a convicting and inspiring manner! If you want to be convicted of the weakness of your own walk with God and invigorated with a passion to pursue God more, read or listen to this book! James 4:7-10 "7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

Devotionals - Purity

Do you struggle with living a pure life in the midst of a sexually saturated world? Are you interested in a good devotional on purity? Pure: A 90 Day Devotional for the Mind, the Body, & the Spirit is written by Rebecca St. James. "Rebecca St.James shares her heart, her passion, and her energy, offering insight into the quest for purity. She's walking this journey with you, and she's radically committed to total purity - not just when it comes to sex., but when it comes to all of life." Freedom Begins Here: Finding Hope, Direction, and Change in a Sexually Saturated Culture is a 30 day devotional that is designed to challenge "Christians everywhere to break the chains of pornography in our culture. You may not be struggling, but you know someone who is." "A shocking survey recently revealed that 50% of Christian men and 20% of Christian women are addicted to pornography." 1 Peter 2:9-12 "9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

Family Devotionals - HeartConnex

Do you want to increase or improve communication within your family? Do you desire to start a family devotional time that is simple and effective? "The National Study of Youth and Religion has heavily documented the fact that parents are the number one influence in the lives of teenagers. Student ministers now know for certain that parents who teach the Bible to their teenagers will make a visible, lasting difference in their spiritual transformation." "Each week, parents receive two, twenty-minute Bible study devotionals via email. These studies, authored by Dr. Richard Ross, contain solid Bible teaching presented in a warm, interactive format. In addition, the devotions are set-up so that students & parents alike are involved - each given specific things to say or do. A meaningful way to pray as a family is also included at the conclusion of each study." "Heart Connex devotionals are designed for very busy families. The head of the household can print the studies and make preparations in only about five minutes. In most cases families can complete the studies in twenty minutes" Sign up HERE to subscribe to the weekly emails for HeartConnex or to see samples. HERE is the three-year topical plan for family devotionals. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Christian Parenting Magazines

Ever want more help in learning how to handle the day to day challenges of parenting? "Living with Teenagers" and "ParentLife" are two great magazine resources (click on to follow link) available to provide expert advice and insights! You can access complete samples to preview online.

Got Conflict?

Is there somebody you just can't seem to get along with? Is there conflict brewing in your workplace, your home, or your church? On Tuesday I had the privilege of hearing Ken Sande, president of Peacemaking Ministries, speak on peacemaking in the local church. If you desire to grow in your ability to handle conflict, I highly recommend his books and resources available on their website.

• The Slippery Slope of Conflict - outlines attack, escape, and conciliation responses to conflict
• Four G's - how to glorify God in the midst of conflict
• Seven A's of Confession -how to humbly admit you are wrong
• PAUSE Principle - steps to negotiation
• Four Promises of Forgiveness - what does it really mean to forgive

These principles are challenging and Biblical, but can radically transform how you handle conflict personally at home, work, and church!

James 4:1 "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?"

Colossians 3:13 "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Romans 12:17-21 "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Free & Online Seminary Level Classes

Ever want to attend seminary-level classes? Did time, money, or life situations get in the way? Below are some great online and free ways to take such courses and to grow in your walk with Christ! BiblicalTraining.org has a wealth of free online courses for new believers, Christian foundations, and for church leadership. Covenant Theological Seminary also offers many free online courses. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary also has a few free online courses. ChristianCourses.com is another helpful resource of classes.

"Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Hebrews 5:13-14

9 Steps to Fireproof Your Marriage

Want to repair or protect your marriage? Here are Dennis Rainey's "9 Steps to Fireproof Your Marriage."

1. Learn about God's blueprints for marriage
2. Reaffirm your commitment
3. Deal with your selfishness
4. Begin to pray with your spouse
5. Develop your relational skills
6. Spend focused time together
7. Attend a Weekend to Remember® marriage conference
8. Start or attend a couples' study using the HomeBuilders Couples Series®
9. Depend on God's power to build your marriage

I HIGHLY recommend step 7! If you have never been to a marriage conference, or it has been awhile, commit to going to "Weekend to Remember!" There are some scheduled soon near us:

• October 31st-November 2nd - Louisville , KY
• November 7th-9th - Kingsport, TN
• March 6th-8th - Cincinnati, OH
• March 27th-29th - Nashville, TN
• June 12th-14th - Indianapolis, IN

A great movie is coming out September 26th, from the makers of Facing the Giants...Fireproof.

Church History - so important!

