Galatians 4 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“But in the past, when you didn’t know G_d, you were enslaved to things that were by nature not gods. But now, since you know G_d, or rather have become known by G_d, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt elemental forces? Do you want to be enslaved by them again? You observe special days, months, season, and years. I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.” Galatians 4:8-10

As most of us know, many states in the United States are still battling over the legalization of gay marriage. Because these daily email devotionals go out to several US states and foreign countries, some of you have asked for my opinions & reaction, concerning this issue.

Personally, it doesn’t much matter what I think. It’s what the Bible says that matters, and I would hope you are continually weighing my observations, insights, and opinions against G_d’s Word…as you should with anyone else. My personal ministry goal is to encourage people to read the Bible, a-chapter-a-day. You build your faith by raising your Biblical literacy. If you have limited time, and you are trying to decide between reading the day’s Bible chapter or reading my devotional, read the Bible!

That being said, I do have Bible-based opinions on gay marriage. First, the Bible is clear that all sex outside of heterosexual marriage is sin. (Hebrews 13:4) The Bible is clear that marriage is ordained by God to be between a man and a woman. (Genesis 2:21-24, Matthew 19:4-6) Furthermore, the Bible is very clear as to G_d’s feelings about homosexual behavior. (Genesis 19:1-13; Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Cor 6:9)

The Bible is also clear that homosexuality is just as forgivable as all other sins; sins like pride, adultery, idol worshipping, murder, or lying. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8) G_d promises strength for victory over sin. (1 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Pertaining to today’s passage, it does not shock me that homosexuals want to be married. Apart from heeding the direction of G_d’s Spirit, which is given to all true believers, the non-believer does not have the correct motive or desire to abstain from worldly pursuits.

To me, there are three great tragedies surrounding the legalization of gay marriage. The first is focused on believers in Yeshua who refuse to make a stand, for fear of offending the gay community. To them, I would say: Now you have offended G_d.

The second tragedy is focused on the “pseudo Christian” pastors who perform gay marriage services. There is a reckoning forthcoming…

And thirdly, perhaps most tragically, are those professing to be “believers” in the gay lifestyle who have been sold a false gospel. It is heresy to say: One may claim to have been set free from the elemental forces of our sin nature, accept the Grace of Yeshua, claim to be called by His name; yet purposely and continuously live in defiance of the commands, precepts, statutes, and requirements that G_d established for His followers.

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Wednesday, October 2, 2013