"LET US RISE UP AND BUILD"

"Then said I unto them, Ye see the evil case that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.  And I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me, as also of the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work."  

Nehemiah 2:17-28

As I read through the pages of the Book of Nehemiah, I cannot help but be encouraged by this awe-inspiring man of God.  I find so much pleasure in reading this amazing book.  Nehemiah inspires me because of his outstanding leadership skills in accomplishing an enormous task in such a short amount of time.  Through God using him as His instrument of glory, Nehemiah makes Jerusalem a much better and different place.  The walls were finished in only 52 days! 

Before I get into my focus subject or study, I want to start with a brief background of who Nehemiah was.  We will also need to learn about Artaxerxes I and the Persian Empire, the Babylonian and Assyrian Empires, the three deportations of the Jews by the Babylonians from Jerusalem to Babylon as well as the return from Babylon to Jerusalem, the rebuilding of the Temple and the restoration of the walls of the city of Jerusalem that were burned by fire.

In 721-722 BC, according to Assyrian documents, Sargon II captured Samaria, the capital of Israel. He deported around 28,000 surviving Israelites who composed the ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.  He rebuilt Samaria, making it one of the 70 Assyrian provinces.  Afterward, he moved Assyrians into Samaria to occupy it.  Some Israelites remained in the city, making it possible for both groups to merge.  These became the Samaritans that the Jews rejected politically and religiously in the days of Christ.  We read of the beginnings of this conflict in Ezra 4:1-5.  When some of the Jews returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity, the Jews refused to let the Samaritans take part in the rebuilding of the Temple.  The Samaritans harassed them, Nehemiah 4:2.  Four centuries later, Jesus reached out to the Samaritans, confronting the prejudice that had grown very strong in their day.  Jesus demanded that all such prejudices be removed in the Gospel, John 4.  

In 626 BC, 96 years later, Babylon rebelled against the Assyrian Empire and fell into chaos. Sixteen years later, in 612 BC, the Babylonians removed the Assyrian capital of Nineveh.  Thus, the city capital of Nineveh was destroyed some 150 years after Jonah had cried out against them around 762 BC.   In 605 BC, seven years later, the Babylonians defeated the Egyptian armies at Carchemish, and as a result of this, they placed themselves as the only world empire.  After this victory, the Babylonians focused on attacking the kingdom of Judah but failed to defeat it.  The Babylonians succeeded where the Assyrians had failed.  Jeremiah, the prophet, had foretold of their captivity for a period of 70 years.  In 606 BC, Daniel and some other captives were taken to Babylon. In 597 BC, Ezekiel and some more prisoners were taken to Babylon.  In 586 BC, the city of Jerusalem is destroyed by fire.  In 539 BC, the Babylonian Empire fell to the Medes and the Persians. And just as there had been three deportations of the Jews, there would also be three returns from Babylon to Jerusalem.  In 536 BC, the Jews rebuilt the Temple led by Zerubbabel. In 456 BC, under the leadership of Ezra, the Law was restored.  In 444 BC, they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, led by Nehemiah.

Let us turn back the pages of time to the Book of Nehemiah and focus on this remarkable man of God. Nehemiah was a contemporary of Ezra and the cupbearer to Artaxerxes I, who ruled Persia from 464-423 BC.  Artaxerxes I is best known for his role in allowing the return of the exiled Jews. Nehemiah led the third and last return of the exiles to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity.  The Persian Empire had adopted exiles from many of Babylon's conquered realms.  Their attitude toward the Jews differed in that they allowed the Jews of Judah to return home and rebuild the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem.  Artaxerxes I appears many times in both the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.  After Ezra, Nehemiah, and Artaxerxes, the Bible becomes silent for four hundred years.  The books of Ezra and Nehemiah appear as one in the Hebrew Bibles.  Together they tell the story of the return of Judah's exiles, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the restoration of Jerusalem's city walls.  Ezra and Nehemiah's accounts extend through the reigns of four Persian kings:  Cyrus the Great, Darius I, Xerxes (Esther’s husband Ahasuerus), and Artaxerxes I.  

When Ezra went back to Jerusalem along with thousands of Jews, Nehemiah stayed behind.   While serving as a cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes, he got word from Jerusalem that the city was having trouble with its neighbors.  One reason for this was that the old wall around the city had been destroyed years before and was never rebuilt.  The city's gates had been burned, and the stones were in ruins.  The city was in rubble.  The walls served as protection from their enemies and intruders.  

When Nehemiah heard the bad news, his spirit fell into sorrow so that even King Artaxerxes noticed it and wanted to help him.  Nehemiah was a wise and godly man.  After a silent prayer, he opened up to Artaxerxes and revealed what grieved him.   He shared with his king the problems his people had back in Jerusalem.  Moreover, he asked the king for a 12-year leave of absence! Even though he was not a wall builder, he trusted his Jehovah God and allowed Him to lead him into accomplishing this enormous task. 

Remember that Artaxerxes had already sent Ezra off with his generous blessing.  Now, 12 years later, he agrees to allow Nehemiah to go too.  He sends Nehemiah with letters of authority and abundant supplies that will enable him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.  As we read the Book of Nehemiah, we find out it took hard work to accomplish.  The Jews had many enemies, such as the Samaritans.   It is undeniable that Nehemiah had a challenge on his hands:  "Then said I unto them, Ye see the evil case that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach"  (Nehemiah 2:17-18).   And what was the response of the people?    "Let us rise up and build."   This two-verse text really captures my attention!  They were determined to go into action:   "So they strengthened their hands for the good work."  What an awe-inspiring story of trusting our LORD to do His work regardless of circumstances or opposition!

The enemies were looking for ways to stop their progress.  In addition, they had other obstacles, such as all the rubbish and debris in the way, making it hard to rebuild.  It is a fact that Satan always opposes the progress of the LORD'S work.  Satan opposed Nehemiah externally as well as internally.   Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem did everything in their power to stop the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem.  Their opposition was severe!  Consider the following obstacles and oppositions they found in their way:

• Ridicule:  "They mocked us and despised us." (2:19).
• Anger:  "Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and very angry and mocked the Jews."  (4:1)
• Criticism:  "What are these feeble Jews doing? Are they going to restore it for themselves? Can they offer sacrifices? Can they finish in a day? Can they revive the stones from the dusty rubble even the burned ones?”  (4:2)
• Mockery:  "Even what they are building—if a fox should jump on it, he would break their stone wall down!"  (4:3)
• Threat of all-out-war:  "All of them conspired together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause a disturbance in it."  (4:8)
• Compromise:  "Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me."  (6:2)
• Lying:  "It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel; therefore you are rebuilding the wall. And you are to be their king, according to these reports."  (6:6)

Notice that Nehemiah did not succumb or surrender to any of these attacks. Indeed, Satan opposed Nehemiah the same way he does us.  Notice how Satan worked on Nehemiah internally:

• Discouragement:  "And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish."  (4:10)
• Wanting to quit and be defeated:  "So that we are not able to build the wall"  (4:10)
• Greed:  "Then there arose a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews"  (5:1).   "There were others who said, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards and our houses that we might get grain because of the famine”  (5:3).   "Now our flesh is like the flesh of our brothers, our children like their children. Yet behold, we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters are forced into bondage already, and we are helpless because our fields and vineyards belong to others”  (5:5)
• Finally, through Cowardice:   "Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you, and they are coming to kill you at night."  (6:10)

Despite all of this, it is remarkable that they could rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in just 52 days in 454 BC.  The work was completed (6:15), and the enemies of God were defeated (6:16).  

"When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God."

Nehemiah did an incredible job of delegating the task he was charged with.  Because of his tremendous leadership, a census was taken, the guards were put in place, the walls were dedicated, and most importantly, the Word of God, the Law, was restored to His people.  The Book of the Law was read publicly.  The host for this big event was none other than Ezra, a devout scribe.

The Jews listened and acknowledged God's actions to preserve them as a nation.  They celebrated what was called the "Feast of Tabernacles."  Part of the Jewish celebration was to build small booths out of large palm trees to remember their wandering days in the desert.  In Hebrew, a booth is a sukkot.  At the dedication, "they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar"  Nehemiah 12:43.  I cannot help but get emotional when I read these words.  I wish I could have heard them shouting with great joy!

By the way, Nehemiah kept his promise to King Artaxerxes and returned to Persia after 12 years to serve in the king's palace. What an excellent leave of absence Nehemiah experienced!

The Bible mentions the building of many things.  Consider some of them:

1.  Cities:  Genesis 4:17

2.  Houses:  Genesis 33:17

3.  Walls:  Nehemiah 6:15

4.  Altars:  Deuteronomy 27:7

5.  Tabernacle:  Exodus 40

6.  Temple:  I Kings 6

7.  Fortifications:  Ezekiel 4:2

8.  Sheepholds:  Numbers 32:16

9.  Tombs:  Luke 7:2-5

10. Synagogues:  Luke 7:2-5

In the Word of God, we have many examples of men of faith who were relentless builders and always ready to say, "Let us rise up and build."  Consider some of these men:

1. Noah, who built the ark, Genesis 6
2. King Solomon, who built the Temple, II Chronicles 3
3. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who built His church, Matthew 16:18
4. Jesus passes on this obligation to Christians, Matthew 7:24-25
5. The apostle Paul was a master builder following the divine pattern preserved in God's revealed Word, I Corinthians 3:10

In Ecclesiastes 3:3, we read,

"A time to tear down and a time to build up."  

