The Devastator
The Scriptures speak of an incident where Israel is led astray into sexual sin. The seriousness of this event is so significant, that God warns the Church in Revelations against this sort of idolatry. This post contains videos showing how this error is being propagated to our children today, but first we have to understand the Scriptural background.The story unfolds in Numbers Chapter 22 as Israel is preparing to enter into the promised land. The King of the Moabites, Balak (which means "devastator"), feared that Israel would do to his people what had been done to others. He sought a prophet to curse Israel so that he could drive them out of the land.
The elders of Moab left with "rewards of divination" to hire Balaam, son of Beor (which means burning) who was a soothsayer. When Balaam seeks God about this request, God states that He will not curse Israel because they are blessed. Balaam then sends the men from Moab back on their way.
The King then sends more princes to Balaam with even greater promises. Balaam asks them to stay the night while he seeks God yet again. That night, God tells Balaam to go with the men IF they call upon him. Yet instead, Balaam rises in the morning and makes preparations to go. He did not wait for the men to call upon him as God commanded because he wanted what they had to offer. He is looking for a way to seem like he is being obedient while really doing what he wants to do.
As he goes, God places an angel in his path to block him. It is important to note that the Scriptures explicitly state that this angel was sent as "an adversary against him." God was against Balaam at this point, and he was oblivious! Balaam could not see the angel until God enabled an ass to speak to him and then opened his eyes. This indicates that Balaam's eyes had been blinded because of his sin. Although Balaam acknowledges his sin and offers to go back, the angel instructs him to continue, but to only say what God gives him to say.
After arriving in Moab, the King takes Balaam up to the high places of Baal (which means "lord" and was used as a reference to Satan). High places refer to the areas where idolatrous worship to other gods occurred. Balaam proceeds to make sacrifices to God from Baal's place of worship in the hopes of getting a word from God. The word God gives is that of blessings for Israel and not curses.King Balak takes Balaam to another high place called Pisgah (which means "cleft"). However they had to go through the fields of Zophim to get there. Zophim means "watchers", which is also what the fallen angels who fathered the Nephilim are called in the Book of Enoch. Balaam repeats the same rituals in an attempt to curse Israel. Once again, God blesses and does not curse. In prefacing the blessing, Balaam says:
"God hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them." Numbers 23:21
Because Israel was upright before the Lord, Balaam's attempts to curse the nation failed. They had been to the high places of Satan and invoked the presence of the Nephilim. Now, King Balak takes Balaam to yet another high place called Peor (meaning "cleft"). Here they repeat the sacrifices and petitions to God. Once again, God blesses Israel. Balaam also prophecies about the pending victories Israel will achieve.
Although Balaam could not curse Israel, he counsels King Balak on how he might get the upper hand over Israel because Balaam desperately wanted to receive the rewards Balak was offering. This is recounted in the following Scripture:
"But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication." Revelations 2:14
What was the stumbling block Balaam offered to King Balak? The worship of Baal-Peor. After Balaam departs from Moab, we see the ramifications of this instruction as Israel joins itself to Baal-Peor:
"Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. They invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD was aroused against Israel." Numbers 25:1-3
This caused a plague on the nation of Israel which resulted in 24,000 were slain.
"Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD." Numbers 31:16
Because of his deception in teaching others how to ensnare Israel in this sin, Israel later killed Balaam (Joshua 13:22) and he is set forth as an example of a false prophet.
"They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness." II Peter 2:15
"Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah." Jude 1:11
Lessons from Balaam
There are several lessons to be learned from this text:
- A spirit of whoredoms and abominations is also being released in the latter days to prevent you from obtaining the promises of God. This temptation happened to Israel right as they were prepared to enter the promised land. They had overcome 40 years in the wilderness and were right on the edge of victory.
- No one can take your Godly inheritance away from you, but you can compromise it through disobedience and idolatry. Remember, the Moabites were powerless against Israel until Israel opened up the door through sin.
- We must stay before God and ask that our motives and hearts be kept pure. If there is any part of you that still wants something from this world, you will find a way to skirt along God's commands - giving an appearance of obedience, while you really seek after that which your heart is set upon. While we can try to fool others, even ourselves, we cannot fool God.
Yet what was this worship of Baal-Peor and why did it draw such wrath from God?
Baal-Peor is a Moabite god who was worshipped with obscene rituals. The name means "Lord of the Opening" from Baal meaning owner/ husband and Peor coming from pa'ar meaning "open wide".
"I found Israel Like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers As the firstfruits on the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal Peor, And separated themselves to that shame; They became an abomination like the thing they loved." Hosea 9:10
The worship of Baal-Peor IS an abomination. Notice that those who join themselves to Baal-Peor also "become" an abomination before the Lord.
Another name for Baal-Peor is Belphegor who was depicted either as a beautiful naked woman or a bearded demon with open mouth, horns, and sharply pointed nails (the open mouth being an indicator of the sexual rites used to worship him). St. Jerome reported that statues of Baal-Peor he encountered in Syria depicted the god with a phallus in his mouth.
Legend has it that Satan sent Belphegor from Hell to validate a rumor that people were experiencing marital happiness on earth. Belphegor was able to report back that the rumor was baseless. In this depiction, Belphegor (Baal-Peor) is seen as an adversary against happy marriages.
The following video discusses more about the rituals of Baal-Peor worship and how it applies to life today.
The following video is another example that is not explicitly about Baal-Peor, but incorporates aspects of this worship.
Baal-Peor & Marriage?
After seeing these videos, some have asked us, "Are you saying that acts of sodomy are sinful, even in marriage?" While there are likely a number of mixed messages people give to this question, it is a sin - even in marriage. There are several reasons why.
- Sodomy is a sin. Similar to the meaning of Beor (Balaam's father), the Hebrew word for Sodom literally means "burning". Sodomy is defined as "anal or oral copulation with a member of the opposite sex; copulation with a member of the same sex; or bestiality." The act is considered sodomy even when it pertains to the opposite sex. Heterosexuals who participate in this act are sodomites by the very definition of the word. It wouldn't take long in reviewing the Scriptures to understand how God feels about sodomy. The Bible is not silent on this topic.
- It is idolatry. The word "sodomite" in the Old Testament is the word "qadesh" which means "male temple prostitute". The female counterpart to that (the word "qĕdeshah") is often translated as "harlot" or "whore". Some say that God only disapproved of this act as it related to temple prostitution. Yet, the act itself is an act of idolatry no matter who performs it. One does not have to be a temple whore of Baal for the act to be sinful. On the contrary, one becomes a temple whore of Baal by doing the act.
Holding true to the definition of the word sodomy, these temple prostitutes would perform homosexual acts on anyone, regardless of gender. The act itself was the means by which the participants were joined to or became one with Baal; the act itself was the means of worship by which Baal was sought to cross over and indwell the participants.
- The marriage bed should be kept in honor (Hebrews 13:4). Some assert that there is an anything goes mentality to intimacy in marriage because "the marriage bed is undefiled." However the Bible prefaces that text by saying that marriage is first honorable. The text also states that fornication and adultery defiles the marriage bed. The word for fornication is the Greek word porneia which means illicit sexual intercourse. So sex acts that God deems as illicit are not acceptable just because it is practiced in the confines of a marriage. It defiles the marriage bed which should be held in honor. The question then becomes are acts of sodomy illicit?
- God gives us GOOD gifts (James 1:17). God does not give us gifts that would cause us harm. Therefore, we can look at the function, purpose, and design of certain acts to determine whether or not these would be considered natural in God's eyes. If a sexual act is ordained by God (i.e. it is natural), then it would have certain inherent protections for the participants in the act.
Design - The woman and man are given sexual parts that physically correlate to and fit each other. They are designed to meet together naturally, without forced manipulation. Protection - God designed protections into the body for this interaction. The lining of the uterus is designed to prevent the semen from entering into the blood stream of the woman. God does not provide the same protections for acts of sodomy. These acts can disrupt normal bodily functions and cause damage to bodily systems. There is also an element of danger involved in the act oral sex performed on women that can lead to death. It is not a protected act (in terms of the body's design) the way that sexual intercourse is. Union - Man and woman being joined together sexually become one flesh only occurs during sexual intercourse. Procreation - Children can only result during sexual intercourse.
