Same Sex Marriage

There has been a lot in the news this past week on the law being passed in New York for same sex marriage, but very little from the Christian perspective.

When New York became the sixth and by far the largest state to legalize same-sex marriage, it immediately transformed the national debate over the issue.

At stake is the definition of marriage in one of the nation's most populous and influential states.

The new law's impact can be measured in part by the numbers at play: New York is home to more than 42,000 same-sex couples. This means, among other things, that the number of same-sex couples living in states allowing same-sex marriage has more than doubled overnight.

Regardless of the immediate impact of the law, politics and public opinion on the issue are in the course of rapid change. It seems inevitable that we'll have same-sex marriage in most of the states within a decade.

It's important to realize that the impact of same-sex marriage is not limited to the states where it is legalized—it impacts the rest of the nation, as well. When a government legalizes same-sex marriage, it declares that motherless or fatherless homes are the same as one with a married mom and dad—and social science research confirms that's simply not the case for kids' wellbeing. As pro-family Americans who understand that kids need both a mom and a dad, it is our role to engage the culture on behalf of the needs of kids.

So what does the Bible say concerning this matter?

While the Bible does address homosexuality, it does not explicitly mention gay marriage/same-sex marriage. It is clear, however, that the Bible condemns homosexuality as an immoral and unnatural sin.
Leviticus 18:22 identifies homosexual sex as an abomination, a detestable sin. Romans 1:26-27 declares homosexual desires and actions to be shameful, unnatural, lustful, and indecent. First Corinthians 6:9 states that homosexuals are unrighteous and will not inherit the kingdom of God. Since both homosexual desires and actions are condemned in the Bible, it is clear that homosexuals “marrying” is not God’s will, and would be, in fact, sinful.

Whenever the Bible mentions marriage, it is between a male and a female. The first mention of marriage is found in Genesis 2:24, and describes it as a man leaving his parents and being united to his wife. In passages that contain instructions regarding marriage, such as 1 Corinthians 7:2-16, and Ephesians 5:22-23, the Bible clearly identifies marriage as being between a man and a woman. Biblically speaking, marriage is the lifetime union of a man and a woman, primarily for the purpose of building a family and providing a stable environment for that family.

The Bible alone, however, does not have to be used to demonstrate this understanding of marriage. The biblical viewpoint of marriage has been the universal understanding of marriage in every human civilization in world history. History argues against gay marriage. Modern secular psychology recognizes that men and women are psychologically and emotionally designed to complement one another. In regard to the family, psychologists contend that a union between a man and woman in which both spouses serve as good gender role models is the best environment in which to raise well-adjusted children. Psychology argues against gay marriage. In nature/physicality, clearly, men and women were designed to “fit” together sexually. With the “natural” purpose of sexual intercourse being procreation, clearly only a sexual relationship between a man and a woman can fulfill this purpose. Nature argues against gay marriage.

So, if the Bible, history, psychology, and nature all argue for marriage being between a man and a woman—why is there such a controversy today? Why are those who are opposed to gay marriage/same-sex marriage labeled as hateful, intolerant bigots, no matter how respectfully the opposition is presented? Why is the gay rights movement so aggressively pushing for gay marriage/same-sex marriage when most people, religious and non-religious, are supportive of—or at least far less opposed to—gay couples having all the same legal rights as married couples with some form of civil union?

The answer, according to the Bible, is that everyone inherently knows that homosexuality is immoral and unnatural, and the only way to suppress this inherent knowledge is by normalizing homosexuality and attacking any and all opposition to it. The best way to normalize homosexuality is by placing gay marriage/same-sex marriage on an equal plane with traditional opposite-gender marriage.

Romans 1:18-32 illustrates this. The truth is known because God has made it plain. The truth is rejected and replaced with a lie. The lie is then promoted and the truth suppressed and attacked. The vehemence and anger expressed by many in the gay rights movement to any who oppose them is, in fact, an indication that they know their position is indefensible. Trying to overcome a weak position by raising your voice is the oldest trick in the debating book. There is perhaps no more accurate description of the modern gay rights agenda than Romans 1:31, “they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.”

To give sanction to gay marriage/same-sex marriage would be to give approval to the homosexual lifestyle, which the Bible clearly and consistently condemns as sinful. Christians should stand firmly against the idea of gay marriage/same-sex marriage. Further, there are strong and logical arguments against gay marriage/same-sex marriage from contexts completely separated from the Bible. One does not have to be an evangelical Christian to recognize that marriage is between a man and a woman.

According to the Bible, marriage is ordained by God to be between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:21-24; Matthew 19:4-6). Gay marriage/same-sex marriage is a perversion of the institution of marriage and an offense to the God who created marriage. As Christians, we are not to condone or ignore sin. Rather, we are to share the love of God and the forgiveness of sins that is available to all, including homosexuals, through Jesus Christ. We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and contend for truth with “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). As Christians, when we make a stand for truth and the result is personal attacks, insults, and persecution, we should remember the words of Jesus: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).

I personally believe that what we saw this past week in New York, is no more than an attempt to continue the de-moralizing of America, and will bring on us the wrath of God, because if God destroyed a city because of their sin of homosexuality, why would you think that America is immune from His judgement. Just because God has judged us, doesn't mean that He will not. America is treading on "thin ice."

Censorship By TBN?

Scripture tells us, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21(KJV)

Last week, Jack Van Impe decision to expose as "false teachers" several celebrity ministers it believes are corrupting biblical teachings has prompted a rift with Trinity Broadcasting Network, where it has broadcast for more than two decades.

