Wednesday, February 6, 2014
EPIPHANY (AH HA!) MOMENTS = HOPE FOR THE HOMOSEXUAL
Homosexuality is becoming more tolerated in our society and even in our religious communities these days. Agree or disagree? There are many homosexuals who are very open about their lifestyle. And the media has labeled it "taboo" to denounce that lifestyle or behavior, even calling individuals that do "homophobes" -- which really ought to be defined as "a fear of homosexuals" rather than "hateful of homosexuals." Are either really true?
Then there is also secret homosexuality. Not the public displays of affection that are becoming more common, but the individuals who don't like the occasional stare, or even the secret homosexual behavior that may happen to those who would not call themselves homosexuals, yet a video or internet addiction has led them into that camp.
Which is OK? If God's Word is the authority in our lives, then there is indeed a right and a wrong. "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" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). God's Word is clear about both open and secret homosexuality when He uses the word "neither" in 1 Corinthians 6 -- a chapter which, by the way, doesn't just talk about homosexual behavior, but all types of sinful sexual behavior.
Open and secret homosexuality should remind us of what God says about open and secret idolatry. Whether an individual openly worships a man-made image (idol), or secretly puts a sexual desire, a personal belief, a person, or anything ahead of God and His Word, that individual is guilty of idolatry. God was clear in Exodus 20:1-6, "You shall have no other gods before Me." The gods of this world take many forms, from images to the imagination -- all coming from the heart of mankind which is evil even from youth (Genesis 8:21). The temptations are everywhere for all people, that is, for all "homo sapiens." But there is hope for all in Christ Jesus our Savior!
I hope that all mankind will see the true love of Christ in His Word. I pray for all sinners. I pray that I follow Jesus' example to rescue poor sinners of every kind everywhere, just as I myself have been rescued from my sin. May the Lord bless the world with hearts that all would follow Christ, and not the open or secret sin of the devil, the world, and our very own sinful flesh!