Sexual Ethics, Marriage 1 Corinthians 5-6

1 Corinthians 5 NKJV

1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”

Sexual immorality is not treated as it ought to be because so much of the world is in the Church rather than the Church in the world. There are numerous passages that speak of these things in Scripture so much so that you would think it is a common thing among Christians. Not only among those in a congregation but of Pastors as well. In a recent survey it was found that 50% of Christian men, 50% of Pastors and 20% of women had accessed pornography deliberately in the previous year. It has become endemic. The figures are surely higher than those that have been admitted.

This passage is not so much about sexual immorality as it is about church discipline. How should the Church respond when these kinds of things happen? Should we say that personal acts of sin have no effect upon the Church? That is not indicated here. The things we do have a direct consequence upon other Christians. Obviously the man in this passage who had slept with his Father’s wife had done a public evil – so much so that Paul had heard about it. How would we have dealt with it, I wonder, if the man had been a member here? We would have to say that that person can no longer fellowship here, at least until there is a public repentance. Why? Why would we not want such a person to continue with us? There are two very good reasons. 1) He would bring the Church into disrepute. 2) He would set as an example that it is OK to do this as there are no consequences. So, for the sake of the witness of the Church and for the sake of other Christians you would not put up with such a person in the fellowship. It is unlikely that we here will face such a problem until we grow numerically – but even so we should know how to deal with these kind of things. It also shows that we should not put up with sin.

1Th 4:3-4

that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control his own body

Obviously this is dealing with sexual sins and that is relevant but it is true of other sins too such as the lust for power or money or reputation – what we need to learn is to avoid or flee from these sins and learn how to control our lusts. Note that this is a learning process and that it does not come naturally – it is about keeping discipline within ourselves to make sure we do not sin – there is action for us to take – do not put ourselves in situations where we know that we are weak. We need to be radical – if porn is an issue get rid of the TV or internet – if alcohol is a problem then do not go to the pub, if gambling; do not go to Casinos or betting offices! Think, think, and think. We are to throw off the sin that so easily entangles.

Thomas à Kempis said, "First there comes to the mind a bare thought of evil, then a strong imagination thereof, afterwards delight and evil motion, and then consent." His advice was, "Withstand the beginnings." If you apply a magnet to the end of a needle that moves freely on its pivot, the needle affected by a strong attraction approaches as if it loved it. Reverse the order, applying the magnet to the other pole, and the needle shrinks away trembling as if it hated it. One man rushes into the arms of vice; another recoils from it in horror. According as the nature it addresses is holy or unholy, temptation attracts or repels, is loved or hated. Our Lord Jesus said, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matt. 26:41).

Our passage then goes on to say we should not associate with anyone who is a fornicator who claims to be a Christian. But, we are not to separate ourselves from such who are in the world. This is where I would have a problem with the monastic movement – we are not called out of this world but to be in it but not of it. Yes, our citizenship is not here in the world but in Heaven but present reality is that we have to live here until either the rapture or we die. To associate ourselves with those in the world is our calling – we are not to be surprised at what the world gets up to. Jesus is our example; he was criticised for being around prostitutes, tax collectors, and sinners – he came to save the lost - a calling he has given us. We are called to go out into the world and make Him known.

In the middle of this passage is the key motivator – in verse 6. Jesus Christ. In Moses’ time there were ten plagues that affected Egypt. The 10th plague was to destroy all the firstborn. The Jews were told to get rid of all the yeast. Today there is a search in the house by the children of Jews today for the yeast. Then The Israelites were to slaughter the lamb and put the blood upon the lintels and door posts so that this particular plague would pass over them. Jesus is our pass over lamb. We are leaven – we have no yeast. Jesus was sacrificed for us so that God’s judgment would pass over us and not touch us.

Why then do we add yeast after this? The yeast of sin permeates our being – starting with temptation normally through the eyes, then the mind, then the heart, then the action. Sometimes this process is all too quick. You see, you want, you must have. It is the same principle for shopping: you see, you want, you must buy. We give into the temptation of the latest offer or the latest gadget (MEN!). Is it true of committing sin? Are we so quick to jump in feet first? If we cannot control our shopping passions is this indicative of what we are like when we are tempted in other ways? Have we forgotten how to resist? James 4.7 says that we are to submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee.

