No Such Thing as Same-Sex ‘Marriage’

            Whatever you want to call a “gay” relationship, by definition it can’t be called “marriage.” Webster defines marriage as “The act of uniting a man and woman for life; wedlock; the legal union of a man and woman for life. Marriage is a contract both civil and religious, by which the parties engage to live together in mutual affection and fidelity, till death shall separate them. Marriage was instituted by God himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, for promoting domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children.”

            I wonder where Webster got his definition? Yes, from the Bible, which used to be the Cornerstone of our society. The Book says that, “God created man in his own image…male and female created he them.” God further instructed that a man “shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh.” Here was the inception of the divine institution of marriage as we know it. But I’m getting the distinct impression that many historically established definitions are glibly being “reinterpreted.” Evidently words no longer mean what words mean!

            Significantly, the Ten Commandments are not even “suggestions” in our present society, much less binding principles. God and the Bible are becoming irrelevant and “illegal” in the market place; the Constitution is being undermined in the government arena, where politicians are making their own rules. Immorality is now replacing morality as the norm. God-given laws are being thrown to the wind, while men simple do what’s “right in their own eyes.”

            So-called “gay marriage,” among other things, exemplifies this attempt to redefine words. I can make any word, like “marriage” mean what I determine it means. Since God’s creation of Adam and Eve is a “farce”, and the “theory” of evolution explains humanity, then God’s definition of marriage may be “antiquated.” Maybe there’s even a “third” sex evolving, which might be called a “shim?”

            Historic, time-honored terms and definitions are now “up for grabs.” Significantly, the law of gravity is still in tact; the sun still comes up in the East, and 3x3 still equals 9, etc. How long will these facts be accepted, before some arrogant earthlings decide to challenge them? After all, wicked men have been shaking their fists in God’s face ever since the Fall of Adam (Gen.3). The bedrock of our existence is being rapidly undermined, and it’s time to clarify and expose the issues.

            The homosexual community is on a rampage to gain recognition and acceptance. To embrace the “gay” lifestyle is one thing, but to militantly impose that lifestyle on others is unacceptable; especially is this true when rejection of that sexual orientation is interpreted as hatred or homophobic. I don’t have to embrace someone’s lifestyle to prove that I love them. I deal with drug addicts and drunkards all the time, but still love them as human beings, without having to embrace their habits. I’m tired of being intimidated and maligned by those who hate us because we won’t comprise our convictions. Whether homosexual or heterosexual, we’ve all sinned against a holy God, and are candidates for Christ’s salvation.

            Thus, whatever the “gays” choose to call their relationship, it doesn’t fit the definition and qualification of marriage. Call it an agreement, contract or mutual arrangement, etc., but leave “marriage” off the list. Since marriage is a legal covenant between a man and a woman, for the procreation of children and family, a same-sex relationship doesn’t fit, no matter how sincere the commitment. Real love is more than “feeling;” it has standards and parameters. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” To flaunt the law of God to suit one’s “needs,” etc. is not love, but rebellion and selfishness. But, hey, what difference does that make in a society where our young people are told, “If it feels good, do it!?”

            Sixty years ago, we would not have been discussing this situation. But the moral and spiritual breakdown of our populace has fostered this present issue. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Many of the Biblical and Constitutional precepts that have set the sail for our republic have been compromised and/or rejected. Moreover, true marriage and strong family structure have been gravely damaged, opening the door for all kinds of promiscuity and perversion. “Gay marriage” is a misnomer, and can only serve to weaken and confuse the true and time-honored concept of marriage.

            When someone undermines our basic unit of society, i.e. the home, we are in deep trouble. This battle is far more serious than sexual orientation per/se; It represents the invasion of Satanic forces, who seek to destroy any semblance or influence of a Biblical world order. As we pray for God’s intervention, let us stand as “shining lights,” using and defending whatever liberty is still ours.