Today, the Lord's church faces difficult times where we must "rise up and build."  The house of God stands in bad repair today because worldliness and humanist philosophy have become a part of our lives.  Can the house be rebuilt as it should be?  Let us reflect on this thought!

How Shall we then Rise up and Build for God?  Consider the following:

I.  Let Us Rise Up and Build our Faith and a Strong Christian Character:

We have been introduced to the man Nehemiah.  He was a young Jewish man carried away by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.  Despite being a prisoner and exile, he rose to a trustworthy position in service to the king of a pagan and ungodly nation.  This speaks greatly about the man's integrity and wisdom, a man whose life radiated to those around him.  

In the Bible, we also read of other great men, such as Joseph, Moses, and Daniel, who excelled in the courts of foreign world powers.  By their examples, we are strengthened to be convicted as Christians and not compromise our faith.  We are called to be set apart from the world since we are not of this world.  The Word of God repeatedly instructs us not to be "of the world" (John 17:14-17; Romans 12:1-2; I Peter 2:11-17).  Their lives of faith, righteousness, and devotion to God are much-needed lessons for us today!  Despite all of Satan's wiles, they valiantly rejected what was sinful in God's eyes. For instance, Joseph repeatedly said "NO!" to the many sinful, immoral advances of his master's wife. Moses steadfastly said "NO!" to the sinful pleasures of this world.  Daniel purposefully said "NO!" to unfaithfulness toward His God.  And Nehemiah unyieldingly said "NO!" to compromise for the sake of peace and collaboration from the enemies.

Let us, therefore, learn from these great men of God to always say "NO!" to all forms of sin:  sinful words, thoughts, and deeds.  We must forcefully reject Satan's devices and temptations to surrender to unfruitful and sinful living.  Let us not neglect our God-given responsibilities and duties. We will be judged!

As those who profess to be followers of Christ, we must leave behind this world and its pleasures. This character is what sets us apart as true Christians.

• We must crucify our thoughts, our deeds, and our habits, Galatians 2:20 
• These must be nurtured and carefully formed in our daily walk with God with a positive attitude of heart, Philippians 4:13
• With a vigilant heart toward our habits, Proverbs 4:23 
• And finally, by a persistent addition of the excellencies of Christ, II Peter 1:5-8, 10  
• Let us be a good influence as children of God whose righteous character must be above reproach in the midst of a perverse and crooked generation, Philippians 2:14-15. 

II.   Let us Rise up and Build for the Cause of Christ:

As I carefully consider Nehemiah's character traits, I am amazed at his selfless love and devotion toward God and his nation.  Nehemiah was smitten with deep sorrow to the point of despair for his beloved Jerusalem and the terrible living conditions of his brethren, the remnant living in Jerusalem.  It is noteworthy that his grief leads him to a proper examination of self and the source of all unfailing help, our God.  He acknowledges sin as the cause of their unhappy state, Nehemiah 1:6. As Christians, we must reflect upon our own fleshly weaknesses and sins to make ourselves right with God.  The apostle Paul reflected on this in I Corinthians 9:25-27, 

"Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."  

Our Lord Jesus taught the same idea in the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, Luke 18:9-14. Let us purpose in our hearts to be "built" in Christ by obeying Him, not allowing sin to harden us, and thus render us unfruitful for God's purposes.  Jesus said in Matthew 7:24-27, 

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.  Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall."

Let us also take to heart the Lord's exhortation to holy living, as stated in II Timothy 2:19-21.  

"Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.'  Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.  Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work."'

It is tragic and lamentable that the Lord's church, which He purchased with His blood, is in decline today.

• Can we simply blame it on circumstances?  
• Can we just accept it with resignation?  
• Are we to rest in blissful ease while the enemy is busy sowing tares among us, Matthew 13:24-30?  
• Are we aware that the church is facing a serious problem and is in danger of collapsing?  

So often, we talk too much and do nothing!  Nehemiah tells us that they finished rebuilding the walls in only 52 days.  How was this possible?  Because everyone was working!  They were able to accomplish this progress because of their mutual cooperation.  Their whole purpose was directed to the glory of God.  They were resolved to overcome every hindrance that might stand in their way—hindrances such as problems, laziness, and apathy.  So often, we forget that the need of the hour is ACTION against the enemy.

Many Christians respond by saying, 

"Jesus said the way that leads to life is narrow, and only a few will find it." 

It is indeed a true statement, Matthew 7:13-14.  Are we even trying to proclaim the good news of salvation?  Are we leading the lost to where the gate can be found?  Remember that in Nehemiah 2:18, the people decided to do the work.  If the church is to grow and be fruitful, it is the church's duty and responsibility to do the work God has charged her with.  Paul said of the Thessalonians,

"For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything."   I Thessalonians 1:8

Let these words sink deep into your hearts!

Undoubtedly, action is required to help the church, the kingdom of Christ, grow.  This demands devotion, obedience, and personal growth in Bible knowledge and character.  Let us learn from Nehemiah, where everyone was working!  What would have happened if the people had said, "Let Nehemiah and the priests do the work.  We have busy and complicated lives already."  "Let someone else do the work?"  This is why many churches are dying in faith and numbers today.   The people in Nehemiah's days worked together in unity.  Nothing is more pleasant than doing the Lord's work together and harmoniously with other Christians of the same precious faith!

Therefore,

• Let us be united in heart and spirit and contend for purity of doctrine, II Timothy 1:13.  This we must do to ensure our personal and hearers' salvation.
• Let us watch and guard for one another so that we may see that the wall of Truth is never broken down and the church's spiritual welfare is lovingly protected against false teachers.  
• Let us not be partakers with them in their evil deeds since God will judge and reject us, Jude 3-4;  II John 9-11.  

Let us heed the warning of our Lord Jesus in Matthew 7:15 and II Timothy 4:1-5.

"15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves."

"I charge thee in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:  2 preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.  5 But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry."

Let us revive our spirit as Christians in the same way Nehemiah 8 describes how Judah turned their heart toward God.  We can still benefit from the characteristics that made these people distinctive.  Consider them:

1. The people were attentive and focused on the Law of God:  Nehemiah 8:3
2. The people stood and showed reverence toward the Truth:  Nehemiah 8:5
3. The people cried, "Amen."  They were in agreement with the Truth:  Nehemiah 8:6
4. The people bowed in humility before God:  Nehemiah 8:6
5. The people worshiped and revered God:  Nehemiah 8:6
6. The people wept and were joyful:  Nehemiah 8:9
7. The people listened daily with consistent devotion:  Nehemiah 8:18

Similarly, we must be zealous in building the Lord's church with purity, keeping it strong by rising up against Satan and all his agents of wickedness.  

"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand."  Ephesians 6:12-15

III.  Let us Rise up and Build Better Homes:

As children of God, we must maintain the kind of homes God intends for us to have on this earth.  The family unit is the first divine institution ordained by God.  It is as ancient as time and revered as an expression of God's headship over all His creation.  God placed the first male and female humans in the Garden of Eden.  Likewise, He provided companionship in one for the other.  This reflects the perfect unity of the Godhead and the divine design for the family, reflecting God's wisdom and providential care for the crowning glory of His creation.

The world desperately needs homes where God is recognized as the Head, His Word as the only guiding light, and His glory as the sole motivating power.  Apart from these Biblical principles to govern the home, our homes and family system are in danger of collapsing altogether.  This leads us to a blatant ignorance of authority, flourishing in decadent societies.  God calls for faithful parents to guide, nurture, and train their children in His way as His perfect arrangement, Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; I Timothy 5:14.  The godly home is our last line of defense against the ills that overtake the world.  It is commonly said, "As goes the home, so goes the church and the nation." 

"Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it."  Proverbs 22:6

"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord."  Ephesians 6:4

IV.  Let us Rise up and Build a Consciousness of Christ and His Cross:

There is no doubt that this world is drowning in abject hopelessness because of sin's deadly and dangerous consequences.  The truth is that outside of Christ, there is NO salvation.  The Bible, the Word of God, is crystal clear in teaching these facts, Romans 3:23; 6:23; John 8:24.  The ugliness of all this is that SIN separates man from God.  He is deeply contaminated and corrupted by sin,

"Behold, Jehovah's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:  2 but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, so that he will not hear."  Isaiah 59:1-2.  

"For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God."  Romans 3:23

"I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins."  John 8:24

Therefore, all Christians must rise and build a keen awareness of Christ and His cross to those wallowing in the depths of sin.  In a few words, our duty as Christians is to proclaim the Gospel, the good tidings, to all sinners.  It is not an option; it is a command!  Let us purpose in our hearts to continue teaching others the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ and save souls.  Let the words of  Mark 16:15-16 sink deep into your hearts.  Let us get busy doing the Lord's work!  

"5 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.  16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned."

Evangelism must never stop while we are building and laboring intensely in the kingdom of Christ. Are you aware that another lost soul dies every ten seconds without the hope of salvation?  They are dying lost and without Christ. It breaks my heart!  

My brethren, let us awaken from our slumber, rise up and save souls NOW, teaching sinners the Gospel of Christ and the hope of eternal life.

• Do you not know that the WORD of God is the answer to man's problem, SIN, Romans 5:6-8; John 3:16?  
• Have you forgotten, men of God, that GRACE must be extended, without respect of persons, to those of every nation, race, etc.?  
• Do you not know that we who profess Christianity must teach the fear of the LORD and His righteousness?  
• Are you conscious that all Christians have the obligation on their shoulders of the Great Commission wherever we may go, Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16?  
• Have you, Christian, forgotten so quickly that the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the POWER of God to SAVE souls contaminated by sin, Romans 1:16-17?  
• How did the Christians in the first century, using only weary feet and leaky boats, preach the Gospel to the whole world in just three decades?
• What are you, Christian, waiting for?  RISE UP and BUILD souls upon the safe and sure foundation of the glorious Gospel of Christ!