In China's later Han era, there lived a politician called Yang Zhen, a man known for his upright character. After Yang Zhen was made a provincial governor, one of his earlier patrons, Wang Mi, paid him an unexpected visit. As they talked over old times, Wang Mi brought out a large gold cup and presented it to Yang Zhen. Yang Zhen refused to accept it, but Wang Mi persisted, saying, "There's no one here tonight but you and me, so no one will know."

"You say that no one will know," Yang Zhen replied, "but that is not true. Heaven will know, and you and I will know too."

Wang Mi was ashamed, and backed down. Subsequently Yang Zhen's integrity won increasing recognition, and he rose to a high post in the central government.

Human nature is weak, and we tend to yield to temptation when we think nobody can see us. In fact, if there was no police force, many people would not hesitate to steal. This is not to say that when we do something bad, we feel no compunction at all, just that man is weak and prone to yield to temptation. But even if nobody witnesses our sins, and not a soul knows of them, we cannot hide the truth from the eyes of our conscience. In the end, what is important is not that other people know, but that we ourselves know. And more than that – God knows too.

Just as we are to discipline those of our fellowship and put those out we are to do the same with our own vices – purge them out – come to confess God and He will forgive and cleanse you. Jesus laid down his life for us so that we could escape judgment and then get out in the world and make disciples.

The Sermon Notebook: Old Testament A Biblical Examination of Same-Sex Marriage (Genesis 2:18–25; Matthew 19:1–12)

A BIBLICAL EXAMINATION OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

Genesis 2:18–25; Matthew 19:1–12

Intro: As most of you are aware, on May 8, 2012, voters in North Carolina will go to the polls to cast their ballots in a vote on The Marriage Protection Amendment. This amendment, if it is approved by North Carolina voters, would alter the state constitution to define marriage as an institution between one man and one woman. If this amendment fails, it could potentially open the door to same-sex unions in our state. It is important that every registered voter in this state go to the polls and vote for this amendment.

Here is the actual language of The Marriage Protection Amendment:

“Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This section does not prohibit a private party from entering into contracts with another private party; nor does this section prohibit courts from adjudicating the rights of private parties pursuant to such contracts.”

Some may wonder why we need to amend the constitution. Escalating legal challenges to the federal Defense of Marriage Act pose a significant threat to state laws, including North Carolina’s. Preserving the definition of marriage as the union between one man and one woman through an amendment to the State Constitution is the only way to protect North Carolina’s marriage laws from redefinition by the state courts, radical liberal judges or the legislature. Putting the definition of marriage in the Constitution removes the ability of the state courts or the legislature to redefine this all-important institution.

“Same-sex marriage” is already illegal in North Carolina. North Carolina General Statute 51–1.2, titled, Marriages Between People Of The Same Genders Not Valid, says, “Marriages, whether created by common law, contracted, or performed outside of North Carolina, between individuals of the same gender are not valid in North Carolina.” A statute is binding law, but a statute can be changed at anytime by a vote of the legislature and the signature of the Governor.

Changing a constitutional amendment would require a 3/5th vote of the legislature and the consent of a majority of North Carolina’s voters. It is vital that this amendment to our state constitution be passed on May 8th.

The Genesis passage we have read today describe the world’s first family. In that scripture, God brings together and man and a woman and unites them in marriage. The Matthew passage we have read speaks to God’s design of, and government is, marriage.

Since this issue is front and center in our state and in our world, and since the radical homosexual community is demanding recognition of their lifestyle and same-sex marriage, I think it is important that we take the time to examine this matter from a biblical perspective.

This issue is important because if The Marriage Protection Amendment does not pass, marriage as we know it could be redefined. If that happens, the very bedrock of society and the church will become increasingly more unstable, and could lead to the collapse of our society.

This issue is important because, as goes the family, so goes the church, the community, the government and the nation. God has a plan for the family and it is important that we understand, acknowledge, and abide by the plan.

I want to speak to you today about A Biblical Examination Of Same-Sex Marriage. Lets consider what the Bible says about the institution of marriage and the abomination of homosexuality. I want to share with you a brief overview of marriage, homosexuality and the problems of so-called “same-sex marriage.”

