Genesis 1:27 - God creates man and woman.

I Corinthians 6:9-10 - Homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Arguments for a genetic link

Study #1 - Simon LeVay: “A difference in hypothalamus structure between heterosexual and homosexual men exists.”

Problems:

AIDS may have skewed results

Orientations were uncertain

INAH-3 may be irrelevant

No proven cause-effect

Hasn’t been repeated

Study #2 - Michael Bailey and Richard Pillard

Problems:

Skewed sample

Weak results

Hasn’t been repeated

Study #3 - Dean Hamer, et. al.

Problems

No control group

Xq28 absent on some homosexuals

Xq28 present on some heterosexuals

Xq28 may be irrelevant

Skewed sample

Bad math

Hasn’t been repeated

Arguments against a genetic link

Genetics don’t dictate behavior

James 1:13-15 - God does not tempt anyone Himself.

Ephesians 4:19

A “gay gene” would soon disappear

Genesis 6:19 - How would a “gay gene” be carried on? Those who had it would tend to not reproduce.

Many homosexuals have changed (I Corinthians 6:11

There is a strong correlation between environmental influences and homosexuality (Genesis 18:32.

What about homosexuality in animals? Titus 1:12

The bottom line

Genesis 19:7

Romans 1:24-27

Mark 16:9-20 include these verses.

Mark 16:17 - This is specifically referring to the apostles, although it may also refer to those who believed and had been given spiritual gifts by the apostles. It certainly does not refer to all believers up to the present time, as we know from other passages.

Conclusions: points to remember

The Gospel of Action

This was written to a people under persecution. It shows why people should risk persecution to follow Jesus. Mark concentrates on the miracles of Jesus to show His power.

Less is more

Mark gives a much shorter telling of the story than the other gospels. He is brief in his writing and skips details in order to get to the main point quickly.

Jesus is Lord

Acts 17:16-34 - The Athenians desired to constantly hear new things.

What are we spending our time on?

Do we desire to hear new things? II Timothy 4:3-6

Do we thing of ourselves as wise? Romans 1:22

The Bible teaches us that God is wise. I Corinthians 1:20-25

When the Bible speaks about man being wise, it speaks of following His word and winning souls!

Proverbs 11:30

Ecclesiastes 12:13 - True wisdom = following God

Who is wise in this passage (Acts 17:21?

Those that spent their time in nothing but to learn new things?

Paul who was seeking to save souls? (Acts 17:34

“New things”

When we start talking about new things today we are talking about man’s wisdom, not God’s. I Corinthians 13:10

Conclusions

If we want to be wise, we should spend our time seeking to save souls.

Increase in knowledge of God’s word (Hebrews 5:12.

We should always search the scripture for truth (Acts 17:11.

Mark 16:15-16 - Baptism is part of God’s plan for salvation. Belief is a requirement for baptism.

John 3:3-5 - We must be born again through baptism.

Acts 2:36-38 - Baptism must be in the name of Jesus Christ and is for the forgiveness of sins.

Acts 11:13-14 - Together, these passages show that baptism saves.

Acts 22:16

Romans 6:1-4

I Corinthians 12:12-13

Galatians 3:27 - Baptism clothes us in Christ.

Colossians 2:9-12

I Peter 3:20-21 - Baptism now saves you!

What is the proper method of baptism?

Definition of the word baptizo: to immerse; submerge

John 3:23 - Much water was there for baptism.

Mark 1:9-10 - getting in and out of the water for baptism

How did sprinkling or pouring get started?

Is the water special or holy?

No. The act of baptism saves us, not any special power in the water.

Isn’t baptism an outward sign of an inward doing?

No. This is nowhere taught, exemplified, or implied in the Bible.

This contradicts other passages about baptism.

Why did Paul say, “Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel”?

I Corinthians 1:11-17 - Verse 17 is a Not-But figure of speech. Paul was emphasizing the need to preach the gospel over his need to personally baptize people.

Compare John 6:27.

Who can and should be baptized?

Those who have been taught the gospel. Matthew 28:19-20

Those who have believed in the gospel. Acts 8:37

Those who have repented of their sins. Acts 2:38

Those who have confessed their faith in Christ. Romans 10:9-10

Those who are guilty of sin (not children). Deuteronomy 1:39

Do some people need to be baptized again?

Yes. Ephesians 4:5

You need to baptized again if:

Before your first baptism, you had not been taught, believed, repented, and confessed. Matthew 28:19

Your first baptism was not for the forgiveness of sins. Acts 2:38

Titus 2:9-10

The principles set forth here apply to all kinds of relationships, including the employer/employee relationship.

Titus 2:13.

Titus 2:15 - Some argue that this means Titus had some special authority as an evangelist. This is not what this passage is referring to. Authority comes from God and His word, not an evangelist.