Category Archives: Homosexuality

The Forgotten Sin

Bible General, Culture, Daily living, Homosexuality, Sin,

I get it. Nobody likes to talk about sin, but sometimes we need to. The turmoil of the 21st century has obscured our view of sin with the result that there is now The Forgotten Sin.

Some sins seem to reach out and grab us by the collar. The in-your-face wickedness makes us angry. But, in our rush to combat the assault of these wicked thoughts and ideas, we have created an unbiblical hierarchy of sins. We spend all of our time talking about the “bad sins” but fail to address the “lesser sins.”

Some years ago, a public health professional told me that the extraordinary emphasis on HIV-AIDS was hiding the serious nature of older sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea. In her words, we have lost control of syphilis and gonorrhea and will never get it under control again. I wonder if we’re in the same situation with sexual sin.

We know sin separates us from God. But, what sin? Aren’t some sins worse? In Proverbs 6:16-19, Solomon says “hands that shed innocent blood” are an abomination to God. In that very same list, he says that “haughty eyes and a lying tongue” are also abominations to the Lord and are things that the Lord hates. But surely lying isn’t as bad as murder, is it?

Any sinful behavior, no matter how trivial it appears to us, is deadly serious to God.

In our rush to oppose homosexuality, transgenderism, and abortion, we have forgotten “routine” fornication and adultery. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul begins his list of sins with sexual immorality; it’s right there in the same list with idolatry, sorcery, drunkenness, and orgies. Paul says that people who do these things “will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

What exactly is “sexual immorality?” The underlying word, porneia, is a very broad word in Greek. It speaks to any illicit sexual activity. Sexual intimacies not ordained by God are sinful. This word includes fornication, adultery, and homosexuality. Yet today, our world assumes that people in a dating relationship are, in fact, having sex. Culture’s greatest concern is whether the sex is consensual and whether the couple has used protection against disease or unwanted pregnancies. There is no concern for the sinfulness of such a relationship. The forgotten sin is sexual immorality.

Let me be clear: sex outside of a God-approved marriage is sinful. Hebrews 13:4 says it is the “marriage bed” that is undefiled. Paul calls us to “abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Those words should speak to you, Christian. Let your life be a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). Your Lord loves you more than you can ever imagine. He wants what is best for you. If we hear his words and abide in his teachings, our life now will be much better. Our lives in eternity will be indescribable.

The world is awash in every imaginable sexual sin. Let the Christian remain pure and holy before his maker.

4 Reasons Not To Be Surprised at the World

Culture, Government, Homosexuality, Legislation, ,

standing aloneThe disappointing decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, Obergefell v. Hodges, which allows same sex marriage in all states regardless of the will of the people, prompted an outpouring of angst on social media sites. American Christians were stunned that SCOTUS delivered a ruling so at odds with Bible teaching. Suddenly Christians found themselves, again, on the losing end of a political decision. For some, it was certainly the end of the world. For others, it was an excuse to spew forth venom against a community of people with whom they disagreed.

During the social media storm, I read a blog from author Carey Nieuwofe offering a Canadian perspective on same-sex marriage. Titled Some Advice on Same-Sex Marriage for US Church Leaders From a Canadian, the post was balanced and on target. I commend it to you. The post offers 5 ideas for American Christians to consider. His article caused me to think deeper about the decision and the reaction. From the seed of his post I offer 4 reasons why Christians should not be surprised at the decision or the joyous backlash from the LGBT community. [bctt tweet=”Christians should not be surprised at the SCOTUS decision”]

1. Jesus Was a Countercultural Icon

In his own day, Jesus countered the prevailing winds of society and government. He was never satisfied with the condition of the Jewish nation and he was never afraid to say so. In Matthew chapter 5, part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus countered current teaching and expanded on what was being practiced. 6 times Jesus said “but I say to you…” He took their standard and made it better. He took their culture to a higher level.

The scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees and high priests were the leaders of the day. They set the tone for religious life among the Jews. Jesus saved his most scathing comments for them. In Matthew 23, he offers strong rebukes of these cultural leaders. 6 times Jesus says, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! One other time he calls them “blind guides.” He opposed their way of life and their teachings. He sought to counter them by offering a new and better way.

2. Jesus Was Hated by the Establishment

Because he was so vocal and well received by the common man, the leaders of the day hated Jesus. These leaders were first curious about this new call to renewal from John (Matthew 3:7-10) and then later sent to Jesus to learn more about him (John 3:1-2). Soon, however, they sought to discredit Jesus before his followers (Matthew 16:1; Mark 8:11; Luke 10:25; John 8:6). At every turn Jesus bested their feeble attempts to embarrass him. It would take more than tricky questions to bring Jesus down. [bctt tweet=”Countercultural Jesus was hated by the establishment then and now.”]

