When church people hear the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, the response is often, “Tsk, tsk, we aren’t perverted like the Sodomites were.”  However, the greater lesson here is that the one family that was to be saved from the destruction of Sodom, presumably like some of our church families, had sins of their own they were ignoring.  Simply remember this verse, spoken by Jesus, “Remember Lot’s wife.”  Remember her, because though she may not have openly committed the same sins that her Sodomite neighbors were involved in, she loved her life in Sodom so much that she looked back, which was against God’s directions.  She may have loved her home, her husband’s status as a political leader, and the affluent lifestyle Lot provided her.  She must not have really wanted to leave.  Our churches have problems with its members being involved in sex sins as well as others.  Judgement must begin at the house of God. 

Genesis 19 tells the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities that were located near what is now called the Dead Sea  These cities were known for their complete abandonment of any sexual morality.  According to Jude 7, they even went after "strange flesh" which probably means not only the practice of sodomy (anal sex) but bestiality (sex with animals). 

The story actually begins in Genesis 18:16 when Abraham, the bearer of covenant promises from God, pleads with the Lord to spare the judgement of fire and brimstone that he is about to rain down on Sodom and the nearby cities.   However, after the Lord made it clear that not even ten righteous people lived in Sodom, He made a way for Abraham's nephew named Lot, a resident of Sodom, to escape from Sodom before the disaster. 

The Lord sent two angels, appearing as humans, to Sodom to visit Lot.  They arrived in the evening and Lot saw them at the gate and asked them to spend the night with him.  The angels said they would spend the night on the open square, but Lot strongly insisted that they stay with him, probably knowing the danger that awaited them if they should be in the midst of the city at night.  After they ate, the men of Sodom surrounded Lot's house and demanded that Lot bring out his visitors so they could have sex with them. 

Lot went outside and closed the door behind him and begged the men not to act so wickedly.  He even offered them his two virgin daughters.  With this rebuke the men accused Lot of judging them.  They threatened to treat Lot himself worse than their plans were to do to the two visitors.  Immediately the angels grabbed Lot and pulled him into the house and struck the men with blindness so that they gave up trying to find the door. 

When the morning came,  Lot lingered, but the angels took his hand and the hands of his wife and daughters and brought them outside the city.  They told them to escape to the mountains and not turn back to look.  However, Lot's wife lingered and turned to look back. She became a pillar of salt.  Some suppose she was covered by the brimstone that was falling from the sky to destroy the wicked cities, possibly as a result of a volcano or meteor.  

No matter how she became a pillar of salt, the fact is that Lot's wife  stands as a reminder of those who are not completely repentant of their affections for the ways of the sinful and ungodly culture in which they live.  Though these people may judge the homosexuals or lesbians around them, they harbor various types of sexual sins in secret and never come clean in heart.  Therein lies the greatest problem of all.  People who think of themselves as better than “those” yet will fall prey to God’s wrath just as “those” do, and just as Lot’s wife, who was nearly escaped, did.

A Discovery Channel special on Sodom and Gomorrah  presented archeological evidence that  these cities once existed and were destroyed, but the commentators declared that there is no evidence that these cities were so sinful. The Bible teaches the contrary.  "The men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord."  (Gen. 13:13)  Other than the fornication and perversions mentioned by Jude, according to the word of the Lord, Sodom also "had pride, fullness of food (gluttony), and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.  And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me;  therefore I took them away as I saw fit."  (Ezekiel 16:49-50)  The Lord overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah “in fierce anger.” (Deuteronomy 29:23)

Furthermore, 2 Peter 2:6 says that God condemned and destroyed these cities as an example to us of what would become of our cities, and our nation, and us as a people if we sinned as they sinned.  In fact Jesus said that for those who saw the miracles of Jesus and did not believe, it would be more tolerable in the Judgement Day for Sodom and Gomorrah than it would be for them.  (Matthew 10:15, 11:23-24)

Isaiah 1:9 and Romans 9:29, also, reminds us not to be too proud, for it is only the grace and mercy of God that restrains any nation from going to the excessive sins of Sodom and Gomorrah.  "Unless the Lord of Hosts had left to us a very small remnant, we would have become like Sodom; we would have been made like Gomorrah."  The "very small remnant" could refer to just a handful of godly people who walk with the Lord, just as only ten righteous inhabitants of Sodom would have spared it from destruction.   So, we can only thank God for His grace and mercy if we as individuals have not indulged in the sexual perversions and other sins that characterized these ancient cities. 

However, even Jerusalem and Judea sunk to the point of acting like Sodom in some ways.  Isaiah said, "They declare their sin as Sodom; they do not hide it.  Woe to their soul!"  (Isaiah 3:9)  So to glory in our shame is to be an enemy of the cross of Christ.  (Philippians 3:18-19)  One who boasts of illicit sexual experiences is glorying in his or her shame. 

