Satan uses (Matt. 15:7-9) secular politics, social political correctness, civil law and (Rom. 1:18, Col. 2:8 & 1Pet. 2:1-6) false teachers in Church leadership positions to corrupt Church doctrine (teaching) and bring about REBELLION, DECEPTION, RECRUITMENT, AND SEDUCTION.
The first part of this offering scripturally describes how Satan uses false teachers to try to destroy God’s Church. The middle part scripturally investigates homosexuality, a contemporary, 2/26/12, source of discord and conflict that is causing a rift in the Protestant Church in America. The last part scripturally shows the proper Christian attitude that should be exhibited toward homosexuals.
SATAN’S IDENTITY: Satan, the devil, is the great enemy of the church. He is identified (Rev. 12:9 & 10) as a dragon, serpent, Devil, Satan, and (V. 10) the accuser of the brethren on the job day and night. (Matt. 4:3) Satan is a tempter.
(1 Peter 5:8) The devil, Satan, is every Christian’s adversary (enemy) and is like a roaring lion, which is an active predator, seeking whom he may devour (drink down or gulp entire). If the devil devours you; you have become part of him. (John 8:44) The devil is a murderer, a liar and the father of lies and he will tell you any lie you will believe so he can murder you spiritually.
SATAN’S METHOD: (1Cor. 10:1-11) Old Testament people are examples for Christians. The King Saul example: (1Sam. 9:2 to 31:6) King Saul was proud and therefore jealous of David. Satan, “the evil spirit”, entered Saul many times and magnified Saul’s jealousy into hatred for David. Saul’s hatred was more important than the fact he and David were on the same side in the war against the Philistines. THEN: (1Sam. 28:7) Saul asked Satan’s fortune teller to forecast his future, she fed him supper (1Sam. 31:1-10) and Saul was later killed.
The New Testament Judas example: (John 12:6) Judas sinned because he was a thief (greed) which is based on lust and pride (he felt he was better than the other disciples and thus deserved more). THEN: (Luke 22:3-6) Satan entered Judas and Judas betrayed Jesus for money. (John 4:24) God is a Spirit (1John 4:3) and Satan is a spirit. (Luke 24:39) “—a spirit hath not flesh and bones,—” SO:
(John 13:26-27) The devil (Luke 4:1-13) communicates with, (2Cor. 4:4) blinds, (2Cor. 11:13-15) inspires and possesses people in the same manner the Holy Spirit of God interacts with people. AND: As shown, when a Christian sins he leaves himself wide open for attacks from Satan because Satan recognizes and attacks that soft, mushy, weak, sin spot in your soul!
SATAN’S PLACE AND AUTHORITY: (2Cor. 4:3-4) Satan is the god of this world and he blinds the minds of men so they will not believe the gospel of Christ. (Eph. 6: 11-18) (V.12) “For we wrestle, (struggle) not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, (estates) against powers, (forces of influence) against the rulers of darkness, (world rulers of error) of this world, against spiritual wickedness, (demonically supernatural degenerately depraved malice) in high places (eminent locations).“
To aid in understanding; the above scripture is written again using the underlined definitions instead of the actual words of the scripture and no “juggling” or changing of scripture is intended: (Eph. 6:12) for we struggle, not against flesh and blood, but against estates, against forces of influence, against rulers of error of this world, against demonically supernatural degenerately depraved malice, in eminent locations.” (2Cor. 11:13-15) “for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light and his ministers also be transformed into ministers of righteousness” and “a spirit hath not flesh and blood”.
The only flesh, blood and bone bodies the devil has with which to perform his work are those people he has blinded, tempted, or by outright possession. (2Cor. 4:3-4) A Christless religion is a Satan religion. (Eph. 6:12) Satan’s influence is why worldwide national governments always, at one speed or another, eventually work toward dictatorships by consolidating power while they liberally (the liberal concept) promise free services and free benefits to their citizens. (Luke 4:1-13 esp. V.5-7) Satan loves the liberal concept because his liberal leaders always promise freedom while they take people captive. Read in history how the dictatorships got started!
(Matt. 5:10 & 22:17-21) As this develops Church persecution starts and the true Church, (Rev. 21:9 & 22:16-17) the bride of Christ, will be persecuted but the counterfeit church will bow to government edicts (2Cor. 4:3-4 keywords: blinded the minds of them which believe not) and for effect the governments, the Christless religions, unbelievers and the counterfeit church do and will all kneel to Satan the god of this world.
A SATAN INSPIRED MAN: Here is an extreme example. The BTK (bind, torture, kill) serial killer was a Cub Scout leader and held a position of “authority” in a Christ Lutheran Church and none of his congregation suspected anything. He used the church computer to make a disk he mailed to the Wichita, Kansas radio station KSAS. The police traced the disk back to the Lutheran Church he attended and apprehended him. In one of his letters he claimed a monster had entered his brain and he blamed his crimes on a demon.
This serial killer, Dennis Rader, filled with unholy lust, a pillar in his church, murdered ten men, women and children. He even took one victim’s corpse to the Christ Lutheran Church and took pictures of her corpse in different forms of bondage. (Luke 22:1-5) Is what Dennis Rader did any different in principal than what Judas did to Jesus?
