May, 2004 Newsletter

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“Do you not know...? Neither the sexually immoral…nor homosexual   offenders… will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 6:9-10, NIV)

Recently our congressman, Mike Honda, wrote an article in the newspaper: “In Support Of Gay Marriage”, where he states his opinion of gay marriage: "Recognizing the right of an individual to marry a person of the same sex will not affect opposite-sex marriage, and will benefit society." As a Christian and as a pastor, I feel I must address this dangerous position on this controversial issue, especially because it comes from an influential leader within our Asian American community. If we look at the experiences of the past given in the Bible, we will see recognition of homosexual relationships does NOT benefit society, but instead leads to moral destruction.

The homosexual practices were widespread in the ancient Near East. Sodom was notorious for its citizens attempted homosexual assault on Lot’s guests (Gen. 19:4-5). Because homosexual relations were damaging to the community, the practice was condemned in Mosaic law (Deut 23:17), and God mandated that this act be treated as an abomination worthy of death (Lev. 18:22).

God’s grace in the New Testament does not minimize the seriousness of homosexual practices. He solemnly warns, “Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor… homosexual offenders… will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 6:9). And in Romans it says that God's wrath stands against homosexual behavior: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against… men…. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another….” (Rom. 1:18f)

God considers homosexuality as one of the grievous offenses against Him. The act of homosexuality, like murder, adversely affects the community and the nation. By not acknowledging the offense, a nation that defends and harbors the offenders, will be led into moral decay, becoming like the Canaanites or worse, Sodom and Gomorrah -- that were destroyed by God. Thus, Mike Honda's statement that we should legally acknowledge same-sex marriages goes against what the Bible tells us to be true.

Now, why would I expound on such an unpleasant, controversial subject? Because if I kept my silence, I would be guilty of a grievous crime, for the Bible says, “‘Son of man, I have made you a watchman… so… give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him… from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his... evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself.” (Ezk. 3:16-19) So, therefore, I am compelled to urge you to listen to the Word of God over the word of Man, no matter how important he may be or how politically correct he may sound. Let us all heed the serious warning from the Lord and warn others as well.

— Pastor Jim Sakurai

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