We can see by its design, function, and purpose that sexual intercourse between a man and woman is a natural use of sex. All of these elements work together to provide a safe, enjoyable, and purposeful interaction. The same cannot be said for acts of sodomy.
- It is uncleanness. Apart from the physical uncleanness of the act, there is also a spiritual component. Romans Chapter 1 describes man's degradation into reprobation. Man doesn't just wake up one day reprobate, but there are a series of steps man takes further and further into sin. The sin immediately preceding homosexuality is men and women dishonoring their bodies between themselves with uncleanness. The word for "dishonor" in that text is a derivative of the word "honorable" in the Hebrews 13:4 text about marriage. This refers to all heterosexual sexual sin (oral copulation, anal copulation, bestiality, etc.).
- It is an "unnatural use". Romans 1:26 states, "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature." The word "use" is the Greek word "chrēsis" which refers to use of the sexual parts of the woman. Note that there is a "natural" use and an "unnatural" use. What the women were doing with each other sexually was an unnatural use of that part of their bodies.
Similarly, we are told in Romans 1:27 that the acts performed between the men was likewise unnatural. "And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet." Romans 1:26-27 not only condemns the affections that draw men and women to the same gender (vile affections), it also condemns the acts that they performed as a result of these desires (against nature).
- It formats the mind to be asexual. The act itself is not gender-specific. In an attempt to validate homosexuality as a norm, Jamake Highwater's book The Mythology of Transgression: Homosexuality as Metaphor states how the masculine and feminine depiction of Baal-Peor represents a bi-gender nature. He goes on to say, "During the worship of Baal-Peor, priests dressed as women and priestesses dressed as men." The transgender cross-dressing is entirely consistent with the asexual nature of the act. Since it can be performed by anyone who has a mouth, gender becomes irrelevant. It is an intentional blurring of the sexes. That makes participation in this act a critical step for Satan to use in preparing man's mind for the acceptance of homosexuality. This is discussed a little more in the post Turning the World Upside Down - Part 5.
Yet through the worship of Baal-Peor, Satan was able to ensnare the nation of Israel and he is still trying to do the same today.
in the "song of solomon" the act of oral sex is alluded to by both men and women in the structure of marriage. I'm curious about your interpretation of "solomon's song" and also if it in anyway pertains to "The Worship of Baal-Peor"
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteClearly Song of Songs tells of the love God has for Israel and the Church. This has been the historical view of both the Jewish and Christian communities. There is a beautiful song by Paul Wilbur called "Dance With Me" which speaks to this (just thought I'd share that since it is one of my favorite songs). http://www.rhapsody.com/player?type=track&id=tra.2632640&remote=false&page=&pageregion=&guid=&from=&hasrhapx=false&__pcode=
Yet, that doesn't mean that there is not also a poetic reference to the relationship between husband and wife. The New Testament supports such a comparison.
However, in such a context does it speak of oral sex? According to you, this is at most "alluded to". It is often said in the mouths of two to three witnesses let a thing be established. If a perceived "allusion" to oral sex in a highly allegorical poem is the only evidence of any support for this, then that is a pretty tenuous position. Especially when there are other Scriptures which would say the opposite.
Nonetheless, may I ask you to identify the texts which you feel apply? We are happy to examine those with you here.
God Bless!
Well if you listen to dance with me, this shows me that you have a distorted view of God already. See I know that song and we are not to look at God like he's our husband. He's GOD. Your into that sex doctrine aren't you, where people try to have a sexual relationship with God, think they can talk to him as if he's a husband to them. That's SICK! That was not what he was implying. From the looks of it this was not a fruitful site to help people but make those who have sexual problems to feel guilty. I pray you can still get up at an old age because you can't have nothing else performed on you. Nothing and I hope you can please her, God forbid if you every get parlayed because you out of service.
DeleteIf we are not to look at God as our husband, then why is Jesus the "Bridegroom" and why is the Church His "Bride"?
DeleteThere is a difference between knowing about God through religious indoctrination versus actually knowing God personally by being born again. Seek God to understand that difference, for you must be born again to see the Kingdom of God.
No one is trying to make you feel guilty or condemn you. However, don't dismiss the truth just because it convicts you. Instead of posting comment after comment here to argue against the truth, seek the Lord and ask Him to lift the veil from over your eyes. He gives wisdom liberally to all who sincerely seek Him for it.
Your comments about having sex with God (and other comments) are simply perverse; such a mind comes from participating in acts of perversion. Acts of sodomy actually corrupt the mind because one gets filled with unclean spirits. It is just one way that Satan tries to make men reprobate (Romans Chapter 1).
You seem to think of sex as the most important thing in the world and man's only hope for happiness & satisfaction. That illustrates a problem with lust and a view that is largely carnal. This is why I keep telling you to seek God about being born again, but first you must repent.
Sex is a wonderful gift given by God to be enjoyed by a husband and wife; however, it is not the sum of our existence. Pleasing your flesh is certainly not more important than being in righteous communion with the Lord.
God is not mentioned one time in Esther and Song of Solomon. It was Solomon who began biblical Israel's road to idolatry and Baal-Peor. (1 Kings 11).
DeleteHello EyeWideOpen,
DeleteYou should understand why the mentioning of God is what it is in those books.
David Pawson: Esther (Unlocking the Bible Series)
David Pawson: Song of Songs (Unlocking the Bible Series)
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" II Timothy 3:16
Idolatry did not begin with Solomon, but with Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden. Israel got into idolatry and Baal worship even as they were being delivered from Egypt (Eoxodus Chapter 32). It is a factor of the fallen nature, which is why we must be born again.
Thanks for responding. You have posted an article from another website on this matter. I have chosen not to post your response because although the referenced site claims to be Christian, it perverts God's Word significantly. I struggle to find even the 50% with which you find agreement.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, let's examine the points raised which are supposed to support the issue at hand. People have argued over the true meaning of Song of Songs for centuries, so we will certainly not attempt to resolve all of that here. Yet we can at least dispel the falsehoods claimed on that site.
CLAIM #1
Oral sex is a way to be sexual while preserving virginity before marriage. This asserts that people can "play the harlot". Yet, I Thessalonians 5:22 says, "Abstain from ALL appearance of evil." This speaks to a higher moral law than simply trying to obey the 'perceived' letter of the Word. Engaging in ANY sexual activity outside of marriage gives the appearance of evil; further it also defiles. In Ezekiel 23:8, God is talking about Israel's idolatry and says, "...and they bruised the breasts of her virginity..." Even this level of contact is identified as a "bruise" and inappropriate for one who is a virgin. This is largely because being virginal is about more than just intercourse. It is about being pure, chaste, and modest. It represents the ideal that one has preserved and can present one's self wholly to another in devotion and commitment to that person alone. This is the level of relationship God expects from us; that we are truly dedicated to Him and not just trying to give lip service as Balaam did while disobeying God.
CLAIM #2
Oral sex between heterosexuals is not sodomy. The definition of the word sodomy alone proves that false.
CLAIM #3
They offer 3 Scriptures to from Song of Songs to support this premise:
Song of Songs 2:3, "As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste."
Song of Songs 4:16, “Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.”
Song of Songs 5:1, “I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.”
This assumes that “fruit” and “garden” are metaphors for those parts of the body. Yet is such a connotation supported anywhere else in Scripture? It does not exist. We see fruit representing one’s offspring, works, and words. We see “garden” referencing a virginal woman in general, but no specific body part.
If we dabble in the absurd and allow their interpretation, then what does this say about other Scriptures with such symbolic references? Look for example at the fall of Adam & Eve. They were instructed by God that they could eat of the fruit of every tree except for the one in the midst of the garden. They did eat that fruit and it was sin. I do NOT believe that this is a Scriptural interpretation of “fruit” nor “garden”, however even allowing that interpretation still leaves us with the prohibition against oral sex. Again, even the comparison is absurd as there is no Scriptural evidence for such an interpretation.
Claim #5 – I Corinthians 7:3, “Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” They assert that part of the “benevolence” of marital duties includes an obligation to oral sex. There is nothing in the text which would support this. This appears to be an inference based on their false assumption that “fruit” and “garden” in Song of Songs references that act. This has already been shown to be unsupported. Benevolence means kindness or good will. This text refers to the selflessness involved in the marital relationship. As an expression of the love that governs marriage, the act of intimacy is primarily about giving for the benefit of the spouse and not manipulation or self-satisfaction.