This past week, in a statement when TBN would not allow his program to air, Van Impe said, "I Will Not Be Silenced! I will not allow anyone to tell me what I can and cannot preach."

The dispute arose over the issue of advocating for "Chrislam" and other efforts that are designed to find "common ground" between Christians and Muslims. TBN declined to air one of Van Impe's programs that contained sharp criticisms of leaders such as Rick Warren of "The Purpose Driven Life" fame and Robert Schuller.

In the program that was cut, which remains available on the Jack Van Impe Ministries website, the ministry launches its campaign regarding "apostate ministers."

In response to this rift, Van Impe explains that the Bible prophesies a one-world government and a one-world religion during the end times, and his concern over the past few week have been focused on the move among some Christian organizations to adopt Islamic thought and incorporate elements of Islam into their worship.

"Chrislam” is a term that is being used more often among apostate and those who classify themselves as emerging churches, in which Islamic and evangelical Christian leaders are working to find a way to promote "common beliefs the two religions supposedly share." Specifically cited were Warren and Schuller.  

in other reports, there are some Christian missionaries overseas who have eliminated 91 verses in God's Holy Word because they wanted to please Islam and the Muslims. Those references identify Jesus as the Son of God. and include moves by some Christian churches to remove clear Christian emblems such as crosses.

Other ministries have voiced criticism similar to Van Impe's, in which they make references to Warren, and Schuller, and to churches that change music to a contemporary rock style, eliminate hymnbooks and the choir, eliminate the Sunday evening or Wednesday prayer services, remove the word "church" and refer to it as a "campus," and reduce the use of the words "unsaved," "lost," "hell" and "heaven."

Joe Schimmel, senior pastor of Blessed Hope Chapel in Southern California and chief of the Good Fight Ministries, openly has questioned whether church leaders are affirming Allah.

Schimmel, who is best known for "They Sold Their Souls for Rock n Roll," which exposes satanic influences behind much of yesterday and today's popular music and how it negatively influences youth, suggested in a WND column, "Could it be that we are witnessing the formation of the prophesied one-world religion under the Antichrist? (Revelation 13:1-18) "

In the report in WND, he cited Brian McLaren of the emerging church movement, who planned for an Islamic Ramadan celebration. And he mentioned Warren's agreement to address the Islamic Society of North America, which "the Department of Justice categorized two years ago as a co-conspirator in financing a foreign terrorist group!"

Another church leader, Tony Campolo, a proponent of the so-called 'evangelical left', “claimed that 'even if' Muslims 'don't convert, they are God's people," 

Even more chilling is the fact that over 300 prominent Christian leaders signed a letter issued by the Yale Center for Faith and Culture claiming that world peace is dependent on Muslims and Christians recognizing 'Allah' and 'Yahweh' as the same God. This letter, titled 'Loving God and Neighbor Together,' was written in response to a signed document by 138 Muslim leaders titled 'A Common Word Between Us and You.' McLaren, Warren, Robert Schuller and Bill Hybels were just several of the signatories to this outright betrayal of Christ!" 

This is not the first time that TBN has been in a riff with a broadcaster. It was in 2006 when Hal Lindsey, WND columnist and one of the world's most popular non-fiction authors, clashed with the network because TBN wanted him to soften his views on Muslims. Lindsey refused.

It should not come as a surprise to anyone that this is happening today. For the Child of God, and those who follow prophecy, the Scriptures admonish us to, “lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh”. It may be sooner than we think!

Will Revival Happen In America Part 2

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 

This verse was spoken to Solomon at the dedication of the Temple, but the impact has a lot to say to churches today. The very reason our country is in the shape it is is because of Christians not standing for what is right and letting a small group of people dictate to us what we can and cannot do.

if our churches or our nation is to survive, we will have to get back to "thus sayeth the Lord." We need REVIVAL!

This week, Texas Gov. Rick Perry's latest call for a day of prayer is being met by a chorus of boos from critics who say the potential presidential candidate is showing favoritism toward Christianity and violating the separation of church and state.

Perry has ordered a day of prayer and fasting on Aug. 6 to "seek God's guidance and wisdom in addressing the challenges that face our communities, states and nation." It is part of what is being described as a non-denominational, apolitical, Christian prayer meeting hosted by the American Family Association at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

Perry will participate in the all-day event that encourages people to bring a Bible and a notebook. Perry has invited every governor in the country to attend, and he is urging them to issue similar proclamations.

It would be nice if we had him as our president. We need to pray for our government that they will turn from their wicked ways and back to God.

God's Chosen People

In speaking of the nation of Israel, Deuteronomy 7:7-9 tells us, “The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your forefathers that He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.”

God chose the nation of Israel to be the people through whom Jesus Christ would be born—the Savior from sin and death (John 3:16). God first promised the Messiah after Adam and Eve’s fall into sin (Genesis chapter 3). God later confirmed that the Messiah would come from the line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:1-3). Jesus Christ is the ultimate reason why God chose Israel to be His special people. God did not need to have a chosen people, but He decided to do it that way. Jesus had to come from some nation of people, and God chose Israel.

However, God’s reason for choosing the nation of Israel was not solely for the purpose of producing the Messiah. God’s desire for Israel was that they would go and teach others about Him. Israel was to be a nation of priests, prophets, and missionaries to the world. God’s intent was for Israel to be a distinct people, a nation who pointed others towards God and His promised provision of a Redeemer, Messiah, and Savior. For the most part, Israel failed in this task. However, God’s ultimate purpose for Israel—that of bringing the Messiah into the world—was fulfilled perfectly in the Person of Jesus Christ.