I. A BIBLICAL VIEW OF MARRIAGE

A. A BIBLICAL SURVEY OF MARRIAGE

1. What Jesus Taught About Marriage

a. Marriage was instituted by God at the beginning—Matt. 19:3–4 (cf. Gen. 2:18–25).

b. Marriage was designed for those created male and female—Matt. 19:4.

c. Marriage is for man and wife, who become “one flesh,” in the eyes of God—Matt. 19:5.

d. Marriage is a union that God joins, not the state—Matt. 19:6.

e. People and the state may try to end a marriage, but only God an begin or end a marriage—Matt. 19:6–9.

1) One may divorce and remarry, yet still commit adultery—Matt. 5:31–32.

2) God allows divorce only for fornication, unrepentant sexual sin, and remarriage by the innocent spouse—Matt. 19:9.

f. The kingdom of heaven may require some to “make themselves eunuchs” (i.e. remain celibate)—Matt. 19:11–12.

2. What The Apostles Taught About Marriage

a. Sex inside the marriage relationship is honorable; sex outside the marriage relationship is not—Heb. 13:4.

b. To avoid the sin of fornication, sexual fulfillment must be found within the framework of the marriage union—1 Cor. 7:1–2.

c. All other discussions pertaining to marriage describe the marriage relationship as existing between a man and a woman—1 Cor. 7:3–8; Rom. 7:1–4; Eph. 5:22–33; Col. 3:18–19; 1 Tim. 3:2, 11–12; 5:14; Titus 1:6; 2:4–5; 1 Pet. 3:1–7.

B. A BIBLICAL SUMMARY OF MARRIAGE

1. All sex outside of marriage is sinful, whether heterosexual or homosexual.

2. Marriage is a divine institution, and not a civil institution. While the state issues marriages licenses and regulates the practice of marriage. Marriage is a gracious gift of God that unites a man and a woman as one flesh in His sight.

3. God determines the parameters which constitute a proper marriage. Those parameters are not set by men.

4. The Bible always speaks of marriage as a covenant that exists between a man and woman.

5. There is not one mention regarding same-sex marriage, although the practice was known among the Gentiles.

6. There is no biblical teaching on how same-sex marriages would work, even if they were recognized by God. (Who is the head? Who is to submit?)

II. A BIBLICAL VIEW OF HOMOSEXUALITY

A. A BIBLICAL SURVEY OF HOMOSEXUALITY

1. Old Testament References To Homosexuality

a. The Sodom incident—Gen. 19:1–13.

b. The Levitical prohibition—Lev. 18:22; 20:13.

c. The Gibeah incident—Jud. 19:15–25.

d. The sodomites, or male temple prostitutes, in ancient Israel—1 Kings 14:24.

2. New Testament References To Homosexuality

a. Women and men who practice homosexuality and lesbianism are said to be committing acts against nature—Rom. 1:26–27.

b. Practicing homosexuals and sodomites are not saved, and will not will not inherit the kingdom of God—1 Cor. 6:9–10.

c. Sodomites contrary to sound doctrine—1 Tim. 1:10.

d. The Bible refers to the actions of the men in Sodom and Gomorrah, as going after “strange flesh”—Jude 1:7.

B. A SUMMARY OF DIFFERENT VIEWS REGARDING HOMOSEXUALITY

1. Arguments By Those Approving Homosexuality

a. The incidents at Sodom and Gibeah were gang rapes, which are wrong whether homosexual or heterosexual.

b. The Levitical prohibitions were condemning ritual sodomy and prostitution like that referenced in 1 Kings 14:24.

c. “Acts against nature” are not against nature if you are born homosexual.

d. The Greek words used in the New Testament (“malakos” and “arsenokoites,” 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim. 1:10) refer to either temple prostitution, pedophilia, or male rape, not to homosexuals who are in committed relationships.

e. Some seek approval for gay sexual relationships from the relationships of:

1) David and Jonathan—1 Sa 18:1, 3; 20:17, 24; 2 Sa 1:26–27.

2) Naomi and Ruth—Ruth 1:16–17.

f. Gay sex by two loving, committed companions is never condemned in the Bible.

1) Jesus never mentioned it.

2) He condemned divorce and adultery, but not homosexuality.

2. Observations By Those Opposing Homosexuality

a. Homosexuality is condemned every time it is referenced in the Bible.

1) Just because Jesus did not condemn homosexuality is not an argument for its permissibility.

2) Prophets prophesied against homosexuality.

3) The proscription against homosexuality in first century Judea was strong and certain.

4) The fact that Jesus did not defend homosexuality shows He was in agreement with its proscription in Jewish law.

b. The Levitical prohibitions against homosexuality condemn its practice.

