Everybody knows the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, or do they?

After all, it was God who first pointed out these cities to Abraham. We seem to only hear of God’s wrath connected with Sodom and never His mercy. The account painstakingly records both God’s mercy and justice.

Actually, we have already seen one means by which God tried to reach out to Sodom and Gomorrah back in Genesis 14. There we see God reaching out to both these cities, amply displaying His love and compassion, and yet evidently they refused it–though their survival was due to Abram's compassion and God's power working on their behalf. They must have been evil already, but things were getting worse.

We will do well to study this account the same way Genesis 18-19 is introduced in the scripture for many of us have the same struggle as Abraham: we wrestle with how God handles the world.

People seem to step out of their secularistic spirit just so they can wave their hands at God in anger. Why did you do that? They of course still assert they don’t believe in God. They do, though. Why else would they protest His ways. On the other hand, I have never heard of a naturalist who held up his hand in protest over how ‘mother nature’ handled its various judgments across the earth? Death is natural, they say.

Genesis 18 is given to us because God was teaching Abraham about His hatred for sin. Whenever sin is allowed grow unrestrained, it brings a horrible destruction. Abraham had a liking for the great cities of the world which kept him from sharing God’s view. He simply didn’t share God’s hatred for sin. Nor did he value the need for righteousness. And without understanding God’s justice, He couldn’t understand the Lord’s great mercy either.

Steps Down to Destruction (Genesis 18-19) >The Story of Sodom & Gomorrah: The Demise of Cultures A) The Appearing to Abraham: Two Purposes (Genesis 18) B) The Appearing in Sodom: Two Purposes (Genesis 19) C). Debate: Why was Sodom Destroyed? (Genesis 19)

Objectives

 1.) Understand the facts of why Sodom and Gormorrah were destroyed.
 2.) Expose the tension of living in a pagan culture and learn how to resist sin.
3.) Deepen our discernment of our world’s culture and God’s hatred for those things.
 4.) Personally make those decisions that would keep me from the touch of the world.

Let's take a look at an example of the intensity of the cultural war as it is sometimes called. Here is a Christian college that had its student activity center hold a concert by two homosexuals. Compare the mission statement with a comment from a student magazine on the right. As you read this, you might ask yourself whether you would have your grown son or daughter attend such a concert.

A study of the world's influence
A Christian College It’s Mission		A Christian College It’s Practice
Calvin College... in the Reformed tradition of historic Christianity. Through our learning, we seek to be agents of renewal in the academy, church, and society. We pledge fidelity to Jesus Christ, offering our hearts and lives to do God's work in God's world. We aim to develop knowledge, understanding, and critical inquiry; encourage insightful and creative participation in society; and foster thoughtful, passionate Christian commitments. http://www.calvin.edu/about/...		It is this struggle that makes the Indigo Girls so worthwhile. What is a faith that doesn’t struggle sometimes? A questioned faith in the end is a stronger one. We, as maturing Christians, can learn from the doubts of others. Still, the best thing about this struggle is that it is put to amazingly beautiful music that will touch your mind and soul and bring you to a better understanding of what you believe.“ ... "The questioning of religion and God’s purpose continues throughout their music. On their latest album, a hidden song with the chorus of ‘The Philosophy of Loss' can be found after the last track. It starts 'welcome to why the church has died' and continues on to question the hypocrisy in the church today. One of the song’s most powerful lines, 'modern scribes write in Jesus Christ,/ everyone is free, and the doors open wide to all straight men and women,/but they are not open to me,' addresses their continual battle in the area of homosexuality." The Undercurrent, pg. 5 by L. H. www.calvin.edu/sao/...
"This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, ... and to keep oneself unstained by the world" (James 1:27).

Reflections

A worldly spirit has crept into the church so that many of its attendees do not see a big problem with sending their children to such an event. Their perspectives on exposure are melted down from relativism. Let's look at a few reasons as to why I would never allow my child or myself attend such an event even with a free ticket. We will first mention the popular argument and then answer it.

• Argument #1: Better identify with what is going on in society.

But in fact the Lord wants to keep us away from the perversions of the world. This has not just to do with the homosexuals but all places sins are boldly taught through song, dance and voice.

And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. (Ephesians 5:11-12)

Many Christians limit their activities by the first clause – "do not participate," but they fail to properly respond to the second clause which is much more demanding – "disgraceful even to speak of the things." If we are not to speak of these things, surely we are not to expose ourselves to their act. Where is the limit of this exposure? The Lord has set it for us.

• Argument #2: Strengthen our faith to see the struggles and doubts of others

This was written by the article above. They say it is good to go through doubt. I strongly disagree. Doubt always hurts. The last lesson spoke about the damage doubt brought. Doubt is the opposite of faith and so Satan can and does use it to inflict pain.

Think about how much faith or doubt would one implant in their child. If this is true, would you rather have your child doubt the goodness of God than trust in His great sufficiency? Would you rather have your daughter wonder whether marriage was proper and so allow her self by abused by hungry men or would you rather her wait for a godly man however long it took? Abraham's faith accomplished much but his doubt also caused long lasting scars.

God can bring us through such circumstances, but it is always better to avoid them. This is why we try to disciple God's people as quick as possible. Doubt breeds doubt. Keep from it.

• Argument #3: It won't (negatively) affect me.

It is best if we look at concerts as a time a person passes his or her influence on another. Wherever that influencer is theologically and practically enhancing evil, then we are sitting under a mouthpiece of the false prophet. We are actually using God's money to be stimulated with evil thoughts conducted by wicked sensations.

If you claim the music can be good even the lyrics are bad, you do not understand how music works. The spirit of the musician is passed on to the listener. If one cautiously understands and denies its influence, then perhaps we can say that we have not caught the evil message being passed on. But if we are so mature to do this, then why in the first place are we using God's time and money to be discipled by one who openly rejects the Lord's standards.

Conclusion

Parents must protect their children from such influences. Wherever evil touches my life, I need to spend time cleansing myself. Why not instead spend an evening visiting and praying with others for God's Spirit to help those afflicted. The cultural tensions are strong even when we do not frequent such events. Like Joseph, we are to flee temptation and its influence so that we can be holy for our God.

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A.) Angels Appear to Abraham: Two Purposes (Genesis 18)