A great miracle in Bethany proves the turning point for the established leadership of Judaism. Jesus called Lazarus back from the dead. The miracle could not be denied and more and more people began to follow after Jesus. The leaders were not pleased. “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation” (John 11:47-48). The high priest then uttered these dark words: “You know nothing at all.  Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish” (John 11:49-50). These were prophetic words concerning Jesus’ death.

The established leaders of the day despised Jesus so much that they schemed to kill him. They were successful. Their hatred had become murderous.

 

3. Don’t Be Surprised When the Establishment Hates You

It is not reasonable that the world would hate our Lord and love us. The established culture and governments of the day oppose us because they oppose our Lord.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me” (John 15:18-21).  [bctt tweet=”It is not reasonable that the world would hate our Lord and love us”]

No surprises. The world is in the hands of the evil one (1 John 5:19).

We want to be faithful servants of Jesus. We also want to be accepted by the world. The two are not compatible. It hurts deeply when the world rejects us because of our faith. But know that it is nothing new. It happened to our Lord – it will happen to us.

 

4. We Are Not Like The World And Must Never Be

Part of our trouble is that we want desperately to be like the world so that we will be accepted. The idea of isolation frightens us and threatens many of the relationships we hold dear. But to be a Christian is to place every relationship on the altar of sacrifice. Jesus said that includes our family (Matthew 10:37). Paul surrendered everything for his relationship with Jesus (Philippians 3:4-11).

As Christians, we are first of all citizens of Christ’s kingdom, placed there by the power of God (Colossians 1:13). We are God’s people; we are God’s possession (1 Peter 2:9-10). We are only “strangers and exiles” in this life (1 Peter 2:11).

Our culture is growing darker and darker (2 Timothy 3:13). They will grow to hate truth (even more than they already do) and will despise those who speak the truth. Remember we are not the world. As for our nation, Christians do not need the USA; the USA needs Christians. Only by standing firm on the rock of truth can we lead people from darkness to light. When light mixes with darkness it always grows dim. [bctt tweet=”Christians do not need the USA; the USA needs Christians”]

We must reject the temptation to bow to societal and cultural pressures to conform. We must not change. But always stand firm.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

 

Elton John and Jesus

Culture, Homosexuality, Jesus, News, , ,

EJElton John, famed musician and outspoken homosexual activist, informed us this weekend that “if Jesus Christ was alive today, I cannot see him, as the Christian person that he was and the great person  that he was, saying this could not happen.” John is speaking of legislation which would permit homosexual couples to be married in the same way as heterosexual couples. Biblically, Elton John is just wrong.

Most glaringly, he misses the point that Jesus is alive today. The resurrection of Jesus and the empty tomb are centerpieces of the Christian faith which John claims to know so well.

But as far as his claim that homosexuality should be accepted today because the “times have changed,” he is still in error. There are multiple clearly understood prohibitions against homosexuality in the Bible and there is not even a single instance of an approved homosexual relationship found anywhere in Scripture.

Elton John’s reasoning, that Scripture must change to meet modern times is an old and tired attempt to break free of Biblical commands someone does not like. Logically, if Scripture cannot stand the test of time then truth does not exist. Jesus said that God’s word is truth (John 17:17). Truth doesn’t change.

The entertainer also fails in his understanding of what God desires for mankind. In the Guardian article, John is quoted as saying, “He was all about love and compassion and forgiveness and trying to bring people together and that is what the church should be about.” Jesus is about love, compassion and forgiveness and the church should also pursue the same goals. But that love, compassion and forgiveness must be the same kind of love, compassion and forgiveness that Jesus has. Jesus’ goal was stated simply by the Lord himself, “For the son of Man came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10).

First, Jesus is about redemption. He is about rejoining man to his previous relationship with God. A relationship that had been marred by sin. Jesus does desire our happiness, but our eternal happiness is the goal, not some temporary earthbound happiness. Elton John doesn’t like the idea that his sexuality is somehow restricted or contained by God’s Word. What he fails to understand is that everyone’s sexuality is constrained in some way. All of our behaviors are limited. But those restraints serve to bring us into holiness together with our Lord.

No Christian should be found “bashing” or abusing people in any sin. We are all sinners. I daily speak for God as a preacher of his word. It is an enormous responsibility which I humbly accept. So when someone else claims to speak for Jesus, as Elton John has done, he must also bear that same responsibility. We have no permission to err. We have no right to presume. When someone speaks wrongly they should be challenged.