Both men wanted something, the Devil helped them and they both shed blood to get it! (Matt. 27:1-6 esp. V.6) The money Judas was paid, (John 12:4-6) because he was a thief and lusted after money, was gained at the expense of someone else’s (Jesus) blood. Dennis Rader lusted after some sort of perverted, sexual, power of life and death over another person and that too was at the expense of someone else’s (his victim’s) blood.
A SATAN INSPIRED CONGREGATION: (2Cor. 11:13-15) “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for SATAN himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if HIS MINISTERS also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” An imitation Holy Spirit, imitation ministers, an imitation Church!
Read (3John 1-14) and, though unwritten, you can see Satan the tempter, the adversary, the predator, the liar working with Diotrephes’ lust for preeminence (pride) just like he worked through Judas’ greed for money. This is essentially a report about some church leaders both good and bad. (V.1-6) John wrote this letter to Gaius who had obviously been converted under John’s preaching and teaching because John claimed him as his child (spiritual child) and Gaius obviously did his work for God under scriptural Christian principals.
(V.7-8) John talks about some other disciples who worked for the furtherance of God’s kingdom and not earthly gain and John promotes fellowship and love between these brethren and Gaius. (V.9-11) John had obviously written a letter to the church there but an individual named Diotrephes who loved to have the preeminence (ambitious of distinction, fond of being first) would not let John’s letter be read.
Diotrephes was filled with sinful pride. He would do anything, say anything, (V.10) even to casting true Christians out of HIS church to protect HIS exalted position as top leader in that particular congregation. It isn’t very hard to see Diotrephes (2 Tim. 4:3-4) “scratching itching ears” and (Titus 1:15-16) professing that he knew God; but in works Diotrephes denied God. (V.12-14) John makes some small talk that doesn’t pertain to the import of the main message that Diotrephes didn’t care if he caused someone to go to hell including himself! Diotrephes worshipped god “self” through the power of Satan!
A SATAN INSPIRED VISIBLE CHURCH: (2Pet. 2:1) But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily (privately, alongside of) shall bring in DAMNABLE (destruction, ruin) HERESIES (make to doubt), even denying the Lord that brought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways;” AND THEN:
(John 1:1-17 esp. V.1-4 & 14 then 1John 1:1 thru 2:2 esp. 1:1-4 keyword in both: Word: defined- Strong’s #3056: something said, the thought, reasoning, motive, the Divine Expression i.e. Christ: internet definition of i.e.: it stands for the Latin words id est which are defined: that is to say or in other words or that is- to say the same thing another way) (2Tim. 3:16) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine (learning, teaching), for reproof (proof, conviction, evidence), for correction (straightening up again, rectification, reformation), for instruction (education, training) in righteousness (justification): If you deny the Word you have denied Jesus.
(2Tim. 4:3-4) “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto (to follow after) fables (tales).”
It is obvious there are “Christians” with a (2Tim. 3:1-5) “form of godliness” who are selectively obeying God’s word and who preach, teach and practice doctrines (learning, instruction, teaching) that are in contradiction to the Holy Bible. The Methodist Church today, 2/26/12, (also various denominations and individual churches) is locked in the struggle of whether or not to accept homosexuality as a viable Christian lifestyle into God’s Church.
(ROM. 1:1-32) Homosexual lifestyle is a perfect example to use while investigating how DAMNABLE HERESIES ARE BROUGHT INTO CHURCH DOCTRINE (teaching). (1Cor. 12:10 key: discerning of spirits) Pray, see and understand the Devil’s confusing, blinding, inspiring, tempting, and possessing as he constructs this deception, recruitment, and seduction based on his own rebellion against God as he helps this group of Christians destroy themselves while they follow their own carnal desires.
(Rom. 1:6-7 keywords: called, beloved of God, saints) Paul is obviously writing to the Christians at Rome and, of course, he expects his letter to be read and studied by the whole Church. What would be the point in writing the letter if it wasn’t shared by the whole Church? That is why Paul’s letters still have God’s wisdom, instructions and authority for the whole Church today.
(Rom. 1:1-32): (V.1-5) Paul declares his authority and apostleship are from Jesus through the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of holiness). (V.6) Paul states there is a general, binding relationship between all Christians through the calling of Jesus Christ. (V.7-12 esp. V.7 keyword: saints) Paul’s salutation compliments are to these Christians (beloved of God, saints) at Rome, for their faith and all Christians from then on to us; you either believe the Bible or you don’t; every person must make that individual choice.
Paul states he is concerned about them by stating he always prays for them and that he desires a prosperous journey by the will of God to come to them. When we think about the word prosperous we automatically think of making money but prosperous actually applies to anything in which “gain” is accomplished. Example: If you go to Church and learn a Biblical truth that helps you become a stronger Christian you have been spiritually prosperous (Strong’s # 2137to help on the road and to succeed in reaching). Paul desired to get to the church in Rome and help them succeed in reaching heaven! (Phil. 3:8-21 esp. V.11-12) The apostle Paul was doing the job God had assigned to him and with that Paul would also gain eternity in heaven.