History was always a chore for me growing up, and is still a difficult task for me due to the immensity of reading and memorization that goes along with it. Although I have barely brushed the surface of Christian church history it amazes me how many lessons of the past are applicable and relevant to the church today! Here are some neat resources if you ever want to explore Church History for yourself! Justo Gonzalez has written two great books, one starting with the early church and leading up to the Protestant Reformation and the other continuing from the Protestant Reformation to the modern church. Another interesting resource is the Christian Classics Ethereal Library. It has lots of early church writings (up to 1900 years old!) that have been translated and uploaded to the Internet for all to read. "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." Ecclesiastes 1:9

Scripture Memorization - It is possible!

Have you ever tried to memorize Scripture only to get frustrated and fail? Memorization is a difficult thing for me. Today I heard a convicting message ("Authority of Christ in the Great Commission") in which the pastor, Dr.David Platt, (~30years old, travels all the time, leads a 4,000+ member church=busy!) had memorized half of the book of Romans (chapters 1-8). It was inspiring and powerful to hear the Word of God so well communicated. "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1:8 "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:5-9

Prayer Quote - E.M. Bounds

This is an awesome but convicting quote!!

"The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day." E.M. Bounds

Rembrandt van Rijn, David in Prayer, 1652

Dependent on Ourselves or Desperate for God?

Do you "do life" day to day in your own power and skills? Do you “do church” within your own comforts and abilities? Today I was blessed to hear convicting message on “The Presence of Christ in the Great Commission” by Dr. David Platt, the pastor at the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL. Dr. Platt exposited Exodus 33 with these four main points:

1. We have an assignment we cannot fulfill
2. We have a privilege we cannot forsake
3. We have a family we cannot forget
4. We have a God we cannot fathom (1 Corinthians 2:10-16)

I know I often rely on my own power, skills, and abilities in "doing life" and "doing church." I know I must become more and more reliant on His power through the Holy Spirit who especially equips us through the Bible and prayer.

Are you truly desperate for God? Are you totally dependent on Him?

Guitar Hero vs. Guitar Praise

Have you ever played Guitar Hero? Are you interested in a Christian version?

I was excited to see that GuitarPraise made it into the national news this week.

I really enjoyed playing Guitar Hero (it is a lot of fun!) but felt convicted to get rid of it from our student ministry earlier this summer due to a combination of lyrics, outfits, a location set in hell, and a devil character option (as your ability improves, less desirable features become accessible).

GuitarPraise is a great alternative for Christians (SVBC Student Ministry has already preordered it w/2 guitars). It operates off of computers and includes a wireless guitar. The producers of this game, Digital Praise, also offer a Dance Dance Revolution alternative known as Dance Praise.

GuitarPraise has over 50 songs from bands such as: Caedmons Call, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, dc Talk, Flyleaf, Hawk Nelson, Jennifer Knapp, Jeremy Camp, Kutless, Lincoln Brewster, Newsboys, Reliant K, Skillet, Stellar Kart, Thousand Foot Krutch, tobyMac, Todd Agnew, & Whitecross.

Hell's Best Kept Secret

Have you given thought to why so many people who claim to be Christians are absent from the church, have no evidence of “spiritual fruit,” have no love of God’s Word, live amoral lifestyles, and have vague descriptions of their faith? Have you heard words or phrases such as “repent,” “God’s wrath,” “hell,” and “false converts” in a helpful and biblically-accurate way recently? “Hell’s Best Kept Secret” and “True vs. False Conversion” by Ray Comfort are two great sermons and resources to use for evaluating your own approach to and understanding of evangelism and salvation. Consider watching, listening, or reading these sermons and then dive into Scripture to evaluate these claims for yourself. Check out their website, http://www.livingwaters.com/ and see what you think. Acts 17:11 “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” I love the below quotes... "Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms." – C.S. Lewis “Some people do not like to hear much of repentance; but I think it is so necessary that if I should die in the pulpit, I would desire to die preaching repentance, and if out of the pulpit I would desire to die practicing it.” – Matthew Henry "God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination." – Augustine “Perhaps if there were more of that intense distress for souls that leads to tears, we should more frequently see the results we desire. Sometimes it may be that while we are complaining of the hardness of the hearts of those we are seeking to benefit, the hardness of our own hearts and our feeble apprehension of the solemn reality of ­eternal things may be the true cause of our want of success.” – Hudson Taylor "Evangelism is not a professional job for a few trained men, but is instead the unrelenting responsibility of every person who belongs to the company of Jesus." - Elton Trueblood