Open Heaven Devotional 16th October 2024, Saturday Daily Reading Guide
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TOPIC: THE BIBLE, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY III
MEMORISE
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Ephesians 4:25
SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
Romans 1:20-32
In conclusion of the teaching I started two days ago on gender and sexuality, I will like to share an experience I had with you. Some years ago, I was in one of the Western nations to preach, and a journalist interviewed me about my views on same-sex marriage.
I told the fellow interviewing me that God made men and women to reproduce after their kind. Then I asked, “Is it possible for people of the same gender to produce offspring?” I concluded by telling the interviewer that if everyone was getting married to someone of the same sex, the world will come to an end in this generation.
As a child of God, whenever you have the opportunity to speak about homosexuality, don’t beat around the bush. The reason evil thrives is that good people are too afraid to say the truth. Don’t keep quiet when people say that they are sexually attracted to people of the same gender as them.
Don’t judge or condemn them, rather, tell them the truth with love. Condemning them will only make them put up a fight, and our God is not a God of condemnation, but of love. Speak to them in love, but still show them from the Scriptures that what they are feeling is not from God because He clearly speaks against it. Tell them that you are willing to pray with them and help them overcome that feeling.
Today’s Bible reading tells us what happens to people when they are left to their reprobate minds; such people cannot end well unless they repent. Stand firm againsthomosexuality and do everything you can to show people that are sexually attracted to individuals of the same sex the right way to live from the Scriptures.
Lot stood firm against homosexuality in Genesis 19:1-7, even when he was under severe pressure. He did not allow the men of Sodom to come into his house to have sexual relations with the angels that he invited in, even though they pressed on him greatly and were going to break into his home.
Beloved, I know that in some countries, the government has made it illegal to speak the truth as regards homosexuality. However, we have a greater government in Christ, and we must represent Him everywhere we go. Do not stand by and do nothing while people are on their way to destruction; you have a responsibility to save as many as you can (Jude 1:17-23).
KEY POINT
Speak the truth in God’s word about homosexuality whenever you have the opportunity.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Acts 14-15
HYMN 20
STAND UP! STAND UP FOR JESUS
1. stand up, stand up for Jesus
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.
From vict’ry unto vict’ry
his army he shall lead
till ev’ry foe is vanquished
and Christ is Lord indeed.
2. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict
in this his glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger
and strength to strength oppose.
3. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.
4. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the strife will not be long;
this day the noise of battle,
the next, the victor’s song.
To him that overcometh
a crown of life shall be;
he with the King of glory
shall reign eternally.
Open Heaven Devotional 16th November 2024 Daily Reading guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.
