God Hates Decadence

by Israel Wayne

New Orleans, Louisiana is home to one of the most vile exhibitions of hedonism on the planet: Decadence. This homosexual event, taking place on Labor Day weekend, features some of the most vile and obscene sexual behavior known to humans. Nudity, exhibitionism and public sex acts are common occurrences, and reportedly little is done by the local law enforcement, perhaps because of the nearly $100 million dollars worth of estimated revenue the event brings to the local economy.

The event was shut down in October of 2005 by the infamous Hurricane Katrina. At that time, not only did the event get cancelled, but most of the Mardi Gras city was submerged under water.

Now, just three years later, in 2008, most of this year's event, including the parade, has been cancelled because of Hurricane Gustov.

Does God Judge Cities?

We all know the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, but we even see God's wrath being directed at cities in the New Testament. Jesus said in Matthew 11:21: "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes."

God does not send his wrath against sin quickly, but eventually…it will come. 2 Peter 3:9b: "The Lord…is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

God is patient, but if people do not repent, they will perish.

Romans 1:18, 24-32: "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness…therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie…Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity…Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them."

God's Wrath Is an Act of Mercy

Judgment was preached by the prophets of old (Jonah at Nineveh, for example), as a means of turning people from the inevitable consequences of their wickedness. The Lord is willing to relent if people will repent, but if not, there may be swift and terrible destruction.

Galatians 5:19-21: "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."

1 Corinthans 6:9: "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders."

It is better to have the destruction of a home, or a city, if it causes sinners to repent and forsake their sin. It is better to lose the things of this world, if through it someone can find eternal life.

An estimated 100,000 lost souls participate in this party that leads to hell. I'm glad that the Lord mercifully stopped the event again this year. Perhaps many people will be spared a terrible death by AIDS or other infection diseases. Perhaps they will hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ, the only true hope and fulfillment in this world.

Let us be praying for ways that we can reach these lost people with the truth and love of Jesus. They don't have to die in their sins and go to hell. They can find forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Copyright 2008, by Israel Wayne. All Rights Reserved.

Israel Wayne was home educated and currently serves as Marketing Director for the national publication Home School Digest, and the site editor for www.ChristianWorldview.net. He is the author of the book, Homeschooling From A Biblical Worldview, published by Wisdom's Gate. Israel and his wife Brook (also a homeschool graduate) have five young children. Write to: Wisdom's Gate, P.O. Box 374, Covert, MI 49043. 1-800-343-1943 or www.WisdomsGate.org

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