Gay Rights Agenda is Offensive

This entry is a response to a guest editorial in the local Tribune Chronicle in Warren. Mr. Pitts is a typical left-winged columnist, but appears quite militant for "gay rights;" he's intensely advocating complete equality and acceptance of the gay lifestyle by everyone. I'm taking issue with their proud and militant agenda, making those of us who oppose this sinful lifestyle appear to be a bunch of "hate-mongers."
To embrace God's ordained role of the sexes is not unkind; nor does it indicate any hatred for those who reject God's revealed plan. We love people period! However, we don't have to embrace a person's lifestyle to prove that love. Sin is sin, regardless of one's sexuality. The fight is on! This issue will not go away.

Letter to the Editor:

            You recently ran an article by Leonard Pitts regarding the shooting of a gay man in New York. The inference was that it was a “hate crime” simply because of the man’s sexual orientation and his location near an infamous gay bar. While there’s no justification for the shooting, why was that any more a hate crime than blacks shooting blacks in our major cities?  Murder is taking a life unjustifiably, regardless of ethnicity or sexuality, etc. No homicide is a “love” crime, but a selfish disregard for the gift of life. Even abortion demonstrates a lack of love and reverence for a new life and the God who gave it. While abortion may be “legal,” that doesn’t make it any less immoral.

            Mr. Pitts also encourages the intimidating tactics of the gay community. Declaring their “gayness” is not enough; rather they should be entitled to publicly flaunt their brand of sexuality, as do heterosexuals. Open expressions of “love” should not be denied or castigated. Pitts fails to face the fact that such outward behavior is offensive and unnatural to those with a moral compass. By the way, all public sexual promiscuity of any kind is still unlawful.

            Significantly, this article ran on the heels of the Boy Scout’s new policy of accepting gay boys into the program. This has created a widespread furor among those who still believe in the Scout Oath, which includes being “morally straight.” If gay is a third “sex” then why not start the “Gay Scouts,” and leave the rest our boys and girls alone?

            As Pitts says, “gay rights have become more approved,” but that doesn’t make it a legitimate lifestyle; especially if one believes the Biblical account of God’s creation of Adam and Eve. Obviously Pitts has joined the ranks of those pushing the gay agenda, and intimidating all those who refuse to embrace the deception of evolution. You’re free in American to be “gay,” but to push it down our throats, and labeling opponents as “homophobes,” is unacceptable and offensive. This can only bring further turmoil and confusion to our nation, and an eventual ideological “war,” which has nothing to do with “civil rights.”

Bill Finnigan

How to Get to Know God

            There’s a famine in the land! It’s not about physical food, but a dearth of knowing the true God and His Word. Not only the Gospel of Christ must be proclaimed to sinners, but saints also need to get to know their God. How can this be done?

            The following is an excerpt from my commentary on Proverbs.

Prov. 2:1---My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

            Having given the key verse for all of Proverbs in 1:7 (regarding the "fear of the Lord"), Solomon now sets out to reveal how that quality may be obtained. He affectionately addresses "My son", which evidently refers to Rehoboam, but is certainly applied to all who follow the LORD. (See this pattern in 3:1; 5:1; 6:1; 7:1, etc.)  Keeping the Word was and is a family matter, even though Rehoboam failed to take his father's advice (1Kings 12).

            Here he exhorts his son to "receive my words, and hide (treasure up, store) my commandments with thee." Note that these steps to the fear of God (F.O.G.) are conditional, preceded by "if." To acquire the fear of the Lord is basically a matter of obedience to the Word--an "I will" situation. It comes down to what we think is most important in life or what is priority.             David said: "wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way; by taking heed thereto according to the word of God.... Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against God" (Psa.119:9,11).

Prov. 2:2---So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

            The quest for the "fear of God" continues. Key verbs in vs.1 were "receive and hide" the word within. Here in vs.2, the progression involves "inclining the ear unto wisdom"; the idea is paying strict attention to the word (lit. pricking up of the ears). Obviously, the "ear" here indicates the inner, spiritual ear (heart) whereby spiritual  understanding takes place. How useless are the words that simply ring in the outer ear. Wisdom must have an impact on the soul. We must therefore get serious about God and His Word.

            "Apply thine heart to understanding." The word "apply" is the parallel to "incline"; while the ear is inclined (stretched out toward), the heart (parallel of "ear") must apply---stretch out, and bend to understanding. The word of God must not only be taken seriously, but then applied by obedient faith to the heart. What is taken seriously in heart will be manifest in everyday life.

A Salute to Motherhood

            The sexual revolution, along with the evolutionary worldview has had a great negative influence on family life, particularly motherhood. The esteemed, time-honored position and privilege of mothers has been desecrated. The Biblical worldview held tenaciously by our forefathers, has been challenged by those who have attempted to redefine marriage, family, and sexual orientation. The traditional family of a father, mother and children seems to be on the wane in our country.

            Apart from the Scriptural origin and definition of marriage, the “institution” is up for grabs! The marital covenant or contract is played down, while, shacking together is on the rise; instead of real fathers, we have “sperm-donors,” who renege on their parental responsibility. The number of children born out of wed-lock is approaching the 50% mark; they used to be called “illegitimates,” bringing shame to the mother and her family. Abortion was considered immoral, so homes for unwed mothers were in vogue, with potential adoptions being an option.

            The saga goes on, with the family unit disintegrating before our eyes. Anything goes, for who’s to say what constitutes a “family?” With absentee fathers in the home, the welfare system has stepped up to the plate, becoming the “daddy” with a monthly check. The government even “rewards” additional children with additional financial support. Thankfully, religious and other charitable organizations provide assistance. But the situation is only getting worse, with teenage “babies” having babies. Where will it all end?

            Our liberal educational system has done little to remedy this problem. Even churches have compromised their traditional stance. Up until more recently, marriage has been considered a sacred institution. The Biblical concept of a man and a woman committing to each other “until death,” was the norm. Solid homes were established, with the sound of Children’s happy feet filling the landscape. Things were not perfect, for sure, but there was a nurturing and training process, that brought mutual respect for all in the family.

            There was a reverence and respect for parents, especially for Mom. She could easily generate a “godlike fear.”  In fact, the worst thing that could be said about someone was that, “He would steal from his mother.” This attitude of respect extended to adults in general; to neighbors, school teachers, police, and all those in authority. Discipline and training at home had great influence in the community.

            Even in this era of broken homes, it’s the mother who usually demonstrates the character and strength to keep the children together. It’s amusing and significant to watch a giant-size football player on television express his gratitude to “mom” after scoring a touchdown. He’s caught on camera, pointing his index finger to the sky, and uttering the words, “I love you, Mom!” (Not “Dad”) There’s something about moms that’s not found in dads. You begin to wonder who the “weaker sex” really is.

            Celebrating “Mother’s Day” is definitely in order, but, like Thanksgiving, it should be practiced 365 days a year. There’s a God-given “sanctity” given to moms that cannot be denied, demanding respect and appreciation. We live in a generation that reeks with rebellion and disrespect on every level. We must get back to basics; that can only begin with a resurgence of the strong, traditional family, where a father and mother joyfully train their children to respect godly authority.

            We salute the “career” moms who are faithfully committed to this task, in the face of evil forces attempting to destroy the family, as we’ve known it. Needless to say, we are candidates for Divine intervention.