This is the seventh in a series of columns about same-sex attraction, adapted from the new MBC resource, “What Every Christian Should Know About Same-Sex Attraction,” available in print at mobaptist.org/apologetics and in Kindle format at Amazon.com. Six passages of Scripture speak directly to the issue of same-sex conduct. This column offers a brief survey of two New Testament texts: 1 Cor. 6:9-11 and 1 Tim. 1:9-11. These passages address moral issues facing the congregation at Corinth … [Read more...]
Paul’s case against same-sex conduct
Six passages of Scripture speak directly to the issue of same-sex conduct. This column offers a brief survey of Rom. 1:26-27: “This is why God delivered them over to degrading passions. For even their females exchanged natural sexual intercourse for what is unnatural. The males in the same way also left natural sexual intercourse with females and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Males committed shameless acts with males and received in their own persons the appropriate penalty … [Read more...]
Leviticus and the same-sex debate
This is the fifth in a series of columns about same-sex attraction, adapted from the new MBC resource, “What Every Christian Should Know About Same-Sex Attraction,” available in print at mobaptist.org/apologetics and in Kindle format at Amazon.com. Six passages of Scripture speak directly to the issue of same-sex conduct. This column offers a brief survey of two verses in Leviticus: “You are not to sleep with a man as with a woman; it is detestable” (Lev. 18:22). “If a man sleeps with a … [Read more...]
A look at Sodom and Gomorrah
This is the fourth in a series of columns about same-sex attraction, adapted from the new MBC resource, “What Every Christian Should Know About Same-Sex Attraction,” available in print at mobaptist.org/apologetics and on Kindle at Amazon.com. Six passages of Scripture speak directly to the issue of same-sex conduct. This column offers a brief survey of Gen. 19:5: “They [the men of Sodom] called out to Lot and said, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Send them out to us so we can … [Read more...]
Seven truths about sex and marriage
Scripture provides at least seven truths about sex and marriage. We’ll explore key passages in detail in future columns. 1. The Bible condemns all forms of sexual behavior outside the bonds of heterosexual, monogamous, life-long marriage. Homosexuality is not a special class of sin that makes it any more or less an act of rebellion against God than premarital sex, adultery, polygamy, pornography, or other sexual sins. We do injustice to God's Word, and to those struggling with same-sex … [Read more...]
What every Christian should know about same-sex attraction
Next month the MBC releases What Every Christian Should Know About Same-Sex Attraction, a new resource that offers a Biblical perspective on homosexuality and how Christians can express Christ-like love for our LGBT friends. A series of columns beginning today features excerpts from the book, available in print and Kindle formats. Last month Ireland became the first country to legalize gay marriage by popular vote after a referendum found that 62 percent of voters favor … [Read more...]
How can 5 billion people be wrong?
The world’s population stands at more than 7.1 billion people. According to Adherents.com, this number includes 1.5 billion Muslims, 1.1 billion nonreligious people, 900 million Hindus, nearly 400 million Buddhists, and millions of followers of other faiths. The website also reports there are 2.1 billion “Christians,” a broad category that includes Catholics and Protestants, Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses, and so-called “nominal” Christians. If the exclusive claims of Jesus are true, … [Read more...]
Is the Holy Spirit like electricity?
A recent survey by LifeWay Research, as reported in Facts & Trends magazine, reveals that 59 percent of American evangelicals believe the Holy Spirit is a force, not a personal being, and another 10 percent are not sure. This lack of understanding of the divine and personal nature of the Spirit is more at home in counterfeit forms of Christianity like the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, whose adherents are known as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Our JW friends promote a “holy spirit” that … [Read more...]
What do Scientologists believe?
This is the last in a two-part series on Scientology. Some of Hollywood’s brightest stars are dedicated followers of the religion L. Ron Hubbard founded more than 60 years ago: Scientology. What do Tom Cruise, John Travolta and other Scientologists believe? Below is a brief comparison of key biblical teachings and the beliefs of the Church of Scientology. Note: The Baptist Faith and Message, available as a free download from sbc.net, features a fuller treatment of Christian doctrines … [Read more...]
What is Scientology?
A recent HBO documentary on the Church of Scientology has brought the religion L. Ron Hubbard founded 61 years ago back into the headlines. “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief” profiles eight former Scientologists and is based on a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Lawrence Wright. The film highlights the church’s origins and traces its meteoric rise in popularity, largely through the embrace of A-list Hollywood celebrities. It also shines a light on how the church cultivates … [Read more...]
Seven words that reveal Islam’s worldview
Sharing our faith with Muslims requires Christians to know at least something about the religion Muhammad established 14 centuries ago. Particularly enlightening are seven words that expose Islam’s view of the non-Muslim world and help us understand why Muhammad and his followers have consistently treated Christians with disdain. Kafir. A kafir is “one who covers or conceals the known truth; an unbeliever.” In other words, a kafir is any non-Muslim. Since kafirs reside outside the … [Read more...]
Was Saint Peter the first pope?
This is the last in a four-part series on Roman Catholicism. After Simon Peter makes his famous declaration that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” Jesus tells the apostle, “you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it” (Matt. 16:16, 18). Jesus further states, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already … [Read more...]
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