I doubt that very many things can offend a man that was brutally tortured to death on a cross.

amen to that.

Whenever Jesus would spend time with sinners, they would be better because of it and his followers would always freak out. He would clear minds and open up eyes. Sin is'nt about evil vs good, it's about confusion vs. clarity.


Anybody upset about other people's lifestyles just remember that it was those who pointed and chastised that got the man put on the cross when they could have saved him. Will you repeat those acts against others, or have we learned yet from our mistakes?

The Bible and Homosexuality
By Rev. Mona West, Ph.D.

Lesbians and gay men face discrimination because of societal attitudes. Unfortunately, these attitudes are often taught by churches and, sadly, the Bible is frequently used as a weapon to “bash” lesbians and gays. It is important to remember that such hurtful things are not a reflection of Christ, or the way God wants the church to be, or even what the Bible really says.
Only a small number of passages in the entire Bible reference same-sex sexual activity (six out of sixty-six books of the entire Bible). Obviously this topic was not of great concern to the biblical writers. Yet these verses have been used to justify hatred, condemnation and exclusion of God’s lesbian and gay children.
The word ‘homosexuality’ is a modern term and did not exist during biblical times. Biblical writers had no concept of sexual orientation or sexual development as we understand those today. Therefore, passages that reference same-sex sexual activity should not been seen as comprehensive statements concerning homosexuality, but instead should be viewed in the context of what the ancient world that produced the Bible understood about sexual activity.
Sexuality in the Mediterranean World
Biblical scholars have employed the social sciences to study the relational and gender patterns of the ancient Mediterranean world—the world that produced the Bible. Professor Mary Tolbert summarizes that research with the following words:
The single most important concept that defines sexuality in the ancient Mediterranean world, whether we are talking about the kingdoms of Egyptor of Assyriaor whether we are talking about the later kingdoms of Greeceand Rome, is that approved sexual acts never occurred between social equals. Sexuality, by definition, in ancient Mediterranean societies required the combination of dominance and submission. This crucial social and political root metaphor of dominance and submission as the definition of sexuality rested upon a physical basis that assumed every sex act required a penetrator and someone who was penetrated. Needless to say, this definition of sexuality was entirely male—not surprising in the heavily patriarchal societies of the Mediterranean.
In these societies sexual acts between men did happen, but they happened in order to show dominance of one group of men or a man over another, especially during times of war. It was not uncommon for men who had conquered a foreign army to rape them in order to show they were dominant and of a higher status.
The Story of Sodomin Genesis 19
This understanding is helpful when we read the story of the city of Sodom, Lot, and the visitors (or angels). The men of Sodomwant to ‘know’ (yadah - a Hebrew word that can mean sexual intercourse) the foreigners who have come to Lot’s house. In essence they want to rape them in order to show their social and cultural dominance over them.
This story is not a condemnation of homosexuality, but is a story about rape and inhospitality. In other biblical texts (Ezekiel 16:49, Luke 17:28-29) Sodom’s ‘sin’ is not identified as homosexuality, rather, their sins were pride, failure to help the poor, and lack of hospitality to foreigners.
Leviticus
“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” (18:22)
“If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall be put to death; their blood is upon them.” (20:13)
These verses are part of the Holiness Code in the Old Testament book of Leviticus (chapters 17-26) that attempted to spell out ways the people of Israel would act differently than their Mediterranean neighbors. In light of the previously mentioned sexual practices of Israel’s neighbors, it becomes clear that this prohibition in Leviticus was an attempt to preserve the internal harmony of Jewish male society by not allowing them to participate in anal intercourse as a form of expressing or gaining social and political dominance. These verses in no way prohibit, nor do they even speak, to loving, caring sexual relationships between people of the same gender.
The Writings of the Apostle Paul
“So do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers—none of these will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
“The law is laid down not for the innocent but for the lawless and disobedient, for the godless and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their father or mother, for murderers, fornicators, sodomites, slave traders, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God” (1 Timothy 1:9-11).
There are two major issues to consider when one approaches these passages: translation and sexual practices of Greek culture. A comparison of these verses in several translations of the Bible indicates that there is some confusion about how to translate two Greek words in these lists of vices Paul has enumerated. The two words are arsenokoitai which is rendered in various translations as “homosexuals,” “sodomites,” “child molesters,” or “perverts” and malakoi which is rendered in various translations as “catamites,” “the effeminate,” or “boy prostitutes.”
