The gay bar scene or high risk promiscuous sex... Is it so happy-go-lucky? Something so sweet and wonderful we'd "wish you were here?" Or is it actually something you wouldn't wish upon your worst enemy? Is it simply a matter of being well-adjusted? Or resigned? What's so gay about it all anyway? Who ever dreamed up that label? What about truth in advertising? Some want their money back. Were they sold a line? Is homosexuality a victimless crime? What about their minds? Aren't they victimized? When they refuse to even "think straight" - aren't they denying themselves the opportunity to change? After all, isn't the brain the biggest sex organ?

God has provided for proper sexual satisfaction in marriage; but there's always that allure of the unknown, the forbidden zone. It arouses our curiosity, attempts to lower our resistance, and seduces our weakened will. In such a state, intoxicated with lust, we could engage in a deadly liaison and only discover later what a fatal attraction it really was (Prov. 5:11). "You play, you pay" (Prov. 6:27). Don't let a one-night stand be your fall. But isn't that the main purpose for going out to the bars? And if there's any such thing as gay community centers, they'd have to be THE BARS! They're the familiar haunts, pick-up joints, and popular retreats; everything from your local dive to those pulsating places that are practically cities under a roof - something for everyone.

The bars - hallowed be their names - are a place to go when you're bored, a welcoming-wagon for the new kids on the meat block, and somewhere to let your hair down and unwind, enjoying the company of your substitute family. The gay lifestyle definitely revolves around these dark dens of iniquity. Such a polluted environment naturally encourages drug and alcohol abuse ("communion"), sexual abuse in a casual way with careless partners ("confirmation"), and verbal abuse (Prov. 4:24) in an overflow of raunchy talk ("fellowship") and gossip - jes' dishin' the dirt....

"Out" On the Town

Your first experience "out" on the town (with the boys) could be exhilarating - or bizarre! You might see wonderful men dressed to kill, or hunks in tank tops and T shirts; enter a wet jock-strap contest or watch gyrating male strippers, or view the make-believe world of make-up queens trying to steal the show, a different person on stage.... Then there's the games people play, the vicious backbiting and hair-pulling of the young and breastless, or the S & M (stand & modeling) crowd who love themselves and lots of mirrors. Quite a carnival atmosphere.

But it kind of puts a damper on your evening's fun when you go into bars and find yourself greeted by pornographic posters (trying to get across the point about "safe-sex"), or see a fishbowl or platter filled with assorted colors of "life-savers" (condoms); or to order yourself a strong drink and notice AIDS donation jars staring you down: L'Chaim suddenly becomes more personal. And then there's the endless ads in all the gay mags about HIV testing, "understanding doctors" who'll screen you in private, surgically remove your hemorrhoids, laser your anal warts, counsel you about your problems, ad nauseum. Makes you eager to jump in bed, eh? Or run scared! But welcome to the real world - the good, the bad, and the ugly. But jump from bed to bed until we all drop dead? Is that what life's all about?

Isn't it stupid to keep playing this deadly game (of Russian roulette) until someone doesn't shoot blanks? DEATHBED takes on a whole new meaning. The next time you want to get "laid" - hope that it's not in a grave! So what if you can trick with every Tom, Dick, and Harry if you become just another name on the AIDS quilt (a "grave-blanket"). Don't sell yourself short (John 8:36; Heb. 12:16).

Eventually, the wear and tear, the abuse of your mind and body, is going to take its expensive toll. All of the cheap, mechanical, meaningless, sexploitation has got to affect you. How could you not become desensitized? If you deviate from the strait and narrow, how can you not get lost? If you forget or pervert the original purpose of sex, how can you escape confusion? You'll condemn yourself to wander in your sexual bewilderment, experimenting with everything since "anything goes."

Look around you the next time you go out (if you haven't had enough of that tired crowd and empty scene). From drag-queens to muscle men, welfare alcoholics to executives on cocaine; the homosexual world is as diverse and perverse as the "straight" world. Some men acting like women, some women acting like men; worlds in collision, an identity crisis, suicidal tendencies - but have another drink, what are friends for?

Are "gay" people really so happy? Or just putting on a front? Beneath the smiling faces, love and laughter, you'll too often find broken hearts and lost dreams. And although the clubs are usually full, there are too many empty individuals who are lonely and aching inside; but the show must go on, drinking and dancing, until another burnt-out dawn....

One-Night Stands

And what are one-night stands, really? Other than quick sex with "no strings attached," it's a cheap counterfeit of what we're actually looking for: true love, undivided attention, special affection, and sincere compliments. We're starved for love and yet dying from "fast-food." What we're really hungry for is some "good ol' home-cookin'!" But once you've lost your looks (if you ever had any), you won't have to worry about any more "strangers in the night" - unless you're able and willing to pay them for their time and trouble.