No other Scripture supports the interpretation they offer. The same interpretation also becomes nonsensical when applied to every instance in Song of Songs. Even allowing the interpretation offered leaves oral sex as forbidden when applying that same understanding to the Garden of Eden. The assertions on that site are contrived, unproven, and unscriptural.
Because the language in Song of Songs is poetic, it can be said to mean or “allude to” ANYTHING. Yet, that does not make it true. Any interpretation needs to be consistent with and supported by the whole of Scripture. This fails that test miserably.
When I looked up the root word sodomy it means man with man and woman with woman. God word also teaches the samething. So to add that my husband cannot do what he "pleases" is against scripture. Neither do we have any couple for an example. I do not think this is an topic to be disqusted. I think that's up to the marriage individual because if you truly want the definition then look at what it says and don't add. It's man with man and woman with woman. No oral cannot produce but you can' t be a robot and stick it in the woman without doing things to make it work for her. Now to me I feel alredy like this topic is innapropriate and I was about to share this information but I was stopped because someone brought up on Facebook and said it's a area that's non of your business. He left rules what we should not do and that is that. I don't see a problem with a man who wife may not can't lubricate does what he has to do to get his penis in. You know what I will pray for you, better yet, are you married? What sexual problems do yall have? You are SICK why is your mind in someone else chamber?
DeleteHello Woman of Truth,
DeleteHave you ever heard the saying,"Me thinkest thou dost protest too much?" If you sincerely desire truth, then you will take this subject to prayer and ask the Lord to reveal His truths to your heart.
You repeatedly share what you think is acceptable, but what does God say? Do you care? Those who commit acts of sodomy are sodomites. When we are blinded by sin, we only want to see what we want to see. Unless repentance comes, sin will blind us to truth every time.
The Definition of Sodomy
The whole idea that a Christian gets to "do what he/she pleases" illustrates a complete lack of understanding about what it is to be born again (II Cor. 5:15).
Article: Flee Fornication
I had my doubts towards the validity of the site. They seemed to be pushing an agenda rather than fact. Once again thank you very much for clearing this up. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteHello. As I really do not want to post my name on this site, for fear of being identified.
ReplyDeleteI want to ask of you that you pray sincerely for me.
I have for 14 years been in bondage to masturbation, and although I have several times asked God for forgiveness I seem to fall back each time.
I have tried all things, including involving myself in anything that can keep mind off masturbation, but I'm running out of ideas and nothing seems to be helping.
You have to help me pray. I don't know what to do anymore. it's become a burden, although a few of my friends know, including my cousin.
I just feel that it has intensified over the past years and that although I feel terrible guilt and shame, I've opened myself up to a lot of evil which has refused to go away.
God bless x
Dear Sojourner,
DeleteWhat you're dealing with is a strong man which is masquerading as masturbation. Until you defeat that strong man, you will not overcome.
Read this article: Overcoming The Strongman .... http://brotherjohn.org/advanced-spiritual-warfare-overcoming-the-strongman/
the word says we can stay pure by living according to the word. I used to struggle with lust intensely, but was led to the scriptures for peace. We are more than conquerors within all obstacles in our lives and in our minds. Christ's blood and our acceptance of him give us power to cast down ever thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Just believe and watch the Holy Spirit work within the word.
ReplyDeletejust curious about your sources. i find your conclusions interesting but i would like to know about your research. did you interview any of the artists shown in your videos? producers, writers, etc? i am not necessarily doubting, just curious as to how you came to connecting relevant culture to your study of Baal-Peor? any help is appreciated, thanks.
ReplyDeleteSome folks drinking wine is a sin, but is it? Look to him it is a sin if he have not faith. but to drink wine is not a sin. I don't drink wine but I don't judge those who do. It's excessive wine. I never saw oral sex as a sin between a man and a woman I just don't go there when I am fellow shipping with me sister, how disgusting we are even talking about this. I mean images comes in your mind when you do that, this is not appropriate whatsoever, I am done.
DeleteIf unclean images are coming to your mind when discussing sexual purity then that is something in you. There is such a thing as sexual sin and God discusses it throughout Scripture. Is it not appropriate for Him to do so? Why does He do so? So that His children can walk in the light and not be a partaker of darkness. Those whose hearts are converted by faith in Jesus Christ will take heed to His words.
DeleteOne more thing, if you think it is "disgusting" to talk about this, then is it not disgusting to partake of it? Sex the way that God designed is not disgusting, but beautiful. Your own words give away what is in your heart. Repent while there is time.
DeleteHi Mike,
ReplyDeleteNo, I didn't interview the artists or those associated with the music to compile that video. :-) Honestly, the songs listed are all openly about oral sex, so that is the Baal Peor connection.
I also am in no way offended by doubts, questions, or even disagreements with the information put out there. Scripture says that we should be like the Bereans and search out truth for ourselves. So, I find your interest commendable.
The research for the video was done a while ago, but here are somethings which should get you started. I would recommend going to the library to get books/resources/encyclopedias on ancient religions, that will help.
Asherahs in Scripture are often translated as "groves". It is the Hebrew word "'asherah". Here is a link with more info on that part: http://www.oldtestamentstudies.net/languages/asherahandashtoreth.asp?item=4&variant=0
You may want to start looking into ancient rites of phallic worship. There you will see info about the rites of exposure, the prostitution in the temple (both sexes), references to statues of Baal-Peor depicting oral sex (i.e., with a phallus in his mouth), etc.
There were also books that talk about ancient moon worship which address Baal-Peor, specifically as it relates to the undressing, bowing and lifting up of hind parts and eating, etc.
You can research Baal and there will probably be lots of info about the relationship between Ashtoreth & Baal. Look up Asherah's as well, in terms of the feminine principle (in the female body form) and the pole (representing the male phallus) as indicative with much of Baal worship (not just Peor).
Examine too historical religious scholars - Christian and Jewish - some of whom documented the traditions of Baal-Peor (I remember St. Jerome specifically as one of the Christian scholars). The Talmud has references to it as well, but those might be more allegorical.
Some of the statements made, however, are based on Scripture or spiritual truths. For example, there is nothing I found which said that strip clubs are the current temples of Baal. This statement is made based on the spirit being worshiped and the perpetuation of the Asherah worship rites in stripping.
Something else you may want to examine is the relationship between Baal-Peor & Adonis (i.e. some have surmised that Baal-Peor is the Syrian version of Adonis). Anyway, if there is substance to those claims, the rites associated with worshiping Adonis give a lot of insight into the worship of Baal-Peor. Examine particularly the rites of the women at Lesbos (called lesbians) who were considered some of his most fervent worshipers.
You will notice that you find things I didn't put in (i.e. the potential "lesbian" connection, issues around child sacrifice, etc.). But I figured I needed to be brief. I have been thinking of doing a part 2 though, just because there is so much info, but I am praying about that.
There have been books written about the connection between Baal-Peor and Islam. From what I read, it is thought by some that Islam developed from moon worship rites stemming from Baal Peor worship. There is even linkages in literature between the posture men adapted in worshipping Baal Peor and the posture men adopt in worshiping Allah.
Check this video: Is The Black Stone An Allah Vagina?
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=b10_1206186868
Another interesting phenomena is Sheela-na-gig which seems to be very similar to Baal-Peor worship.
Check this:
http://sheelanagig.org/
http://www.bandia.net/sheela/SheelaFront.html
http://members.tripod.com/~taramc/myths.html
Again, I don't have a bibliography for what I used when creating that video, but these resources should help.
Question: "Who was Asherah / Ashtoreth?"
DeleteAnswer: Asherah, or Ashtoreth, was the name of the chief female deity worshiped in ancient Syria, Phoenicia, and Canaan. The Phoenicians called her Astarte, the Assyrians worshiped her as Ishtar, and the Philistines had a temple of Asherah (1 Samuel 31:10). Because of Israel’s incomplete conquest of the land of Canaan, Asherah-worship survived and plagued Israel, starting as soon as Joshua was dead (Judges 2:13).