CONCLUSION:

As we bring this lesson to a close, we must be aware that to "rise up and build" is crucial to God's people for developing a strong and resilient character.  Let us rise up and be devoted to God and His business like Nehemiah, Joseph, Moses, and many men like them did.  Men who, despite all of Satan´s wiles, walked faithfully in all righteousness and devotion to God.  These are much needed lessons for us today!  Despite all of Satan's wiles, they valiantly rejected what was sinful in God's eyes.  Let us, therefore, learn from these excellent men of God to always say "NO!" to all forms of sin: sinful words, thoughts, and deeds.  We must forcefully reject Satan's devices and temptations to surrender to unfruitful and sinful living.  Let us not neglect our God-given responsibilities and duties. Let us leave behind this world and its pleasures and crucify our flesh.  

Therefore, let us be busily involved in building the cause of Christ with a humble spirit as we fulfill this as our foundational purpose in life.

• Let us rise up and continue to build our FAITH and CHARACTER: Hebrews 11:6; Ephesians 4:5; Romans 10:17; Romans 1:17; Romans 4:12; Matthew 21:22; Ephesians 6:16; I John 2:13-17; I Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 11:13; I Corinthians 16:13; Acts 14:22; Romans 4:20-24; 2 Corinthians 8:7; I Timothy 1:19; Luke 17:5; 2 Timothy 1:12.  Let us make use of every proper and right avenue to build up our FAITH and CHARACTER!
• Let us also continue to build up good works.  Good works are vital to our service to God.  We are rewarded by our good and righteous works, I Corinthians 3:13-15.  We were created for good works, Ephesians 2:10.  Finally, we are equipped with the Word of God for good works, 2 Timothy 3:17.  Let us work the works of Him!
• Let us rise up and build our brotherly love: Hebrews 13:1.  Brotherly love is a crucial and essential part of the family of God.  Therefore, let us love one another, I John 13:34-35; Romans 12:10.  Let us serve one another in love, Galatians 5:13.  Let us build up and edify one another, I Corinthians 8:1.  Let us not forget that building is vital while we walk here on earth.
• Let us also rise up and continue to build our unity.
• Being of the same mind and judgment, I Corinthians 1:10
• Dwelling in unity, Psalm 133:1
• Living in peace, Romans 12:16.  We must not let the massive attacks from without interrupt our unity.
• Again, let us rise up and build faithful attendance: Hebrews 10:24-25. 
• Let us rise up and continue teaching others Christ and His cross, the hope of salvation:  Mark 16:15-16; Romans 1:16-17.
• Finally, let us rise up and build better homes to the glory of God:  Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; I Timothy 5:14.

May we continue to rise up and build for His glory.  May we never find any excuse for not doing more than we are supposed to be doing.  May we never give up but continue rising up and building to further the glorious Gospel of Christ.  May we continue our work to its completion! And when our work is finished, may it be known and perceived as a work done by our Father in heaven.

Luci

P.S. By now, you all know that I like to finish my writings with a song of exhortation, so I leave you with the words of this beautiful song.

Arise and Build

1. The Lord has laid the firm foundation,

   And He has given us the goal

   To bring the Light to every nation,

   To share the Hope with every soul.

   The One who calls is our Provider;

   We do not join this task alone,

   For He who brings each new beginning

   Will give us strength to see it done.

(Chorus):

   So reach out to the hand that is beside you.

   Together let us hold His banner high.

   That Christ may be exalted,

   His commission be fulfilled,

   Let us hearken* to the call:

   Arise and Build!

2. For Jesus Christ is our Foundation;

   In Him alone our plans are laid,

   To count ourselves among the faithful,

   To have God's holy Word obeyed.

   Now as we join this task together,

   We trust in Him to see us on.

   The gates of hell cannot withstand us:

   We shall prevail til we're done!

(Repeat Chorus, then repeat last chorus line)

PSALM 96 - THE LORD JEHOVAH REIGNS!

"Say among the nations, Jehovah reigneth: The world also is established that it cannot be moved: He will judge the peoples with equity.  Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; Let the field exult, and all that is therein; Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy before Jehovah; for he cometh, For he cometh to judge the earth: He will judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with his truth."  

Psalm 96:10-13

The study of Psalms takes me deeper into the revealed Word of God and a profound relationship with my Creator, which is vital for every Christian.  It opens up a well full of words and insight causing me to worship, pray, reflect, and put God's Word into action – It will not let me just study and learn.  As I study the Book of Psalms, I glow with deep peace and strength in the highest God.  I can reach out to God for guidance and more profound growth in my walk with Him.  I can praise the King of kings and Lord of lords, Who is worthy of all praise and honor.  The Psalms have become my friends and my companions when I need to find refuge and strength.  I find so much delight when I read and reflect on them since they speak out to me so powerfully.  They help me to grow in my heart and mind.  They guide me to my final destination, eternity with my Father and His Son.  I pray that you may find delight and comfort as you read these faith-filled words of the Psalms.

I chose Psalm 96 in my study because it is one of those Psalms that is near and dear to my heart since it praises our Creator and acknowledges His Lordship as the only righteous Judge of all the earth and heaven.  This Psalm portrays God's rule and government as King of His Kingdom.  This Psalm declares that our God is worthy of our praise and obedience.  Most importantly, He is worthy of our lives as a living sacrifice to Him.  As Jehovah of old, He reigns and judges the world and every creature.  Our God reigns!  Join me as we consider the sentiments of this beautiful Psalm afresh. 

Psalm 96 is a Psalm that declares the coming kingdom of God.  It displays the Messianic pinnacle of glory and the approaching revelation of salvation by Jesus Christ.  This Psalm declares the "good news" as glad tidings to sinners, providing salvation from sin and death as well as an entrance to the gates of heaven.  It is also a call to all nations through God's glorious gospel of His accession of Lordship over the whole earth.  Psalm 96:1 expresses the same thoughts found in Isaiah 42:10; 52:7; 60:6; 66:19, and Psalm 96:3.

Consider the following exegesis of this beautiful and majestic Psalm that expresses salvation in a higher sense - salvation from sin and death.

I.  A Call to Worship and Bless Jehovah:  (verses 1-3)

"1 Oh sing unto Jehovah a new song: Sing unto Jehovah, all the earth.  2 Sing unto Jehovah, bless his name; Show forth his salvation from day to day.  3 Declare his glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples."

All the earth is called to sing a new song.  In Revelation 5:9; 14:3, we hear of a new song that proclaims victory and deliverance.  It acknowledges God as the Judge and King of all the earth's inhabitants and how they all must praise God for the victory He has brought them.  

• We are to sing to the LORD and bless His name.  
• We are to tell of His salvation to all men.  
• We are to declare His glory through His Gospel to a lost world dying of sin. 

God's acts are for our deliverance that they may assure us.  We have plenty of reasons to worship and praise our Jehovah God.  Just think of the gift of salvation, the forgiveness of our sins graciously granted to us as an act of deliverance from the bondage of sin.  God has blessed us beyond measure. Therefore, we must declare His glory to all men.  Our God is worthy of perpetual praise since He has extended salvation to us.  Worship includes the proclamation of our God.  It is not just a private thing between us and God.

II.  The Purpose for Worship:   (verses 4-6)

"4 For great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.  5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols; But Jehovah made the heavens.  6 Honor and majesty are before him: Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary."

Consider the reasons for singing praises and blessings to our LORD:

• Because He is great and most worthy of praise.   Therefore, He must be greatly praised and feared in our hearts and mind.  We are grasshoppers (Isaiah 40:22).  To do otherwise is to be immensely ignorant and irrational.  His creation helps us to remain in awe of His greatness and the evidence of His royal and glorious presence.  Our God is glorious because He is our King and Creator!

When the apostle Paul went to Athens, he saw all the idol-worshipping and an altar that was subscribed "to the unknown god."  To them, one god was just as real as any other god.  In their ignorance, they had created gods to meet their needs, wants, and desires.

Paul told the Romans that they worshiped the creature rather than their Creator.  They attributed power to their gods because they could see the sun, moon, and stars.  They also made images of birds, beasts, men, and women to worship them as gods.

Today, we live in a culture that does not necessarily worship physical idols but worships other gods in many different ways.  Their idols or gods are wealth, pleasure, and even mankind.  They do not acknowledge that they are still idols and false gods.  Any god that is not our true Creator, Who made the heavens and the earth, is false and leads to the soul's destruction.

The God we read of in this beautiful Psalm is the God that the apostle Paul described to the Athenians.  He is the God of the Bible.  He is the Only True God.  The One who made us and gave us this universe to live.  He is the God, Who provides for and sustains us, giving us the ability to think, reason, and remember.  He is the God, Who allows us to choose what is right and wrong to serve Him and praise Him.

This same God of the earth and universe before Whom we will one day bow down.  We will bow before Him and His Son, our Lord and Savior.  Likewise, every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord and King.

III.  The Substance of our Worship:  (verses 7-9)

"7 Ascribe unto Jehovah, ye kindreds of the peoples, Ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength.  8 Ascribe unto Jehovah the glory due unto his name: Bring an offering, and come into his courts.  9 Oh worship Jehovah in holy array: Tremble before him, all the earth."