(V.13-16) Paul states he had wanted to come to Rome several times in the past but was hindered as you can plainly see when you read about his journeys in the book of The Acts of the Apostles commonly called “Acts”. Strangely enough Paul states he is a debtor (something owed) to the Greeks (a gentile, a non-Jew, a member of the Hellenistic Greek speaking culture around the Mediterranean Sea), Barbarians (a foreigner, a non-Greek), the wise (intelligent) and the unwise (unintelligent).
(Acts 9:10-15) Paul took his job as the Apostle to the Gentiles seriously; God had sent Paul to the Gentiles and thus Paul owed them his preaching of the salvation message of Jesus (their prosperity is their personal salvation)! These people respected Paul and his gospel message and they “helped” him on his journey to Rome (God’s prosperity is the souls saved). Paul was successful in his journeys to spread the gospel (Paul’s prosperity is that he gets to go to heaven).
(V.17) “For therein is the (#1) righteousness of God revealed from (#2) from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (#1) The “righteousness of God” God is against homosexual acts in both Testaments. (#2) from faith to faith is from Judaism’s faith in Mosaic Law to Christian faith in Jesus and grace. From faith (Deut. 32:20 Hebrew keyword faith, which means to foster or nurse) to faith (reality of the salvation of Gentiles & Jews, the church).
(Heb. 11:1 Greek keyword: faith) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Substance is the underlying reality that comprises all things and evidence is something that proves a point to a legal conclusion. Salvation under the grace covenant is actually a Christian reality (John 14:15-26, Rom. 8:9 & Eph. 1:12-14) through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Heb. 4:12-16) according to the word of God.
(V.18) “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness (to live impious or wicked) and unrighteousness (moral wrongfulness of character, life, or act) of men, who hold His truth in unrighteousness;”. God’s wrath is against impious, wicked lives lived in moral wrongfulness of character and acts in violation of God’s truth. Though they claim to be Godly their lives call God’s word a lie and that calls God a liar!
(V.19) “Because that which may be known of God is manifest (shown plainly) in them; for God hath shewed (manifestly declare, open) it unto them.” The words in them shows the scripture is obviously narrowing down to a group of people.
(V.20) “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” God had made sure this group of Christian people in the Church at Rome Paul is writing about understood God because they had clearly seen the invisible things of God even from the beginning of man! How they could CLEARLY see the invisible things of God is explained below.
NOTE about the devil: (Rev. 12:9) The great dragon, the serpent, the Devil and Satan are names for the same supernatural person. The devil’s method: (2Cor. 11:3 keywords: “as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtility“; the definition of beguiled is: to seduce wholly and to deceive. The definition of subtility is: adroit sophistry. Sophist defined is: one skillful in devious, misleading arguments). https://www.dictionary.com/browse/sophisticated defines sophisticated: to cause to be less natural, to corrupt or pervert, to use sophistry. (Gen. 3:1-5) Basically the devil lies, seduces, perverts and corrupts any way possible! (Gen. 3:6-24) Eve and Adam chose death instead of life and chose a cursed world instead of a paradise! What about you? END OF NOTE.
Homosexuals do not procreate so they must deceive, convince and seduce members into their ranks. Do not forget: (John 8:44) Jesus said the devil is a liar and the father of it.
(1Cor. 14:33) “God is not the author (causer) of confusion”. The only two sources of confusion are (2Cor. 11:3 keywords: “as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtility”) #1) SATAN, the devil, as shown when he lied to and confused Eve and that caused them to violate God’s only command, God kept His word (1Cor. 15:22) and they died. AND: #2) A PERSON can become confused about their sexual orientation by political correctness, advertising, society, etc. and (Col. 2:4 keywords: lest any man beguile you with enticing words) especially when another person who is sophisticated and appears sure of himself beguiles (deceives and seduces him wholly) the confused person.
Of course the devil is right there in the confused person’s thoughts whispering and suggesting. The point is: Suppose the devil, social acceptance, civil law, personal character confusion and weakness cause a child or adult to become confused about his sexual orientation. Then a self-assured homosexual convinces him homosexuality is the way he should go. What if the homosexual is an authority figure like a teacher, coach, priest and etc? Do you see how the deceit and seduction can happen? Ask Wikipedia for their list of Christian denominations affirming LGBT as a viable Christian lifestyle. Read: What Does the Catholic Church Teach about Homosexuality.
Below is how a group of Christians were seduced into homosexuality.
THE REBELLION AND DECEPTION: Back to Romans chapter 1: (V.21) The numbering is the writers because this verse of scripture must be divided into four parts to be more clearly understood (V.21) #1) “Because that, when they knew (come to know, get a knowledge of, perceive, feel, to understand) God, #2) they glorified (honor, esteem, magnify) him not as God, neither were thankful; (to express gratitude) #3) but became vain (empty) in their imaginations, (internal consideration, external debate, reasoning) #4) and their foolish (unintelligent, by implication wicked, without understanding) heart (soul) was darkened (obscurity).”
(2Cor. 4:4) Satan is the god of this world. He blinds (obscures) the minds (defined: Strong’s #3540: perception, intellect) of people into not believing the glorious gospel (defined: Strong’s #2098: the good message) of Jesus. (2Cor. 11:13-15 esp. V.14-15) Satan and his ministers can make wrong seem right, for evil to appear look righteous. Can you see Satan’s blinding in the above conversations? If not please click on the commentary The Holy Spirit & You then follow the menu to the three-article series Satan: A Study Guide and Teaching Manual. (Eph. 6:11-12) You will be shocked to see your greatest enemy as he is! Wonderful, beautiful people’s future destination hangs in the balance.