The bar-scene brazenly worships at the altar of youth, and devotes itself to the beauty that's only skin-deep. Everyone else is thrown on the human heap, scrapped and abandoned. Of course, there's some "hope" for these discarded lives: they can join the lonely hearts club of dashed hopes and lowered standards. The only requirement is to be desperate and dateless. If I've overstated this case, it's only to emphasize the point that sex sells - and without your youth and/or looks you're flat broke. It's twisted values, but reflective of our troubled times.

Happy and in Love?

Many gays will protest that God is a "God of love," and they think that as long as we're happy and in love - how could something so right be so wrong? They feel God couldn't condemn such relationships and wonder how anyone could think He would. But mortal thoughts and opinions aside (Prov. 14:12; Isa. 55:8), if there is a Creator God, and if the Bible is His Instruction Manual for mankind, we'd better base our beliefs solely on what's revealed within its pages. Faith must have a foundation (Rom. 10:17).

If the homosexual argument that "as long as we're happy and in love" is valid, couldn't the same defense be made to sanction incestuous relationships? Or premarital experiences or adulterous affairs? Do we always know what's best for us? Couldn't we be like grown-up teenagers who think they know everything, when in reality they don't?

Hasn't it been said, and true at times, that "love is blind?" Is it just a matter of feeling happy? Can't feelings fool us sometimes? Isn't that why family and friends have cautioned us to "keep your head above your heart?" Is all love proper? Are all affections good and healthy? What about being "lovesick?" Shouldn't there be some form of standards to judge by or criteria for character? Isn't there any game plan? Hasn't love too often been confused with lust (2 Sam. 13:15)?

Satan is "love!"

If we look into the Bible (not Freud, the latest sexual survey, or some kinky report), we'll find that it does condemn: the love of vanity (Ps. 4:2), of simplicity (Prov. 1:22), of excessive sleep (Prov. 20:13), of religious lies (2 Thes. 2:10), illicit sex, improper lovers, and "foreign affairs" (Ezek. 23:11, 17, 22; 16:37), of evil (Micah 3:2), drunkenness (Hos. 3:1), self-righteousness (Mat. 6:5; 23:6), of money (1 Tim. 6:10), this present world system and its ways (1 John 2:15), spiritual darkness (John 3:19), the kick-back of wrongdoing (2 Pet. 2:15), of ourselves in an unhealthy way and of cheap thrills (2 Tim.3:2,4), violence (Ps. 11:5), strife (Prov. 17:19), and even having a greater love for family or friends than for God (Mat. 10:37).

Therefore, the Bible clearly reveals that various forms of love and feelings are wrong, that certain human relationships are forbidden and condemned (Lev. 18), and that true love must be consistent with God's character and commandments (1 John 5:3). Any other "love" isn't from God, but from Satan who is (such) "love!" He's the clever counterfeit; the snake who confuses the issues and twists the truth. It's precisely because God is Love (1 John 4:8) that He wants to protect us from those Canaanite customs, perverted practices, and harmful ways that would ultimately undermine our land and lives (Lev. 18:30).

Still, some would angrily question how anyone could allow some old-fashioned Book to dictate their lives; after all, it's thousands of years old! But who would argue that the time-honored commandments against murder, or prohibition that protects private property or safeguards marriage and minds, or upholds honesty and virtue and being content are outdated? They're tried, tested, and true. Naturally, it's easier to accept something as long as it doesn't hit home or step on our toes. It's still typical, "A man (or woman) convinced against his will is of the same opinion still." Don't waste your time confusing them with the facts (Mat. 7:6; 15:14).

This booklet's intention is to make the plain truth about homosexuality known and available. It's to assist those who really want to consider what the Good Book has to say. Obviously, this is a very sensitive subject. If someone does become convinced or converted to the truth - great!

More power to them. But if others choose to continue in their contrary lifestyles, dying for sex rather than living for God and His Kingdom - that's their choice. God gives us all the prerogative to do as we please, but He strongly recommends and encourages us to "choose life" (Deut. 30:10); an even more appropriate message considering the high risk of AIDS. It's so difficult to TRANSCEND HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS - but we must, if and whenever it's necessary (Mark 10:28-30).

Living Responsible Lives

Is the first "gay" decade of 2,000 fulfilling prophecy? The "last days" are supposed to be reminiscent of earlier times, "as it was in the days of Noah," and "as it was in the days of Lot." How was it in days of yore? Just like today. Apparently, ignoring the dire need to make drastic changes in their lives, they conducted "business as usual" and fiddled about or got carried away with less important things (Deut. 32:47; Mark 4:19). It's recorded that they ate and drank, got married, and went to work everyday - until they were consumed by their burning desires and swept away by their sins (Luke 17:26-30).