Verses 7-9 tell us what we must do to worship our LORD.  We are called to ascribe to the LORD or attribute to Him the glory and strength that is His.  We are to recognize His power, glory, and greatness and praise Him, giving Him the glory due to His name for all these attributes:  His name, reputation, and very character. We are to bring God our lives as an offering of living sacrifices and worship Him in the splendor of His holiness.  Therefore, we must come to Him trembling as we honor His greatness. The Psalmist gives us a beautiful picture of a heart of worship. To ascribe to God glory and strength is suitable for Who He is.

IV.  The Coming of the Judge, the King:  (verses 10-13)

"10 Say among the nations, Jehovah reigneth: The world also is established that it cannot be moved: He will judge the peoples with equity.  11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; 12 Let the field exult, and all that is therein; Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy 13 Before Jehovah; for he cometh, For he cometh to judge the earth: He will judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with his truth"

In verses 10-13, we see an exhortation to teach the world about the glory and rule of God, His Kingdom.  One of the most vital parts of our worship to God is to proclaim to the world that the LORD reigns.  We must proclaim Him and His glory to all unbelievers through the glorious Gospel of His Son.  Evangelism is not an option.  It is a command connected with the remarkable reality of Who God really is.  God has created and established the heavens and the earth.  We cannot afford to be silent about our faith and expect to worship Him adequately. Why?  Because the LORD reigns and is the Judge!  He will judge the earth as a righteous Judge in the sense of "govern, rule, exercise of government."  When both John and Jesus declared that "the kingdom of God is at hand,"  they were proclaiming that the reign of God had come in the Messiah Himself.  (Mark 1:15; Matthew 3:2; 4:17; 10:7). In Jesus our Lord, "our God reigns!"  

"And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunders, saying, Hallelujah: for the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigneth."  Revelation 19:6

"7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"  Isaiah 52:7

Praise the LORD, for His King has come to His kingdom in all righteousness and faithfulness!  All the creation is called to rejoice and worship the Lord of lords and King of kings.  Everyone is to exalt Jehovah God before His Son.  Notice that the Psalmist portrays the coming of the Judge as something to anticipate.  The Psalmist is looking forward to the coming of the Lord.  Therefore, the whole earth is to rejoice at His coming.  The Psalmist declares in the most joyous and distinct words that Jehovah is King.  He is worthy of all praise, our obedience, and our lives.  Let us praise God that He will judge in righteousness of mercy and in the faithfulness of His promises when everything will be put back to right and justice will prevail.  Our Jehovah God reigns!  Have you allowed Him to reign in your life and the lives of others?

CONCLUSION:

God is God no matter what the world thinks around us.  He is still God!  Even though this world's "greatest minds" may deny His existence, it does not change the truth of His majesty and power. God spoke, and the world came into existence from nothing.  It is an actual fact that God did not make the world. He created it.  That is the God we serve!

Satan, the prince of this world, has deceived many into believing that our God is like man because they serve gods made after the image of mankind.  The Truth is that mankind is made in the image of his God and must seek Him and become like Him in His righteousness.  The true God of the Bible is majestic in power, controlled by His great love and lovingkindness shown to us through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Our Lord Jesus judged the world by His perfect life.  Likewise, He judged the world again when He sacrificed Himself for the sins of a condemned world.  He judges and rules even still by His righteous Gospel.  He would judge us by the same words at the end of time.

May our LORD give us wisdom to teach this dying and sick-sin world His Truth, the good news of the glorious Gospel of His Son, and be able to boldly present it to sinners so that they might be saved from the judgment to come against those who practice lawlessness and do not repent.

"And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. But do you suppose this...  Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?  But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each person according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God."  Romans 2:2-11

Luci

P.S. I want to leave you with the beautiful words of this song:

THE LORD JEHOVAH REIGNS

The Lord Jehovah reigns; His throne is built on high.

The garments He assumes are light and majesty.

His glories shine

With beams so bright no mortal eye

Can bear the sight.

The thunders of His hand keep the wide world in awe;

His wrath and justice stand to guard His holy law.

And where His love

Resolves to bless His truth confirms

And seals the grace.

Through all His mighty works surprising wisdom shines—

Confounds the powers of hell, and breaks their cursed designs.

Strong is His arm,

And shall fulfill His great decrees,

His sovereign will.

And will this mighty King of glory condescend,

And will He write His Name: My Father and my Friend?

I love His Name;

I love His Word. Join, all my powers,

And praise the Lord!

HOMOSEXUALITY: PART TWO - THE BIBLICAL ETHIC

"God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.  God blessed them; and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it."'

Genesis 1:27-28

THE BIBLICAL ETHIC ON HOMOSEXUALITY

Christianity sustains that absolute ethics exist and are centered upon the nature of God, His righteousness, and specifically on the absolute moral standard of a Creator, God.  This ethical view banishes the untrustworthiness of cultural relativism.  It implies that God exists and has revealed absolute standards, Truths.  It affirms that these divine standards are compatible with the Creator and His creation; they are true and perfect.  Such ethics are timeless and are for man's own good. They come from a higher Authority, One that is higher than man and Who was revealed in Jesus as well as in the inspired Word of God.

According to His divine and revealed Word, God's foremost intent for gender when He created man and woman was expressed when He instructed them to "multiply."  Genesis 1:27-28.  In order to multiply, they would have to be male and female.  Moreover, everything that God created "was good." Therefore, the innate, inborn, state was for male and female to procreate.  The concept of two males simply was not in God's original design since two males cannot procreate.  Same-sex couplings were not in God's divine plan of creation.

I would like to approach some of the gay arguments from a Bible point of view, providing concise answers to them.  I will be reviewing each Scriptural text that is relevant to the issue homosexual practices, establish the traditional view of the text, quote each of the pro-gay arguments in opposition to each view and provide a response to each.

I.  Creation/God's Created Intent:   (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18-24)

"7 And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.  28 And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."  Genesis 1:27-28

"And Jehovah God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him." ... And the man said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.  24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."  Genesis 2:18-24

Traditional View

God's main intent for human sexual relationships is restricted to only heterosexual union between a man and a woman in marriage.

Pro-Gay Argument

The Genesis account does not forbid homosexuality.  Simply, because it does not refer to it for obvious reasons.  A gay couple can barely begin the population process. These verses cannot be seen as a model for all couples.  Many heterosexual couples are childless or unable to have sexual relations (physical union).  Are they in sin because they do not conform to the Genesis account?

Response One

While it is true that this text does not "forbid" homosexual relations (physical union), yet it provides the fundamental model for sexuality, sexual orientation, by which other forms of sexual expression must be judged.  

The book of origins, Genesis, provides a foundation for Biblical commands and for ensuing reflection on the part of those who wish to build a sexual ethic to meet changing situations. It is suitable for us to explore the relevance of Biblical commands about marriage and to judge modern homosexuality in light of Genesis.

The crux of Christian morality is that God made sexual union for a purpose, with a special design.  His main intent or design was to unite man (husband) and woman (wife) into one flesh in marriage.  God uses physical union, full sexual intimacy, to join together, bond.

Response Two

The union, joining, of male and female, introduced in Genesis, is the only model of sexual behavior which was compatible and consistently praised in both the Old and New Testaments.  And although, other forms of behavior are introduced and even allowed in the Old Testament such as polygamy and the use of concubines, a monogamous relationship between husband and wife is still the standard approved in the Bible as the perfect one.  "God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve" seems irreverent and it is an equitable assessment of created intent.  Whereas heterosexuality is praised throughout the Bible and not once are homosexual relationships mentioned as being praised but to the contrary, they are always presented in negative terms as an abomination.

II.  The Destruction of Sodom:  (Genesis 19:4-9)

"But before they (the angels visiting Lot to judge the wickedness of Sodom and determine whether or not to spare it) lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both young and old, all the people from every quarter; and they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men that came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. And Lot went out unto them to the door, and shut the door after him.  And he said, I pray you, my brethren, do not so wickedly.  Behold now, I have two daughters that have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing, forasmuch as they are come under the shadow of my roof.  And they said, Stand back. And they said, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and drew near to break the door." 

Traditional Position

The men of Sodom wanted to have homosexual contact with Lot's visitors.  Sodom was eventually destroyed for its great wickedness.

Pro-Gay Argument One

Sodom was destroyed because of lack of hospitality toward its citizens, not because of homosexuality.  Both John Boswell and Michael Bailey support this view based on two assumptions:

1. Lot was violating Sodom’s custom by entertaining guests without the authorization of the city's elders, thus prompting the demand to bring the men out "so we may know them;"  and 
2. The words, "to know" do not necessarily mean having a sexual implication.  The Hebrew word "yada" appears 943 times in the Old Testament.  It conveys a sexual meaning perhaps ten of those 943 times.  Therefore, the argument is that the men of Sodom had no sexual intentions toward Lot's visitors.

Response

This argument is absolutely absurd and makes no sense at all in view of Lot's responses.  His first response was, "I pray you, my brethren, do not so wickedly."  It could barely apply to a simple request to "get to know" his guests.  Lot's second response is mainly instructing them:   He answered their demands by offering his two virgin daughters.  This proves that they did not just want a social knowledge of his guests.  The question is:  If these men only had innocent intentions, why was the city destroyed for inhospitality?  Whose discourtesy was being judged, Lot's or Sodom's citizens?

This theory raises more questions than answers.  While some might be correct in pointing out the seriousness of inhospitality in Bible times, inhospitality alone cannot be considered because of the severity of Lot's response to these men or for the judgment that soon followed.

Pro-Gay Argument Two

Sodom was destroyed for attempted rape, not homosexuality.  This is a more common argument; it is proposed by others, and it is far more credible, reasonable, than the "inhospitality" theory.

