The Gay/Lesbian/Marriage Crisis

Whether you realize it or not, a terrible crisis is raging worldwide that centers around the God-ordained institution of marriage. A few years ago, hardly anyone could imagine that an apocalyptic, same-sex, gay rights controversy would burn like fire through political and ecclesiastical stubble and would become a major "sign" of the last days. But that controversy is here . Eighteen countries have officially legalized same-sex marriage, and that number will only increase.
Shockingly, key lesbian and gay leaders have publicly stated that their ultimate goal is not merely equality with heterosexual couples under the laws of the land, but rather the utter destruction of traditional marriage itself. Thus they are not content to simply pursue their own desires, but plan to annihilate a sacred institution originally created and established by God Himself at the dawn of time (read Genesis 2:24 and Hebrews 13:4). Who is behind such a malicious agenda? It is Satan himself, the first being in the universe to openly attack the very laws of God's government. "Honor your father and mother" (Exodus 20:12), states the fifth commandment of the decalogue to children worldwide. When marriage between a man and a women is attacked, scorned, and undermined, the consequences will be disastrous.
Those who will stand firm in these last days must have the courage to make the Bible their final appeal. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16), says the Holy Book. As this battle intensifies, we must bravely refuse to cower under ridicule, verbal abuse, or even persecution, either from society, or even from within the church.
On the legal front, gay rights often trump religious rights in court cases. At the heart of this conflict is religious liberty--the right to hold personal religious convictions. One prime example is a case in Gresham, Oregon, where Christian owners of a bakery conscientiously refused to bake a wedding cake for a lesbian couple. The lesbians could have tried another bakery, but no, they took the owners to court, and won, because the state of Oregon ruled that no business has the right to discriminate against a person's sexual orientation. The result? The bakery was shut down. Not only that, but during the trial period the bakery owner's family received all kinds of hate mail, threats and outright bullying because they dared to follow their religious convictions.
Today, in several states, parents are not allowed to opt-out their children from classroom curriculums that teach homosexuality. It is also likely that in the near future many Christian denominations will also be facing litigation when they refuse to grant -- based on religious convictions -- either weddings or baptisms to openly gay and lesbian couples.
Jesus Christ said, " Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot ... even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed" (Luke 17:29,30). To discover conditions in the time of Lot, simply read Genesis 19. Two strangers -- holy angels disguised as humans -- had become guests under Lot's roof; but then "the men of Sodom" surrounded Lot's house seeking immoral relations with them. It was the last straw. The next day "the Lord rained upon Sodom ... brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven" (Genesis 19:24). Yet God doesn't have to send fire from above to prove His point that dire consequences will surely result from brazenly straying from His original and perfect plan. Historically, any nation where the core family unit has been undermined by society has been destroyed from within.

This is not based on speculation, but on historical facts.
J.D. Unwin did an exhaustive study of over 80 countries throughout history and found that nations eventually collapsed after the heterosexual marriage institution was marginalized by society and appropriate sexual activity was no longer limited to the confines of marriage. He summarized, "Any extension of sexual opportunity (outside a monogamous, heterosexual marriage) must always be the immediate cause of a cultural decline." Pitirim Sorokin, founder of sociology at Harvard University, also traced the rise and fall of civilizations and concluded that the weakening of marriage is a major sign of pending disaster.
To meet the emergency, White Horse Media recently filmed a new 13-part TV series titled, "Coming Out," featuring special guests who were openly gay but who have been transformed by the saving love of Jesus Christ. In each program, core gay/lesbian issues are discussed from a biblical perspective, without compromise, yet each topic is permeated with grace and compassion. There is no gay bashing, hate speech, or hostility towards those struggling with same-sex attractions. "Coming Out" is now available on DVD as a healing, life-changing resource for anyone seeking to understand this difficult topic. The series is also perfect for church services, prayer meetings, and home study groups.
"Do not be deceived," wrote Paul, "Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, NKJV). Don't miss those critical six words: "And such were some of you." What a message of hope! The Bible message is that God genuinely loves each and every one of us, no matter what our temptations, trials, or tendencies, and that full pardon, cleansing, and deliverance is available to all of us through a loving Savior. In "Coming Out" you will discover just such a message -- and much more. May God help His people to calmly, kindly, and yet boldly reach out to those confused by same-sex attractions, especially if they seek help from above.

The gay/lesbian/marriage crisis is here, and won't go away, until Jesus appears in the clouds.

"Even so, come Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20), should be our earnest prayer.
by Steve Wohlberg