Asherah was represented by a limbless tree trunk planted in the ground. The trunk was usually carved into a symbolic representation of the goddess. Because of the association with carved trees, the places of Asherah worship were commonly called “groves,” and the Hebrew word “asherah” (plural, “asherim”) could refer either to the goddess or to a grove of trees. One of King Manasseh’s evil deeds was that he “took the carved Asherah pole he had made and put it in the temple” (2 Kings 21:7). Another translation of “carved Asherah pole” is “graven image of the grove” (KJV).
Considered the moon-goddess, Asherah was often presented as a consort of Baal, the sun-god (Judges 3:7, 6:28, 10:6; 1 Samuel 7:4, 12:10). Asherah was also worshiped as the goddess of love and war and was sometimes linked with Anath, another Canaanite goddess. Worship of Asherah was noted for its sensuality and involved ritual prostitution. The priests and priestesses of Asherah also practiced divination and fortune-telling.
The Lord God, through Moses, forbade the worship of Asherah. The Law specified that a grove of trees was not to be near the altar of Jehovah (Deuteronomy 16:21). Despite God’s clear instructions, Asherah-worship was a perennial problem in Israel. As Solomon slipped into idolatry, one of the pagan deities he brought into the kingdom was Asherah, called “the goddess of the Sidonians” (1 Kings 11:5, 33). Later, Jezebel made Asherah-worship even more prevalent, with 400 prophets of Asherah on the royal payroll (1 Kings 18:19). At times, Israel experienced revival, and notable crusades against Asherah-worship were led by Gideon (Judges 6:25-30), King Asa (1 Kings 15:13), and King Josiah (2 Kings 23:1-7).
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/who-Asherah.html#ixzz31u83Yfsb
These websites make my head feel sick. I don't think it's from the Lord. At all because even the very books I use out side scriptures are in scriptures....I didn't go jump in a Mormon book to try to make people do something I feel guilty of. You are way off and you error. I can't watch it. Now I see why your article died because this is not from the Lord.
DeleteI don't know anything about Mormon books. Mormonism is a cult and not demonstrative of Christianity.
DeleteI am not trying to make you feel guilty, but it sure sounds like you feel guilty anyway. It is hard to kick against the pricks. Sounds like you know n your heart that acts of sodomy are perverse and sinful, even when between husbands and wives. Instead of spending so much time trying to justify sin and attack those who expose it, why not just repent? It is not me you have to prove yourself before, but the Lord. Jesus Christ is the standard and it should be Him that you desire to please by abstaining from all evil.
Thanks for the article. I found particularly useful a)the statue with a phallus in its mouth. b) the dictionary definition of sodomy. c) Romans 1:26.
ReplyDeletewell i wanted to post something for anonymous, since he was/is struglling with masturbation, that there's a book called: "everyman's battle".
ReplyDeleteHe can look for it online, its really helpful.
The eye is the light of our body, so if our eye becomes dark, the whole body is darkness. Christ talks about this in Luke 11:33-36.
He can only battle this with Gods strength, but...there's a but, he must be willing to do so. Praying and following Gods will. Our weakness is also our love, so we need to hate(in heart and mind) first what we like, and then the first step of victory can be achieved, also stay away from all things that leads to sexual temptations. Pornography, magazines exposing women or movies.
And be very carefull.
May God guide you in this.
I googled "sodomy definition"
ReplyDeleteand found there are three different definitions
sod·om·y (sd-m)
n.
1. Anal copulation of one male with another.
2. Anal or oral copulation with a member of the opposite sex.
3. Copulation with an animal.
Based on the story of Lot in Sodom I suspect definition one is the most accurate for bible puposes.. thanks for the work you have put in
HI Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteCertainly the acts in Sodom include the first definition you post, but the entire definition is biblical. Each of the acts you list is condemned in the Scriptures. Sodomy - in each of its forms - is condemned as an abomination by the Lord.
Yet, Jesus is able to cleanse us from all unrighteousness when we turn in faith to Him.
No thanks is needed for me at all. May all glory be to God for any truths shared and may they serve to prick the hearts of men and commend us to His saving grace.
Im sorry but i need ot have something cleared up? sodomy includes oral sex? in other words if i performed fellatio on my husband,i would be sinning? Am i getting that right? because thats whay the definition implies...
ReplyDeleteI have been doing this and i never thought it was a sin..i thought it was something ALL married couples do...does this mean that i have to stop? Because pleasing God is my ultimate aim..
Hi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteOral sex is sodomy, even between those of the opposite sex. This has historically been the definition of the word although some resources have been modifying this definition in recent years.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sodomy
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sodomy?r=66
Generally, sodomy covers any sexual act that is against nature, which is why God calls the sexual act engaged by the women in Romans Chapter 1 an "unnatural use" of her body.
Shalom LDM,
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I have developed a habit of praying together before coming together the nearly six years that we have been married. We seek to be pure and holy in the sight of the Most High. When we sought him for clarity on the oral sex issue, we were led to the same text that you mentioned ( the "unnatural" use of the woman ). So the question is, what were these women doing to one another that was "unnatural"? Oral sex, of course ( among other things ). I rejoice to see this truth confirmed by another brother because this "undefiled bed" deception is a real problem in the body of Messiah. How true it is that if we acknowledge the Father in all ( and I mean all! ) our ways, He will direct our paths.
Hi Bro Don,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very hard topic for some, and it doesn't help that there is such disparity in the churchworld about it. If we even look back to God's people, even the Jews considered this act unnatural/unclean as well.
It is great to hear that you and your wife sought to honor the Lord in all things when you were married. My husband and I (I and a woman) did not know the Lord when we got married. As a result, there was much for Him to straighten out when we finally came to know Him. I can attest to the truth of your statements, having experienced the difference. When we seek honor God in all, He will direct us. The difference in our marriage between before we knew Him to now is like night and day...but that is a story for another day. LOL
God Bless!
This isnt fair because I (a female) has changed so much for God. I've kept the true sabbath day, I stopped partying, drinking, smoking, having sex and much more. And the one thing I have trouble with, I wont go into in heaven? Like, Im waiting for marraige to have sex. And I dont see why oral sex and masterbation in marriage is wrong. Honestly,that it is too much to handle. And then people wonder why people sin willfully.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI hear your concerns and by no means am I trying to belittle you comments. Yet, there are more important things than what we think is "fair" and that is what is the truth of God.
Consider also this. Jesus Christ gave up the glory He had in the Heavenlies with the Father to come to earth in the flesh, be condemned, beaten, spat on, whipped, mocked, bruised, and killed. He did all of this, even though He had no sin and it was all without cause. THAT is unfair.
We cannot "do" anything for God. Even our own works are as filthy rags to Him.
God is not calling us to "change". All He desires is for us to submit to Him and let HIM change us. We can stop partying, smoking, drinking, etc. and STILL be a sinner; still be defiled on the inside. God is worried about the inside of us, not our outward acts. Once He changes us on the inside, we don't have to worry about our acts (Matthew 23:25-26).
People sin willfully simply because they want to. They desire darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil (John 3:19).
My advise is to stop trying to "do" and perform for God. Settle down, study, fast, pray, and let God do His work in you, for only He can. As He works to transform your mind (Ephesians 4:23), you will find that even your desires will begin to change.
The ultimate in unfairness is that Jesus has died on the cross for us - being subjected to the worse shame and persecution - and we would dare think there was anything too much for Him to ask of us.
It is our reasonable service to lay down our lives for Him based on what He has given for us. If we offer our lives to Him, He will have His way and we will not have to worry about whether our hearts are aligned to His, for He will circumsize even our own hearts.
Hi,
DeleteI know this blog was posted some years ago, however I ended up re-reading it and seen the comment from the lady who stated the "This isn't fair". I too have asked Jesus into my life and I also gave Him my life to do His will. This has been about 2 years ago. Since those two years I too have turned away from sin (drinking, smoking, and having sex), and while I am not perfect and still struggle with other issues, such as anger, I am also still struggling with my salvation. I have fasted on a few different occasions seeking after the Holy Ghost and still nothing has happened. When I read the bible its not coming alive unless I hear it taught by Pastors or I read something on this blog. I feel like I don't read my bible enough, the only time I have some quiet time is at night, because I have two young children and when they are awake I just am unable to focus in on anything. I just don't understand what I am doing wrong. I heard a message from Derek Prince and he said that if you are struggling with it, chances are that you have a curse or a demon, or something like that. I don't want to sound like I am complaining but I really need some help, I just want to get so close to God and for some reason it's just not happening. Any advice that you could give or if you would even just pray for me I would really appreciate it.
