Cedric Moss
08-03-03, - 03:37 PM
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Bishop Greene’s Comments – Part 3
By Apostle Cedric Moss
August 3, 2003
Last week I took an imaginary journey into the year 2010 and gave consideration to some of the “other” types of unscriptural unions Canada will be called upon to legalize as they continue down the slippery slope of rebellion against the God ordained institution of marriage. While I plan to say more on this issue at a later date, today I conclude my three-part commentary in the context of the current national discussion on homosexuality.
Too far fetched?
Is it too far fetched to think that nations condoning and legalizing homosexual unions will eventually legalize “other” types that are currently prohibited? Not at all! The appropriate question is not “if” but “when” will these nations allow adult incest (heterosexual and homosexual), bigamy, polygamy, various forms of group unions to legalize same and mixed gender orgies, bestiality, and other vile unions, limited only by the wicked imaginations of fallen humanity.
How will those courts and governments that entertain the “denial of freedom” and “constitutional rights” arguments by homosexuals, be able to deny others using the same arguments for the legalization of other vile sexual relations and marriages that are currently prohibited?
For those who think the possible legalization of these “other” types of sexual unions and marriages is really too far fetched, I suggest a quick reading of Romans 1:18-32, and a special noting of these words: “They invent ways of doing evil.” In addition, I would remind them that, even though prohibited by law, ALL of these vile, prohibited sexual relations are currently being engaged in by persons whose minds are as vile as their practices. In time, these persons will come with brassy, shameless faces, as some homosexuals are now doing, and ask courts and governments to legalize what they have been doing for so long in defiance of the law. And for nations already on the slippery slope of legalizing homosexual marriages, these requests will seem logical and progressive. And they are progressive, but in a downward direction.
By what standard?
What is the abiding standard by which homosexual marriage is prohibited? The clear answer is the revealed will of God as established in creation and confirmed time and time again in Holy Scripture. Accordingly, wise nations have legislated God’s divine intent for marriage as being between male and female, and this is the same basis for the prohibition of other sexual unions. Those who arbitrarily remove the prohibition off one (homosexuality) and try to leave it on all the others are arrogant and defiant of God and His laws. They are not ignorant. If they were, they would have an excuse, but they have none.
Even when nations like Canada rage and try to break off divine boundaries (see Psalm 2:16), God’s Word and standards still define and determine true marriage. If we call a Cactus a “rose”, that “rose” is still a Cactus but all other roses are roses. The same is true with homosexual marriage; nations like Canada can call them marriage all they like but they never can be and therefore never will be. They are marriage counterfeits, and very poor ones at that.
Deceptive Words
Part of the strategy of those who are lobbying for homosexuality to be seen as legitimate is deceptive communication. They have sought to redefine “gay” to mean homosexual and “straight” to mean heterosexual. This is misleading and deceptive. The word “gay” makes an abominable sexual practice seem pleasant and “straight” makes normal, blissful sexuality seem starchy and bland. Those of us who are interested in truthful communication should use the words homosexual (meaning same sex) and heterosexual (meaning other sex), and not join those on the “politically correct” parade who use the deceptive words, “gay” and “straight”.
Demeaning Words
Some who are opposed to homosexuality use demeaning words like “sissy”, “limp wrist” and others I prefer not to write. The use of such words is wrong and demeaning, especially when used by those of us who are followers of Christ. The reality is that no matter who people are or what they have done, Christ’s love for them is unquestionable and ours must be as well. We are called to reach ALL lost people, including homosexuals, and to do this we must build bridges, not walls. As we build bridges, we must speak the truth in love, without compromising with sin, but also without condemning those for whom Christ died.
Throwing Stones
John records the event of a woman who was caught in the very act of adultery (see John 8:3-11). She was brought to Jesus but strangely the man she was caught with was not brought. Perhaps he was a Pharisee, and this is the reason. We are told Jesus wrote on the ground, but what He wrote we do not know. We are also told he invited those without sin to cast the fist stone at the woman. No one did. They all left, one by one, from the oldest to the youngest. Jesus then told the woman she was not condemned and should go and leave her life of sin.
I suppose if Jesus was here today, He would similarly respond to those who seek to “stone” others trapped in sin, especially the ones they are not guilty of. And based on the same qualification to throw stones (be without sin), none will qualify to throw. I believe He would invite those guilty of sin to receive forgiveness and to turn away from their life of sin. We must do the same.
Compassion and Wisdom
My prayer is that the Lord will grant those of us who follow Him true compassion for those bound by sin….all sin, including homosexuality, and not self-righteous, judgemental, “stone throwing” anger. In addition, I pray that those who have the privilege of formulating legislation in our parliament, and interpreting it in our courts, will acknowledge that they are God’s servants to whom He has delegated authority (see Romans 13:1-5). By God’s grace, I pray they demonstrate wisdom and obedience by affirming and upholding the trustworthy standards of His Word as they define and determine marriage and other aspects of national life.
Apostle Cedric Moss serves as Senior Pastor at Kingdom Life World Outreach Centre. Comments and feedback may be directed to: apostle@kingdom-life.org.
