Repent or Perish: Lasciviousness

Lasciviousness is simply lust. The word lasciviousness is used in the King James Version of the Bible. Other translations such as NASB, ESV and New King James Version translate the original Greek word as indecent behavior, sensuality, and lewdness. In all translations, this work of the flesh has to do primarily with sexual lust and behavior in particular. 

Repent or Perish: Sin of Uncleanness

Paul tells us in the fifth chapter of the book of Galatians that those who are unclean will not inherit the kingdom of God. What is uncleanness though? According to the 1828 Webster's Dictionary  uncleanness means several different things. First, uncleanness is "foulness; dirtiness; filthiness." Foulness is defined as "Offensive to the senses; revolting; Having a bad odor or taste; rotten or putrid; containing dirt, impurities, or other foreign matter." Dirtiness is defined as "Covered or marked with dirt or an unwanted substance." Filthiness is defined as "Covered or smeared with filth; disgustingly dirty." All of these are essentially in the physical sense. Obviously it does not seem Paul was referring to the physical sense of uncleanness although I would recommend remaining clean in this sense in order to not be "revolting" to other people's sense of smell.

Two other definitions for uncleanness according to Webster's are "Moral impurity; defilement by sin; sinfulness" and "Lewdness; incontinence." These definitions are what Paul is really referring to. Let's consider these in more detail.

Repent or Perish - Sin of Fornication

According to this study, 58 percent of Americans think there is nothing wrong with premarital sex. This type of attitude has been becoming more prevalent since the 1970s and "the psychologists argue that these trends suggest that Americans are ever more willing to throw over traditional strictures, including those related to sex. In general, Americans have become more sexually permissive, both in outlook and practice."

Repent or Perish - Sin of Adultery

Adultery is one of the leading causes of divorce in the United States. Even in a "sexually tolerant society", 90% of Americans consider "infidelity" (adultery) morally wrong. Adultery is labeled as a work of the flesh in Galatians 5:19. It is also said with respect to adultery (and all of the other works of the flesh in Galatians 5) that "they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God". What else does the Bible say about adultery?

Repent or Perish - Sin of Unbelief

To believe or not to believe, that is the question....Are you struggling with unbelief? Do you have areas of your life that you are not trusting God and instead believing man? Do you simply just need a refreshing in the Lord because of unbelief? Then consider the following scripture that mentions unbelief and how you should respond to thoughts that challenge your belief in God.

What Makes Marriage So Sacred?

Marriage means different things to different people. Even the Supreme Court was divided on ruling (5 to 4) the Constitutionality of same-sex marriage. Based on surveys and how each state has voted on the definition of marriage, the United States is divided on what is marriage and who should be able to partake in it. There has been and there will continue to be a debate about marriage in our country. It is a very sensitive topic for people on both sides of the debate. What we have to understand though is that it doesn’t matter what we “think” or “believe” what marriage is or who can partake in it. Instead we must accept completely what God says marriage is, who can partake in it and more importantly why marriage is so sacred.

God's Love Rejoices In The Truth

Ever since the ruling by the Supreme Court on same-sex marriage I have seen a lot of headlines and social media feeds on love. I have seen phrases such as "#lovewins", "love overcomes hate", "love is love", "love is equal", "love has won" and so forth. There have many people throughout the country celebrating and rejoicing because love had won. This really started to make me think and examine myself, my beliefs, and the "love" that is within me. I mean all of these people, even professing Christians, celebrating something that is apparently driven by love yet I could not relate or participate in the same celebration. Instead my heart was breaking. Actually I was grieving within my soul for others. But why? Was it because I don't want others to have their desires met? Was it because I am old fashioned? Was it because I don't understand what love really is? Or perhaps all these years I had misunderstood the love of God? Why could I not celebrate the decision of the Supreme Court when "love won"?