Thanks
Hello Missy Rene. I really felt like sending you encouragement after reading your comment we gotta build each other up in the Lord in these last days. Keep holding on and take it one day at a time. We all are working out our salvation and some things aren't going to happen right away or in the time WE think they should happen. I know how you feel about having quiet time. I have two little ones and they need our attention. Have you ever just wished you could use the bathroom ALONE for once? LOL :) I know how you feel about the anger, I REALLY do. Let me encourage you with what a wonderful sister in Christ, who I don't even know, said to me on anger. I had written I believe last week on crying out to God to just take the anger out of me. I was commenting on another blog about it and this is what she responded with:
Deletegijane02, I was reading your comment and just wanted to say that anger is not something I believe the Lord will "take away" from you. You stated that you have been dealing with it and crying out for Him to do so and as of yet He has not. Scripture says to get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice and be kind and passionate towards one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
So I believe that WE are the ones through the power of the Holy Spirit that have to refuse to yield ourselves to anger. It's part of denying the flesh. I speak from experience because I have young children as well and was like you at one time, crying out for deliverance from anger and frustration and that verse is what God gave to me. I now refuse to yield my righteous instruments to anger or frustration with my children or anyone else. Do I fail sometimes? Yes. But I do not give up because I will continue to deny this flesh the gratification of being angry because I want to be obedient and if God says to put away anger then that is what I have willed to do. Whatever God tells us to do He empowers us to accomplish it through His Holy Spirit.
Just wanted to share that with you! Much Love to you!
After 15 years in Christ I should have known that but I did not. I am just now realizing that His Word really is alive. I hope it doesn't take that long for you, but again God will show you things in His time. My heart leapt after she shared that verse. And I pray and try to remeber to keep on rebuking this flesh that will always keep rising up as long as we are on this Earth, and as long as I have two kids that want to argue about EVERYTHING :) Sorry this was five pages long, but I just hope this encouages you in some way. God bless
Hi Missy Renee,
DeleteI don't think you are complaining. These are reasonable questions.
A lot of people preach salvation with a focus on us getting rid of sin. The truth is that what God is after in salvation is us being changed into the image of Jesus Christ by His Holy Spirit. As that happens, we will cease from sin because it will not be in our nature to sin.
There is nothing in and of ourselves that we can do to be righteous. We have to simply submit to God's work and He will be faithful to complete it. Maybe the following would help encourage you?
I Cannot Perfect Myself
My Pastor is currently writing a book that I think will also shed light on this issue for you. It is not yet published, but I will announce on the blog when it is and would be happy to send you a copy.
If you are looking for messages that further break down the truth, please consider listening in to the Omega services, on Sundays and Wednesdays. You can access them by clicking the link on the right-hand side bar.
I will also keep you in prayer! If you want to talk further, please feel free to send me an email via the Contact form at the top.
thanks for the article and videos on baal-peor.Very useful to share.God bless.
ReplyDeleteI have a question about the Baal-Peor blog. In a marriage relationship is using the hands on your mate's private parts considered masturbation and sin?
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteIt might be helpful to read the comments about the following article as we get into that discussion somewhat: http://thelatterdays.blogspot.com/2008/10/turning-world-upside-down-part-5.html
We certainly shouldn't be afraid to touch each other as husband and wife. God has given us the gift of sex in marriage with the expectation that we would be able to give joy and pleasure to each other through our bodies. However, as the comments in the referenced article discuss, it all boils down to the purpose of sex. Like everything else from God, it is about love which means selflessness. So anything that is done for self-gratification (not just in sex) is sin because it is against the selfless/loving nature of God.
I Thessalonians 4:3-5 says, "God's plan is to make you holy, and that entails first of all a clean cut with sexual immorality. Every one of you should learn to control his body, keeping it pure and treating it with respect, and never regarding it as an instrument for self-gratification, as do pagans with no knowledge of God."
Here also is a book by Pastor Zac Poonen that I think does a good job speaking about these subjects from the perspective of being single or being married: Sex, Love, and Marriage: The Christian Approach
I would suggest that- as in all things - simply ask God to lead you and your husband in His ways. Take even this part of your relationship to Him in prayer and ask Him to lead you both. Remember, Satan can only pervert, but every good gift comes from the Lord. No matter how much Satan tries to deny it, following God's ways are where we find the most joy in life...in all areas.
Pete Johnson;
ReplyDeleteIf Revelation 2, Rev 12, Psalms 2 Mark 1:2-3 and Mark {9:11}-13 is about the future end times and Baal Worship then we have to ask, do we have that same similarity here in the real world today? I know of only one. Bohemian Grove California? Ironically enough that's within one degree parallel of the The Church of Ephesus/House of the Virgin Mary???
Search, search and then read and search. It sure appears the old pole and new pole of bars just prove one thing, as Adam said to "Eve, we may not be as old as the mountains but we are as old as Sin", Nothing new under the sun, from the Son, per Solomon, Think ?Just one old man's awakening to the fact, I never tire of learning and I do not know much about everything. Reading the Word under His great supervision now is a great blessing and learning/journey in my own house. Praise The Lord, Amen ?
ReplyDeleteI find your research on Baal-peor worship to be so amazing and eye-opening, do you have any recommendations of christian books on the subject, are there any? and also on the whole sodomite issue?
ReplyDeleteWow, last Anonymous or any sort of comments, appears to be almost 2 years old. Anyway, it is, among of the Now issues to me at least. The BAR dances, going back to my worldly, sinful dayZes for sure. I do think we should pass this abomination along, especially to our youth, and pre teens. It is my view that they (Teens) are very suseptable to anything sexual. Think, this willget any reading, I think not.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. This is a subject that God has dealt with me on. By looking at the definition I understood that oral sex is sodomy. God clearly condems it in His word. What I did not understand was what made it evil in marriage, and I have asked Him to teach me. I found the answer here. Just to note: the info you gave about the worshippers actually eating from the cleft may be why the act is referred to as "eating out".
ReplyDeleteI was led to read Hosea9 this morning. It led me to research on Baal- Peor. I realise that the Lord has been leading me into a closer relationship with Him and was praying about what else I needed to know. It has been very helpful. I pray the Lord continues to bless your ministry.
ReplyDeleteI personally found this article very helpful. However, my spouse disagrees with everything. He dismisses historical accounts of idolatrous worship, because other thingss were done in idolatry(eating, natural sex, etc.) So to him an act isn't idolatry only the worship of something. He dismisses dictionaries, because when discussing the Bible one should use Bible dictionaries. Even though with every other word they don't contradict the Bible. And even though he agrees with the natural use of a woman, he doesn't find it contradictory or unsafe to use the digestive system for pleasure. Any more help? Or did I miss some crucial points already made.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteSometimes an "act" alone is the worship of something. Is homosexuality okay as long as one is worshiping God while doing it? Is it possible to "lie" without serving the father of lies?
Eating and natural sex are both things given to man by God for our enjoyment (Gen. 2:16, 1:22); and everything He gives us good. However, everything that is rooted in perversion is of satan and not the Lord. People falsely believe that sodomy between the opposite sex is different than sodomy between the same sex. Yet, God hates sodomy in any manifestation.
As I think you are seeing, if someone doesn't want to see something, there is nothing you can say to make them see it. There will always be some reason why it cannot be true. This is why we should not try to convince anyone of anything. Speak the truth as you know it and pray that God give light others to confirm His truths.
I understand that differing perspectives on this can be difficult in marriage. After all, we are speaking of how you relate to each other intimately. However, I can speak from my on marriage that God is able to bring you on one accord, even in this...as long as serving God is first and foremost in both of your lives.
If you feel as if your husband is blinded in this area, keep him in prayer. Ask God to speak to and confirm in him His truths.
The bottom line is that - as with everything - it is a spiritual battle and not just one of mental knowledge or understanding. The answer lies in the spirit, taking authority over all spirits of lust and porneia (translated fornication in Scripture) so that the light of the Gospel may penetrate his soul.
Being freed from a sodomite spirit is one of the hardest things for people to do because everything in the world is designed to feed that spirit. But that influence can be broken by the blood of Jesus.
Don't be discouraged. Fight this battle where you have been empowered to win it...in the spirit.
