Greetings to all seekers and believers, present and on the internet. Today we continue in our study through the excellent book of Romans. Welcome to Straight Gate Ministries teaching ministry, Teachingbible.org. On last Lord’s Day, we learned that our culture does show signs that it is under the wrath of God even as we speak, and that there are definite signs which prove the presence of God’s judgment even though God is also constantly giving grace to provide salvation to everyone who is repentant and has come to faith in Christ Jesus.
So today our lesson tunes in on an often touchy topic that is clearly spoken against in the Bible, but often misunderstood in the world and even in the Church, about the practice of homosexuality and what it means. Is there a clear position in the bible on this subject? What about the differences within the visible church on this topic? Does the Scripture offer ample clarity to deal with this volatile subject? Let us get our bibles in hand and listen to our teacher, Pastor Landis Fisher on this installment of our study that we have called: “Truth About Homosexuality”
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Genesis 19:1 – 16 (KJV)
Gen 19:1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; Gen 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night. Gen 19:3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat. Gen 19:4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: Gen 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. Gen 19:6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, Gen 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. Gen 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which 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; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. Gen 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, 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 came near to break the door. Gen 19:10 But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door. Gen 19:11 And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door. Gen 19:12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: Gen 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it. Gen 19:14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law. Gen 19:15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. Gen 19:16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.
New Testament Scripture Reading: Romans 1:26 – 32 (KJV)
Rom 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: Rom 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Rom 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Rom 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Rom 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Transforming Power Statements:
#1) As with all sin, the church must deal with it through application of the truth, which is the Holy Bible, God’s Word on every topic; and should not treat any sin as more heinous than any other, and seek to convey forgiveness for any and all sin made available through Jesus The Christ. #2) Misdirected passion, or lust, is like a powerful drug which takes over the individual and produces denial, and an insatiable need to repeat the sin more and more with no regard to the will of God, nor the possibility of ill consequences and health risks. #3) There is always a way out of any sin if we are willing to call it what it is and follow God’s instructions and utilize the fellowship of true Christian associates and offer fervent prayer to God and gird ourselves from the lies of the world while acknowledging the Word of Truth.
