JUSTIN WELBY ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY: THE BIBLE AND HOMOSEXUALITY

In his speech Justin Welby, soon to be the new Archbishop of Canterbury, said that he hopes to be defined as: “someone who loves and follows Jesus Christ.” There came a challenge from Nigerian Bishop Oluwoli Odubogun who reiterated that the African church are orthodox and very much against same sex marriage saying that: “Marriage is between man and woman.” Bishop Odubogun also accused the western church of rewriting the scriptures - how true that is. The Bishop has previously stated:"Homosexual behaviour is deviant, unbiblical, un-Christian and unnatural." There are approximately 80 million Anglicans in the world, the African church having the highest percentage - it is good that they have people like Bishop Odubogun who are a force to be reckoned with.

Whilst Welby supports the Church of England’s opposition to same-sex marriage, in his speech he affirmed his support for civil partnerships and said that he would“prayerfully and carefully” reassess his own traditional line on the issue. Welby: "I also know I need to listen very attentively to the LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender] communities and examine my own thinking carefully and prayerfully," he said. "I am always averse to the language of exclusion, where what we are called to is to love in the same way that Jesus Christ loves us. Above all, in the church we need to create safe spaces for these issues to be discussed in honesty and in love." Apparently he might reconsider whether or not to offer formal blessing services for same-sex couples as a compromise. Since the scriptures are very clear, what is there to pray about and to reassess? If you support civil partnerships and have to find ways of compromising the scriptures, then you are not a follower of Jesus Christ at all – this is double talk. You can’t have it both ways, if you claim to love and follow the Lord Jesus Christ you must obey his commandments (John 14/15). Welby's definition of ‘love’ seems to be the issue here.

I should explain my own position. I am not against homosexual people, but I am against homosexuality which is defined as sin in the Bible – these are not my words they are God’s words. This is no time to be weak and cave in under the pressure and hostility of political correctness etc. It would be far easier for people like me to go with the flow and say nothing for a quiet life – but that would not be love. If I see someone racing towards disaster and do not warn them because I do not want to offend them, that is not love - it is weakness; it is to rob them of any chance they might have of being saved. The message of Jesus Christ is the costly message of true love, it is not a cheap counterfeit. As the apostle Paul said: Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? (Galatians 4/16)

The Bible clearly says that those who practice these things will perish; they will not be saved; they will be lost, they will go to hell - but this is not God’s will: not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3/9) God is impartial, He loves everyone to the same overwhelming degree. Jesus Christ shed his blood potentially for every single person, but the proviso is that they repent and believe the gospel. The LGBT community are precious, God loves them - but those ‘watchmen’ who have not warned about this sinful lifestyle will be held accountable for their blood: So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul. (Ezekiel 33/7-9)

Matthew Henry put it very well when he said that a prophet’s business is to warn sinners of their impending misery and danger.” If souls perish through his neglect of duty, he brings guilt upon himself. See what those have to answer for, who make excuses for sin, flatter sinners, and encourage them to believe they shall have peace…...”

And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? (1 Corinthians 14/8.)

FALSE PROPHETS

The Bible warns about false prophets - they are wolves in sheep’s clothing who inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7/16). The test for those who fit this description was given by Jesus Christ who said we would know them by their ‘fruits’ meaning their deeds. One indication of this is those who teach incorrect doctrines which are unbiblical; it is also indicated by their way of life which is not in line with the Bible. They are universalists who have a pleasant plausible exterior in order to convince their hearers that the gate is not narrow or hard (Matthew 7/14). The Apostle Paul said: As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1/9; see also 2 Corinthians 11/4) What can be said about Welby in this respect is that his doctrine is not Biblical since he supports civil partnerships.

This is what the Bible says about homosexuality:

·You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. Leviticus 18/22

·If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall be put to death; their blood is upon them. (Leviticus 20/13)

·For this reason God gave them up to degrading passions. Their women exchanged natural intercourse for unnatural, and in the same way also the men, giving up natural intercourse with women, were consumed with passion for one another. Men committed shameless acts with men and received in their own persons the due penalty for their error. (Romans 1/26-27)

·Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, (1 Corinthians 6/9)

·This means understanding that the law is laid down not for the innocent but for the lawless and disobedient, for the godless and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their father or mother, for murderers, fornicators, sodomites, slave traders, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching (1 Timothy 1/9-10)

·Likewise, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural lust (perversion), serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. (Jude 1/7)

·…… they called to Lot, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, so that we may know (be intimate with) them. "Lot went out of the door to the men, shut the door after him, and said, "I beg you, my brothers, do not act so wickedly.(Genesis 19/5-7)

The judgement of God is about to fall, and those who are perishing are not receiving truth from those who should be desperately warning with tears and dire concern. It is only a matter of time before legislation comes to prevent this vital message getting out. Jesus Christ said: We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. (John 9/4).