God Bless
Do you think that watching a film with homosexual actors (even if they are portraying heterosexual characters) can somehow feed this sodomite spirit?
ReplyDeleteI have a rant too: I know that I can't force anyone to accept God or His ways and I have learned to not let that bother me and get me all worked up. But I hate it when people try to use the Bible to support homosexuality. Twisting the scripture to try and make it fit what they want to do. I can deal with a person who says I'm gay, but I get really upset when someone says I'm gay and it's OK with God because the Bible says God loves everyone or they take some other scripture out of context. Just be gay. Don't try to be gay and Christian!
Hi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteYes, I do believe that is so. Honestly, much of what is offered by the world - even from reported heterosexuals - feeds the sodomite spirit because that is Satan's goal (to keep man bound, soulish, and in the fallen nature). Everything he does fosters death.
I once participated in an Internet group discussion where a lesbian, female "pastor" contended that the Bible supported homosexuality. I responded with many Scriptures which prove that to be false.
She responded, "You don't have the right to impose your beliefs on me. It is none of your business how I choose to live."
I said, "You are absolutely right! You have a right to be a homosexual if you choose and I will never deny you that right. However, as soon as you pull God into the equation and claim that He condones such things, you make it my business as a Christian."
Another homosexual agreed with me and told the lesbian 'pastor', "You know, she is right on that."
Satan desires to be God (Isaiah 14:13). So he cannot just let people sin, but he has to put forth the lie that there is no sin. He is in a constant battle with himself to deny God and His truths.
Hello,
ReplyDeletewe all know satan is the father of lies and everything that is evil. i was having trouble with masturbation, always dreaming of having sex with different men every night. i wouldn't masturbate for a while, but when i was feeling lonely, angry, unloved, insecure then i would do it. but i noticed, it didn't feel good like before, i was just doing something. after i would finish i would feel so ashamed. i could tell that God was working in me, but i would just be weak sometimes.i would immediately ask for forgiveness and continue to cry out God to take this desire away from me. it wasn't over night, i just recently was delivered from the spirit of lust and i found out information about the incubus and succubus spirits, it just blew my mind away at what we are up against--spiritually. but after the deliverance, my dreams were totally different, every now and then it seems that something will try and enter my dreams, but i just have to make sure i'm praying and studying and reading the Word of God. But don't gibe up on God, that's what i learned. we have to be like the woman who kept bothering the man about the issue, we have keep crying out to God, and remember it's in His time and not our time. checkout www.demonbuster.com this site is great! God bless you all! keep up the good work on informing God's people!
Hi. I was just wondering what your thoughts are on a married couple using condoms?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post - this was so wonderful and informative. I must admit i didn't quite agree at first, I really enjoyed performing cunnilingus on my wife - i thought this was really giving her pleasure and that i was doing it for her benifit. i even told her she did not have to reciprocate if she didn't want to - coming from the "marriage bed" mentality, everything had to be willingly, and i was ok with that.
ReplyDeleteThen i came across this, and a thought struck me... heterosexual people, and Christians in general down the homosexual (male & female) and fail to realize that we who did these acts are performing the same acts! Maybe not with the same sex, but from God's perspective we're all the same! Cunnilingus, fellatio, or anal penetration its all the same in His eyes! WOW! How eye opening is that?
Only one other thing for me to say. I've read all the requests for prayer because of weaknesses that we all suffer through from time to time. One person hit it on the head when they referenced the words of Y'shua, "Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness" (Luke 11:35) When we allow 'agreement' or have 'sympathetic thoughts' towards evil those things, those 'pieces of dust' are enough for Satan to build a stronghold within us concerning lust, masturbation, thievery, etc. we have to be willing to let it go what ever it is that is allowing the stronghold to stand.
The book 'The Three Battlegrounds' by Francis Frangipane truly helped me understand where i was helping Satan build strongholds and poured light into my dark areas.
Again thank you for your work, Shalom. May YVHV's blessings increase with you.
Hi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteMasturbation is a stronghold for many, but as your testimony attests, God IS faithful to free us from that which binds. I believe your comments will be an encouragement to others with the same struggles.
Thank God for your deliverance. The blood of Jesus is powerful and able to come against all defiling spirits. Walk in your liberty where you have been freed and stay close to Him. May He continue to lead you on the path of righteousness and strengthen you to be able to help set others free.
God Bless!
Hi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI really don't have any perspectives on married couples using condoms.
I knew a woman who contracted HIV and later got married. She and her husband used a condom for his safety and protection. She has since passed away.
Other couples may use condoms as a form of birth control, and I do not find such at odds with Scripture.
Pastor Zac Poonen once stated that he was visiting a fellowship where the men did not believe that they should cut their beards. He was asked outright by one man, "Pastor Poonen, why do you feel it is okay to shave off the beard that God has given you?" Pastor Poonen responded, "Why do you feel it is okay to cut the fingernails that God has given you?"
Now, I am paraphrasing that story and am sure that I am not doing it justice. :-) But the point is that we cannot become legalistic about the care of our bodies. Part of our responsibility in keeping our bodies means making wise decisions about its use.
"Being fruitful and multiplying" is a spiritual as well as physical truth. There are ways to birth children for the Lord (spiritually) outside of physically bearing children.
In any regard, I believe that God will give us wisdom about who to marry and when to have children.
I am not sure that I have addressed your main concern about condoms, but if not, please feel free to respond.
Hello Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your own experiences with your wife. There is so much meat in what you say!
What people should remember is that sex is a gift from God. It is not deficient in any way, but God has given it for the blessings and benefit of husbands & wives; in binding their hearts/souls together, as a source of pleasure, and as a means to bringing forth children. It is Satan who perverts the gifts of God, and it is often our own dabbling in sin which makes us think that God's gifts are not enough for us. That somehow we need something different or more than what God has given.
But I contend that God gives good gifts and He alone is the gift giver. I trust and know that there is nothing better for man than what comes from the Lord.
The points you raise are so simple and straightforward, yet many cannot see them. Many remain blinded in this area - even condemning in others the very same things they indulge in - because Satan has blinded the minds.
My pastor - Pastor Gary Price - has been criticized recently for speaking plainly about these things. Yet, as long as things are kept in the dark, sin abounds and people remain bound. The more people who stand up and speak the truth for God, the more people can be set free.
Thank you again for being open about your own testimony. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Hi I have been reading all the comments and just blessing God for the insight. I am about to be married a month from now and I have prayed to God to teach me the ills of oral sex and He did. Blessed be God Almighty. He does answer prayers. I know in my spirit that it is wrong but I just needed some facts to back it up. God bless you. All praise be unto Him. Continue to do His good will.
ReplyDeleteWho would of thought we have strayed so far away from God's designs,oral sex as sodomy? I don't think many of us have looked up this word lately!
ReplyDeletesod·om·y (from dictionary.com)
ReplyDelete[sod-uh-mee]
1.
anal or oral copulation with a member of the opposite sex.
2.
copulation with a member of the same sex.
3.
bestiality ( def. 4 ) .
Thank you for tackling a hard subject for most. I will surely grow from it. I have a problem w/ pornography.
ReplyDeleteAs an older woman, physical intimacy has been difficult because of post-menopausal dryness. It appears that satisfaction through physical touch or trying to ease the pain with topical ointments now on the market might be the only ways to continue to have marital intimacy. I am at a loss as to which avenue would honor God and which would be seeking my own pleasure.
ReplyDeleteHello Anonymous,
DeleteThis is not about spouses touching each other, but about sexual perversion. When our desire is to honor God, then He makes all things possible no matter the topic. However, let me also mention that sometimes our attitude about things is the hold up. Marital intimacy is not about seeking self-satisfaction, but is a way for us to give of ourselves for the satisfaction of our spouses (I Cor. 7:3-6). That does not mean that it isn't supposed to be pleasurable for each. I am speaking primarily of how we perceive it. If we approach any gift from God with an attitude of self-gratification then we are perverting that gift and will never experience the fullness of it in our lives. Ask God to help you see marital relations in the light in which He has given it. Before being intimate with your husband, come together before the Lord in prayer, asking Him to give you the heart and mind to please each other. True love - even the expression of such between husband and wife - is about selflessness, not self-seeking.
God Bless!
