The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
July 31, 2005
In
This Issue:
Oh,
Canada!
by
Steve Klein
Six
Steps to a Broken Home
by
Bill Hall
Oh, Canada!
On Wednesday, July 21, 2005 the nation of Canada legalized marriages between homosexuals. The bill that was signed into law by Canada's Supreme Court Chief Justice gives homosexual couples the same rights as those in traditional marriages. The Netherlands, Belgium and Spain are the only other nations that allow homosexual marriages nationwide. In the United States, Massachusetts is the only state that allows same-sex marriages; Vermont and Connecticut have approved same-sex civil unions. The United States government, and many state governments within the U.S., will not at this point in time recognize a homosexual marriage or union, no matter where it was obtained.
There can be no doubt where the God of the Bible stands on homosexuality; He will not permit homosexuals to enter heaven. "Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites...will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
If that is God's stand, where should His people stand? Obviously we should stand with Him. "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them" (Ephesians 5:11).
As bad as it may be in Canada, it is becoming increasingly difficult to live and work in our own nation without being pressured to go along with legitimizing homosexual marriages. This trend is especially obvious in the entertainment industry, but it is also taking hold in business and education. Satan is working hard to wear down the resolve and influence of those who know that homosexuality is wrong.
In the business world, 49 out of the 50 Fortune 50 companies now have non-discrimination codes to protect homosexuals, and more than 8,000 U.S. firms provide domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples. If Christians object to these policies in companies where they are employed, it is typically the Christians who are viewed as the troublemakers and sent off to "reprogramming" workshops.
In education, Satan's attempts to twist the minds of our children to accept homosexuality are crafty and relentless. For instance, in the fall of 1990 the books Heather Has Two Mommies and Daddy's Roommate, were published. Shortly thereafter, the books were being stocked in public libraries nationwide, including libraries in Alabama. They even appeared as a part of some public elementary school curriculums. Since that time, elitist leaders in education continue to try to sway young minds to accept homosexuality as a legitimate lifestyle choice. Homosexual lobbyists and activists have tried (with some success) to influence organizations like the NEA (National Education Association). One result has been the publication by the NEA of "Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation and Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel." This publication teaches educators that it is pointless to try to "convert" a homosexual, and that homosexuals should be accepted as they are (see http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/facts.pdf).
As Christians, we must determine not to be swayed by these powerful cultural forces. We must understand that just because something becomes legal doesn't mean that it's moral. This is true of many other things as well: abortion, gambling, drinking or taking bankruptcy to avoid paying ones debts. "We ought to obey God rather then men" (Acts 5:29). God has not left it open for civil governments to define what constitutes a marriage. Jesus said that when two become one flesh in marriage, they have been "joined together" by God! (Matthew 19:6). God Almighty has determined what constitutes marriage; neither presidents, judges, parliaments, senates or kings have any business meddling in the matter. We must be watchful not to be swayed by any influence that would say otherwise.
My friends, there is worldwide spiritual warfare being waged over this matter. Who is on the Lord's side? Are we?
--Steve Klein
A home is seldom destroyed "overnight." Its destruction is usually the result of certain fatal steps taken over a lengthy period of time. In these days, when so many homes are crumbling, we would do well to examine our own marital relationships, to see if we have begun to travel the road to inevitable breakup. The following steps lead down that road.
1. Selfishness. This may be the number one enemy of a happy life. Each person is doing his own thing. Neither is willing to give up what he wants to do, that wholesome activities may be enjoyed together. Each is seeking his own satisfaction in material realms, in sexual activities, or in time spent with relatives, with little concern for the partner's satisfaction in these matters. The long road is begun.
2. Intolerance. Faults in one's partner begin to show up that somehow had been hidden during the courtship period. Or, if the faults were evident, they become far more irritating in a day to day, living together, relationship. Gradually those faults are magnified. Nagging begins. Each decides that he has made a terrible mistake in his marriage. Disillusionment sets in.
3. Resignation. Both parties become resigned to their situation. ``We've made our bed; we will just have to lie in it,'' they think. No further effort is made to build a happy home. Communication virtually ceases. Love begins to fade, and in many cases gives way to bitterness.
4. End of sexual relations. The communication barrier soon affects the sexual relationship, and the couple finds themselves no longer enjoying and fulfilling this God-given purpose in marriage. They have allowed their marriage to deteriorate into a mere housekeeping relationship. Such people may be easy pushovers for the next step.
5. Adultery. Temptation can arise so unexpectedly, and many a person whose physical needs are not being met at home may yield to the temptation. Rationalization comes easy in such cases: the person feels he has never gotten a "fair shake" at home; he deserves this new-found attention; this true love (?); he is sure someone understands him for the first time. How deceptive sin is! Considerable time has passed since our couple took those first steps toward a broken home, but now their journey is completed. Only one other step remains.
6. Separation. The thing that has obviously destroyed this home is sin, but not just the sin of adultery. For selfishness, intolerance, lack of love, bitterness, and failure to satisfy physical needs (whenever possible) all constitute sin. We can come to but one conclusion. Sin is the cause of broken homes. It may be sin on the part of both parties, or on the part of only one, but a home is broken because of sin.
Consider your own marriage. If repentance is needed, repent. "What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
--Bill Hall