1) Not just against pagan ordinances, but also “the doings of the land”—Lev 18:3.

2) Forbid adultery, incest, bestiality; shall the same arguments be applied to them? Should we accept incestuous relationships as valid? Should a man be allowed to marry his pet goat if he wants to? Once the door is opened to “same-sex marriages,” what is to say that plural marriage, incestuous marriages and marriages between people and animals won’t be next?

c. The argument seeking to undermine Rom. 1:26–27

1) The arguments for homosexuality assume that individuals are “born gay.” No scientific study has yet proved this to be true. The very fact one’s gender is evident, even before birth, argues that no one is “born gay.”

2) Reproductive organs indicate otherwise, to use them in gay sex is “against nature.”

d. The Greek words in the New Testament

1) The word “malakos,” used in 1 Cor. 6:9, may have limited meaning. It means “effeminate, soft.” It refers to a male who carries himself and acts like a female.

2) The word “arsenokoites,” used in 1 Tim. 1:10, refers to “male sex” and can include any homosexual act.

e. The Bible praise same-sex platonic relationships.

1) David and Jonathan illustrate the value of friendship (phileo)

2) Ruth and Naomi exemplify the beauty of familial love (storge)

f. There is not one indication of gay sex (eros) being approved in the Bible

Conc: That is a lot of information to take in. I think it is clear from the testimony of Scripture that God sees marriage as an institution between a man and a woman. It is also clear that all forms of homosexuality, and any sexual expression outside of the marriage relationship, is sinful. Let’s conclude our time together by considering a few questions about the “same-sex marriage” debate.

1. What harm can come from “same-sex marriages?”

The harm comes from the fact that “same-sex marriage” changes the historic definition of marriage from a divine institution that is based on the will of God, needs of children and society to one that is based on the desires of adults. “Same-sex marriage” also poses a serious threat to religious freedom. “Same-sex marriage” will influence what children are taught in public schools about sexuality, relationships and marriage. It would also result in religious individuals or organizations being stigmatized, persecuted, or denied the right to offer services. For example, Catholic adoption agencies have been forced to end their state-funded adoption and foster care programs in some “same-sex marriage” states. If “same-sex marriage” becomes the law of the land, churches like our would be forced to recognize those marriages as valid. Pastors would be forced to perform “same-sex marriages” or face fines or imprisonment.

2. Doesn’t a ban on “same-sex marriages” interfere with love?

Love is a great thing, but marriage is not only about love. By its very nature, marriage is an exclusive institution. We don’t allow siblings, children, or more than two individuals to marry because of the potential harm to both individuals and society. Clearly, marriage is not only about love; it’s about binding together a man and a woman in a complementary union that creates the best environment for having and raising children. It is a special familial relationship that has been recognized by the government because of the many benefits that it brings to society.

3. Would a ban on “same-sex marriages” deny crucial benefits for same-sex partners, unmarried couples and their children?

This is a smoke screen being thrown up by those who favor allowing “same-sex marriages.” The real issue isn’t benefits; it is marriage. Local groups, private companies, and governments can decide benefits for themselves. The heart of the matter is about redefining marriage, our most basic societal institution, and the best family environment for raising healthy children. Allowing state or local governments to recognize any other domestic legal union undermines the institution of marriage. Marital recognition is not necessary for healthcare, insurance, hospital visitation, education or numerous other benefits that opponents to the marriage amendment are asserting.

4. Do opponents of “same-sex marriages” believe that same-sex couples cannot be good parents?

Two men might each be a good father, but neither can be a mother. Two women might individually be good mothers, but neither one can be a father to a child. The ideal for children has always been and always will be the unique, irreplaceable love of their own married mother and father. Thousands of studies involving children from single parent, and broken homes, have shown how much little girls and little boys need the opposite-sex parent to thrive. Two parents of the same-sex cannot provide the opposite-sex parents that every child needs and deserves.

5. What should our position on “same-sex marriages” be?

Our position should be the same as God’s. God sees marriage as a divine institution between one man and one woman. He sees all “same-sex” sexual relationships as sinful, detrimental to the family, and ultimately destructive to the very fabric of society. The Bible is not silent on this issue, and neither should we be. Get out and vote for The Marriage Protection Amendment on May 8th. Let’s conclude our time together by going before the Lord the pray for our state, our nation, the protection of the family, and for those trapped in sexual sin.

