HOMOSEXUALITY

October 1, 1987 Issue

J.P. Vernon

The subject of homosexuality should not need to be addressed by any one because of its abhorrent nature; certainly not by any one confessing to being a Christian. However, like many subjects that are somewhat delicate in nature or "we don't like to talk about that type of thing," it must be taught about. In spite of what we wish, it is very prevalent today. It is said that ten percent of the male population is homosexual. Since the Bible is the primary source of right and wrong the Bible is where we must go to find the answers to this horrible sin. Please note the following points.

1. Homosexuality is unnatural. Romans 1:26,27

"For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections; for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature; and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the women, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet". Homosexuality is a learned practice you are not born different.

2. Homosexuality is Indecent. Rom 1:27

3. Homosexuality is degrading. Rom 1:24

"Therefore God gave them over unto sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurities for the dishonourment (degrading) of their bodies with one another".

4. Homosexuality is abuse of the body. The prevalence of disease (Aids, Syphilis and other diseases) should be deterrent enough, but listen to the Apostle Paul in 1 Cor 6:18, 19 "He that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own"?

5. Continued practice of homosexuality will keep one out of the Kingdom of God. 1 Cor 6:9,10

"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.

Ju 7 makes reference to Sodom and Gomorrha; the most notorious cities of that day and through all the ages as the sin capitals of the world, because of the sin of Homosexuality. Jude says "giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh. Genesis, chapter 19 gives an account of what Jude was referring to.

Lasciviousness is a sin spoken of in many places in the Bible. The definition is; having or denoting wanton desires; lustful. A sin of the flesh which the Bible condemns.

James 1:14 tells us "Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of this own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death". This death is the death in Judgment.

It Is not enough for Christians to say to those in sin, "I'm sorry." We must teach Gods word against it. Many will say "judge not that ye be not judged", but when the Bible states a principle, it is not we but God who Is the judge.

The Bible teaches that any disobedience can be forgiven by God. Many apparently do not realize that Homosexuality is not an acceptable alternate lifestyle to God. A study of the Bible will teach otherwise If they are really interested.

The final answer to Homosexuality, or any other lifestyle contrary to Gods plan, is a new beginning. Things that tempt you can be overcome. 1 Cor 10:12 "Wherefore let him that thinketh be standeth take heed lest he fall". Verse 13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.