Bishop Greene’s Comments – Part 3
By Apostle Cedric Moss
August 3, 2003
Last week I took an imaginary journey into the year 2010 and gave consideration to some of the “other” types of unscriptural unions Canada will be called upon to legalize as they continue down the slippery slope of rebellion against the God ordained institution of marriage. While I plan to say more on this issue at a later date, today I conclude my three-part commentary in the context of the current national discussion on homosexuality.
Too far fetched?
Is it too far fetched to think that nations condoning and legalizing homosexual unions will eventually legalize “other” types that are currently prohibited? Not at all! The appropriate question is not “if” but “when” will these nations allow adult incest (heterosexual and homosexual), bigamy, polygamy, various forms of group unions to legalize same and mixed gender orgies, bestiality, and other vile unions, limited only by the wicked imaginations of fallen humanity.
How will those courts and governments that entertain the “denial of freedom” and “constitutional rights” arguments by homosexuals, be able to deny others using the same arguments for the legalization of other vile sexual relations and marriages that are currently prohibited?
For those who think the possible legalization of these “other” types of sexual unions and marriages is really too far fetched, I suggest a quick reading of Romans 1:18-32, and a special noting of these words: “They invent ways of doing evil.” In addition, I would remind them that, even though prohibited by law, ALL of these vile, prohibited sexual relations are currently being engaged in by persons whose minds are as vile as their practices. In time, these persons will come with brassy, shameless faces, as some homosexuals are now doing, and ask courts and governments to legalize what they have been doing for so long in defiance of the law. And for nations already on the slippery slope of legalizing homosexual marriages, these requests will seem logical and progressive. And they are progressive, but in a downward direction.
By what standard?
What is the abiding standard by which homosexual marriage is prohibited? The clear answer is the revealed will of God as established in creation and confirmed time and time again in Holy Scripture. Accordingly, wise nations have legislated God’s divine intent for marriage as being between male and female, and this is the same basis for the prohibition of other sexual unions. Those who arbitrarily remove the prohibition off one (homosexuality) and try to leave it on all the others are arrogant and defiant of God and His laws. They are not ignorant. If they were, they would have an excuse, but they have none.
Even when nations like Canada rage and try to break off divine boundaries (see Psalm 2:16), God’s Word and standards still define and determine true marriage. If we call a Cactus a “rose”, that “rose” is still a Cactus but all other roses are roses. The same is true with homosexual marriage; nations like Canada can call them marriage all they like but they never can be and therefore never will be. They are marriage counterfeits, and very poor ones at that.
Deceptive Words
Part of the strategy of those who are lobbying for homosexuality to be seen as legitimate is deceptive communication. They have sought to redefine “gay” to mean homosexual and “straight” to mean heterosexual. This is misleading and deceptive. The word “gay” makes an abominable sexual practice seem pleasant and “straight” makes normal, blissful sexuality seem starchy and bland. Those of us who are interested in truthful communication should use the words homosexual (meaning same sex) and heterosexual (meaning other sex), and not join those on the “politically correct” parade who use the deceptive words, “gay” and “straight”.
Demeaning Words
Some who are opposed to homosexuality use demeaning words like “sissy”, “limp wrist” and others I prefer not to write. The use of such words is wrong and demeaning, especially when used by those of us who are followers of Christ. The reality is that no matter who people are or what they have done, Christ’s love for them is unquestionable and ours must be as well. We are called to reach ALL lost people, including homosexuals, and to do this we must build bridges, not walls. As we build bridges, we must speak the truth in love, without compromising with sin, but also without condemning those for whom Christ died.
Throwing Stones
John records the event of a woman who was caught in the very act of adultery (see John 8:3-11). She was brought to Jesus but strangely the man she was caught with was not brought. Perhaps he was a Pharisee, and this is the reason. We are told Jesus wrote on the ground, but what He wrote we do not know. We are also told he invited those without sin to cast the fist stone at the woman. No one did. They all left, one by one, from the oldest to the youngest. Jesus then told the woman she was not condemned and should go and leave her life of sin.
I suppose if Jesus was here today, He would similarly respond to those who seek to “stone” others trapped in sin, especially the ones they are not guilty of. And based on the same qualification to throw stones (be without sin), none will qualify to throw. I believe He would invite those guilty of sin to receive forgiveness and to turn away from their life of sin. We must do the same.
Compassion and Wisdom
My prayer is that the Lord will grant those of us who follow Him true compassion for those bound by sin….all sin, including homosexuality, and not self-righteous, judgemental, “stone throwing” anger. In addition, I pray that those who have the privilege of formulating legislation in our parliament, and interpreting it in our courts, will acknowledge that they are God’s servants to whom He has delegated authority (see Romans 13:1-5). By God’s grace, I pray they demonstrate wisdom and obedience by affirming and upholding the trustworthy standards of His Word as they define and determine marriage and other aspects of national life.
Apostle Cedric Moss serves as Senior Pastor at Kingdom Life World Outreach Centre. Comments and feedback may be directed to: apostle@kingdom-life.org.