Let me close with several reasons why we should all go out an vote FOR this amendment.

• The State of North Carolina should protect marriage. Marriage, defined according to God’s standard, is essential to the proper functioning of the family, the church, and society.

• Marriage is vulnerable to being redefined by legislators or activist judges. It is protected not by statute and not by our constitution. The statute can be overturned by the legislature, or the courts, at any time. The Marriage Protection Amendment ensures that North Carolinians control the definition of marriage in our state. Over 30 states have already amended their constitutions to define and being between one man and one woman. We are the only southern state that does not have such a provision ion our state constitution.

• The definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman is not already in the North Carolina Constitution. This issue must be settled by a clear vote of the people of our state.

• The Marriage Protection Amendment does not take away any private contractual rights from same-sex couples. Thus, the Amendment does not interfere with your right, or the rights of others, to enter into, and enforce, private legal agreements. Under the Amendment, private companies can provide health benefits to any couple or family member it wants, and that agreement can be enforced in court. Nothing in the Amendment prohibits local governments or the UNC System from providing an array of benefits to partners, roommates, family members, or others designated by employees or students, if they choose to do so.

• Children do best when raised by their married mother and father. The overwhelming body of social science evidence establishes that children do best when raised by their married mother and father in a low conflict marriage. While death, divorce and other circumstances don’t permit this ideal environment for every child, North Carolinians agree that, as a state, we should promote and encourage the best possible environment for our children, whether at home, school, or elsewhere. When children are raised by their mother and father, they experience less poverty, commit far fewer suicides and far fewer crimes, are half as likely to become pregnant out of wedlock, develop better academically and socially, and are healthier physically and emotionally when they become adults.

We cannot often start a conversation about sexual morality without us saying how we love homosexuals or those who call themselves transgender, hate the sin but love the sinner, right? Well, that may or may not be but that saying is not in the Scripture. However, we need to use caution because what does it mean to hate and to love?

Hate is an extreme word and Jesus equated it with murder. Hating the sinner is obviously not right. Hating sin obviously is right. To murder sin is to call for repentance. We are first to hate the sin in our own lives and so murder the sin. To root it out. But this does not mean that we should not judge sin. We are all called to judge. Whoa, wait a minute, didn’t Jesus say: Do not judge otherwise you will be judged? Yes, He did, but it is the context that tells us what kind of judging is wrong. We are not to judge hypocritically. And to say ‘do not judge’ is a form of judging the person who is judging, right?! That’s hypocritical right there! That is, if you are doing the same thing that others are doing and you judge them then you are calling for judgement upon yourself. Indeed, we are told to judge all things. It is a bully who says: do not judge! Know God will judge you for the type of judging. Judge yourself first and then others.

3 types of judgment: Isai 5:20, reinventing what is moral. Hypocritical ignore my issues : Gal 6. Judge beyond what you know and what God has declared 1 Cor 4:5.

Heb 5:14 “14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

Prophets, apostles and us are to be preachers of righteousness. Expose the world and culture. Eph 5 11 “11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”

To bring to light sin is love.

1 Corinthians 13:6 ESV

6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

Honest about sin. Speak the truth in love. To not be honest about sin is to rejoice in it, to approve of it even if we keep quiet about it.

We are told we are haters, or homophobic, or transphobic, or intolerant. None of which is true. We could conversely and perhaps correctly calls them haters of us for holding views contrary to theirs and so they are the one who are intolerant. They are Christianphobic. They have a fear of us and our views. I am not afraid of homosexuals or any of the Alphabet they claim for themselves LGBTTTQQIAA or LGBTQ2+ for short. Even within that Alphabet they are contrary to each other, something I do not have time to go into today.

If any of these Alphabet people came here they would find a welcome for God is calling all people everywhere to come to Him. But, if they were to become members they would first need to have come to Christ and turned from their sin or, at the very least, seek to turn from sin, which, as we shall find, is condemned in the Scripture, which is the foundation of what a Christian believes. A Christian who falls in sexual sin if not automatically thrown out of membership. We all sin. But if there is no movement towards repentance and restoration then they would get excluded from membership until such a time as they come back. Today, I am not talking about Church discipline but the aim is always restoration not exclusion. It is dependent upon the one who has sinned to show they are seeking fellowship with God and with His people.

