SEXUAL PURITY SEXUAL PURITY (I Thessalonians 4:1-8)

Introduction Times Have Changed (2 Peter 2:19) Times Have Changed (2 Peter 2:19) The Mass Media Is Harmful The Mass Media Is Harmful Reasons For The Downward Spiral Reasons For The Downward Spiral

Sexuality Is A Blessing Eve was Adam’s helper Eve was Adam’s helper Perfect partner. (Genesis 2:18-25) Perfect partner. (Genesis 2:18-25) They were to reproduce. (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 127:3-5) They were to reproduce. (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 127:3-5) Sexual relations a source of pleasure. (Proverbs 5:15-21; 1 Corinthians 7:1-5) Sexual relations a source of pleasure. (Proverbs 5:15-21; 1 Corinthians 7:1-5)

Sexuality Is A Blessing Man has perverted this blessing. Man has perverted this blessing. It is a gift God placed within marriage. It is a gift God placed within marriage. Roman Catholicism holds that it is for reproductive purposes only. Roman Catholicism holds that it is for reproductive purposes only. Their opposition to artificial birth control stems from this belief. Their opposition to artificial birth control stems from this belief.

Sexuality Is A Blessing Sinful uses of this great gift Sinful uses of this great gift Premarital sex- fornication. (Galatians 5:19-21) Premarital sex- fornication. (Galatians 5:19-21) Extramarital sex- adultery. (Mark 6:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 16-18; Hebrews 13:4) Extramarital sex- adultery. (Mark 6:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 16-18; Hebrews 13:4) Same sex relations- homosexuality (Romans 1:26, 27; Leviticus 20:13-16) Same sex relations- homosexuality (Romans 1:26, 27; Leviticus 20:13-16)

PREMARITAL SEX KEEPS ONE FROM GIVING A SPECIAL WEDDING GIFT Evidence of moral decline Evidence of moral decline Overall illegitimacy rate is 32.4%. (1999) Overall illegitimacy rate is 32.4%. (1999) Fornication is now called an “addiction.” Fornication is now called an “addiction.”

PREMARITAL SEX KEEPS ONE FROM GIVING A SPECIAL WEDDING GIFT Evidence of moral decline Evidence of moral decline Some biologists even suggested that “President Clinton has followed the genetic program handed down by human evolution: have as much sex with as many females as possible in the Darwinian quest for hereditary survival...” (Washington Times, March 1999 ) Some biologists even suggested that “President Clinton has followed the genetic program handed down by human evolution: have as much sex with as many females as possible in the Darwinian quest for hereditary survival...” (Washington Times, March 1999 )

PREMARITAL SEX KEEPS ONE FROM GIVING A SPECIAL WEDDING GIFT Clearly condemned by God Clearly condemned by God Sexual relations are only right in marriage. (Hebrews 13:4) Sexual relations are only right in marriage. (Hebrews 13:4) Fornication is “illicit sexual intercourse.” (Matthew 5:32; 19:9; I Corinthians 6:13, 18; Galatians 5:19-21) Fornication is “illicit sexual intercourse.” (Matthew 5:32; 19:9; I Corinthians 6:13, 18; Galatians 5:19-21) Includes bestiality.(Leviticus 20:15, 16) Includes bestiality.(Leviticus 20:15, 16)

PREMARITAL SEX KEEPS ONE FROM GIVING A SPECIAL WEDDING GIFT Clearly condemned by God Clearly condemned by God Associated sins that often precede fornication are lasciviousness, immodesty, and the use of alcohol and drugs (Galatians 5:19-21; I Timothy 2:8-15; I Peter 4:3) Associated sins that often precede fornication are lasciviousness, immodesty, and the use of alcohol and drugs (Galatians 5:19-21; I Timothy 2:8-15; I Peter 4:3)

EXTRAMARITAL SEX SHATTERS PRECIOUS HOPES AND DREAMS Surveys say that as many as 50% have cheated on their mate. Surveys say that as many as 50% have cheated on their mate. Marriage counselors call it a “cure.” Marriage counselors call it a “cure.” “According to evolutionary psychology, it is natural for both men and women, at some time, under some circumstances, to commit adultery or to sour on a mate...” (Quoted by Cal Thomas, Indianapolis Star, 8/17/94) “According to evolutionary psychology, it is natural for both men and women, at some time, under some circumstances, to commit adultery or to sour on a mate...” (Quoted by Cal Thomas, Indianapolis Star, 8/17/94)

EXTRAMARITAL SEX SHATTERS PRECIOUS HOPES AND DREAMS God has always condemned this sin. God has always condemned this sin. In the O.T. it was punishable by death. (Leviticus 20:10) In the O.T. it was punishable by death. (Leviticus 20:10) In the N.T. it became the only reason for divorcing a mate. (Matthew 5:32; 19:9; Romans 7:2, 3) In the N.T. it became the only reason for divorcing a mate. (Matthew 5:32; 19:9; Romans 7:2, 3) Those who do not have a Scriptural right to remarry are living in adultery. (I Corinthians 6:9-11; Colossians 3:5) Those who do not have a Scriptural right to remarry are living in adultery. (I Corinthians 6:9-11; Colossians 3:5)

HOMOSEXUALITY HAS BECOME A TEST OF ONE’S TOLERANCE OF SIN Homosexuals are “out of the closet ” Homosexuals are “out of the closet ” In public policy terms it is compared to the struggle for civil rights of minorities. In public policy terms it is compared to the struggle for civil rights of minorities. June 2000 was declared “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.” June 2000 was declared “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.” They advocate same sex marriages. They advocate same sex marriages.

HOMOSEXUALITY HAS BECOME A TEST OF ONE’S TOLERANCE OF SIN Strongly condemned sin and unnatural Strongly condemned sin and unnatural This has impacted even brethren. This has impacted even brethren. In the O.T. it brought the death penalty. (Leviticus 20:13) In the O.T. it brought the death penalty. (Leviticus 20:13) It is called “unnatural.” (Romans 1:26, 27) It is called “unnatural.” (Romans 1:26, 27) It’s defenders say that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of inhospitality. (Genesis 19; Jude 7) It’s defenders say that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of inhospitality. (Genesis 19; Jude 7)

Conclusion Conclusion Trying Times For The Godly Trying Times For The Godly Standing For Truth or Politically Correct? Standing For Truth or Politically Correct? Must Be A Clear Difference Must Be A Clear Difference