"Violence, forcing sexual activity upon another, is the real point of this story."  Therefore, homosexuality had nothing to do with Sodom's destruction.  Had the attempted rape been heterosexual in nature, judgment would have come just the same.  Violence, not homosexuality, was being punished when Sodom fell.

Response

This argument is relatively true since the men of Sodom were certainly suggesting or proposing rape. But what is obvious is that for such an occurrence to include "all the men of the city, both young and old," homosexuality must have been a common practice.  Thomas Schmidt's cited evidence in early writings connecting Sodom with more general homosexual practices states:

"The second-century BC Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs labels the Sodomites "sexually promiscuous" (Testimony of Benjamin 9:1) and refers to "Sodom, which departed from the order of nature" (Testament of Nephtali 3:4).  From the same time period, Jubilees specifies that the Sodomites were "polluting themselves and fornicating in their flesh" (16:5, compare 20:5-6).  Both Philo and Josephus plainly name same-sex relations as the characteristic view of Sodom."

Pro-Gay Argument Three

According to Ezekiel 16:49, the real sins of Sodom were "pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness... neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy."  These sins have nothing to do with homosexuality.

Response

Again, this argument is relatively true.  Why?  Because when Sodom was destroyed, homosexuality was only a part, or symptom of its wickedness.  Romans 1, gives us a similar illustration, describing the predominant corrupt condition of humanity, while citing homosexuality as a symptom of such corruption or lawlessness.  Ezekiel also speaks of the Sodomites saying, "Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them when I saw it."  Ezekiel 16:50.  The sexual nature of these "abominatioins" is indicated in 2 Peter 2:6-7:  "And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, having made them an example unto those that should live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, sore distressed by the lascivious life of the wicked."

In Jude 7 we find another similar text that reads, "Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire."

The pro-gay interpretation of Sodom's destruction has some merit:  Homosexual rape was attempted and the Sodomites were surely guilty of sins other than homosexuality. BUT in view of the number of men willing to take part in the rape, and the many other sources of reference both Biblical and extra-Biblical in relation to Sodom's sexual sins, it is a confirmation or proof that homosexuality was widely practiced among the Sodomites.  Jude calls it unnatural or strange flesh.  It is also an evidence that the sin for which they were named was one of many reasons why judgment eventually fell on them.

III.   The Levitical Law:   (Leviticus 18:22; Leviticus 20:13)

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

"And if a man lie with mankind, as with womankind, both of them have committed abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."  Leviticus 20:13

Traditional Position

The Levitical Law prohibited all homosexual acts.  Under Levitical Law, homosexuality was one of many abominable practices that were worthy of being punished by death.

Pro-Gay Argument One

The practices mentioned in these chapters of Leviticus have to do with idolatry, not with homosexuality.  The Hebrew word for "abomination," according to Boswell, has less to do with something intrinsically evil and more to do with ritual uncleanness.  The Metropolitan Community Church's pamphlet, "Homosexuality:  Not a Sin, Not a Sickness," makes the same point:  The Hebrew word found in Leviticus for abomination "is usually associated with idolatry."

Pro-gay author Roger Biery agrees by associating the type of homosexuality forbidden in Leviticus with idolatrous practices.  Pro-gay authors refer to the heathen rituals of the Canaanites as rituals including both homosexual and heterosexual prostitution.  These are enough reasons God prohibited homosexuality among His people.  They contend that homosexuality itself was not the problem but rather its association with idolatry and the way it was practiced as a part of idol worship at times.  In other words, God was not prohibiting the kind of homosexuality we see practiced today.  He forbade the kind that incorporated idolatry.

Response One

Again, this argument is absurd.  The prohibitions in Leviticus 18 and 20 against homosexuality appear alongside other sexual sins such as adultery and incest which are forbidden in both the Old and New Testaments, entirely aside from the Levitical codes.  God's wrath and displeasure against these sinful sexual practices whether or not idolatry worship was involved is shown in Scriptural references, both before and after Leviticus.

Response Two

Despite the UFMCC's contention that the word "toevah" for abomination is usually linked to idolatry, it actually appears in Proverbs 6:16-19 in connection with sins that have nothing to do with idolatry or pagan ceremonies:

"There are six things which Jehovah hateth; Yea, seven which are an abomination (toevah) unto him:  Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood; a heart that deviseth wicked purposes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness that uttereth lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

Idolatry plays no part in these Scriptures.  Therefore, it is clear that "toevah" is not limited to idolatrous practices.

Response Three

Let's say that these practices in Leviticus 18 and 20 were condemned just because they were associated with idolatry, then it logically follows that they were permissible if they were committed apart from idolatry.   It means that incest, adultery, bestiality and child sacrifice (all of which are listed in these texts) are only condemned when they are associated with idolatry.  Otherwise, they are permissible.  There is NO way any serious student of the Bible could accept such a premise.

IV.   The Apostle Paul on "Natural" and "Unnatural:"   (Romans 1:26-32)

"For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature:  27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due."   And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unmerciful:  32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they that practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with them that practice them."

Traditional Position

Paul views homosexuality as a symptom of fallen humanity, describing it as unnatural and unseemly.

Pro-Gay Argument One

Paul is not describing true homosexuals; rather, he is referring to heterosexuals who, as he says, "changed their nature."  The real sin here is in changing what is natural to the individual.  John Boswell, professor of history at Yale is among those who differ with the classical interpretation.  In Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homesexuality he states:

"The persons Paul condemns are manifestly not homosexuals:  what he derogates are homosexual acts committed by apparently heterosexual persons.  The whole point of Romans 1, in fact, is to stigmatize persons who have rejected their calling, gotten off the true path they were once on."

Others agree saying, "What Paul seems to be emphasizing here is that persons who are heterosexual by nature have not only exchanged the true God for a false one but have also exchanged their ability to relate to the opposite sex by indulging in homosexual behavior that is not natural to them.  In short, Paul in Romans 1 describes heterosexuals who have deliberately committed homosexual acts, thus violating their true nature.  Homosexuality, if committed by true homosexuals, is not a sin."

Response

Paul at no time is speaking subjectively in this passage.  There is nothing in Paul's words that might indicate, suggest that he would even recognize such a thing as a "true" homosexual versus a "false" one.  He plainly describes homosexual behavior as "unnatural," no matter who it is committing it.  

His wording, in fact, is specific.  When Paul is referring to "men" and "woman" in these texts, he chooses the Greek words that most emphasize biology:  arsenes and theleias.  As a matter of fact, both words are seldom used in the New Testament.  When they do appear, they appear in verses with the purpose of emphasizing the gender of the subject, as in a male child (arsenes).  Hence, in this context, Paul is specifically saying that the homosexual behavior committed by these people was unnatural to them as males and females (arsenes and theleias).  Paul is not contemplating such a thing as sexual orientation as Boswell contends.  Paul is declaring, in a few words, that homosexuality is biologically unnatural; not just unnatural to heterosexuals, but unnatural to anyone.

Furthermore, the fact that these men were "burning in lust" for each other makes it extremely unlikely that they were heterosexuals experimenting with homosexuality.  The truth is that their behavior was born out of an intense inner desire, lust.  Those who claim that these men were heterosexuals that were indulging in homosexual behavior demand mental gymnastics.

In addition, if verses 26 and 27 condemn homosexual acts committed by people to whom such desires did not come naturally, they do not apply to people for whom those actions do come naturally.  Don't you think that consistency would compel us to also allow the practices mentioned in verses 29-30 such as fornication, backbiting, deceit and so forth, as long as the people who are committing them are people to whom such desires come naturally?  It is obvious that homosexuality is an example of God having delivered people over to the consequences of rebelling against Him.  Homosexuality is not the only sin listed in this text, but it is indeed highlighted.  To commit actions such as those of homosexuality is clearly opposite to God's plan or design at the nature level.  This distinctively declares rebellion.  It declares that God's very design and plan were wrong and inadequate.  

Pro-Gay Argument Two

This Scriptural text describes only those given over to idolatry, it is not talking about gay Christians who worship the true God.  Troy Perry states:

"The homosexual practices cited in Romans 1:24-27 were believed to result from idolatry and are associated with some very serious offenses as noted in Romans 1. Taken in this larger context, it should be obvious that such acts are significantly different than loving, responsible lesbian and gay relationships seen today."

Response

In Romans 1, we can clearly see idolatry playing a major role.  Paul begins this text by describing humanity's rebellion and man's choice to worship creation rather than the Creator, God.  The pro-gay theorists seize on this concept by attempting to prove that Paul's condemnation of homosexuality does not apply to him since he does not worship idols.  He is a Christian.  This is what they state:

"But," Schmidt cautions, "Paul is not suggesting that a person worships an idol and decides therefore to engage in same-sex relations.  Rather, he is suggesting that the general rebellion created the environment for the specific rebellion.  A person need not bow before a golden calf to participate in the general human denial of God or to express that denial through specific behaviors."

Good sense and sound judgment when examining this entire chapter bears this out.  In Romans 1, we find a number of sins mentioned other than homosexuality:

"Fornication,  unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unmerciful."  Romans 1:29-31.

This leads me to the following question:

• Is the interpretation applied to verses 26-27 also relevant to verses 29-30?  

Any logical, rational, integrity demands it.  Why?  Because, if verses 26-27 only apply to those who commit homosexual acts in association with idolatry, and for that reason homosexual acts are not sinful if not committed in connection with idolatry, then the same must apply to verses 29-30 as well. Consequently, we must accept that fornication, unrighteousness, covetousness, maliciousness, envy, strife, deceit and so forth, are also condemned by Paul just because they were committed by those involved in idolatry.  Are they then permissible?  Not at all!