Some of what we shall talk about may cut close to the bone for either some here or those listening online. If so, follow the admonition in

1 John 1:9 ESV

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Confession means agreeing with God that what you did or are doing is wrong. These necessitates us to then turn from that sin towards God. It may mean that you will need advice or put things in place to ensure you do not find yourself giving into temptation again and finding ways to avoid being tempted in the first place. This is true of any sin we commit.

(Pro gay reformation - Matthew Fienes (Vines)) “Being alone is a great evil.”

How was Adam alone? He was the ONLY person alive! Rom 7 Single is better.

Genesis - suitable partner (opposite but corresponds to: in Hebrew) they are designed to fit together. Love and submit. This cannot be true of a gay relationship. And no children. They do not represent Christ and the Church.

Adam is our chief. they are the prototypes. Women is given. Marriage is given. Gender specific. Nowhere in Scripture are two gays together as a good thing.

Self-worth/esteem is unbiblical.

Has the church been wrong for 2000 years?

Six passages in Scripture:

Sodom and Gomorrah Gen 18-19. Gang rape - male to male. CLAIM: Sin of Sodom was inhospitality. God must feel really strongly about this. This is not a key passage. They had a lot of sin. Pride, injustice, proud of sin, committing abomination. NT Jude 7 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. Strange flesh- a category that is wrong - all the cities are accused of going after unnatural flesh (not angels). Give us the ‘man’. Does not endorse loving homosexual relationships. Rather condemns the action.

Law:

Leviticus 18:22 “22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”

Consequence:

Leviticus 20:13 “13 If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.”

The sin is not rape, or paedophilia. Marriage appropriate for man and woman. Definitely homosexuality.

No eating of pork, shellfish, cutting particular hair. Not subject to the old law.

How to apply OT Law.

We are not under the law but we are to apply and learn from it. All Scripture is given… We don’t cast off the law. We are specifically told in the NT that all food is clean. Holy days are optional. Sacrifices have ended. Reaffirmation of moral truths from the OT and its law. Jesus quoted Leviticus: love one another. Peter: Be holy as I am holy. Ten times quoted.

Leviticus is first to the Jew. But then to the Gentile.

1 tim 1 8-11 “8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 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, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.”

All moral considerations. Law is to bring sinners to repentance. Laws about sexuality is given as proof.

Leviticus 18 is the holiness code. Which says do not do these things that the nations around were doing.

We don’t makes rules on exceptions. One of these things is debatable: sex with a woman with a period (clearly ceremonial - it is a cleanness exception). But sacrifice a child is OK? Adultery, wrong? They are also in order or awfulness.

But it is actually worse than this for those who would want to twist Scripture to say homosexual acts are no longer condemned.

The word abomination in English is used throughout Leviticus including eating things like Rabbit. But in the Hebrew the word abominations in Leviticus 18 is only used when condemning moral actions and more specifically it is used one time in the singular to condemn what prohibition? Male to male relations. The argument that I have heard so often about abomination to be about all sorts of things including having clothing of two different materials is NOT the same word that condemns moral actions mentioned in Leviticus 18. The context clearly condemns all the actions including homosexuality. Very clearly verses 1-2 and then 24 onwards say that the people before were defiled and expunged from their land because of these actions - the Gentiles were thrown out, who were not under the law. Untimed moral law.

The demonization of the OT. Careful. Children being stoned are not really children: drunkards - a child?

Romans 1:26–27 NKJV

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

Clear prohibition.

The rejection of this teaching is because they are saying that gay people have to be alone forever. However, it is the physical act prohibited. They think loneliness is inherently wrong/evil. The NT says in a good and high way that being single is good Rom 7.

The bible condemns without qualifications especially that of homosexuality. E.g. adultery is wrong unless they really love each other!

Committed homosexual relationships were not unknown. Plato’s c300+BC symposium. Nero contemporary of Paul married two men.

All forms of sexuality was known in Greece and Rome including life-long same sex relationships. Nothing new under the sun. Not all exploitative. Including identity. Gay historian: Lewis Crompton: Homosexuality and Civilisation says that Paul, the Jews and Christians never accepted any kind of homosexual relationship as OK whether loving or not under any circumstance.

NT Wright: They knew (Rome and Greece) about stable relationships of a homosexual relationship. Not just exploitative. It is historically untrue that Paul and others did not know about these kind of things.

Natural and unnatural: Assumes that people are born that way. It is also not about exploitation.