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3/16)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/nov/09/justin-welby-synod-ordain-women

http://www.charismamag.com/blogs/fire-in-my-bones/7025-the-re-definition-of-marriage-a-view-from-africa

Dear Reader – Do you have questions about Jesus Christ and how to be truly saved? If so, then please read my post: GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/gods-plan-of-salvation-through-jesus.html

REDEFINING MARRIAGE - IS SAME SEX MARRIAGE HERETICAL?

A change in the law allowing two people of the same sex to marry either in a Register Office or by a civil ceremony is being fiercely opposed by some MPs, church leaders and a large section (at least 70%) of the public. A petition supporting the current definition of marriage has had overwhelming support with more than 230,000 signatures in just over three weeks. Lynne Featherstone, Lib Dem MP and Equalities Minister has insisted that her own views are "progressive" while at the same time calling the opposition "homophobic" saying that such views belonged in "the Dark Ages". Though they do deviate significantly from the Bible in other respects, the Roman Catholic Church uphold the biblical view of marriage. Cardinal O’Brien has said that “no government has the moral authority to dismantle the universally understood meaning of marriage” calling it a “grotesque subversion of a universally accepted human right”. He has used the term ‘heretic’ to describe those advocating a change in the law, a term Featherstone calls "medieval". A change in the law enabling same sex marriage is indeed heretical as far as biblical Christianity is concerned, but to be a heretic one has to believe the biblical doctrines in the first place, an unusual phenomena in our secular society. Featherstone’s unfortunate derision of those who do not hold the same view as herself and her statement that "marriage will be redefined whether the public likes it or not" is not only undemocratic, it is extremely arrogant.

The phrase "same sex marriage" itself is an oxymoron. People have their free will to be gay if that is the lifestyle they choose. However it is up to Bible believing Christians to warn people whose lifestyles are sinful by biblical standards. Marriage does not belong to the state or even to the church, in fact it does not belong to humans at all, it belongs to God Himself because He instituted it originally as a Holy covenant, a union between a man and a woman (Matthew 19; Mark 10). Church of England clergy take different positions on the subject, but mixed messages from the so called "church" are unhelpful and do not glorify God. The meaning of the Bible is unequivocal - the question is: What part of "shall not" don’t they understand?

· You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. Leviticus 18/22

· If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall be put to death; their blood is upon them. (Leviticus 20/13)

· For this reason God gave them up to degrading passions. Their women exchanged natural intercourse for unnatural, and in the same way also the men, giving up natural intercourse with women, were consumed with passion for one another. Men committed shameless acts with men and received in their own persons the due penalty for their error. (Romans 1/26-27)

· Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators,: idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites..... (1 Corinthians 6/9)

· This means understanding that the law is laid down not for the innocent but for the lawless and disobedient, for the godless and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their father or mother, for murderers, fornicators, sodomites, slave traders, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching. (1 Timothy 1/9-10)

· Likewise, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural lust (perversion), serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. (Jude 1/7)

ALSO:

…… they called to Lot, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, so that we may know (be intimate with) them."Lot went out of the door to the men, shut the door after him,and said, "I beg you, my brothers, do not act so wickedly." (Genesis 19/5-7)

Furthermore, if a couple gets divorced for any reason other than unfaithfulness, and then either or both remarry, they are committing adultery:

But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity (unfaithfulness/sexual immorality), causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Matthew 5/32; 19/9; Mark 10/11-12; Luke 16/18)

For I hate divorce, says the Lord, the God of Israel. (Malachi 2/16)

We do not need human interpretation about these things, the Bible is clear speaks for itself. Let God be true and every man a liar. (Romans 3/4)

Lynne Featherstone has claimed that the government’s policy is "loving". Perhaps she should elaborate on what her definition of "love" actually is. God is love. He is not indifferent to how we live our lives and He is not some weak wishy-washy indulgent figure who will do anything to keep us happy. As much as He loves us he cannot and will not tolerate evil. What is love? Is it indulging peoples fleshly lusts without warning about the consequences of their actions, or is it about dealing with peoples real needs? For those who recognise the authority of scripture, this is no time to be giving an unclear message. Truth and love are inseparable. An unclear or uncertain indistinct sound is not loving because it will lead to the destruction of those who are not being told the truth (1 Corinthians 14/8.) It is loving to say hard things in order to save those who are perishing – it is not about being homophobic, bigoted or medieval, that is to completely miss the point. It is about warning people about the truth of their situation because God loves them and does not want a single person to perish. (2 Peter 3/9)

David Cameron’s po-faced pro-gay position on the redefinition of marriage and Featherstone’s disrespect for other opinions is pure foolishness from a biblical perspective. They are imposing their own ungodly minority view onto our society, pushing us even further down the road of ungodliness. According to the consultation document the Government’s response “will be based on a careful consideration of the points made in consultation, not the number of responses received”. Chairman of the Christian Institute Colin Hart has objected strongly to the Government’s consultation on the issue: “This consultation is a sham. It is being pushed through despite the public never having a say on this change.” UKIP’s openly gay London Regional Chairman previously warned that people who believe in traditional marriage could find themselves accused of "hate crimes" if marriage is redefined.