Thank you Latter Days for your response to the Anonymous poster from July 11. Your words have helped me as I have been having a problem in this area and I am a young married woman. I have been selfish about intimacy and it has put a block in this area with my husband. I will pray for God to deal with my selfishness. I know that your response was also for me because God has been showing me lately how selfish I am about almost everything in my life. Me me me...that's all I keep thinking about. I need serious prayer! If I don't know anything else I know this: when a person really seeks God for deliverance so He can have another vessel to use He purges everything....EVERYTHING! He starts showing you stuff that you never dreamed was an issue or even a concern in His eyes. But He truly wants every part of us.
ReplyDeleteAmen! He sure does purge everything, and thankfully so! I for one don't want to be left as I was, nor do I want to remain as I am. The hope which leads us is just as you say, knowing that "He truly wants every part of us." That is true intimacy with Christ, to know Him and be known by Him...and He desires such with us.
DeleteI know God will answer your prayers for He is faithful. Much love in Christ!
Yah Bless! I really needed this article. I'm continually learning something new everyday and today this article has been a blessing. This topic has been something I've been battling with back and forth because I've never felt completely comfortable with oral sex, but I didn't know where to find the information I needed to ensure whether it was against Yah. However, I've found it today! HalleluYah for that!
ReplyDeleteShalom and thank you.
This has been helpful, extremely! I'm literally in tears as God reveals these truths to me! However, I have been struggling with the traditional teaching that sex before marriage is a sin, and "shacking" is a sin. I have a hard time finding in scripture where one is to wait for marriage. There is sexual sin that is clearly condemned biblically, but sex before marriage does not seem to be one of them. People say sex before marriage is fornication but I have not found that to be true. Another thing... How is marriage biblically defined? What makes two people married? Is it the sex that makes them married? The ceremony? I need serious help on this topic...please help.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
DeleteI can only encourage you to further search the Scriptures on this matter. Sex before marriage is fornication and is a sin. It is only within the confines of marriage that sex is undefiled (Heb. 13:4; I Cor. 7:2).
There are some very strange doctrines out there, including that sexual relations constitutes marriage. Such is not true. Adam & Eve did not know each other in that way when they were pronounced man and wife (Gen. 2:24). Further, the Old Testament says that one of the penalties for a man laying with a virgin is that he must then marry her (Deut. 22:29). If sex constituted marriage then God would not command that they marry after the fact. Mary & Joseph were also married although they did not have relations until after Jesus was born (Matt. 1:25). The woman at the well was in a relationship with a man, but Jesus stated that he was not her husband (John 4:17-18). So it is entirely possible to be married without sex; and conversely sex alone does not constitute marriage.
Marriage is a covenant that a man and woman makes with each other and God (Mal. 2:14). This commitment is made in the presence of witnesses so that it is sealed as a legal, contractual commitment. Such would be required if, for example, the husband were to die and the woman/children would have any rightful claim to their inheritance. Even divorce from marriage required legal documentation (Deu. 24:1-3). Public records of the marriage affords certain protections for the family in society.
Consider even the parallel between marriage and our relationship with the Lord. Ephesians 5:31-32 states that the relationship between a husband and wife reflects a great mystery about the relationship of Jesus Christ with the Church. That is because we are Jesus' Bride. However, are we betrothed to Jesus just because we say we are, or is there expected to be some visible evidence of such in our lives (Matt. 7:15)? Don't we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the "word of our testimony" (Rev. 12:11)? God expects us to be "witnesses" of Him to the world. If we truly are the Bride of Christ, then we are to openly reflect the glory of our Husband, Jesus.
So no. There is no such thing as a marriage being made and valid based upon sex alone. Two fornicators cannot claim to be married just because they are shacking up apart from having entered into a covenant with each other and God before witnesses.
I didn't think that would be the case, that "shacking up" or simply having sex would marry two people, and I now understand that its about the vows, the covenant, the witnesses. Thanks for that. However, I don't feel the scriptures mentioned prove that sex before marriage or shacking up is a sin. Heb 13:4 talks about married people, male prostitutes, and adulterers. But this scripture says nothing about having sex before marriage. Neither does the one in Corinthians, 1Cor7:2 talks about adultery. Thanks for your help, but I've looked over and over again at all the scriptures related to this topic, and nothing. Fornication is defined as an immoral sexual act. And nowhere in the Bible is sex before marriage listed as immoral. Homosexuality, beastiality, adultery, and whoremonger-y are listed plain as day. There's a bunch of instruction for married couples, but close to none for singles. I'm starting to think that sex before marriage is vaguely condemned (if at all) biblically, as well as shacking up, and babies out of wedlock. Maybe its just another area of opportunity to use wisdom, especially because of the many ways it has been perverted, but not a sin against God. Please pray for me as I continue to research this topic, it truly is my desire to please God in all my ways.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
DeleteAgain, I can only suggest you seek God for understanding of the Scriptures. The Scriptures are in no way 'vague" about this. It is sin! What you have written above is grave error.
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." Heb. 13:4
A whoremonger is the same thing as a fornicator (look up the word in a concordance). Hebrews 13:4 establishes that sex is only undefiled in the confines of marriage. All other sex - either by unmarried persons (whoremongers/fornicators) or a married person having sex with someone who is not their spouse (adulterer) - is sin. All sex outside of marriage will be judged by God.
"Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." I Cor. 7:1-2
The above text does not address adultery, it is addressing "fornication". In relation to sex, Paul specifically says that if you cannot abstain from sex, then you should marry so that you do not commit fornication. Because fornication is sex outside of marriage.
The Bible does not need to provide sexual instruction for singles because such activity is forbidden. Such is never condoned by God, but repeatedly referenced as sin (more than the 2 examples I provided). There is really nothing more which needs to be said.
The question you need to ask is why you are unable to see what is so plainly written throughout Scripture. Seek the Lord and ask Him to reveal to you any unclean thing in your heart which is preventing you from seeing His truths.
If we are intent in validating sin, then we blind ourselves to the truths of God's word. This is why repentance from sin must come first before belief.
Until you are ready to repent, you will never be able to submit to God's words in this or any other area. If you are truly sincere about serving and pleasing God, then He will show you the blockages in your soul which have you struggling with this. At that point, it will be up to you about whether you want to be set free from those blockages by receiving the truth. Yet, know this:
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." I Cor. 6:9-10
This is not some light topic. God will send straight to Hell all those unrepentant persons who commit sexual sin, including sin outside of marriage.
The above should say, "This is not some light topic. God will send straight to Hell all those unrepentant persons who commit sexual sin, including SEX outside of marriage."
DeleteI now see how blind I was regarding this issue of sex before marriage. While I called myself genuinely seeking the truth I was still engaging in the act. For the past week or so I've been seeking more diligently in prayer and abstaining. I just so happened to come accross your blog this week, just so happened to ask for your help, and the answer just so happened to be in my scheduled bible reading for today. Deut 22, the whole chapter, I was given an understanding. My flesh started to argue at first, I wanted the truth to be in my favor. Because now I'm living in temptation. And when I read your last post I felt silly that I didn't understand. Regardless, thank God for you, and thank God His understanding.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
DeleteI can only thank God that He has given you eyes to see that. And I truly do thank Him! Believe me when I say that you are dealing with nothing more than every believer has to at some point (and even multiple points). It may not be sex before marriage as the issue, but each of us has to deal with the "flesh". Each of us has to decide along the way, "Do we really want to serve God or do we prefer to hold on to our sins?"
Throughout our lives - as we grow in knowledge of Him - God will open our eyes to things in our lives of which He does not approve. That is the process of being perfected and made more like Christ. It is a good thing! Each time God brings such things to our knowledge, we can either turn from our ways and be made more whole in Christ or and stay in sin and grieve the Holy Spirit.
I pray that you understand it is God's mercy which worked this out for you. That is just how much He loves us; He doesn't leave us ignorant if we truly desire His righteousness.
Just pray for Him to continue to give you light - in this and all areas. Feed on the word of God and increase your prayer time (even add some fasting to that). The more you weaken the flesh, the more the temptations will lessen. And if you slip in your steadfastness, do not let that stop your progress. Repent, ask God for renewed strength, and keep pressing forward. It may be a difficult road, but God is faithful to deliver you from all unGodly desires. Remember, He always provides a way of escape for temptation (I Cor. 10:13). He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4)...the desires HE wants you to have versus what the flesh craves. But it is a journey and you will need to fight through.