Here are the four parts again and they are explained in the light of related scriptures. #1) (John 14:15-26 esp. V. 17 & 20 keyword: know) The only way to know God in this “Church Age” (John 3:1-21 & 14:15-18, 1Pet. 1:23 and Rom. 8:9) is to be saved. So, the group of people addressed in this scripture (Rom. 1:21) ARE DEFINITELY CHRISTIANS.
#2) (Heb. 10:26-31 esp. V.29) This group refused to honor, esteem and magnify God for the horrible and wonderful price Jesus had paid for their salvation and they were ungrateful to the point of counting God’s blood covenant an unholy thing in spite of the fact they had the Spirit of grace (Holy Spirit) living in them.
#3) (2Tim. 3:1-9) (V.5) “Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (V.7) “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (V.8) “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.”
(Col. 2:8 keyword: philosophy & 1John 2:16 then 1Cor. 6:8-10) SO: This group became empty and profitless to God due to their internal thinking and external debate (2Pet. 2:18-22) and they had reasoned and debated themselves out of grace and back into sin.
#4) (John 8:12) “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (Acts 26:15-18) (V.15) Jesus is speaking to Paul. (V.18) “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
So, this group of Christians had abandoned the light of Christ and entered back into the darkness and the power of Satan from which salvation had brought them.
SATAN’S METHOD: (Luke 4:1-13) When the devil tempted (scrutinize, entice, examine, test) Jesus he first tempted (V.3) Jesus’ soul to see if pride was there by challenging Jesus to “show off” His power by changing a stone into bread which Jesus must have desperately craved since He had not eaten (V.2) in forty days.
(V.5-7) Second, the devil tempted Jesus’ human nature by offering to “buy” Jesus’ loyalty with earthly things. Can you imagine the gold, silver, precious jewels, sinful and pleasurable activities of people, cities, kingdoms and etc. the devil showed Jesus?
Third, the devil (V.9-11) tempted Jesus’ intellect by using God’s Holy Word drawn out of context. Satan had misquoted (Psa. 91:11-12) which says; (V.11) “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (V.12) They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” But Satan said; (Luke 4:9-11 esp. V.10-11) “For it is written, He gave his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:“ Satan left out in all thy ways (V.11) “And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest Satan added at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.”
Satan’s incorrect quoting changed the whole meaning of the situation in that instead of God’s provision and protection it became an act of vanity which made it a challenge to God thus tempting God!
In each assault Jesus defeated the devil by using and obeying God’s Holy Word in the context of its true meaning and you and I can too (2Tim. 2:15) if we “STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD”. When a person starts rebelling against God’s Word through ignorance, laziness, neglect, not caring, ignoring, and etc. (John 8:44) the devil will be right there to help that person deceive himself through God’s Word taken out of context.
EXAMPLE: (Gen. 3:1-6) Study how the devil deceived Eve from what God said in (Gen. 2:16-17) and then she shared her sin with Adam. People always share their sin with other people by the things they say and/or the things they do.
Read (2Pet. 2:1-22 esp. V.14-15 & Jude 10-13) to see how the devil uses his people to seduce other people into sin by teaching them how to sin. (Eph. 5:1-20 esp. V.11) Christians are to have no fellowship (co-participate in, be partaker of) with the works of darkness but rather reprove (admonish, rebuke) them.
Back to Romans chapter 1: (V.22) “Professing (asserted, affirmed) themselves to be wise (sinister acceptation cunningly devised), they became fools (as a simpleton).” (Acts 13:8-10 & Gal. 1:6-8) People pervert (distort, corrupt) God’s Holy Word so they can do just as they wish but the fact remains (Heb. 13:8) they cannot pervert God (2Cor. 5:10) nor change His judgment! Surely you can see the devil’s work here because it is the same as it was to Eve; (Gen. 3:4-5) “You’re smart. Go ahead and eat the forbidden fruit; God didn’t mean that you will really die!”
(V.23) “And changed (to make different) the glory of the incorruptible (un-decaying, immortal, not corruptible) God into an image (statue or representation) made like to corruptible (perishable) man (a human being, whether male or female, generically to include all human individuals) (ALSO: Ask the internet; “were any of the male or female Greek gods homosexual” and be ready for a surprise.), and to birds (flying, winged birds or animals), and fourfooted beasts (quadruped), and creeping things (a reptile, serpent).”
It is obvious these people started practicing idol worship. A Christian or any person can make an idol out of anything; self, sex, intoxicants, a ball team, a vehicle, a sport, job, bank account, yard, house, a social position, political position, another person, a relationship, a physical or emotional desire, club, secret organization, denomination, church building, or anything else that is more important to you than God!
Your destiny in eternity (John 14:15-23 esp. V.18 & 23) depends upon you being in a living relationship with God through the Holy Spirit! At whatever speed a Christian moves into idolatry that is the same speed God removes His blessing from their life and their relationship with God gradually turns into a cold, impersonal, religious rote. And why not; they are worshipping another god!