Our government have done a wicked thing; they they have gone directly against God and will reap dire consequences. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9/10).

BESTIALITY

Some western nations have even endorsed bestiality. Bestiality or Zoophilic (sexual activity with animals) is legal in Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Russia and some states of America. In December 2011 a bill was authorised in America which included a provision which not only repeals the military law on sodomy, it also repeals the military ban on sex with animals–or bestiality. In effect the Senate have voted to remove the ban on bestiality.

If a man lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death, and you shall kill the animal. If a woman approaches any animal and lies with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. (Leviticus 20/15-16)

Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! (Psalm 50/22)

TOLERATION

The definition of toleration is to deliberately permit something (bear, endure, forbear) despite disagreeing with or disapproving of it. Tolerance on the other hand is neutral and is non-judgemental acceptance.

Homosexuals and other minority groups have the legal right of enforced toleration under Human Rights law. However the law is constantly changing and the definition of “toleration” itself now is under attack.

The Obama Administration has now moved from tolerance to endorsement at the Department of Justice by requiring federal workers to publicly affirm homosexuality. The DOJ has told its employees that to remain silent about homosexuality will be interpreted as disapproval. Managers have been instructed to “display a symbol in your office (DOJ Pride sticker, copy of this brochure, etc.) indicating that it is a ‘safe space.’” This leaves Christianity under fierce attack and immediately throws up concerns about religious intolerance and viewpoint discrimination. A Bible believing Christian manager at the Department of Justice is expected to compromise his/her faith by displaying gay pride stickers, but what are the consequences if they are not willing to compromise?

In Canada and Sweden it is a crime to speak out against homosexuality, and in the US and the UK it is a “hate crime” for a pastor to speak out against homosexuality.

In 2012 the first gay-friendly Queen James Bible was released which edits out all references to homosexuality.

"The Queen James Bible seeks to resolve interpretive ambiguity in the Bible as it pertains to homosexuality: We edited those eight verses in a way that makes homophobic interpretations impossible." http://queenjamesbible.com/

A WARNING

Hear this, O priests! Give heed, O house of Israel! Listen, O house of the king! For the judgement pertains to you; for you have been a snare at Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor, and a pit dug deep in Shittim; but I will punish all of them. I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hidden from me; for now, O Ephraim, you have played the whore; Israel is defiled. Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. For the spirit of whoredom is within them, and they do not know the Lord.Israel's pride testifies against him; Ephraim stumbles in his guilt; Judah also stumbles with them. With their flocks and herds they shall go to seek the Lord, but they will not find him; he has withdrawn from them.They have dealt faithlessly with the Lord; for they have borne illegitimate children. Now the new moon shall devour them along with their fields. Blow the horn in Gibeah, the trumpet in Ramah. Sound the alarm at Beth-aven; look behind you, Benjamin! Ephraim shall become a desolation in the day of punishment; among the tribes of Israel I declare what is sure. The princes of Judah have become like those who remove the landmark; on them I will pour out my wrath like water. Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgement, because he was determined to go after vanity.Therefore I am like maggots to Ephraim, and like rottenness to the house of Judah. When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah his wound, then Ephraim went to Assyria, and sent to the great king. But he is not able to cure you or heal your wound. For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I myself will tear and go away; I will carry off, and no one shall rescue. I will return again to my place until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face. In their distress they will beg my favour. (Hosea 5/1-15)

HEBREWS 12/25

See that you do not refuse the one who is speaking; for if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject the one who warns from heaven! (Hebrews 12/25)

Defender of the Faith, Queen Elizabeth II has signed into law a bill legalising same sex marriage the same way that she signed the death sentence of millions of unborn babies when she signed the Abortion Act in 1967. Equalities Minister Maria Millier says that she is "proud that we have made it happen."

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5/20).

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/britain-legalizes-gay-marriage-as-queen-elizabeth-ii-gives-royal-approval/2013/07/17/925daf7a-eee5-11e2-bb32-725c8351a69e_story.html

http://beforeitsnews.com/politics/2013/05/doj-forces-federal-employees-to-speak-out-to-affirm-homosexuality-2520372.html

http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/silence-is-disapproval-federal-workers-now-required-to-celebrate-homosexuality/question-3710241/?link=ibaf&q=silence+is+disapproval+gays+

http://www.allaboutlove.org/homosexuality-tolerance-faq.htm#sthash.0VXQjIVI.dpuf