 

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

Unrestrained Passions

Culture, Homosexuality, Jesus, , ,

538px-Man-and-woman-icon.svgThe dust up over Duck Dynasty and homosexuality brought many thoughts into view. The Biblical view is that the practice of homosexuality is a sin. The lawless view is that there is no such thing as God and therefore no such thing as sin. In the middle are masses who either do not know what the Bible teaches or they know and do not care. The lawless will not be convinced by anything said here. But some in the middle might be interested. Let us present this discussion in slightly different way.

Homosexuality as the “Super Sin”

To hear some, the practice of homosexuality is the “super sin.”

There is no super sin. All sin brings rightful condemnation from a just God. Sin which seems so small in our eyes always has enormous consequences in the eyes of the righteous judge.

“but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God,  and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

“No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5).

Some would declare that homosexuality is the worst possible sin because the Bible declares it an “abomination” (Leviticus 18:22) . True enough, homosexuality is an abomination. But there are other abominations which are far less offensive to most Christians.

Fortune telling is an abomination (Deuteronomy 18:12).

A haughty person, a liar, one who creates division, a false witness are all abominations (Proverbs 6:16-19).

No, homosexuality is not the super sin. We have made it into such because it offends us deeply. In reality, it is little different from any other sin of an unrestrained heart.

Unrestrained Passions as Sin

At the heart of so many sins are unrestrained passions. These desires are not controlled by the individual and certainly are not controlled by the Spirit. Such free-wheeling passions arise from sin (Romans 6:12; 7:5). These human passions are not simply controlled, they are destroyed in Christ.

“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires “ (Galatians 6:24).

In place of these passions is the Spirit of Christ. As Paul says, we have died but are made alive by Christ who now lives in us (Galatians 2:20).

But unrestrained passions are not built upon Christ but upon the deadly idea that a person should always be allowed to do anything and act in any manner if he alone so chooses. This is the rationale behind the motto of the 1960’s, “If it feels good, do it.”

Man must bring his own desires and passions under the constant control of the Savior. Unrestrained passions condemn. Paul said that he “disciplined” his body daily to keep it under control (1 Corinthians 9:27). In Romans 8:13 he reminds that we do not live based upon what the body (flesh) wants but what is of the Spirit. Peter joins Paul in 1 Peter 2:11 when he reminds his readers to “abstain from the passions of the flesh.” Why? He answers: those passions “wage war against your soul.”

Homosexual conduct certainly is contained in the idea of an unrestrained heart, but so are many heterosexual behaviors.

Young people must not live together in a sexual union without the blessing of God. To do so is fornication and is a sin. Like all, a young person’s sexual appetite must be retrained to marriage only.

For example, a heterosexual man may not engage in uncontrolled sexuality. He may not pursue any and all women but is restricted to his one lawful wife. A heterosexual woman may not avail herself of just any man. To do so is adultery and is a sin. Like all, her sexual activities are restricted to the marriage.

A person divorced cannot be remarried except within the teachings of God’s word. In these examples, the heterosexual, like the homosexual, are prevented from any sexual act that is not condoned by God.

Even beyond sexuality, man is expected to control and restrain himself. God demands that we restrain ourselves from sin wherever it is found.

Homosexuality is absolutely a sin. But it is a sin just like adultery, fornication, pornography and so on. Let us reject the world’s idea and be transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. Jesus calls all to freedom in Him. Will you respond?

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

When Persecution Comes Home

Culture, Daily living, Government, Homosexuality, Islam,

An American preacher is being held in Iran, charged with violations of national security. Specifically, Saeed Abedini  was sentenced to 8 years in prison for converting from Islam to Christianity. According to his wife, Abedini was offered freedom if he would renounce his faith in Christ. He refused.

This horrible affair strikes at the heart of Americans because we deeply value our freedom to practice whatever faith we choose. Many of the first settlers to these shores came to escape religious persecution in their homelands. Freedom of religion is enshrined in the Bill of Rights as a foundation to the the freedoms we enjoy in the United States. Freedom of religion is one of the most sacred cherished freedoms we enjoy.

At least, it used to be.

At Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio, Texas, a 19 year Air Force Master Sargent has been arrested, given his rights, and ordered to face charges in a court martial proceeding because he filed a religious discrimination case against his commanding officer. The CO wanted to punish a subordinate because the man had expressed faith-based reservations about homosexuality. Monk disagreed and was ordered to reveal his personal opinions about homosexuality. He refused and was relieved of his duties. He filed a religious discrimination complaint against the CO and was then ordered to face the court martial. The religious persecution story can be read in its entirety. I encourage you to so.

