Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 16 NET, Ch. 17-18 GW

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Thoughts

Ok. We’re going to tackle the elephant in the room in chapter 18. And by the way, this is one of the reasons, the main reason, I don’t take advertisers on the show, and why I’m not interested in having the show on any of the podcast networks. What I am about to say would get me cancelled. But my job is to accurately reflect what I believe the clear teaching of the Bible is, regardless of the current culture, or even my own thoughts. 

There Must Be A Standard

The Bible is my plumb line. In case you’re not familiar with that phrase, a plumb line is used to show what is absolutely vertical. It’s usually a string with a weight tied on one end. I used to be in construction many years ago, and when building a wall, you want to build it straight and true. One of the tools you can use to show if the wall is straight is a plumb line. You hold on to the string with the weight, or plumb, hanging down. And you hold the line up next to, but not quite touching the wall. The string should be the same distance from the wall, all the way from the top of the wall to where it is tied to the top of the plumb. If it isn’t, then your wall is not exactly vertical. So then you know to make adjustments, if your goal is to make a vertical wall.  Make sense? The plumb line is an absolute standard of what is straight and true.

And so is the Bible. What is says is the truth. If there is any variation from the standard, then adjustments must be made, if your goal is to adhere to the standard. As believers, that should be our goal. If that isn’t your goal, then you have to have a conversation with yourself. You have to decide if you truly are a believer in Jesus. Because He said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) 

There Is An Elephant

So what is the elephant in the room? Right. In verse 22 of Leviticus 18 the plumb line says, “Don’t have sex with a man as one does with a woman. That is disgusting (GW) abomination (KJV) detestable (HCSB) abhorrent (MSG).

I know that more and more, homosexuality is accepted as a lifestyle. But today’s text, and many others by the way, tell us that God does not accept it. Billy Graham was once asked if he really believed that only Christians would get into Heaven. Did he really believe that Jews or Muslims or Buddhists and people who had lived good lives would not be allowed into Heaven? Billy’s response was, and I’m probably paraphrasing. This is what he said to the best of my recollection: “It doesn’t matter what I think. It’s what the Bible says. If you don’t agree, take it up with God.”

I know some homosexual people. Several. I’m friendly with them, I don’t hate them, and I’m not afraid of them. You know that’s what “phobic” means, right? To have a phobia about something is to be afraid of it. Most of the homosexuals I know are decent people. But as long as they participate in this behavior, they are out of God’s will. 

But listen very carefully, beloved. Homosexuality is not worse than adultery. It is not worse than theft. It is not worse than gossiping. It is not worse than cheating on your taxes. It is a sin, and all sin separates us from God. All sin is forgivable, but one…blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. But remember what Jesus said when He forgave the woman caught in the act of adultery, “Go and sin no more.” 

What Is Required

One cannot be born again if one does not repent, or turn, from their sin. Yes we all sin, even after being born again. But if we know what sin is, and we refuse to turn away from it, then you have to question your salvation. Did you really submit to the Lordship of Jesus? He’s more than just our Savior. He is our Lord, as well. Lord means King, Ruler, Head Honcho, if you will.

And again, let me reiterate that this is true of any sin. It is not just homosexuality. 

What Is Not Allowed

Also, let me say that holding this belief about the correctness of this verse in Leviticus does not license anyone to mistreat homosexual people in any way. Our model is Jesus. The only people he was ever cross with were the religious hypocrites. He never mistreated those sinners who came to him humbly. He treated them with love and respect. He did not condone their behavior, but he did not mistreat them. He told them that they should stop their sinful behavior, but notice that he didn’t lead with that. In other words, He first ministered to them. And then he told them to stop sinning. 

Standing on a street corner with a hateful sign is not the way Jesus changed hearts and minds. So I’m sure it’s not what He would have us do. 

The Wrap

So there you have it. When it comes to God’s Word, I have to tell you the way I see it. I won’t sugar coat it, I won’t compromise, I won’t leave it out. I believe every word. And since God doesn’t change, I’m quite sure His Word doesn’t change either. If we try to change it, we do so at our peril. 

I actually think it’s a shame that so much is made of this particular issue, because so much of the Bible tell us how much God loves us, how unwilling He is that any should perish, and how much He did to make it possible for anyone who will, to have fellowship with Him. 

But the pride of mankind makes it so difficult for some people to submit to God’s Lordship. If only they would realize that being in His will is infinitely better than being out of His will. I know, because I have spent periods in my life where I was soundly in violation of His will, as many of you listening probably have. It’s not a fun place to be, long term, is it? Most definitely not. When I am living according to what I know to be right, according to the plumb line of God’s Word, there is a joy, a peace and an everything-is-right-with-the-world assuredness that can’t be taken away. Sure, chaos and troubles continue to whirl around me, and sometimes even affect my mood, but in my core, in my inner self, God’s peace abides.