Now, let us turn to verses about the clergy.  We know about the sexual perversions committed by some priests in the Catholic Church in recent years.  Such disclosures are probably only the tip of the iceberg.   If all were out in the open about ministers and church staff across the United States and in every denomination, church coffers would quickly diminish.  Jeremiah, who seemed to be the lone spokesman for the truth in his day, spoke God's words saying, "I have seen a horrible thing in the prophets of Jerusalem;  they commit adultery and walk in lies.  They also strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns back from his wickedness.  All of them are like Sodom to Me, and her inhabitants like Gomorrah.” (Jeremiah 23:14)

So we see here that no one can pull the blinders over  God's eyes.  He sees it all, and He will withhold His blessings and His power from an entire congregation because of the sins of its church leaders.  Some such ministers who "strengthen the hands of evildoers" are those who say that civil unions or marriages between same-sex partners is permissible.   This stance makes it so "no one turns back from his wickedness."  These ministers are like Sodom in God's eyes, and their followers are like Gomorrah. 

There are heterosexual fornicators and homosexual fornicators and bisexual fornicators.  All are in the same category as far as God is concerned.  None of these will inherit the kingdom of God if they do not repent.  The homosexual fornicators see the heterosexual fornicators as the hypocrites that they are when they rail against gays or joke about them.  Can we not all repent of our fornication, whether heterosexual or homosexual, instead of seeing only the impurity in other? 

Since the Texas anti-sodomy law was declared unconstitutional in 2003, the "gay" movement has pressed on and on to make homosexual "marriage" legal and to sue for legal "rights" that make them preferred to normal heterosexuals.  So, though our secular society has gone the way of Sodom, the church of Jesus Christ must reject such abominable practices, while simultaneously maintaining a Biblical attitude toward those in bondage to this sin, as well as to those committing other sins.

What is the Biblical Christian attitude toward homosexuals?

1.)  Homosexual behavior gives evidence that one is lost in sin.   "Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived:  neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (feminine by perversion), nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers,  nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God." (I Corinthians 6:9-10)  The first thing to note is that many who call themselves Christians are involved in sins as equally serious as homosexuality.  Fornicators (those having sex outside of marriage) and drunkards and covetous people are just as lost as the homosexual is. All Christians must be sorrowful and repentant about their own sins before judging others.

2.)  Homosexuality evidences the deep depravity of a culture.   Romans 1:18-32  Many homosexuals were sexually molested as children in some way.  They have borne the guilt and shame all their lives and have believed a lie.  They believe they were responsible for the molestation to some extent, or they believe the fact that they were molested proves there was something abnormal about themselves.  Those put in prison for sexual molestation are often beaten by inmates because of the anger those inmates have toward a molester from their childhood.

3.)  Homosexuals can be cleansed from their sin to lead a new life.  "And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God." I Corinthians 6:11  Thousands of people have testified to coming out of homosexual lifestyle through the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and there are various organizations devoted to helping anyone who wants to leave this sin behind and begin a new life in Christ.

4.)  Homosexuality is a temptation that can be resisted.  Though one is born with a sin nature, one is not born homosexual -- he becomes one by succumbing to temptation and/or being deceived or molested but deprived of proper counseling. If it were not for God's grace we'd all indulge in sexual perversions, so we must never become haughty and look down upon anyone caught in this sin.   (Romans 9:29 -  Sodom and Gomorrah were cities full of sexual perversion.)  In 1966 our society did not have the problem with homosexuality that we have today.  Homosexuality is a product of the culture, not of the genes.  Former homosexuals have testified that homosexuals often have several things in common.  Even if they were not molested as children or teenagers,  they may have been called  "queer," "gay," or other such derogatory names when they were young.  Before they had ever had any sexual activity,  they began to believe something was "wrong" with them due to the way they were treated.  Often, the relationship with the father was either non-existent or abusive.  The strong military-type father who seems cold-hearted has often produced effeminate sons. The mother who dominates or berates the child's father can also be a factor.  But regardless of what one's family or cultural history is, God's Word says, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” (I Corinthians 10:13)

5.)  Christians should not joke about "gays" or use filthy talk about them.  "But do not let immorality or any impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness or silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting...For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God...it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.”  (Ephesians 5:3-5,12)  "Fools mock at sin."   (Proverbs 14:9)  A word of warning:  Often those who are the biggest gay bashers are either closet gays or become gay.  Fornication just opens the door to further fornication.  Gays cannot stand the hypocrisy of fornicators who make fun of them, acting as if they are more righteous than they are. 

6.)  "Gays" are not gay (happy).  Isaiah 48:22  "There is no peace for the wicked.”  They often have a deep-seated anger or bitterness against certain other people or groups.  It is sad that much of their anger is directed against faithful Christians who harbor no ill-will against them, but who in their eyes are “guilty by association” with church members or leaders who are like Lot’s wife.