Others have faced persecutions for decades and we have been insulated. No more. Opposition to the sin of homosexuality is now sufficient reason to ignore the Bill of Rights and attack Christians. You will notice in the story that not only are homosexuals now a protected class, so too are Muslims.

For the Christian, we must remember the words of Jesus:

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

And,

“Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10)

There is no reason to believe that our time here will become any easier. Evil men will grown worse and worse (2 Timothy 3:13). But our glory is not here. It is with Christ who is risen. Let us be in prayer and in preparation for difficult days.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

Is SCOTUS the Last Word?

Government, Homosexuality, ,

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) yesterday issued stunning rulings which have given an imprimatur of rightness to homosexual marriages. Inherent in their ruling is approval of sinful behavior and a requirement that righteous God-fearing people must support that behavior through the use of their tax dollars. This really nothing new. Government has really never been fully supportive of faith but instead has tolerated religion because of its widespread presence in society. In years past, government has approved of a variety of sins from alcohol, to gambling, to abortion. The rulings yesterday should not be a surprise.

So what’s a Christian to do? First, God’s word has not changed. Despite the court’s rulings, God remains true (Romans 3:4) and his word remains the standard for our lives. One could make the argument that the Supreme Court is the single most powerful force in American law and politics. However they are wholly insignificant before Jehovah. Homosexual conduct is a sin. That is so obvious that we need not speak further. Sin is an offense to the Creator. The court cannot change that.

Second, government is important to us at it allows us to lead peaceable lives (Romans 13:1-7) but it is irrelevant for our salvation. Salvation comes from Jesus Christ, not from the justices.

The original Christians worshiped, served and evangelized under the oppression of pagan Roman Emperors. It was during this time that the church grew exponentially. Even if our government is in opposition to our values we still serve a risen Lord. Christianity Today said it this way:

 Jesus of Nazareth is still alive. He is calling the cosmos toward his kingdom, and he will ultimately be Lord indeed. Regardless of what happens with marriage, the gospel doesn’t need “family values” to flourish. In fact, it often thrives when it is in sharp contrast to the cultures around it. That’s why the gospel rocketed out of the first-century from places such as Ephesus and Philippi and Corinth and Rome, which were hardly Mayberry.

Let us not be discouraged. Nothing has changed. Let us be the true and unwavering counterpoint to a corrupt world where good is called evil and evil is called good.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

Hate vs. Love

Bible General, Church Bulletin, God, Homosexuality, Jesus, News, , ,

Westboro Baptist Church brought their hate to Tuscaloosa Saturday. That church is known for picketing funerals of American servicemen claiming they did as a judgment from God because the US supports homosexuality. We have no intention of saying anything else about them but they do provide a useful backdrop for some thoughts on approaching sin.

All Are Sinners

Paul is clear that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). John echoes the thought in 1 John 1:8, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Likewise, James, “For we all stumble in many ways.”

The consciousness of our own shortcomings will temper the way we approach sin in others. Such perception is not, however, tolerance of sin. Sin destroys (Romans 6:23) and we must not surrender to its reality in the world.

All Sin is Equal

This is a controversial statement to some but it is clearly Biblical. Some sins have greater consequences in this life but when it really matters, in eternity, there is no difference. Isaiah says that sin separates from God (Isaiah 59:2). It is remarkable that Paul lists such so-called minor vices like hatred, rage, discord, selfish ambition, dissensions and factions together with the major sins like immorality (which includes but is not limited to homosexuality), debauchery, orgies and witchcraft (Galatians 519-21 NIV).

Some point out that homosexual acts are an abomination (Leviticus 18:22) and they are. But dishonesty (Deuteronomy 25:16; Proverbs 11:1), lying (Proverbs 6:17) and creating discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:19) is also an abomination.

By understanding the universality and the equality of sin, we should be sufficiently humbled so that we can overcome sin ourselves but also help others in the same way.

All Need Jesus

Separated from God by sin, mankind is ever trying to reunite with his Creator. Billions seek redemption but few find it (Matthew 7:13, 14). In an effort to be politically correct and to bow to the gods of tolerance, we have ignored Jesus’ own words. He said: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Jesus alone is God’s own gift to man for our salvation (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9, 10). His death proved God’s just nature and made God the one who justifies man through Christ (Romans 3:21-26). It is Jesus who takes away sins (1 John 2:1-6).

The one who attends every service of the church, gives generously and serves others, needs Jesus as much as the practicing, activist homosexual.

We do have an obligation to speak out against sin and to reach out to those enmeshed in it (Galatians 6:1; Psalm 141:5). But the key is how we do it. We ought approach sinners humbly and in full awareness of our own sin. Further, we approach in gentleness and kindness always speaking the truth in love. Remember brethren, hatefulness is of Satan while love is of God.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

 

Let Me Come Out

Homosexuality, Sin, ,

Let me come out. I’m straight.