             

Realizing our Significance at Every Stage of Life

Prov. 20:29---The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

            In any stage of life, whether young or old, there's a characteristic of excellence. "The glory (lit. ornament, i.e. jewels) of young men is their strength (physical prowess); and the beauty (lit. magnificence) of old men is the gray head."  The sunset years of life do not necessarily nullify significance. While young people are generally robust and physically strong, older people are to manifest an inner strength (quality) of wisdom and maturity.

            There's something for everyone in God's economy; however, the gray head does not always signify maturity, no more than youth always insures bodily strength. This is a general principle, and is beautiful to behold. We need to "act our age"; i.e. to manifest the majesty of God's gifts and provisions at any stage of life.

            Thank God for youth, but also the grace to grow old without losing perspective and purpose. The "gray head" needs to be revered once again in a day when respect for elders has drastically declined. Hopefully, senior (seasoned) citizens offer a reservoir of knowledge, experience, and wisdom to be tapped by the young.

A Plea for Courageous Leadership

           We’re living in dark and difficult days, where the need for courageous leadership is in great demand. Despite the crises of unemployment and sinking economy, never have we had so much, while having so little. That is to say, that the real crisis is not material, but one of personal character. Our country has faced horrendous problems before, but never with such a dearth of true manhood and leadership. It seems like the heart has been cut out of our political and religious leaders. Church and State may be “separate” or distinct, but both have an essential role in the healthy function of society.

            We have made immigration reform and gun control priority in Washington, when only 4% of the country is focused on these issues. The increasing bureaucracy, debt, and welfare entitlements seem to generate little concern. Our individual freedoms are rapidly dissolving under a growing socialistic regime. Dependency on government is becoming common-place with some 50 million of our population receiving some form of welfare entitlement. Personal responsibility and individualism are waning, with the destructive results becoming more and more evident.

            Conservative pundants frequently refer to the legacy of Pres. Ronald Reagan, who arose to the occasion in the 1980’s when America desperately needed a courageous leader. He was a man of conviction regarding the necessity of individuals to “step up to the plate” and take personal responsibility for their livelihood. The thought of bigger government and increased union power was aggressively challenged. There was a need for personal freedom and free enterprise, which no government could produce. He believed that private business could out-perform government run agencies. Certainly, UPS and Fed-Ex exemplify that point when compared to the ineptitude of the U.S. Postal Service.

            Significantly, there was another courageous, conservative dignitary and  contemporary with Ronald Reagan. Her name was Margaret Thatcher, the former prime minister of England. The “Iron Lady,” as she was called, was also a champion of freedom and private enterprise. She readily joined hands with Pres. Reagan in the fight against the “cold war” with Russia. Her courage was phenomenal, standing firm in her convictions, despite every attempt to destroy her. She recently died at 87, and while honored by the Crown, she was mocked by her detractors, who celebrated her death by dancing in the streets of London. Others “booed” and turned their backs on her funeral procession. Evidently she made a mark on the populace, and the expressions of hatred only further reflect her courage and greatness.

            I’m looking for this kind of conviction in our situation today. We’re in a fight for survival and the Constitutional principles that once made America great. Where are the politicians with the “guts” to stand up boldly for what’s right? Where are the true patriots who will risk their political future to lead us back to sanity and common sense?  We don’t need more “professional” congressmen, but those who are God-fearing, servants of the people.

            But even more fundamental is the pathetic state of religious leaders in America. Where are the preachers of righteousness? Where are those who supposedly profess to believe the Bible and fail to preach it? Since when do we have to depend on politicians to set the moral compass of our country? The Bible was the cornerstone of our nation, the evidence of which is still evident everywhere. Even our deflated money still bears the motto “In God We Trust!” We’re losing the battle quickly, and the clergy bear most of the blame.

            After the recent Boston Marathon bombing, a priest on television was asked how someone could commit such a dastardly act. He admitted that “evil” was in the world, but couldn’t really answer the question. Why not?  “Murder is a gross crime committed by sinners, who have murder in their hearts; and God’s justice will prevail, whether here or in eternity.” This would have been a plausible explanation for any “man of the cloth.” If they don’t have answers, who does?