There is also a nightly prayer line which you can join on.
Dial-in: 1-619-326-2700
Access code: 1942149#
9:00 pm EST, Mondays - Saturdays
This way, other brothers and sisters can stand with you in prayer for any areas of need you may have. The fervent prayers of the righteous man avails much (James 5:16)! :-)
In all, please be encouraged! God is doing great things in and for you. Simply believe and seek Hid face while He brings them to unfold.
God Bless!
Wow! Very informative and eye opening. Like many I'm sure, oral sex within marriage was supposed to be acceptable, after all that is what i learned at church...
ReplyDeleteWhat i need to know is, what do i do to get rid of frustration when my husband does not make much love to/with me. Once or twice a month (we have been married for 6 months). If masturbation is not acceptable, and my husband does not really discuss or talk much on my needs and all other forms of satisfaction are sin, what else must i do besides pray? Before we got married he couldn't wait to have me but now... The Bible also says that it is sin to withhold your body from your spouse, i have told him that but all i get is rejection or pleases me with a big effort. But it's ok for him to take mental 'snap shots' of gorgeous woman whenever possible. Going anywhere has become a 'trip to rejection land' for me. Its making me paranoid already. He loves me conditionally...
My husband is not perfect in looks (according to the world) but he is perfect for me, i love every bit about his body. Must be me, not good enough for him BUT that is his view and his loss. I am fearfully and wonderfully made ;-)
Well, I know my Lord and He is in the people changing business. We both need changing. Please just pray for us.
Thank you and may our Lord Jesus continue His work through this ministry.
Hi Anonymous,
DeleteIt never ceases to amaze to me the amount of perversion which is taught in church. All I can say is that each will be accountable for what they teach.
One of the most unknown truths about physical intimacy in marriage is that God designed it primarily as an act of selflessness. It is a way for us to honor our spouses.
"Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband." I Cor. 7:3
Most people think of sex as being for me & my pleasure. That's why masturbation is a sin; it's an act of selfishness & self-worship. Yet, God does everything in love; things are done with a mind towards benefiting others, not just ourselves.
When we approach intimacy with our spouse, we must have the same attitude of love. It is our desire to please them (selflessness), not just ourselves (selfishness).
Six months? Yal are newlyweds! :-) I am sure what you feel as his lack of response has nothing to do with how he feels about you or your appearance. Otherwise, why would he have married you? :-)
Marriage is a major change. How in the world can two flesh become one?? If it were not for the Lord, I would never believe that such would be possible.
You never know what God is dealing with in the heart of a person. I will offer that in my experience, a lot of times when you are taking things personally, that is rarely the intent of your husband. They may not even be thinking of you the way you believe they are. It is just that Satan tries to plant lies to get us focused on ourselves. Don't let him get the victory over you in that area.
I know as a wife that you want to feel loved and cherished by your husband. However, we each have to learn how to be married. We have to learn how to lay down our lives the other. That takes time, especially in a world where people often confuse lust with love. God has to get down in the crud of our hearts and clean out stuff so that we can even be able to love each other as we should. When God brings two together in marriage, He is not bringing together perfect persons. Rather, He is bringing together two individuals who complement each other and who can support and intercede for each other while He yet still performs His work on them.
Yes, it is true that both of you need change; that is the way it is for all people. So, here is the biggest advise I have for you today: Stop focusing on yourself. :-) And I say that with no accusation or insensitivity. I tell you what God had to show me about myself, and what was the one thing which allowed my marriage to be redeemed.
In the early years of my marriage, I could only see what my husband did wrong. I could only see the areas where I felt he needed to change. My prayers were all about asking God to change him. Well, what an eye opener it was for me when God told me to stop focusing on him. So, I began to ask God to change me. And you know what? He did! The things my husband did which used to bother me, stopped bothering me as much. God also gave me insight into my own shortcomings. He began to show me my ways and attitudes which were disrespectful to my husband. He began to give me the desire to be a blessing to my husband and gave me ideas about how to do that. As my husband saw the changes in me, he also began to change as he sought the Lord more himself.
And guess what. It is still a work! LOL We must still each seek the Lord and die to ourselves daily in order to walk in love with one another. I love my husband immensely, but if I don't stay on top of my flesh, it will rise up and become an obstacle between us (the same with him).
Cont'd...
DeleteMarriage is not easy because you have two imperfect and naturally selfish people vying for preeminence. But, it is truly a blessing if you are able to see God's hand at work in each of you, molding you into His character and birthing His love from within you so that you can truly love each other. It is beautiful, but all things of beauty take time and effort. It is miraculous for such is really impossible with God. But it takes each individual dying to themselves and laying down their lives for the other.
So don't grow impatient. God is doing a work in each of you that takes time.
Don't let the devil plant seeds of bitterness in your heart by sending you poisonous darts against your husband.
Disempower Satan's attacks by asking God to help you stop focusing on yourself (what you feel, what you think your husband feels about you, what he is or is not doing for you...). Instead, ask the Lord to change your heart so that you may be more of a blessing to him.
My own testimony of marriage is here: Unequally Yoked Maybe it will help encourage you.
Be encouraged and believe the Lord to see His will worked out in your marriage!
Hello, thank you very much for your encouraging and comforting reply. I shall read it all carefully and ask the Lord for the strength, insight and willingness to apply what I know in my heart is what I need to do… Asking the Lord to “change me” is easier said than done isn’t it? Funny how quickly we want others to change to our advantage but we are not so eager to go through the change process ourselves! It is very true; the opposite of Love is not Hate but Selfishness.
ReplyDeleteThis is not my first marriage, neither is it his. We have both been there and got the beating but along with it we learned self-defence, or more like counterattack strategies. Ultimately we want to avoid pain even if it means hurting the other before we get hurt or feel that we are being hurt… selfishness. Imagine our Lord Christ Jesus had done that? Selfishness does not allow for daily dying to self, it guards it.
I will do as you say, and will let you know how it’s progressing :-)
Thank you and abundant blessings!
Wow! It is so incredible how much knowledge, wisdom, and revelation I have received from all the videos, information, and responses/comments provided on important topics. Many churches or Christians in general fail to address these issues, therefore, preventing the Truth to be heard and the devil's lies exposed. Just want to say thank you for allowing God to use you, and thank you to all those who thought it not robbery to share their personal experiences, thoughts, and struggles. And of course, all glory to God! He never cease to amaze me.
ReplyDeleteI am a single, Christian (about 2-3 years), female, who desires to please God in all that I do. Even when it is time for me to become married. This was truly an eye-opener and truly a blessing. I feel that God's truth about immoral practices, marriage, etc. has been revealed to me in a way that I can humbly receive and accept. I can't thank Him enough! I give Him all the honor, glory, and praise.
Thank you for rightly dividing the Word of Truth.
Many blessings to you all!
Hi Shelle,
DeleteThanks so much for sharing your comments here. There is almost nothing more exciting than being a handmaiden for the Lord...and I say this as an old married woman with kids. LOL But really, while I wouldn't trade my husband and children for anything, I remember those times alone when my only priority was to spend time with my Lord & King. I remember the quiet times in meditation, study, prayer, and praise. Sometimes now, it can be like hidden jewels finding such time, but oh the treasures of a young, single life before the Lord.
If I could recommend a wonderful resource for you, please look into this: Set Apart Femininity. While I am linking you to a video, the book itself is terrific and I have purchased it for several young ladies that I know. Even an old head like me got ALOT out of it. :-)
May God continue to bless & keep you as He prepares for for the days to come. He is worthy of all of our praise!
Much love in Christ!
Thanks for the information... we heard a sermon today about how the idea that "gay is okay" is being foisted onto our children through constant brainwashing, and Baal-Peor came up in the sermon.
ReplyDeleteHi TomorrowsChild77, promoting acceptance of homosexuality has been a agenda point for homosexual activists for years, and they are succeeding. It is now starting to be common for even Kindergartners to be taught homosexual curriculum. Companies pushing this curriculum even provide consulting services to schools to teach them how to get around parental objections and laws so that they can force the children to receive this instruction as part of a "diversity" platform. It is indeed becoming Hell on earth as the devil continues to make inroads into the souls of men.
DeleteLoved the article it was very informative. I truly thank God for what I've learned here today
ReplyDelete