Let me say one more thing. I know, have known and have dearly loved friends who were gay or lesbian. I would never trash them or abuse them. But in the same breath I have to say that the LGBT lifestyle is sinful.

ESPN analyst Chris Broussard said it well.

The upshot of what Broussard is saying is that we are all sinners. Like those who practice homosexuality, adultery, fornication, lying, deceit, theft, etc. etc., sin is sin. Athletes and entertainers living in willful sin need the love of Christ like anyone else.

My concern is that some have surrendered to sin and happily live in it without engaging the battle for purity and righteousness. Let us seek to daily walk worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

Should We Change?

Abortion, Church Bulletin, Culture, Government, Homosexuality, , , , ,

People vote for a candidate for one or many possible reasons. One very large set of issues are those that deal with social issues or moral issues. Things like abortion, gambling, gay marriage and work ethic issues define many American voters. For many years, politicos have been telling us that these issues are unimportant to many and downright offensive to others. In the aftermath of last week’s election those who seek an amoral approach to politics are even louder and point to our belief in certain foundational social issues as one major reason that a conservative candidate was not elected. One commentator was bold enough to say that it was time to leave abortion behind. Are they right? Should we become silent and even indifferent to moral issues? Of course not.

Moral Issues Are God’s Issues

Our support of moral issues is predicated on Biblical teaching. We support what God has taught and dare not support what he condemns. Paul says God has spoken to us through his Spirit and  that the Spirit has searched and knows “the depths of God”  (1 Corinthians 2:6-13). It is this same Spirit that guides men into truth (John 16:13) and moved holy men to compose the books of the Bible we have today (2 Peter 1:21). We can no more jettison clear Bible teaching than we can reject the sonship of Jesus Christ.

Moral Issues Are “Salt” Issues

Jesus expects his people to be men and women of influence. He uses common salt as an example of the Christian in Matthew 5:13. The idea is unmistakable. Christians must come into contact with the world so that we can influence the world. Peter, James and John could not live upon the Transfiguration Mountain; the apostles could not remain in the upper room after the crucifixion. The work was among men. Likewise, our work is among the people of our day. We must add influence where we can.

Moral Issues Elevate a People

When a nation pursues God and seeks righteousness and goodness, that nation is blessed. Solomon said, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” The founders of this nation understood that principle and sought divine blessings. Only succeeding, corrupt, generations have twisted their desires and intents to exclude righteousness from the public square. God blesses those who draw near to him (James 4:8) while opposing those who do not (Psalm 34:16).

Moral Issues Are Not Decided by the Majority

In Genesis 6, Noah did not take a poll before beginning the ark. Joshua did not seek military advice before encircling Jericho (Joshua 6). As Noah’s story makes clear, the majority is a horrible indicator of righteousness. The Lord himself tells us that most will be lost (Matthew 7:13). Pollsters and politicos would have use determine the important issues based upon focus groups and polling data. Sadly, some religious groups today survey their communities to decide what to preach on. Opinion driven preaching is driving millions into Satan’s arms every day. We must stand for truth even if we are the last man standing.

Christians must stand for goodness and influence others for righteousness whenever and wherever they can. We cannot be deluded into thinking that political victories are important enough to ignore what God has said. Let us stand until the Lord calls us home.

 

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

Obama, Thomas and Ignorance

Culture, Homosexuality

I try to avoid overt politics here. This site is first about Jesus Christ and his gospel of salvation. We do talk about political issues sometimes as they touch on things of faith but we do shy away from talking about candidates.

But today is different. Kind of.

Cal Thomas is a political pundit who has been around for many years. Born in 1942 he is considered conservative and has been controversial on a variety of topics. He once served as vice president of Moral Majority in the 1980’s.

Thomas published an article May 17, 2012 (yesterday as I write this) which is worthy of both reading and consideration. Called, The President’s Other Gospel,  it is focused on Present Barack Obama and his support of the homosexual agenda. But it also touches on the subject of Biblical Illiteracy.

“President Obama apparently hopes there are sufficient numbers of biblical illiterates — and he could be right about this — that either won’t notice his sleight of hand, or don’t care.”

His point is that the President is trying to convince people that we should accept the practice of homosexuality even though the Bible says otherwise. Thomas is correct in arguing that the Bible doesn’t lie nor does it change.

I would invite our readers to read the article carefully and then return here and offer your thoughts. I am confident we can keep the discussion on a high plane and avoid nastiness. If we can’t, I will shut it down.