This argument is, of course, absurd!  Homosexuality as well as these other sins are not just born of idol worship.  They are indicative of a sinful state, condition.  If we say for example that homosexuality is lawful, permissible as long as it is not the outcome of idol worship, then we must also have to say that these other sins are lawful, permissible as well, as long as they are not practiced as a result of idolatry.

V.   Paul and Arsekokoite:   (I Corinthians 6:9-11; I Timothy 1:9-10)

"Or 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 men, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God."  I Corinthians 6:9-11 

"Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine."  I Timothy 1:9-10 ESV.

Traditional Position

The phrase, "for them that defile themselves with mankind" (KJV), comes from the Greek word "arsenokoite," meaning "homosexual."  The ESV translation uses this word.  Paul states that homosexuality is wickedness  (lawlessness) and excludes or prohibits those who practice it from entering the kingdom of God.

Pro-Gay Argument

The term "aresnokoite" is a word invented by Paul.  In the Greek translation, this word never appeared until Paul used it in these Scriptural texts. There were other words, at the time, for "homosexual." Had Paul meant homosexuality, he would have used one of the other words already in existence.  Most probably, Paul was referring in this text to male prostitution, which was very common in those days.

Boswell indicates that the word is unusual to Paul, suggesting that Paul was not thinking of speaking of homosexuality when he used it.  Prostitution is Boswell's first choice.  If not that, he suggests that Paul was condemning general immorality.  Anyhow, the term, according to this argument, refers to some type of immoral man but not to a homosexual.

Response

Paul coined 179 terms in the New Testament.  Simply because they are “original,” the terms do not significantly change the context of the verses they appear in.  Nor is it extraordinary that Paul would have invented this one, considering that he obtained it directly from the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, the Septuagint:

"meta  arsenos ou koimethese kooiten gyniakos"  (Leviticus 18:22)

"hos an koimethe meta arsenos koiten gynaikos"  (Leviticus 20:13)

In a few words, when Paul used the term "arsenokoite," he derived it directly from the Levitical texts, in the Greek translation; forbidding homosexual behavior.  This meaning could not be much clearer than it is:  though the term is distinctive to Paul, it makes reference specifically to homosexual behavior.

As for the inference that the word can only be applied to male prostitution, an examination of the word indicates that it implies nothing of that kind.  "Arsane," as mentioned earlier, appears a few times in the New Testament and it appears always to refer to "male."  "Koite" appears only twice in the New Testament, meaning "bed" or "couch," and is used with a sexual connotation:

"Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering (koite) and wantonness, not in strife and envying."  Romans 13:13.

"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed (koite) undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."  Hebrews 13:4

Paul used the two words combined to put "male" and "bed" together in a sexual sense.  There is no indication of prostitution in the meaning of either of the words that are combined to make "arsekoite."

The pro-gay theology when examined carefully shows itself to be rooted and built on a very shaky, flawed and weak foundation.  It is a theology as Elodie Ballentine points out, "a theology of desperation."  Understanding its weaknesses and flaws is only part of our task.  Our main task is to learn how to compassionately but firmly, according to the Sacred Text, confront it; speaking the TRUTH in love.  It is our duty before our Creator!

Let us consider some of the pro-gay Scriptural arguments:

1.  Pro-Gay Advocate:  "Exactly which Scriptures do you think condemn homosexuality?"

Response:  "Well, Genesis, for example, makes God's intent for sexual relationships pretty clear when it describes the first couple, Adam and Eve."

2.  Pro-Gay Advocate:  "There is nothing about gays in those verses!"

Response:  "My point exactly.  The story of Adam and Eve does not say anything about homosexuality, only heterosexuality.  It gives a very clear picture--a standard--of God's intention for men and women.  It is the only standard upheld throughout the Bible.  And the story of Sodom, later in Genesis, makes a very strong statement"

3.  Pro-Gay Advocate:  "But not against homosexuality.  The men in Sodom were condemned for trying to rape Lot and his visitors."

Response:  "That, among other things.  But you've got to admit that homosexuality must have been practiced pretty commonly in Sodom, or all the men of the city wouldn't have tried to participate in the rape.  Besides, several other Scriptures refer to Sodom's sins as being sexual, as well as idolatrous and prideful.  Then, of course, there are the two Scriptures in Leviticus."

4.  Pro-Gay Advocate:  "But that's the Law.  Christians are not under the Law."

Response:  "No, thank God, we're not.  But the chapters that the Levitical prohibitions against homosexuality appear in also contain other sexual sins condemned in both the Old and New Testaments."

5.  Pro-Gay Advocate:  "But homosexuality was associated with idol worship back then.  That is why God condemned it."

Response:  "So if the other sins in those chapters--incest, for example, and adultery--weren't associated with idol worship, then they'd be okay too?"

6.  Pro-Gay Advocate:  "Of course not!"

Response:  "Then you can't have it both ways. Either all the sins in those chapters were condemned because of their association with idolatry, or none of them were.  The same is true of the first chapter of Romans.  Paul lists quite a few sins there--homosexuality included.  Of course, homosexuality is not the major sin of Romans 1, any more than it's the main sin in Leviticus.  But it's definitely there, condemned and forbidden."

7.  Pro-Gay Advocate:  "But the people Paul described in Romans 1 weren't gay.  That's why it was a sin!  God didn't want them changing their nature.  They were heterosexuals indulging in homosexuality.  What made it wrong was the fact that it wasn't natural to them.  Otherwise, it would have been fine."

Response:  "And what about gossips, adulterers, and backbiters in Romans 1?  Were they also people who weren't really gossips, adulterers, or backbiters?  It didn't come naturally them--that was the problem?  I don't think so.  Nothing in Scripture says a certain sexual behavior is a sin unless it somehow comes naturally to you but not the rest of us."

8.  Pro-Gay Advocate:  "But I don't think that Paul had any idea what it was like to be truly gay."

Response:  "Probably not, and I don't think it would have mattered one bit if he did.  It's the behavior he condemned, without even considering what factors might have led to it.  In the New Testament, in I Corinthians and 1 Timothy, he lists homosexuality as one of many other sins keeping people away from God."

9.  Pro-Gay Advocate:  "But the word he uses for 'homosexuals' in those Scriptures really means 'male prostitutes."'

Response:  "Where did you get that idea?"

10.  Pro-Gay Advocate:  "I read it.  A Yale historian did a careful word study on Paul, and that's what he found.  The word Paul used--the one we usually think of as meaning 'homosexual'--didn't mean homosexual at all."'

Response:  "Well, it certainly didn't mean 'prostitute.'  The word you're talking about is arsenokoite.  It is a Greek term Paul took directly from the Greek translation of the Old Testament.  In fact, it's from the Greek translation of the Leviticus verses which specifically refer to homosexuality.  Besides, if you look at the word itself--a compound of the Greek words arsane, meaning male, and koite, meaning bed or couch, you'll see there's nothing in the word even suggesting prostitution.  It's sex between men, not sex for money, that Paul is writing against."

11.  Pro-Gay Advocate: "Well, I still believe the Bible doesn't say anything against my sexuality."

Response:  "And you have every right to believe that.  But at some point you've got to ask yourself: Do I believe the pro-Gay theology because I really think it's true, or because, despite the majority opinion of Bible scholars, I want to believe it?  Is it conviction we're talking about here, or convenience?  Only you can answer that."

VI.  General Religious Arguments

1.  General Religious Argument One:   Jesus said nothing about homosexuality.

This one is a favorite at gay parades.  Without fail, when the gay Christian movement is represented, someone always in their group would hold up a sign saying:

WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY:  (What follows is an empty box)

The idea, of course, is that if Jesus did not specifically forbid a behavior, the behavior must not have been very important to Him.  To expand this point further, this argument assumes that if Jesus was not explicitly concerned about something, then we shouldn't be either.

Troy Perry, as is typical of gay Christian leaders, loves to make much of this argument based on silence:  "As for the question 'What did Jesus say about homosexuality?'  The answer is simple.  Jesus said nothing.  Not one thing.  Nothing!  Jesus was more interested in love."  So, according the argument of silence, if Jesus didn't talk about it, neither should we."'

Response:  This argument is misleading and illogical for four reasons:

1.   This argument presumes that the Gospels are more authoritative than rest of the books of the Bible.  To assume that any subject or issue, was less important in the Bible just because Jesus never mentioned it is foreign to the Gospel writers themselves.  At no point did Matthew, Mark, Luke or John declare that their books should be exalted above the Law, the Word of God (Torah) or for that matter, any writings yet to come.  In a few words, the Gospels as well as the teachings (doctrine) are not more important than the rest of the Bible.

 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."  2 Timothy 3:16.  

2.   This argument assumes that the Gospels are more inclusive than they really are.  They are not more authoritative than the rest of Scripture nor are they more comprehensive.  That is, they do not supply us all that we need to know by means of doctrine and practical instruction.

When Jesus promised to send the Comforter, He explained, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:12-13.  The writings of the New Testament are a record of all the things that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to reveal to us through the apostles.  

In fact, some of the Bible's most crucial teachings do not appear in the Gospels.  The doctrine of man's old and new nature defined by Paul in Romans 6; the future of Israel and the mystery of the Gentiles, mentioned by Christ but explained more thoroughly in Romans 9-11; the explanation and the administration of the spiritual gifts described and specified in I Corinthians 12 and 14; the priesthood of Christ illustrated in Hebrews.  All of these appear after the Gospel accounts of Christ's life, death, and resurrection.  And that is without even mentioning the teachings of the Old Testament!  Would anyone dare to say that these doctrines are unimportant simply because they were not mentioned by Jesus?