            We have clergyman who deny the cardinal truths of the Christian faith, regarding the life and work of Jesus Christ. The necessity of Christ’s Cross-work has become  superficial, since man is not really a sinner needing salvation. He can now make the rules as he goes, doing whatever is right in his own eyes. Such anti-Biblical teaching has opened the door for all forms of immorality and unbelief, radically opposing the standard of God’s Word. No wonder the standards of morality, etc. are being trampled under foot, for “as the Church goes, so goes the world.” So-called clergy and ministers who deny the Bible as the infallible Word of God need to face their hypocrisy, vacate their post, and get a legitimate job! Being a preacher of the Gospel is the greatest calling, but the worst profession! There’s nothing lower and more dangerous than a “minister” who misleads and deceives precious souls.

            Yes, we need a “revival” and reformation, but not so much in the White House as we do in the Church House. Guns, bombs, debt, unemployment, immigration, etc. are serious matters, but not as serious as the spiritual and moral decay of our beloved land. O, for a soon-emergence of faithful men of God, with the courage to proclaim the truth with a broken heart and a stiff backbone! Such a movement would not only change the Church, but in turn promote God-fearing, courageous leaders in every walk of national life.

Some Basic Benefits of Home Schools

            A recent article by Trevor Hughes (USA TODAY) reports a first-of-its-kind national study of more than 2,600 adolescents, including some 500 home-schoolers; the results showed that the home-schooled students slept an average 90 minutes longer each night than those attending public and private schools. On the surface, that observation may seem insignificant, but the study suggests that the increased rest serves to better equip and facilitate the student’s learning process.

            Lisa Meltzer, a professor of pediatrics and the study’s lead author, says that the “changes brought by adolescence include alterations to when the sleep hormone melatonin is released in teens’ bodies.”  In the analysis of data over 2012, she found that 55% of home-schooled teens got the optimal amount of sleep per week, in contrast to 24.5% of “traditional” public and private students. In light of the obvious growing inefficiency and demise of quality public education, would it not be feasible to take a hard look at why home-schools are a viable alternative? After all, “public” education is really a “modern” invention.

            Until 1800, there were no such institutions of learning. Homes and local churches were the bona fide class rooms, with parents and clergy comprising the faculty. The main textbook for reading and character training was the Holy Bible. Colleges of that era, like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc. were all church-related, and established to train ministers of the Gospel of Christ. Thus, what we call “traditional” (public) education now is really “progressive” or government-run.

            The present academic debacle in America is a culmination of two centuries of shifting the educational responsibility of our children from the parents to the state. We have paid an awful price, and now there is a trend back to where our nation started. How effective this will be is yet to be realized. There are some marvelous success stories of just how effective home-schooling can be. I recently heard of a family in Ohio where five of the children are medical doctors---all home-schooled prior to their medical training!

            The matter of “sleep” deprivation among public school students, mentioned above, is indicative of other significant factors. The breakup and/or the absence of the family unit have been devastating to the education process. Children from broken or single parent homes have to battle personal issues that most children from stable homes do not face. Family life is a tough challenge even with a strong mother and father in the home. With the present 41% illegitimate birth rate in America (71% in the black community), the problem is only exacerbated. I’m both impressed and grateful for the conviction of a growing number of parents who are taking back their God-given right and responsibility to train their own children.

            I’m aware that some public school systems are better than others. I’m also not suggesting that all parents are able to take on the full program, but they need to take advantage of alternative educational sources. Whatever may be the case, morality and character qualities can be taught at home, preparing children for real life. Indeed, even with teaching the three “R’s”, there’s something to be said for the comfortable atmosphere and stability of a loving home life.

            The physical “rest” or sleep may directly correlate with emotional security offered by positive and efficient parental enforcement. The chaos and dysfunction of so many “families” certainly contributes to the state of our educational system and the general demise of our nation. Parental oversight and leadership on a daily basis has to enhance a child’s chance to mature in every way. Despite the varied criticisms of home-schooling, the legitimacy of that method of education has been evidenced in ACT and SAT scores, along with a growing number of mature, well-adjusted “graduates.” May there be a widespread eruption of such young adults to help stem the growing tide of corruption in America!