(V.24) “Wherefore God also gave them up (to surrender, to yield up) to uncleanness (impurity physically or morally) through the lusts (longing, desire for what is forbidden) of their own hearts (himself, herself, themselves, the individual personalities, souls), to dishonor (to render infamous, insult, treat with contempt) their own bodies (slave) between (fixed position in place, time, or state) themselves:” Do you see and sense the reluctance in these words “God also gave them up“? God, through the Holy Spirit, was losing His battle for their souls!
(Luke 15:10) Since God exhibits joy (an emotion) in the presence of the angels of God when a sinner accepts salvation (Psa. 86:15 & 2Pet. 3:9-11) can you imagine the heartfelt grief and sadness God feels when a Christian starts (2Pet. 2:20-22) the long slide back into sin and back to a lost condition? BECAUSE: God will not force you to love, worship and serve Him against your will. The free will giving of your or anyone else’s love for someone because of who and what they are is the only genuine love that has meaning and value!
(V.25) “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature (created thing) more than the Creator who is blessed forever. Amen.” Satan again; “Take these good things you can touch and see. God was only an emotional moment at a bad time in your past.”
(V.26) “For this cause God gave them up (reluctance again) to vile (disgraced) affections (passions): for even their women did change the natural (physical, implying instinctive) use into that which is against nature (unnatural):” Satan again; “If it feels good, do it. Do your own thing. You’ve got to have your own space.”
(V.27) “And likewise also the men leaving the natural (physical, implying instinctive) use of the woman, burned in their lust (coveting) one toward another; men with men working (accomplish, to finish, cause) that which is unseemly (shame), and receiving in themselves that recompence, (return correspondence) of their error which was meet, (impersonally as is necessary).“
The word impersonally in the definition of meet means God has no personal connection to these people anymore (Heb. 6:4-6) because that was the exact time God removed His Holy Spirit from them forever! (John 13:21-27) Just like the devil said to Adam and Eve; “See? See? God did not kill you. You are free. Show the world your freedom! Change your congregation or, better yet, start your own church.“ Investigate the website www.gaychurch.org on the internet.
THINK: (V.26 keywords: change the natural use and against nature THEN V.27 keywords: leaving the natural use) At the very beginning of a human’s life the natural genetic heritage determines an individual’s sexual identity.
Chromosomes are composed of genes which are composed of DNA. Women have an XX genome. Men have an XY genome. The male genome determines the sex of the embryo. When the woman’s egg is fertilized by a man’s sperm cell with the X chromosome the embryo develops into a female with an XX genotype. When the sperm cell carries a Y chromosome a male embryo develops with the XY genotype. That is the law of nature (natural).
This physical fact proves (Rom. 1:20-22) the concept of homosexuality is of the intellect or imagination because sexual identity can be spiritually (in the soul, mind, personality, self, intellect) changed by Deception, Rebellion, Recruitment and Seduction or various combinations of these four sources.
(Isa. 14:12-14, Ezek. 28:13-17 & Eph. 6:11-12 esp. V.12 keywords: spiritual wickedness) Satan, the devil, is a spirit. (John 8:44) Satan is a murderer and a liar. (2Cor. 4:4 keywords: blinded the minds) Satan, the god of this world, blinds the minds of those who believe not. (2Cor. 11:13-15) Satan transforms himself into an angel of light and he has his ministers whom he transforms into ministers of righteousness. They can make wrong appear right (Ezek. 28:11-17, Matt. 17:14-20 esp. V.18 keywords: devil & child & Luke 22:3 keyword: entered) and the false angel of light spiritually affirms in people’s minds they are correct.
The battlefield of Deception, Rebellion, Recruitment and Seduction in the mind is where Satan the spirit works and he has his deceived preachers, teachers and ordinary people to physically help other people spiritually believe they are homosexual and homosexuality is an acceptable physical lifestyle to God.
We who live in America are extremely fortunate because we live under the Constitution and its Bill of Rights, civil law. Please read the three-article Introduction to the Sin in Church commentary because it is remarkably interesting how all that came about especially the writings of the Founding Fathers; you will be surprised such as Was America founded on Christian Principals. Homosexuals have the right, guaranteed by civil law, to be what they wish to be.
Americans can worship God any way they please, Christian denominations, different religions than Christianity, or to disbelieve in a God. And it is each individual’s constitutional right to express his views of religion or lack of religion. It is the Law. BUT: Jesus said; (Matt. 15:9) “But in vain (manipulation, unsuccessful search, to no purpose) they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” In other words; Just because it is legal does not mean it is right.
I feel deeply sorry for the homosexuals who live in the nations whose law persecutes the homosexual lifestyle. That type of persecution happened sixty-five years ago in my community and what they did to that homosexual man is more than pitiful, it was cruel, evil and barbaric, and the perpetrators were not even arrested! They are all dead now (Luke 16:19-31 & Rev. 20:10-15) and they all went where they had chosen to go.
God is different than civil law. (1Cor. 6:8-11, Gal. 5:13-21 esp. V.19-21 and Col. 3:2-14) Once a person accepts Jesus as Saviour God’s word teaches us that God expects Christians to follow His code of conduct, His code of relationships and His code of lifestyle. (John 3:16-21 esp. V.16 keyword: whosoever) But God leaves that choice up to each individual person who will ever live. What could be more fair?
