A Defense of Biblical Marriage

Session 17

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. – Genesis 1:27

The Church needs wisdom for functioning and ministering in a culture that has

legalized homosexual marriage.

Is it here to stay?

Probably yes.

Therefore our primary response

must not be political.

We must not offer a“pinch of incense”on cultural altars!

The Church needs a biblical theology of civil disobedience, primarily in the area of “hate speech codes.”

The church needs abiblical

philosophicalhistorical

and cultural

message of

truth and compassion so the world actually knows why

we oppose gay marriage.

Are broken Christian marriages within the Church any less of a problem than gay marriage outside of the church?

QuestionIs it loving to

remain silent whensomeone is on adangerous path?

Gay marriage can only exist in aculture that embraces moral relativism.

The irony of moral relativismas a worldview is that

there are no true moral relativists.

Everyone is a moral absolutist.

There is also an important role for positive case

apologetics.

“We believe the Bible is the Word of God and is the

authoritative standard for life because…”

Defending biblical marriage and refuting gay marriage is best done by critiquing moral relativism.

This approach is based upon Romans 2:14-15 and Acts 17:30-31.

Even the most “tolerant” people have many things they will not tolerate!

A troubled conscienceis easily provoked

to anger.

(Romans 1:32; 1 Peter 4:3-4)

Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Romans 1:32

Make use of3 questions

1. Is it wrong?2. Why is it wrong?3. How do you know?

We are seekingto identify the

moral absolutes held by the

gay marriage advocate.

A 70 year old manwants to marry his

17 year oldgranddaughter…

At some point the absolute will be identified…

The person who refuses to acknowledge any absolute is being

dishonest = this is a refutation.

Make use of the 3 questions of The Rights Fight

1. What is a right?2. From where do rights come?3. How do you know?

Two ChallengesTwo Challenges

1. Is homosexuality a genetic predisposition?

2. Is it true 10 percent of the population is homosexual?

1. Is homosexuality a genetic predisposition?

2. Is it true 10 percent of the population is homosexual?

Build a bridgeto the Gospelby declaring

the greatest right of all:

The right to be calledchildren of God!

John 1:12