7.)  Homosexuals, like all other lost people, need to be prayed for, loved in the name of Christ, and given the message of salvation through Christ.   However, one who has indulged in the sin of fornication should beware, since it would be possible for such a one to become entangled in this sin if he/she associates with those who are in it.  It appears that the most aggressive homosexuals recognize this and are active in recruiting others to their ranks via such clubs as Gay-Straight alliances on college campuses.

Discussion:

1. 1. The Old Testament never uses the word “homosexual” but rather it uses the word “sodomite.”  Why might the Biblical word be the better one?
   

2. 2.What deceptions do many homosexuals believe?
   

3. 3.In what ways does our society encourage homosexual behavior?
   

4. 4.What negative consequences have some upon society due to the general acceptance by our national government of it?
   

5. 5.In what ways are those who take a stand against homosexuality already being persecuted?  How may such persecution escalate in the future?
   

6. 6.What is wrong with “gay bashing”?
   

7. 7.Is it possible for a gay person to become “straight” and practice purity?  Have you ever heard a testimony for Christ from a former gay or lesbian?
   

8. 8. What  could be the danger of children watching TV shows or movies that depict homosexual couples in positive ways?  Is there danger in shows or movies that depict presumably heterosexual fathers in dishonorable ways?
   

9. 9.The “gay” movement has made false accusations about many men in history concerning their sexual preferences.  Can you name some of these?
   

10. 10.  Why is perverted sexual behavior such and abomination to God?
    

11. 11. what do you think may be the primary reason that homosexuality is practices more in today’s America than it was in the 1950’s?
    

12. 12. The Episcopalian denomination lost members when it ordained a bishop who was openly homosexual.  Why do you think that church ordained him?
    

13. 13. Public school policy is to now teach that homosexuality is a normal lifestyle one can freely choose.  Imagine yourself in an elementary school and being told that.  How would that make you feel? 
    

Dig Deeper:

1. 1. Read Genesis 13:1-13.  How did Lot, Abram’s nephew, end up living in Sodom?
   

2. 2. Read Genesis 14:1-16  What happens here that shows that Sodom may not have been a very safe place to live?  Notice that the enemy kings got “all their food” (verse 11)  See Ezekiel 16:49-50.  List the ways in which Sodom was ripe for destruction. 
   

3. 3.Read Genesis 14:13-24.  How did Lot get rescued from the kidnappers?  Who was Melchizedek?  What would Abram not take any reward from the king of Sodom?  Read more about Melchizedek in Hebrews 6:20-7:4 and Psalm 110:4 From these verses, why might some scholars think that Melchizedek was a theophany (an Old Testament appearance of Jesus Christ)?
   

4. 4.Read Genesis 18:16-33.  What in this passage shows that Abraham was earnestly praying for God to spare Sodom?
   

5. 5.Read Genesis 19: 1-29.  Why did Lot not want the angels to stay in the town square?  Why did Lot offer his daughters to the Sodomites? What did the Sodomites call Lot?  How did the prospective sons-in-law act at Lot’s warning?  When Lot hesitated, what did the angels do?  What happened to Lot’s wife?  Why did God save Lot?
   

6. 6.In Luke 17:32 we are told to “Remember Lot’s wife.”  Look in the context (several verses before and after) and tell why Jesus said we should remember her.
   

7. 7.Read 2 Peter 2:6-8 and tell why God had to condemn Sodom and Gomorrah.  Also, how do these verses describe Lot. 
   

8. 8.The King James Version uses the word “sodomite” in Deuteronomy 23:17, I Kings 14:24, I Kings 15:12, I Kings 22:46, and 2 Kings 23:7. What do these passages say about them?
   

9. 9.Read Romans 1:18-32.  Write the stages of depravity in to which a society plunges. 
   

10. 10. Read I Corinthians 6:9-11.  What do these verses say about homosexuals? 
    

11. 11. The homosexual community claims that since Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 are in the Old Testament, that these rules no longer apply to them.  What answer may you give to such a claim?
    

12. 12. Read Deuteronomy 23:17-18.  How does God distance himself from these sins?  The word “dog” is sometimes used in the place of “sodomite.”  See this in these passages:  Philippians 3:2 and Revelation 22:15. 
    

See the appendix of this website to read

“Letter to a homosexual.” 

Immorality was normal  to those in Sodom.

Sodomites rioted when Lot would not let them sodomize his two guests.

Both archeology and the Bible attest to the fact that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, but the 

Bible tells us why. 

Though the US has already experienced many devastating disasters in various places, will our country as a whole also be judged for its immorality as Sodom was?

Pride (above) and gluttony and abundance of idleness (both below) were also sins in Sodom. 

Fools mock at sin.

Proverbs 14:9

Calling people names like “queer” or “gay” is not Christ-like.  Often those who do such things have insecurities within themselves.

For a great talk by Rev. Voddie Baucham on the failing of the church with regard to this issue see this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvxjZvpS1qk&feature=share