Of course (V.26 & 27) are written about female and male homosexual acts. These three definitions are from the American Heritage dictionary: Homosexuality (sexual desire for others of one’s own sex), Heterosexual (characterized by attraction to the opposite sex) and Homophobia (fear of homosexuals or homosexuality).
(V.28) “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate (rejected castaway), mind (soul), to do those things which are not convenient (becoming);” God has judged them, He has removed His Holy Spirit from them and they have become rejected castaway souls. (Heb. 6:4-6) For effect God has said; “You don’t want to know Me so I don’t know you.” What can be more fair than that?
No changing of scripture is intended, just the desire to understand the meaning of the content, so the above quoted scriptures (Rom. 1:25-28) are written below and the Greek definitions which are underlined are used in place of the scriptural words:
(V.25) “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the created thing more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” (V.26) “For this cause God gave them up unto disgraced passions: for even their women did change the physical use into that which is unnatural.”
HISTORY: Read (Gen, 6:5 keyword: imagination, Gen. 15:16 & Josh. 3:10) then ask the internet “what was the Canaanite god of homosexuality?” and read the various articles. (Ex. 34:12-17 & 1Chron. 5:25 and many other scriptures) You can read how Israel adopted those gods. (Rom.1:18-32, 1Cor.6:9-10 & Rev. 20:12-15) The point made is that homosexuality began in the beginning of man and will continue to the end of time and God has never accepted or condoned the homosexual lifestyle as being appropriate for Jews or Christians. God has always called homosexuality sin!
(V.27) And likewise also the men, leaving the physical use of the woman, burned in their coveting one toward another; men with men accomplishing and causing that which is shame, and receiving in themselves that impersonal return correspondence which was necessary.” (V.28) “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a rejected castaway soul to do those things which are not becoming.” SO: The REBELLION AND DECEPTION have been and are being accomplished.
RECRUITMENT AND SEDUCTION: (V.29, 30, 31) These three verses give a very graphic list of sins this particular group of people are committing. (V.29) The word fornication is used in this verse and the only sexual activity mentioned in this chapter is homosexual so that classifies how the scriptures view homosexuality.
(Matt. 19:3-12) (V.4-6) The only sexual activity sanctioned by Jesus in the scriptures is the sexual activity between a male and female who are married. And then (V.9) Jesus defines the difference between fornication and adultery. Fornication is a blanket word that covers all scripturally forbidden physical sexual activity AND there is also a spiritual fornication in which a person loves a person, place or thing (idolatry) more than they do God. Adultery specifically forbids entering into a scripturally forbidden marriage.
(V. 30) The words proud (haughty) and boasters (braggart) are used in this verse so this group was proud of their “successful” rebellion against God. “Men, I guess we’ve showed God and those fundamental, conservative, Christians!” ALSO: The phrase “inventors (contriver) of evil things“ used in this verse implies a recruitment and seduction (because homosexuals cannot procreate).
Jesus said in (Matt. 19:3-12 esp. V.4 & 5 then Gen. 1:27-28 keyword: multiply) that at the very beginning of man God had created them male and female and He intended them to be together in a heterosexual relationship and beget offspring and thus multiply (reproduce).
(V.31) The use of the word covenantbreakers in this verse reinforces the fact this group of people had been Christians because the only way to be in covenant with God in this (Heb. 9:15) New Testament, (Heb. 12:24) New Covenant, Church age is to be saved through (John 3:3-8 & 1Pet. 1:23) the born again experience.
(V.32) “Who knowing (to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge) the judgment (majesty of God) of God, that they which commit (do) such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure (to think well of in common, assent to, feel gratified with, be pleased) in them that do them.”
No changing of the scripture is intended, just the desire to understand the meaning of the content, so the above scripture is written below and the underlined Greek definitions are used in place of the scriptural words:
(Rom. 1:32) Who have become fully acquainted with and acknowledge the majesty of God, that they which do such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but think well of in common, assent to, feel gratified with and are pleased in them that do them. SO: The RECRUITMENT and SEDUCTION also have been and are being accomplished. End of (Rom. 1:1-32).
(Rev. 21:8 & 1Cor. 6:9-10 esp. V.9) These scriptures give a list of sins done by people and they plainly state the people who commit them will not inherit the kingdom of God. When a thief accepts salvation he must stop stealing. The same thing applies to drunkards, liars, fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, (1Cor. 6:9) “effeminate (from the Greek word: malakos – mal-ak-os: defined: soft, a catamite: defined: a boy kept by a man for homosexual purposes), abusers (from the Greek word: arsenokoites – ar-sen-ok-oy-tace: defined: a sodomite) of themselves with mankind” and etc.
AND they must stop sinning when they accept salvation. SO, according to scripture, homosexuals must also stop performing homosexual acts after they accept salvation. I personally know a homosexual who has accepted salvation, stopped his homosexual activity and is working and thriving in his church; so, it can be done. Read (Matt. 19:12 keywords: “and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake”) Eunuch is defined: an emasculated man and, of course, the same standard will also apply to a woman.