Let me put it another way,

• Are we truly to believe that Jesus didn't care about wife-beating or incest, just because He mentioned nothing about them?  
• Aren't these prohibitions enough to instruct us against incest found in Leviticus and I Corinthians as well as Paul's admonition to husbands to love their wives even if they are not mentioned in the Gospels?  

There are a great many sins Jesus did not mention by name.  Surely, that does not mean they are necessarily lawful for us or condoned by Jesus.  We don't condone such things for that simple reason!

Likewise, Christ's supposed silence on homosexuality in no way negates the very specific prohibitions against it which appear in both the Old and New Testaments.

3.  This argument is faulty in that it assumes that the four Gospels record all of what Jesus said.  The Gospels do not proclaim to be complete accounts of Jesus' life and teachings.  Notice that much of his early years of life are omitted; much of what He did and said still remains unknown.

You see, Luke wrote his Gospel so that Theophilus would "know the exact truth about the things you have been taught."  (Luke 1:4).  John's purposes are limited:  "but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name."  (John 20:31).  Notice that none of these authors suggested they were recording all of Christ's words.

In fact, John said that would have been impossible:  "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written."  (John 21:25).

Assuming then that was the case, how can we be certain Jesus said nothing about homosexuality? No one can say.  As a matter of fact, we can know with certainty that there are other matters of equal importance that were left undiscussed in the Gospels, but were mentioned later in other books of the Bible such as the epistles.  And while homosexuality is absent from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, it is clearly present in both Testaments and just as conspicuously, it is forbidden.

4.  This argument wrongly assumes that because Jesus said nothing in particular about homosexuality, He said nothing about heterosexuality as a divine standard.  In Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus was very specific about His plan for men and women and marriage.  This was God's original plan and design. Sadly, that plan and design has been warped and twisted by a sinfulness and hardness of the heart in almost every possible manner.  In this specific case it was divorce, immorality, and adultery.  Immorality like divorce declares that God's provision and design were deficient.

"Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?' 4 And He answered and said, 'Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.' 7 They said to Him, 'Why then did Moses command to give her a certificate of divorce and send her away?' 8 He said to them, 'Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. 9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.'"

In Mark 10:5-9, Jesus spoke specifically about His intentional plan for human sexuality:

"5 But Jesus said to them, 'Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, 8 and the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”'

In both these texts, Jesus was asked a hypothetical question:  Was divorce lawful?  Instead of giving a simple "yes" or "no," Jesus cited the Genesis account particularly to show the divine intent in creation, the divine standard by which we must judge all sexual matters.   By citing Genesis, Jesus emphasized several crucial elements of the intent in creation for marriage and the sexual relationship:

• Independence was one.  
• A man was to leave his home so as to establish his own family with his wife.  
• A "one flesh" sexual union (between male and female, man and wife) was another.  
• And of course, monogamy.

Even though, Jesus may have not mentioned the term homosexuality, many other sexual variations weren't either.  Jesus could not have spelled out better the standard for sexual expression:  male and female, joined together as God’s intended plan for them.  It cannot be assumed that He approved of anything less.

THE HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

In our modern culture, more and more public school educators are being pressured to accept homosexuality and present it as a normal lifestyle that should be affirmed in students who feel they might be gay.  The students are increasingly embracing the notion and being indoctrinated with the false belief that homosexuals are born, not made.  In our schools preach the false religion that a "gay gene" compels people to seek same-sex partners.  However, the American College of Pediatricians has issued a warning to educators of the dangers of these falsehoods.

In an open letter addressed to school superintendents, they cited portions of The Language of God, in a book by National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins.  He stated that homosexuality is "not hardwired by DNA, and that whatever genes are involved represent predispositions, not predeterminations."  Doctor Collins, also the former director of the Genome Project, summarized his studies by showing that no known gene compels any behavior and also stated that "environment, particularly childhood experiences, and the prominent role of individual free will choices have a profound effect on us."

The college also stated that "schools should not seek to develop policy which 'affirms' or encourages these non-heterosexual attractions among students who may merely be experimenting or experiencing temporary sexual confusion."

The letter provided a link to a fact sheet that highlights research-based conclusions that counter pro-homosexual school programs.  These observations, that homosexuality is caused by choices and influences and not by DNA; and that a homosexual lifestyle is completely unsafe are consistent with a Biblical worldview.  

The danger is that adolescents are vulnerable to confusions and outside influences as they make the transitions from childhood into adulthood.  That is why a school environment that encourages a child to "come out" or self-identify as gay, especially based on falsehood and misleading information, can be detrimental and cause severe damage.  The American College of Pediatricians' letter to school officials states:

"It is the school's legitimate role to provide a safe environment for respectful self-expression for all students.  It is not the school's role to diagnose and attempt to treat any student's medical condition, and certainly not a school's role to 'affirm' a student's perceived personal sexual orientation."'

It is often difficult for me, as one who attended public school some years ago, to believe the shocking reports we hear about the decadence, drugs, immorality, inferior teaching and so forth, that seems to reign in our schools today.  I am not denying there were wrong influences present, but they weren't as bad as today.

The mood now in many of the public schools of our nation is aggressively anti-Christian even though there are some fine and devoted public school teachers as well as administrators.  Christian morality and ethics seem to have faded away and often is met with opposition and intimidation.

There is a subtle attempt in our public schools at "values clarification," or the encouragement of experimentation in "sex education" classes, and the inclusion of homosexuality as a lawful lifestyle as well as easy access to abortions through high school clinics.  Literature courses are now less dominated by humanistic classics but instead by occult and demonic readings including ritual murders.  What is happening to our schools in this nation?

Our new humanistic "elite," atheistic educators, are now welcoming New Age and occult influences in our schools.  This new "Science Framework" mandates teaching evolution as well.  There is a conflict over academic freedom which has emerged between proponents of secular humanism and those who accept a Christian worldview.  The Christian worldview is that God made mankind in His image and that He communicates through His inspired Word, principles, concepts and knowledge that we all need to build proper understanding of ourselves, others and the world around us.  On the other hand, secular humanism is based on the belief that man created God as a projection of his own mind, and that the mind of man is the final arbiter of morality as well as the only source of information about ourselves, others and our world.

In our schools, secular humanism is allowed to present (preach, proselytize, and evangelize!) their position to students.  Yet Christians are prohibited from presenting their position on many issues pertaining to godliness because it is unethical that they are teaching religion.  Sadly, many educators are intimidated since they assume it is illegal to teach religion, that is, Christianity.  The humanists argue that because their position is labeled non-religious or secular, therefore it can be taught.  On the other hand, the Bible because it is labeled religious, cannot be taught!

One of the most ambitious causes of the liberals has been that of ensuring "equal rights" among all people.  Yet, this idea was embraced as a religious goal in the writings of the Bible over 2,000 years ago.  Now that the liberals have embraced this cause, it is no longer seen as a religious concept but a secular one.  Therefore, we can now teach the Christian concept of racial equality.

There are other concepts where students rarely hear an objective and effective case presented against abortion, homosexuality and fornication.  Again, one side of these issues tends to be labeled as non-religious allowing teachers to discuss topics while the other side tends to be labeled religious where the teachers are not allowed to discuss and are off limits in the schools.  The truth is that for whatever reason, teachers often indoctrinate their students with only one point of view, the secular, humanistic, position.

"Anything that affects our belief structure is going to affect us religiously."

When viewing this concept of religion in general, it is impossible to take religion out of the schools because religion or its lack, is a fundamental part of our life which is going to affect our total belief structure and outlook in life.  Anything that affects our belief structure is going to affect us religiously.  Religion is a belief structure and all fields of knowledge are centered upon belief structures.

To demand that schools teach the entire world of knowledge including the religious point of view of the humanist while excluding religious point of view of the Bible believer is censorship of the worst sort.  There is no academic freedom when every area of knowledge can be taught except one, especially when that one area pervades all other areas of knowledge to some extent.

Many Christians have noticed that those who view homosexuality as an acceptable, lawful, lifestyle openly teach their position in the schools (see "The Gay Movement and the Rights of Children" in the Journal of Social Issues, V.34, No. 2, 1978, pp. 137-148).   Yet Christians who are afraid of being labeled "ultra-rightist," "fanatical," or "uninformed," often stand back and say nothing. This is tragic because our Christian faith demands that we speak up wisely and convincingly when presenting a defense of our faith and the Christian viewpoint on all these vital issues.  We as Christians must support each other and the right to convey the Christian beliefs.  Unfortunately, since many Christian so often do not present their position of faith, students are totally unaware of the "other side" on many social issues facing us today such as abortion, same sex marriage, homosexuality, evolution and so forth.  We as Christian must no longer be afraid to speak out for our position of faith.  We have an obligation to defend what we believe in!  We must take a stand and affirm our faith!

Another reason why we as Christians must speak out is because bondage, sadomasochism, pedophilia and incest are now being pushed as acceptable behavior by some liberals and they are using our public schools as indoctrination centers.  Today, books and articles support the position of incest and it is not considered a sexual deviation but normal, healthful and indeed, can "be a very beautiful relationship as long as the proper steps are taken to prevent conception."  This might seem shocking for many, but the crusade to accept homosexuality likewise seemed shocking.