Does love make sin ok?

Even a man and a woman in marriage have sex - love or no love! It is not a love issue. It is a design issue.

Physes: natural physical. Natural = Physical

They twist what the bible calls wrong to make them right.

Physical acts of homosexuality is wrong. Desire as a temptation and not a good thing.

1 Corinthians 6:9–10 NKJV

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

We don’t know what they mean: homosexual or sodomite: effeminate and abusers of themselves with others. Literally, effeminate homosexual and male homosexual. Female (Malakos - soft, the passive person) and male (active). 450AD Men who lie with other males. 463AD those who lie with men. 1890AD women of themselves and abuse themselves with men. 1852 Youngs: Sodomite. All translations agree. KJV Euphemisms. Active partner is not the only one condemned. Christians introduced a particular ethic not found elsewhere. The passive partner is not abused or a victim but is condemned too.

The whole spectrum is included.

1 Timothy 1:10 NKJV

10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,

Same word found in 1 Cor 9 as the male who sleeps in the same bed.

Scripture always condemns homosexuality. Straight and gay agree. The English has translated them correctly.

1 Cor 7 Marriage doesn’t fix relationships. What if you burn for lust for another woman. Should she be married too?! If you can marry marry but stay single otherwise. Good and better. Beginning to end: Man and woman only. No Scripture to support homosexual marriage.

Homosexual orientation was known in Rome.

Jesus never said anything about homosexuality. But he did not say other things such as drug taking. Slavery. If He did not talk about it does not mean He approves of it! But Jews have always condemned this behaviour (until recent times).

We don’t know what Jesus didn’t say. We are not told.

Jesus believed the Scriptures.

Jesus is God and He is the Word. The Spirit of Christ was in them as they wrote.

Matthew 19:4-6 4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at 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 then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

This is the basis of marriage.

Sexual immorality included adultery and homosexual behaviour. Anything outside of one man one woman.

==

Romans 1 talks of the desire to be vile and inappropriate

Are people born gay? What does it matter? It matters because God made them this way! This is who I am supposed to be and therefore it is good and right! I have no choice it is like my skin colour. Genetically forced upon me. You are rejecting ‘me’ if you do not accept me when I come out and be what I am supposed to be. Unchangeable identity issue. Affect theology. Parents are counselled - they were born that way. Howard Dean: He would not have created gay people if He thought it was a sin. BUT, Christian: if you can be born that way but it is still wrong for God says it is. We are born selfish. Born violent. Born with desire for animals or children. Fleshly. BUT self control. Sin nature. BUT new nature when following Christ.

Num 15 39 “39 And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined,”

Whether gods or women…or men with men...

Born with sinful desire, repentance in faith in Christ is the solution.

Die to self, talk up your cross, deny self.

What if…the mass murderer has a gene that predisposes them to murder?!

“I didn’t chose to be this way” So maybe not born but nurture…circumstances. You chose to do but not do. Desires remain with us. Sinful desires doesn’t make us non-Christian.

The science disagrees with born this way. No conclusive evidence of this. No gay gene. News sensationalise everything for money. And there is bias.

1991: Nature: Simon Levey

1993: Nature: Dean Hamer

Science criticism -

Levey - no difference found. Levey - said it does not prove homosexual gene. Levey is gay. Tried to find evidence BUT gave up science because he did not find.

Hamer: Lacked a control group. Co-scientist: but hid result of control group. Not repeatable science. George Rice X228: do not support anything to do with homosexuality. Larger study did not repeat the conclusions. Investigation opened into Hamer. Hamer: the best studies said it was more to do with environment and NOT born that way.

Identical twins: one can be homosexual and the other is not. 25000 twins. 1 in 9 times. not enough genetic proof or environmental factors as most twins share the same house.

NOT TRUE - NOT BORN THIS WAY

Gay groups are and having to come to terms with this. Instead the only thing they agree on is consent.

Is it changeable? Then conversion therapy can work. Vitoral comes against those who say you can change.

Some people have the same temptations all their lives. Flip a switch. Unfortunately not.

Our goal is not happiness on earth but to follow

Mark 8:34–38 NKJV

34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

Marriage is not the be all and end all.

But could orientation change?

10800 adolescence 16-22 . 61% of males exclusive at 16 same sex changed to female at aged 17. 81% of females the same changed for males. 17-22 similar result 70% opposite from 17 to aged 22.