A Christian’s successful relationship with God depends on how much they love God (Luke 11:9-13) and how they cultivate Holy Spirit power through study, obedience and prayer. Yes, it would be easy to start a “thief church” that teaches stealing is accepted OR: a “liar church” that teaches telling lies is accepted OR: a “murder church” OR: a “homosexual church”.
OR: a “whatever church” that okays any sin (Matt. 15:7-20 & Mark 7:6-7) but, according to God’s word, that doesn’t make it a holy church and (Prov. 21:15-16 & Rev. 2:20-23 then 3:1), according to scripture, they are the congregation of the dead. (John 14:15) As has been shown many times in this website the only “true Church” is composed of blood washed, born again, Holy Spirit led, Holy Scripture obeying, believers in Jesus Christ.
THINK ABOUT THIS: (James 1:12-16) (V.12) “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried (approved, by implication to be accounted), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (V.13) Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:”
(V.14) “But every man is tempted,” #1) man’s part, “when he is drawn away of his own lust,” #2) the devil’s part “and enticed (to delude, allure, entrap). (V.15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.”
There are two forces described above; #1) man: (1John 2:16) Pride will cause a man to resent being told he cannot do something he wants to do OR: to be told he must do something he doesn’t want to do. (James 1:14-15) Lust will cause a man to desire and take a forbidden thing, regardless of the cost, even if he/she finds a church that condones homosexuality as a legitimate Christian activity, even if it causes him/her to lose salvation and Heaven with Jesus.
#2) The devil: (John 8:44) is a liar and murderer and (Matt. 4:3 & 1Thess. 3:5) a tempter: (Rev. 12:9 keyword: Devil: defined: a traducer) Traducer: defined: a traducer transfers across, to lead, SO: the devil encourages, aids and leads the rebellion, deception, recruitment and seduction listed above!
But Jesus (Matt. 9:4-7) has the power to forgive sins and (Acts 26:15-18 esp. V.18) Jesus has power that is greater than Satan because (Matt. 28:18-20) ALL power is given to Jesus. (John 14:6-23) Once a person experiences salvation that person can tap into Jesus’ power through the Holy Spirit to resist temptation. You do not have to sin!
The social and political aspects of homosexuality: See the three-article Introduction to this commentary to understand how the Constitution, Bill of Rights and the three branches, legislative, executive and judicial, of America’s Federal Government are set up. The Supreme Court of America is constantly defining what the writers of the Constitution and Bill of Rights intended when they wrote those documents and the Supreme Court’s decisions become civil law and homosexual marriage will ultimately be decided there and it will become legal. Political Correctness is becoming a ‘type of religion’ and society will also gradually accept homosexual lifestyle as acceptable.
Thomas Jefferson wrote in about 1816; “I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and Constitutions. But laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.” Underlining by writer.
BUT GOD SAID; (1Tim. 3:16) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (1Tim. 3:1) “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (1Tim. 3:13) “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (1John 2:18) “ye have heard that antichrist (opposite, instead of, opponent of Christ) shall come, even now there are many antichrists;” (Rev. 3:1-6 esp. V.5) Jesus can and will take a person’s name out of the book of life. (Rev. 20:11-15) “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
SO: Each Christian must scripturally decide how they will vote in civil elections concerning homosexual civil unions and if their congregation accepts practicing homosexual members each Christian must scripturally decide whether to remain a member of that congregation. Every Church congregation has some type of by-laws that guide their organization.
Every such by-law MUST be preceded by the scripture upon which it is based because the Holy Bible contains the instructions that guide how a church congregation is to be organized including the causes for the dismissal of a member of that congregation. If an individual is “singled out” for dismissal without scriptural backing a “civil rights” lawsuit for violation of a person’s civil rights can be filed against that congregation by a “civil rights” organization such as the ACLU.
Basically, under civil law, any person, Christian or non-Christian, is allowed to join and/or contribute money and time to a protest movement. Any qualified voter is allowed to vote his conscience or belief in civil elections. God simplified it and made it plain when He inspired Joshua to say; (Josh. 24:15) “—chose you this day whom ye will serve;——-but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
As of 2/26/12 various votes and polls show a minority of non-church affiliated society agrees that homosexuality and even homosexual marriage is alright but the majority of non-church affiliated society is against homosexuality and homosexual marriage as evidenced by the Proposition 8 Bill vote in California. There are two major reasons the majority of non-church affiliated society rejects the concept of homosexuality as displayed by their rejection of homosexual marriage.
#1) There is a “societal Christian memory” left over from when the church had much more social influence and its Bible teaching that homosexuality is a sin. #2) The Bible says homosexuality is against nature so non-church affiliated people simply reject homosexuality through the (Rom. 1:26-27 keyword in both: natural: defined: physical, by implication instinctive) natural instinct that directs people.
In other words people just naturally “emotionally feel” homosexuality is wrong and these two reasons for rejection are what “political correctness” is seeking to destroy in both the church affiliated and the non-church affiliated population. (Mark 7:7) “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.” <-Paraphrased: Just because its legal doesn’t make it right!
(Matt. 19:4-5) Jesus said man and woman were made for each other from the very beginning. SO: Civil marriage (unions) between homosexuals does not make right (erase) their sin according to God’s word. Part 1 of the Introduction to Sin in Church explains how constitutional civil law will help bring on the destruction of America.
