“Same-Sex Marriage”

1. “Same-Sex Marriage” • On Nov. 6, 2012 Washington State, Maine, and Maryland became the first states to pass “same-sex marriage” by popular vote. They join six other states– New York, Connecticut, Iowa, Massa-chusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont – and the District of Columbia, which had already issued Court rulings, or enacted laws permitting “same- sex marriage.” • Many celebrate this trend in the wrong direction. • Reminds us of Isaiah 5:20!

2. Facts: • “Same-Sex marriage” is a misnomer! • Morally and spiritually, our nation is rapidly deteriorating! • Newt Gingrich: “since 1963 in the courts driving God out of public life…” • Defense of Marriage Act defined marriage as “between one man and one woman” (Clinton Ad.) • One more liberal judge to the Supreme Court will result in “same-sex marriage” in all 50 states. • “Same-sex marriage” not confined to the U.S. • Reminds us of Genesis 18:20; 13:12.

3. What is Wrong with “Same-Sex Marriage?” • “Same-Sex Marriage” is not marriage! • Marriage is a union between a man a woman. Gen. 2:18,21-24; Matt. 19:3-9; Rom. 7:2-3; I Cor. 7:2-4l • It is a “covenant,” Malachi 2:14. • It is sinful! I Corinthians 6:9-10; I Timothy 1:9-11. • It is a perversion of one of the purposes of marriage, that of child bearing, I Timothy 5:14 • It is against nature, Romans 1:26-27. • Violates the natural order designed by God. It is “vile affection,” “unseemly,” “error.”

4. “What is Wrong” (Continued) • It Deprives a child either of a father or a mother. • God designed it so that a child would have both a father and a mother, Eph. 6:4; I Timothy 5:14; Titus 2:4-5; Proverbs 1:8-9. • It promotes a life style detrimental to society. • Consider the kind of society outlined in Romans 1:26-31, and its effect on children growing up in that society.. • If “marriage” can be re-defined to describe a union between two people of the same sex, why can it not also be re-defined to include other “against nature” arrangements?

5. What is Wrong? It has Far-reaching Effects! • On the Government. • God designed government to protect those who do good and to punish evil-doers, Romans 13:1-4. Legalized “same sex marriage” will compel judges and officials to perform such “marriages.” • On Public Education. • Schools will be compelled to defend homosexual relationships. • On Businesses. Genesis 3:19; Ephesians 4:28. • Corporations will be compelled to provide insurance benefits and employ such people.

6. What Can We Do? • Psalm 11:3: “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” cf. I Timothy 3:1. • We Can Pray! I Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:16. • For those caught up in this “life style!” • For those in authority, Romans 13:1-2 • For your family, your mate, your children! • Trust in the Lord! Proverbs 3:5; Romans 8:28. • Make your home all that God intended it to be! • Husbands (Eph. 5:25), Wives (Titus 2:4) Parents (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psa. 127:23-4) Young people (I Timothy 5:22)

7. What Can We Do? (continued) • Local Churches Should: • Appoint qualified men as elders and deacons. • Preach the truth on all doctrinal and moral issues. • Discipline those caught up in immorality. • We can vote for Bible purity instead of partisan politics, Romans 13:1-5. • We can encourage our elected leaders to do what is right! Acts 24:25; Matthew 14:4. • We can Resolve to serve God regardless of the this-world consequences! Matthew 6:33; Titus 2:12; Revelation 2:10; 14:13.

8. Conclusion: • It is possible to be “blameless and harmless, the sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation,” and even to “shine as lights in the world,” Philippians 2:15. • But people can not be “sons” or children of God in any society unless they render obedience to the saving gospel of Jesus Christ! • Are you a Christian? • Are you in a saved relationship with God?