What's wrong with eating and drinking or working? We might very well wonder. Didn't God create us with an appetite and a thirst, as well as a need for physical exertion? Yes, but certain tastes, desires and relationships should be nipped in the bud; not allowed to grow or develop or take root (Jas. 1:14-15)! Many things are good of and by themselves, and not wrong, but God's imposed conditions, restraints and guidelines for us to live by.

We're meant to enjoy those foods that God has blessed and offered us (Lev. 20:25; 1 Tim. 4:5), and even have an occasional drink, if we want. The Bible condemns gluttony, not eating; drunkenness, not drinking; greed, not need. It's what we do with what we're given. And we are instructed to work and be productive, but we're also commanded to remember the Sabbath (seventh day) to keep it holy. It's counterproductive to become too busy earning a living, that we neglect learning how to live (2 Pet. 3:18).

Although we're at liberty to do almost anything, within reason (Gen. 2:16-17), we're to remember that we're held responsible for how we handle ourselves and manage our new-found freedoms (Ga. 5:13). We're not to abuse our privileges (1 Cor. 8:9), but be careful not to get caught up in things that could too easily get out of control (2 Pet. 2:20). A night of good, clean fun can quickly degenerate into an atmosphere of "just like the old times." We're entitled to time-out with the boys (or girls), just don't let your diversion become an obsession (1 Cor. 6:12) - as my mother once warned me!

Keep Your Head Above Your Heart!

Is it - as some would charge - being cold and cruel, even inhuman, to be in control of your mind and emotions? Isn't it rather mature to exercise proper self-control, sick and tired of giving in to compulsion? Isn't it judicious to carefully cross-examine every thought, thereby destroying the defense of our death sentence, commuting it in Christ (2 Cor. 1:9; 10:4-5; 1 Cor. 11:31)?

Doing what just comes natural or seems normal might excite Nietzsche; but it's not good enough for God. God wants us - mere mortals made out of matter - to come to resemble, think and act like Him. "Like Father, like Son." Why? Is God on some big ego-trip and wants a bunch of clones to come along for the joy-ride? No, but because it's the only way that'll work. He ought to know the secret for living happily ever after.

Mankind, after all, was created in the image of the Godkind, and shares the awesome potential to become composed of God's Spirit - after we've developed His characteristics (1 Cor. 15:53). God's eager to award us all the Diploma of Divinity after we've finished the course of conversion (2 Cor. 3:18). Therefore, instead of just doing what comes natural - we're to do the supernatural! As Christian individuals, we're to turn the other cheek instead of busting their jaw; forgive rather than fume; pray for our enemies rather than swear revenge. We're continually called to be different - in contrast, not conformity, to this world (Rom. 8:29).

Tough-Love

There is a time and a place for "tough-love." We're not to show the "mercy of fools" for welfare frauds or lazy bums (2 Thes. 3:10), or have compassion on cold-blooded murderers or hardened criminals, despite their many appeals (1 Sam. 15:32-33; Rom. 13:4).

We shouldn't refuse to use corporal punishment (Prov. 13:24). It might hurt for awhile, but hopefully the lesson (that actions have consequences) will last a lifetime (Prov. 19:18; 23:13; 29:15). It could keep them out of worse trouble later (Ecc.8:11).

We're also not to allow our emotions for loved ones to lead us to hell (Deut. 7:3-4; 13:6-9), or wrong relationships to get in our way. Despite the grief of saying goodbye, and the pain of tearful separation (2 Sam. 3:14-16; Ezra 10:3), you've got to do what you've got to do. Why make it any more difficult? Don't procrastinate and prolong your misery. Get it over with and get on with your life! We don't have time to waste in no-win situations (Ephes. 5:16).

We shouldn't try and be more understanding and tolerant than God, but refuse to even associate with a Church member who's living in sin without any apology or shame (1 Cor. 5:1-2, 9-13). And we should NEVER entertain any notions about ordaining such people!

Of course, we shouldn't cop a self-righteous attitude (Ga. 6:1), but realize the prayerful purpose is to help restore everyone to their senses (knowing that ongoing sin results in an eternal separation). If and whenever such a person "comes to" (Luke 15:17, 20), he's to be welcomed back with wide-open arms (2 Cor. 2:6-8). A little love can go a long way (as Mama Evans used to say), and encourage us to do even better - rather than give up. But sometimes the situation calls for "shock-treatment" (tough-love), as well as private counseling. "Different strokes for different folks," so to speak (Luke 12:47-48). The moral of this story? Don't get blinded by the light: the glitter of "love," the hot-flash of emotion, and the gleam of relationships (2 Cor. 11:14). The going price for fool's gold is too high to pay. Walk away. It's not worth it.