25 times more likely to change to opposite than those heterosexual becoming ssa.

Default orientation

There are more exgays than gays. Spontaneously without therapy.

Instances of adults changing too: 1 Cor 9:6 such were some of you.

Pyschological reports 2000. After therapy changes took places.

15% changed out of 98 followed. Truly gay had the greatest change.

1882 Jean Martin Homosexual to

1920 Freud changed some homosexuals

100s of accounts of change

Nicolas Cummings changed.

Change is not easy.

Aren’t conversion therapy harmful? some can be. just bad therapy anyway.

All same sex immutable is not true. Violates personal choice.

The behaviour is wrong.

Hold the Scriptures in a true loving way and say sin is sin and maybe ostracised by the world.

Media and advert: desensitise with constant exposure (gay character in every programme), jamming - make opposition the bad people - make then villains, conversion - not just accepting, but to approve

“But they love each other”. But what is love here? Intensity of feelings and emotions? So not love but desire. 1 John 3 16 “16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” Self-sacrifice. Biblical love is not chiefly a romantic thing. Brotherly love is. Love means not committing sexual immorality. Love does not rejoice in iniquity. Sin hurts you and others. Love God, is first. ‘Love’ does not make it OK. ‘love’ in adultery is OK? Love and lust are not the same.

“Two consenting adults makes it OK” Anything they do? Lack of consent is turning something good into something evil. But it cannot be the other way round. Consent cannot turn something evil into something good. Two consenting adults commit adultery. Consent does not make it OK. This is humanism. Moral relativism. God’s consent is actually what matters.

“Bigot and homophobe” Falsely accused. automatically. God then are these things. Response: You’re a bully. Do you think incest is wrong? Incestphobe! So you hate those who commit incest? No! I hate what they do not them! Oh, so now you fall into the moral category!

“you are the reason so many commit suicide” me? really? I am? No correlation that being gay or abused and suicide. Same number of gays as straight commit suicide.

ad hominen. to the man. when you have nothing to argue against the point so you accuse the person of having big ears or something. So accuse them of wanting to burn churches and murder christians and see their response. No I don’t - yes you do… and so on.

“on the wrong side of history like the church always is”. Myth: the church did not believe the world was flat. No one thought this. Myth: not heliocentric. Copernicus. Galileo went to jail for ‘on the revolution of the heavenly sphere’ and put the pope’s word into the fool’s mouth. Making fun of his holiness landed him in jail. Revisionist history. Christians are the ones who pushed for true believes.

“Telling homosexual couples they cannot marry is the same as telling interracial couples they cannot marry” Gender difference is massive. You cannot have children.

Secular case against homosexuality:

What impact does the individual? society? It is bad for both. Physical afflictions. Bodies are not designed for this. Chronic incontinence. Prostate damage. Fissures that cause infections. AIDS. Syphilis 75% of all cases (CDC). STDs and viral infections. 75% of them. in space of 1 year 40% will. Cancers: colon and breast cancer higher among gays and lesbians. 20 times more likely to get anal cancer but if HIV - 40 times. 1.2 million - most through male to male behaviour - AIDS - rectum. 50000 new infections (78% are due to gay sex (less than 2% of the population getting 78%)).

Drug and substance abuse - double the homosexual community. 35% of lesbians have an alcohol abuse problem compared to 5% of the rest of the female population. Pro-gay sites tell us these things; 45% LGBT (Pride institute) alcohol (15% of the rest of the population). 51% of males have taken other drugs - 7% in general. Depression, suicide. 101-500 sex partners over a life time. 20 partners per year. Only 17% of men 10% of women have had more than one partner in a year. Even in so-called loving long-term relationships they are almost NEVER monogamous. 41% have agreements with their partners to open relationships. Anything over 5 years most have agreements. Not a parallel to marriage. The agreements keep them together.

Losing years off the life. For the safety of society alone.

They cannot have children. Society cannot continue without them!

Inferior in raising children: same sex marriage/parent> Mark Regnerus: Social science research: Fared worse in 77 out of 100 evaluation measures: e.g. Welfare. Education. Safety. Depression. Arrested. Sexual immorality. 3 times more unlikely to be heterosexual. Sexual abuse: Lesbian - 10 times more likely to be abused by parent or adult care giver (23% touched as a child - 2% of biological). Male gay 3 times. Rape 3-10 times as much.