Those who can remember the 1950's know what a radical moral transition our society has undergone since then. Led by the mass media, there is now almost majority acceptance for things that were not even publicly discussed in 1950. Read Romans 1:24-32:
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error... God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."
There is a point where a society fails to provide enough moral foundation to give its children a fair chance to be godly citizens. It is not enough for those who just abstain from "such things," especially if they "have pleasure in them that do them." Our society's only hope is for righteous men everywhere to take a stand and speak out against all forms of immorality and unrighteousness. If not, there is every reason to expect that God will give us up. If Romans 1:24-32 does not communicate this, what would?
These bible study questions provide assistance to you in studying and teaching God's word. The answers are quite clear, and they prove that we can have the same understanding as the apostles had by reading the New Testament (Ephesians 3:4). We challenge you to open your bible and establish the truth.
On Divisions and Denominations
Ephesians 4: 1-3. Does it appear that Paul expected that Christians would accept the multitude of confused doctrines which exist in the denominational world today?
Ephesians 4: 4-6. Does the Bible teach there are many valid baptisms? Does the Bible teach there is one body, just as there is one Lord and one God?
Ephesians 1: 22-23. Is the one body the same as the church?
John 17: 20-21. Were God and Jesus divided in any way? Is Jesus concerned when there is division in His church?
1 Corinthians 1: 10-13. Are we permitted to speak different things in religious matters from that which was spoken by the authority of Christ? Was Christ pleased when some called themselves after Paul, Apollos, and Cephas? Is Christ pleased with the division of the denominational system today where some are called after men and others after various doctrines?
Questions from the apostle Paul (1 Cor. 1:13): "Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" The answers to these questions were so obvious to the Christians at Corinth that Paul was able to ask them rhetorically. Obviously, Christ is not divided, Paul was not crucified for them, and they were not baptized into Paul's name. However, we are not sure how many in the denominations respond to these questions today. What is your response?
Those of the world often complain about the morality of religious people. The world seems to have a very good understanding of the standard that God has set for His people, and Christians' failure to maintain that standard inevitably brings reproach upon our Lord.
Immorality can rear its ugly head among God's people. But if it does, the Lord has given both the erring individual and the church a way to deal with it (1 Cor. 5). If we fall into sin we must readily repent and remember the words of Eph. 5:3: "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints."
Many who call themselves Christians now proudly proclaim their participation in all kinds of perversions that were not even known to polite society twenty years ago. Nonparticipants often take pride in their liberality toward those of "alternative" lifestyles (Rom. 1:32). Pre-marital sex and adultery are rarely denounced outside of the church, since they seem tame compared to these other acts of "gross" immorality.
Give Romans 1:24-32 your serious consideration and ask yourself: Has God given our society up? See also (2 Pet. 2:9).
Do we understand the meaning of being "strangers and pilgrims" (1 Pet. 2:11)? Peter was speaking of the church when he said "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Pet. 2:9 ).
There is no room for compromise here (1 Cor. 6:9-11). As individuals, we must flee fornication (1 Cor. 6:18); and religious institutions which do not teach all of God's word on moral issues are clearly not in fellowship with God (1 Cor. 6:14-7:1).
Christians cannot claim to be perfect (1 Jn. 1:8); but there can be no doubt that the Lord's church is the only sanctuary of morality in this world today. The worldly might pick at the exceptions, but that is exactly what they are -- exceptions to models of honor and virtue.
In stark contrast to the trend of this world, "Let your lights so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Mt. 5:16).
Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement ... (Mt. 5:31)
But Jesus' teaching on this subject is quite clear (Mt. 5:32):
But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Indeed, this must seem a strange teaching, as many religious organizations do their best to avoid it. Our politicians have finally come to recognize that this nation cannot survive without the strength of its families, but they will never affirm the full truth of Jesus' words on this subject.
Jesus, when confronted about this issue by the Pharisees in Mt. 19:3-9, explained that "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." And, "Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery."
Editor's plea: If you are uncomfortable with the articles presented in this issue, delete our text and read the cited scriptures in their context. "Let God be true..." (Rom. 3:4).