“For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”
Romans 1:26-32 NASB Here in this passage we see the ultimate result of forgetting God and living in direct disobedience to His specifications. If I buy a car, I, then, take responsibility to maintain it in accordance with the manufacturers specifications. I have the right, as the vehicle owner, to disregard what the manufacturer has set forth in the owners manual or to comply with it. Should I choose to be negligent or blatantly disregard the specifications, I reap the results of a broken down vehicle that could cost me a lot of money. Perhaps a new engine, transmission, or some other expensive repair. Even the way I drive the vehicle determines its longevity. Reckless driving can destroy the vehicle, myself, and others who are riding with me or that I may crash into. Just as I am responsible for the maintenance of my vehicle, I am also responsible for the maintenance of my life. God has placed in my care the awesome responsibility and privilege of caring not only for my physical well being, but also my spiritual well being. Should I choose to neglect or blatantly disregard His specifications (The Bible - The Word of God), I will reap the consequences of my actions (see Galatians 6:7). For anyone to ignore the reality of God's existence and created order, the results are disastrous. Here in Romans chapter one we see a three step process of a society that has chosen to ignore God and His commands. First, we see a sexual revolution (see verse 24). Second, we see a homosexual revolution (see verses 26 and 27). Third, we see a reprobate mind (depraved, unable to discern or distinguish right from wrong - see verse 28). Verses 29 - 32 describe the characteristics of a society that does this. I don't know about you, but this accurately describes the current state of American life spiritually, domestically, and politically. The church in America needs to be the first in line to repent for accepting and endorsing any conduct that is contrary to the Word of God. I Peter 4:17-19 says “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” Are you caving in to the culture or are you suffering for standing under the will of God? I pray He finds me faithful to Him, not the culture!
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March 2020
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