These Greek words are difficult to translate in the context of these passages. Malakoi is a common term and means “soft.” It can refer to clothing (Matthew 11:8) or moral matters, meaning “undisciplined.” Arsenokoitai is a rare word and is made up of arseno meaning “man,” and koitai meaning “bed, lying, or having sex with.” When put together the word may mean “male prostitutes.”
When these words are placed in the context of Greek culture in which Paul was writing, the passages have very specific meanings. As we have seen earlier, the Mediterranean world had a definition of sexuality that was based on dominance/submission and unequal status. Greek culture fine tuned that definition with regard to status. Proper sexual relations occurred between people whose status was unequal. In addition there was a practice in ancient Greek culture known as pederasty in which younger men were socialized and educated through a close relationship with an older man. These older men were the boys’ (age 12 or 13) patrons and, often, their lovers. These relationships were seen as the key to raising up the next generation of city leaders and there were strict rules about how long the relationship should last and the roles of families within these relationships. Evidently there was some abuse happening in these relationships and young boys were being exploited and kept by the patron well after the boy had grown into adulthood (which would have made him an equal, hence violating the code of sex only among unequals).
These abusive relationships are what the apostle Paul is referencing, not mutually loving and caring relationships between people of the same sex.
Romans 1:26-27
“For this reason God gave them up to degrading passions. Their women exchanged natural intercourse for unnatural, and in the same way also the men, giving up natural intercourse with women, were consumed with passion for one another. Men committed shameless acts with men and received in their own persons the due penalty for their error.”
By now it should be clear that these verses must be read in the cultural context of the Mediterranean world that understood socially acceptable sexual behavior to happen only one way: among unequals with the dominant partner always an adult male.
It is also important to read these verses in Romans within their larger context. At the beginning of his letter to the church in Rome (where he had not yet visited) Paul was attempting to lay out for the Roman church his theology of grace (all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; but are justified by the gift of grace in Christ Jesus, 3:23). He is writing to a Jewish and Gentile audience. In chapter one he tries to demonstrate the Gentiles’ need for God by pointing out behaviors that keep them alienated from God. In chapter two he does the same thing for his Jewish audience.
Paul’s reference to natural and unnatural sexual acts must be taken in light of Mediterranean sexuality. He is not attempting to give an ethical teaching concerning homosexuality. He is trying to meet his Gentile audience on their own terms; using the example of some people who are not upholding the dominant/submissive model as an opportunity to talk about all persons’ need for the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Issues of Biblical Authority
When dealing with matters of biblical interpretation one always needs to keep in mind the role of the authority of the Bible in matters of faith and practice. While the Bible is an important witness to the relationship between God and humanity, it is not the ultimate revelation of God—Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, is. We must guard against what some scholars have called bibliolatry—making an idol out of scripture.
One way to guard against bibliolatry is to realize that while the Bible may be at the center of matters of faith, it must also be in ‘conversation’ with tradition, experience and reason. These four sources of faith have become known as the Wesleyan quadrilateral, so named after their originator John Wesley, founder of the Methodist heritage.
We must read and interpret scripture with the aid of the history and tradition of the Christian church. We must also bring reason—philosophical and rational thought--to bear on applications of scripture to real life situations. And last and most importantly, scripture must be weighed alongside human experience—especially the experience of God’s grace.
It is time we stopped making an idol out of the Bible. It is time we bring philosophical and rational thought—especially what the sciences have told us about sexual orientation and identity development—into conversation with the Bible. It is time we listen to the experiences of God’s gay and lesbian children who know with all their hearts that God has created them just as they are.
Resources
Brooten, Bernadette (1996). Love Between Women: Early Christian Responses to Female Homoeroticism. Chicago: Universityof ChicagoPress.
Helminiak, Daniel (1994). What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality. San Francisco: Alamo SquarePress.
Scroggs, Robin (1983). The New Testament and Homosexuality. Philadelphia: Fortress Press.
Tolbert, Mary (2002). “Homoeroticism in the Biblical World: Biblical Texts in Historical Contexts.” Paper delivered at Lancaster School of Theology, published on the web at www.clgs.org.
Wink, Walter (1999). Homosexuality and the Christian Faith: Questions of Conscience for the Churches. Minneapolis: Fortress Press.

The Australian Psychological Society Ltd

http://www.psychology.org.au/publications/tip_sheets/orientation/#s2

What is sexual orientation?
Sexual orientation is one of the four components of sexuality and is distinguished by an emotional, romantic, sexual or affectionate attraction to individuals of a particular sex. The three other components of sexuality are biological sex (whether we are born as a male or female), gender identity (the psychological sense of being male or female) and social gender role (the extent to which people conform to what is regarded in our society as feminine and masculine behaviour).
Three sexual orientations are commonly recognised: heterosexual, attraction to individuals of the other sex; homosexual, attraction to individuals of one’s own sex (same–sex attracted); or bisexual, attraction to members of both sexes. Women with a homosexual orientation are usually referred to as lesbian and men with a homosexual orientation are usually referred to as gay.
Sexual orientation is different from sexual behaviour because it refers to feelings and individuals' views about what they consider themselves to be. Sexual behaviour is simply how people behave in a sexual situation. Individuals may or may not express their sexual orientation in their behaviours.
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What causes a person to have a particular sexual orientation?
How a particular sexual orientation develops in any individual is not well understood by scientists. Various theories provide different explanations for what determines a person's sexual orientation, including genetic and biological factors and life experiences during early childhood. Despite much research there is no proven explanation of how sexual orientation is determined. However, many scientists share the view that for most people sexual orientation is shaped during the first few years of life through complex interactions of genetic, biological, psychological and social factors.
Despite what some people claim, there is no evidence that society's greater acceptance of homosexuality results in more people having a homosexual sexual orientation. The greater numbers of people identifying as homosexual are a result of fewer people fighting their homosexual feelings while attempting to live heterosexual lives.
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Is sexual orientation a choice?
No. For most people, sexual orientation emerges in early adolescence without any prior sexual experience. Some people report trying very hard over many years to change their sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual, with no success. For these reasons, psychologists do not consider sexual orientation for most people to be a conscious choice that can be voluntarily changed. People don't choose their sexual orientation; they can of course choose the kind of a life they want to live.
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Is homosexuality a mental illness or emotional problem?
No. Psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals agree that homosexuality is not an illness, mental disorder or emotional problem. However negative attitudes towards homosexuality can result in gay and lesbian people having negative thoughts about themselves, which can result in emotional and/or social problems.
In the past, homosexuality was thought to be a mental illness because mental health professionals and society had biased information about homosexuality. Most of that information came from studies that only involved lesbians and gay men undergoing therapy for problems. When researchers examined data about gay people who were not in therapy, the idea that homosexuality was a mental illness was found to be untrue.
In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association confirmed the importance of the new research by removing the term ‘homosexuality’ from the official manual that lists all mental and emotional disorders. In 1975, the American Psychological Association passed a resolution supporting this action and additional research findings have subsequently reaffirmed this decision. All mental health professionals are now urged to help dispel the stigma of mental illness that some people still associate with homosexual orientation.
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Can lesbians and gay men be good parents?
Yes. Studies comparing groups of children raised by homosexual and by heterosexual parents find no developmental differences between the two groups of children in their intelligence, psychological adjustment, social adjustment, popularity with friends, development of social sex role identity or development of sexual orientation. Recent UK research suggests that lesbian co-parents may even be better at sharing household and parenting responsibilities and therefore devote more time and better care to the children.
Another stereotype about homosexuality is the mistaken belief that gay men have more of a tendency than heterosexual men to sexually molest children. There is no evidence indicating that homosexuals are more likely than heterosexuals to molest children.
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Why do some gay men and lesbians tell people about their sexual orientation?
Because sharing that aspect of themselves with others is important to the mental health of lesbians and gay men. Life can be difficult when you feel as though you have to hide an important part of yourself. In fact, identifying themselves as a lesbian or a gay man, usually called ‘coming out’, has been found to be strongly related to psychological adjustment – the more positive a person feels as a gay male or a lesbian, the better that person's mental health will be. 'Coming out' is made necessary because individuals are assumed to be heterosexual unless there is evidence to the contrary.
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Why is the 'coming out' process difficult for some gays and lesbians?
Because of false stereotypes and unwarranted prejudice towards them, the process of ‘coming out’ for lesbians and gay men can be a very challenging process, which may cause emotional pain. Lesbians and gay men often feel ‘different’ and alone when they first become aware of same-sex attractions. They may also fear being rejected by family, friends, co-workers and religious institutions if they do ‘come out’.
Homosexuals are frequently the targets of discrimination and violence. This threat of violence and discrimination is an obstacle to them developing sufficiently positive feelings about themselves. In a 1989 US survey, five per cent of the gay men and 10 per cent of the lesbian women reported physical abuse or assault related to being lesbian or gay in the last year. A total of 47 per cent reported some form of discrimination over their lifetime. Australian surveys have shown similarly high rates of discrimination or violence.
Lesbians and gay men typically need the support of family and friends (and sometimes of counsellors and psychologists) during and immediately following 'coming out'. 'Coming out' often results in changes in an individual's relationships with others as a result of no longer being seen as heterosexual. Lesbians and gay men often seek the support of others in the gay community; such support can be very important in developing constructive same-sex relationships.
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What can be done to help lesbians and gay men overcome prejudice and discrimination against them?
The people who have the most positive attitudes toward homosexuality are those who say they know well one or more same-sex attracted persons. For this reason, psychologists believe negative attitudes toward gay men and lesbians are not grounded in actual experience with lesbians or gay men, but on stereotypes and prejudice.
Furthermore, protection against violence and discrimination are very important, just as they are for other minority groups. Some states have laws against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
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Can therapy change sexual orientation?
No. Even though homosexual orientation is not a mental illness and there is no scientific reason to attempt conversion of lesbians or gays to heterosexual orientation, some individuals may want to change their own sexual orientation or that of another individual (for example, parents seeking therapy for their child). Some therapists who undertake this kind of therapy report that they have changed their client's sexual orientation (from homosexual to heterosexual) in treatment.
Close scrutiny of these reports shows that many of the claims come from organisations with an ideological perspective on sexual orientation rather than from mental health researchers. Also, the treatments and their outcomes are poorly documented and the length of time that clients are followed up after the treatment is sometimes too short to be a true reflection of the outcome. In other cases it has been shown that individuals can be assisted to live a heterosexual lifestyle, but that their sexual orientation remains unchanged. In other words, their pattern of arousal to members of the same sex does not alter.
The Australian Psychological Society acknowledges the lack of scientific evidence for the usefulness of conversion therapy, and notes that it can in fact be harmful for the individual. Changing the sexual orientation of a person is not simply a matter of changing the person's sexual behaviour. It would require altering the emotional, romantic and sexual feelings of the person and restructuring self-concept and social identity. Although some mental health providers do attempt sexual orientation conversion, other practitioners question the ethics of trying to alter a trait that is not a disorder and that is extremely important to an individual's identity.
Many gay men and lesbians who seek therapy do not want to change their sexual orientation. Gay men and lesbians may seek counselling for the same reasons as anyone else. In addition, they may seek psychological help to ‘come out' or to deal with prejudice, discrimination and violence.
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Why is it important for society to be better educated about homosexuality?
Educating all people about sexual orientation and homosexuality is likely to lessen anti-gay prejudice and minimise the risk of harassment and discrimination. Accurate information about homosexuality is especially important to young people struggling with their own sexual identity. Although it is unclear what determines sexual orientation, those who study human development consider that what determines it takes place very early in life. Therefore fears that access to information about homosexuality will affect one’s sexual orientation are not valid.
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Where can I find more information about homosexuality?
Further information about services and organizations for lesbians and gay men can be obtained from the Interest Group's web site:
http://www.groups.psychology.org.au/glip/
Your APS Psychologist has least six years of professional training and education to equip them to provide professional, timely and efficient service to you in the area of sexual orientation. You can access an APS Psychologist for professional assistance with both minor and major issues. APS Psychologists are able to provide immediate, short-term strategies and also provide long-term, ongoing support for more complex issues

These are some interesting comments indeed.

The bible teaches of sin in two different ways. There are “sins” plural which speak of our individual acts of sin. And then there is “sin” singular which speaks of the old sin nature. That driving force that compelled us to commit those individual acts of sin before God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts crying, Abba Father. (GAL 4:6)

Each and every one of us commits individual acts of sin, or sins, on a daily basis. We don’t always love our neighbors like we should. We don’t feed the poor every time there is a need. We don’t lay hands on the sick and heal them. This list could go on and on. In fact, our sins are not just the acts that we do commit, but are also those things that we know are right to do, but we do them not.

James 2:10 says:
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

I have never committed any acts of homosexuality. I have never committed murder. I have never committed rape. But yet I have committed other acts of sin therefore I am guilty of them all.

Did you know that if you drive 56 miles an hour in a 55 mile an hour zone, in the eyes of God that is an act of sin? The bible teaches that we are to obey all the laws of the land and be submitted to those in authority.

So what’s my point?

My point is that people do not go to hell for their individual acts of sin. Sin really isn’t the issue between God and man any longer. Jesus has amply paid the price for all sin. Not only just the sins of the believer either, but the sins of the entire world.

1 John 2:2
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

That word propitiation means “atoning sacrifice. Anyone who goes to hell is not going because they committed individual acts of sin. People go to hell because they never accepted the payment that was made. People who go to hell go there with their sins forgiven. The check was made out payable to them the entire time; they just never opened their wallet and actually made the deposit.

To prove my point, Jesus himself said this:

John 16:7-8
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Take note that in verse 8 that Jesus didn’t say the Holy Spirit would convict you of your sins, plural or your individual acts of sin. Yet he said you would be reproved of sin, singular. And then He goes on in verse 9 and tells us what that one sin is:

Of sin, because they believe not on me;

The one sin that separates you from God is, not believing in Jesus. That’s the sin that sends people to hell. It’s not homosexuality, or adultery, or murder, or lying, or even speeding. It’s the fact that you are not believing on the Lord Jesus Christ.

To even further prove that:

The Apostle Paul said this:

2 Corinthians 5:19
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

That word imputing is an old accounting term. It means that God is no longer counting, or holding you accountable for your individual acts of sin. That is of course if you have been reconciled unto Christ.

There is a plethora of scripture that support this truth. I can’t go into all of them here.

Freedom from our sins does not come from some outward effort. If we could get free from sins, or get holy on our own, we would not need the Holy Spirit. Freedom from sin comes when the grace of God is allowed to penetrate your heart. Grace is not really just unmerited favor as some have defined it. Grace is God’s enabling power working in our lives. Grace breaks the power of sin. It doesn’t set us free to sin, it sets us free from sin.

Romans 2:4 says:
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

It is the goodness of God that causes a man, or woman to repent. Not fear of His wrath.

When the love of God is shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Ghost, and you are able to perceive and receive that love, this will cause you to live holier accidentally than you ever did on purpose.

Change is at the heart level. Homosexuality is not going to just go away by preaching hell fire and damnation. Neither is any other sin. Homosexuality goes away by preaching and teaching the love, grace, and power of God which in turn enables us to live holy lives, one heart at a time. Grace is the power to break sin, not live in it.

I know a lot of people read these sorts of messages and think I am preaching that it’s OK to still live in sin. That’s completely opposite of what I am saying. While, yes, God is a spirit (JN 4:24) and when He looks at you He sees the born-again spirit part of you, and He is not looking at your individual acts of sin, do not think for one moment that the devil operates in that same way. Satan loves it when we sin and he is and will take advantage of each time we do.

When we sin, or commit sins, we open a door for the devil to come in and wreak havoc in our lives. He plants those seeds of unworthiness in our minds and then our own conscious begins to condemn us. And when we are feeling condemned, the love and the power of God becomes hindered from flowing in our lives. Sin blocks God’s power because of our own conscious and because the devil accusing us all the time bringing forth guilt and shame. That’s not coming from God. Satan is the accuser of the brethren. The Holy Spirit is the comforter.


God’s love causes us to live holier accidentally that we ever could on purpose.

I could go on for days but I have some work to do.

Blessings everyone,

Michael

so pray to god and obey god's laws and let those who pray to the iowa state government be offended by there decisions.

Psalm 2
1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

3Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.

5Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

6Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

7I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

10Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

11Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (New International Version)

9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of

God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters

nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor

thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will

inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But

you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name

of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Amen.
Welcome to Mingle2 and the Christian forums.

MirrorMirror, Where did God say that in the Bible? Would you please post that scripture?

Ooops.

All sex outside of marriage is adultry,and lusting in your heart is a sin.

True. Sex outside of marriage is fornication, sex with someone other than your spouse is adultry, and lusting...yeah.

Thank you for clearing that up. I thought you were saying that sex within a marriage was wrong.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 warns us, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God."

And 1 Corinthians 6:13b, 18 tells us, "Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without (outside) the body; but he that commiteth fornication sinneth against his own body."


1 Corinthians 10:6-8 reads, "Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand."

And Galatians 5:19-21 reads, "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness ... of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."


1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel (body) in sanctification and honor, not in lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which do not know God."

Ephesians 5:1-3, 5, "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor. But fornication, and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not once be named among you, as becometh saints...For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God."

Revelation 21:7-8, "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

Those scriptures make me think of this scripture:

Romans 12 NLT

A Living Sacrifice to God

1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Those scriptures make me think of this scripture:




2 Corinthians 10:3-5 reads, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."