God’s Word says (Rom. 8:7) “the carnal mind is enmity (hostility, by implication a reason for opposition, hatred) against God” and (Rom. 8:6) “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (1Cor. 3:1-4) The scripture plainly states these (V.1) brethren (Christian brotherhood) (V.3 & 4) are carnal (human nature with its frailties and passions) because of envy, pride, stubbornness, strife and divisions. So, there are carnal minded Christians who bring division within the church.
A Christian, a congregation, or a denomination that teaches a scripturally forbidden act or lifestyle is permitted is, in reality, embracing sin, justifying sin and giving “scriptural advice” that is wrong and can or will cause an individual to be lost.
READ (1Tim. 6:1-11 esp. V.3-5 keyword: withdraw: defined: remove, depart & (V.11) keyword: flee: defined: run away, escape) If you are a Holy Scripture believing Christian and your congregation or denomination has embraced the acceptance of homosexuality as an acceptable Christian lifestyle withdraw from that, flee for your eternal life and find a congregation or denomination that preaches and teaches the truth.
CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE: There is another aspect faced by Christians, especially the “hardliners” against homosexuality, concerning Christian attitude toward homosexuals. The Old Testament (Lev. 20:13) says Homosexual acts are an abomination and the New Testament (Rom. 1:26 & 32) calls homosexual acts vile affections against nature and both scriptures say homosexual acts are worthy of death so the performance of homosexual acts is obviously sin.
(Matt. 18:11) Jesus came to save the lost. (Luke 11:23) Jesus said; “He who is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.” (1Cor. 2:16 & Phil. 2:5) Christians are supposed to have the mind (soul) of Christ residing in them and the soul of Christ is (John 14:5-26 esp. V.9, 17, 18 & 26) the Holy Spirit and Christians should be occupied with getting the lost people saved.
PERSONAL NOTE: I have an acquaintance who is a homosexual and I have asked him to go to church with me many times. He and I have discussed Jesus, salvation and God many times. One day when I once more asked him to go to church with me he started crying; not the boo hoo type, but just a pouring of tears and a desperately wounded expression on his face. With those tears pouring down his face and dampening his shirt collar he recounted this story.
“I went to church a few years ago. After service the Pastor was shaking hands and saying goodbye at the door. My turn came and he asked me to come back again. I said; Are you sure you want me to; I’m a homosexual?” That Pastor jerked his hand back from our handshake like I was nasty and made a great show of quickly walking to the bathroom in the church foyer where we stood. He left the door open so everyone could see him while he thoroughly washed his hands. The crowd’s eyes were boring into me and I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life.”
(Matt. 23:13) That pastor acted in a carnal, (unregenerate) manner toward a homosexual because he let a human frailty (homophobia) guide his reaction. He did not act like a Christ representative. The Pastor was probably guided by his pride when he made a “show” of his religiosity by washing His hands of a lost person (sinner) in front of people and humiliated my acquaintance right out of church (Psa. 1:1-6) without inviting him back for an opportunity to repent and be saved.
If a homosexual comes to your church seeking salvation he or she deserves the same love, kindness, courtesy and respect you would show any other lost person such as a thief, liar, adulterer and etc. A Christian should show a homosexual the same courtesy, kindness and respect outside the church house as he does any other lost person. But, a Christian can join and/or support a political/social organization that is against the institution of homosexuality as long as he maintains his Christian life, through the Holy Spirit, according to the guidelines given in the Holy Bible.
“Homophobia” is defined as the fear of homosexuals or homosexuality. I have had people, both Christian and non-Christian, tell me that they don’t want to be seen with a homosexual because they are afraid someone might think they are also a homosexual. This is for Christians. (1John 4:8 then V.18) “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” THEN: (V.18) “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
Remember this about God: (1John 4:19) “We love him, because he first loved us.” (Rom. 5:8) “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (1John 4:17) “—: because as he is, so are we in this world.” A Christian is expected to love sinners, period. Christians are not supposed to be a victim of homophobia; (Eph. 2:22 keywords: an habitation of God through the Spirit) we are supposed to be a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit and show God’s love. The discussion concerning the rebellion, deception, recruitment and seduction accomplished by people and the Devil ends here.
(John 3:16 & Rom. 5:8) God loves all people. Salvation is open to you no matter who you are or what you have done. What you do after salvation, succeed or fail, is between God and you, as determined by God’s word, through the Holy Spirit of God.
(Phil. 2:5-8) Jesus, though equal with God, came as a servant. (John 12:26) Christians are saved to be servants of Christ and through that service (Gal. 5:13) Christians are to serve one another. Christians are free and our servitude to Jesus and one another is voluntary because we love Him.
Every opportunity to serve Jesus and each other, every day, 24/7/365, is a choice and Jesus said (Matt. 6:24) “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (wealth, avarice).” Among the many definitions of avarice is greed, meanness and cupidity.
(Matt. 25:14-30) Jesus spoke a parable about servants and their service and at the end He said unprofitable (useless) servants would be cast into outer (exterior) darkness (obscurity) where there will be weeping (lamentation) and gnashing (grating) of teeth. That sounds like hell to me; what do you think about it?
GOD BLESS YOU.