Today, even “Christian” publications and articles are approving homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle.  The same is true with incest which is already taking place.  For example one “Christian” journal argued that there is nothing wrong with incest, even with young children.  Outrageous! They go so far as to declare that society's main problem is that she is outdated with many cultural taboos and that "once these are overcome, we can enjoy sexual pleasures with people of the same sex, the opposite sex, animals, children or any other sexual object, and then enjoy the best of all the sexual worlds.  A person well-adjusted sexually is one who can fully enjoy the full range of sexual behavior available to mankind today requiring full sexual adjustment without any hang-ups caused by outdated religious concepts.  And our schools are the main tools or weapons, used to teach the young people this human freedom."

I guarantee you that if school teachers as Christians were to oppose this evil and speak out in defense of our faith, morals and beliefs, there would likely be repercussions in many schools, including denial of tenure (as is already happening in many cases) and outright firings.  One example is the case of a teacher who lost his job in a private religious school just because he taught creationism in his science class. There are other many similar cases throughout our country and what is ironic is that many of these schools are called Christian schools.

In addition Christians must not be afraid to respond by letter to material which seems inaccurately presented, biased or incorrect.  Consider the following letter written by a Christian in response to an article in McCall's Magazine about homosexuality:

"I am totally at loss as to how you arrived at your conclusions in your article on "How School Principals Feel About Homosexuality."  You State that 7% of the principals reported complaints of homosexual contact between teacher and students compared to 13% complaining of heterosexual contact.  This is a ratio of 35 complaints about homosexuality out of every 100 complaints. In view of the fact that according to the best estimates 5% of the population are exclusively homosexuals, your data would indicate that homosexuals are 7 times more likely to seduce students than heterosexuals.  Yet you conclude that 'homosexual teachers are less likely to molest students than heterosexual teachers.'  In spite of the fact that I have a Ph.D in research and statistics, I am unable to understand your conclusions.  Further, I realize that many writers are anxious to serve as apologists for homosexuality and, possibly as a result of these efforts, I have noticed a number of gross statistical and thinking fallacies in their reasoning.  Please respond to the above comments.'"

The writer of this letter is still waiting for an answer from McCall's Magazine.  While it is difficult for Christians to respond to a vast majority of articles, we must respond wisely to the many blatant errors and ill-founded attacks against Christianity.  If each Christian did, I guarantee you that there would be less incorrect information presented to the public.

"It is imperative that Christians be well informed, well read, and insistent on their rights."

Over the last decade we have witnessed an ongoing disintegration of Christian values, perpetuated by a government that is hostile to Christianity.  A government that is not trustworthy at all.  We trust the same government with the handling of our children in our public schools most of their day.  There they are counseled and taught worldly humanism, though we, their parents, know that humanism hates God.  In the secular school system, our children are being taught the traditions of men (humanism) according to the world, which blatantly disregard God and His inspired Word as the main foundation for learning, or the Truth according to Christ.

• Do you really think the public school system stands with Christ, making it possible for us to stand with them when we entrust our children to them?  
• Do you think that the classrooms are filled with teachers who are wise according to Scripture, from whom our children may freely learn to walk in wisdom?  
• Are all their public school mentors walking in wisdom and righteousness?  
• Are we being faithful bringing up the next generation to know and follow God's commands.
• Can we take the chance that the faith that we instill in our children will survive the secular education that denies God and hates righteousness and that looks for man to give them all their answers leading them in the paths of unrighteousness?  
• An unrighteousness such as the homosexual agenda which is ever aggressive to eradicate God's order of sexuality, making what is perverted seem normal to a new generation?  
• How soon should we throw our children to the wolves? 
• What do you think?  
• I would suggest that you read "The Harsh Truth About Public Schools" by Bruce Short.

We must not be so naive as to trust our children at a young and tender age to somehow resist the deceptions, seductions and pressures of much older adults who are skilled and experienced at promoting a profane and worldly way of thinking. When they are adults they may be mature enough to fight the Lord's battles. It is not fair to thrust them into the battle before they are equipped. You cannot expect them to be prepared with minimal parental input. Children do not thrive on the absence of parents. If that were so, there would be NO NEED for home and family. Not ALL parents are successful, but that does not mean that they are not needed. When your child has been damaged by a trusted stranger, it is too late. You can't take it back!  Let this sink deep in your heart!

CONCLUSION

How Is the Christian to Respond to Homosexuality?

The Word of God is very pragmatic about human nature.  It communicates to us that we all have fallen short of God's standard of righteousness and are worthy of God's condemnation.  However, there is forgiveness, redemption and freedom from the bondage of sin through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Romans 3:10-26.

We are all aware that we live in a world that is sin-sick where lawlessness thrives.  A world that seems to care so little about God's divine standards and that is at war and in opposition to Him and His rule.  A world that it is absolutely at odds with its Creator.  A world as Paul said that walks according to the prince of darkness, Satan, in complete disobedience to its Creator.

"In which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience."   Ephesians 2:2

Our Lord Jesus is the best example of One who refused to walk according to Satan's reasonings. Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), showing Jesus all the kingdoms of this world making an astonishing "offer," Matthew 4:8-11.

"And he said to Him, 'All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.' 10 Then Jesus said to him, 'Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’ 11 Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him."'

It is no surprise to find sexual immorality being exhibited in such a world of darkness.  Indeed, when Paul told the Corinthian church not to associate with immoral people, he did not mean with the immoral people (fornicators) in general, otherwise they would have to leave this world in order to avoid them (I Corinthians 5:9-10).  It is vital when taking a moral stand in this fallen world to remember the primary issue.  If people are dead because of their sins, they are without Christ and His hope.  Their immorality or present state of sin is secondary.  Taking a public stand against their sins demands an invitation to grace, redemption and an acknowledgment of their sinful state which is a symptom of spiritual sickness and death because of sin.

The present day civil law as well as the sympathetic Post-modern world ethic on homosexuality constitute a challenge for Christianity.  As Christians, we are commanded to be salt and light in this world of darkness, Mat. 5:13-16. It is our duty to utter God's moral Law on homosexual sins as well as other ethical moral issues, Ephesians 5:11.   But we must remember that this must be done in a loving, caring and compassionate way.  Remember that Jesus always taught the Truth in love without compromising the Truth and God-given principles in Scripture in a dying culture.

Jesus was not afraid to confront the sins of His day and deal with those issues.  He was very firm in pointing out these sins to the religious leaders of His time who proudly held on to them.  We see this portrayed in the Sermon on the Mount.  He was not reluctant to offer His grace to those caught in sin and who were repentant, John 8:3-11.  He was not afraid to interact with those who were the cast-offs and despised of society. He lovingly shared the Truth with them, John 4:4-42.  For those who were lost, He was not reluctant to go after them, Luke 15:1-10.  And neither should we!  Our lives must be characterized by grace and Truth.  We must seek wisdom to discern what is most appropriate in word and in deed for every given situation.  

Since we have been granted grace and redemption and have been set free from the bondage of sin, we should be able to empathize with those who are sin-sick and living in darkness.  Although, we must act with love and compassion toward sinners, we must never affirm homosexual conduct as morally right.  Following God’s example, we must love the sinner while hating the sin.  Homosexuality is a sin and like any other sin, it can be forgiven and be cleansed as well as conquered by the grace of God, I Corinthians 6:9-11.  The Gospel of our Lord and Savior offers the "Good News" of forgiveness of sins and the hope for a transformed and regenerated life to homosexuals as well as to all sinners.  Converted homosexuals, like any other sinners, are to be welcomed into Christ's church. In God's church, we all strive to understand God's Way for man and to abide by His revealed Word. In Christ we all acknowledge through the glorious Gospel of Christ, the need for repentance, the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and the hope of a new life available through His death and resurrection.  

Therefore, it is imperative that the Gospel message be preached to sinners.  The power that God placed in the Gospel is able to penetrate to the heart of man and meet his spiritual needs by offering redemption and salvation.  The Gospel has the power to transform and regenerate the heart of sinful men.  The sinful man can become righteous when there is godly sorrow that works repentance.  And yes, it can change, mold and transform the heart of homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals and trans-genders.

As Christians, we must remember the parable of the sower, Matthew 13:4-5, 7-8.  Our job is to sow the Word of God in the heart of men.  We are not responsible for the type of ground the seed falls on. When we look at our work in planting the seed, it seems like it is a failure many times.  Why?  Because many times those seeds don't take root; most of the ground where the seeds fall is hard, stony or thorny.  But there are always some good results as well, even if they seem very little.

We must remember that we are called to present the "Good News," the Gospel.  Our job, as stewards of God's Truth, is to present the Truth of God clearly, completely, lovingly and responsibly.  Let us keep in mind that when standing before the judgment seat of Christ, we are not going to be asked how many homosexuals or sexually immoral sinners we were able to persuade, but rather how faithfully we stewarded the Truth we were given and how boldly and lovingly we presented it.  The church that Jesus our Lord purchased with His own blood must be a loving church in a dying culture. This ought to be our standard.  I am afraid that our lack of love toward sinners, such as the homosexuals, contributes to the growth and strength of this ugly gay movement.  Love demands that we share, confront their sin and declare the Gospel of our Lord and Savior so that they might be brought to the Truth, Acts 20:24-27.  Remember Christ died for ALL sinners in order that they might be saved.  I know that it is very inconvenient for some Christians to teach the Gospel of the grace of God to homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals, trans-genders, fornicators, adulterers and so on, but we must if we don't want to be found guilty of the blood of all men.  

May we bring many prodigals back to our Father's house through God's grace.  May God help us and give us wisdom to speak His Truth in love as we confront the gay movement and pro-gay theology. May we be found pleasing to God in that day and hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

“… And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.” Jude 22-23

Luci


P.S.  I want to leave you with the words of this beautiful song: