Big Dogs!
                                                                                         By Pastor F. M. Riley
                                                                                         June 13, 2018
     "Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
     For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."
                                                                                          Philippians 3:2-3
Introduction
     In my study posted yesterday, I posed the question for our readers, "Are you a Puppy, or are you A Big Dog?"  Then I wrote an exposition of the account of Christ and the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15.  
     While I did set forth an exposition of the Scriptures dealing with the Canaanite woman, I made the decison to end the study without going into the subject of the "big dogs."  This present study will deal with that subject.  Read on.......
Dogs as Referred to in the Bible
     Standing in contrast and opposition to the account of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15, taking her humble position as a "little puppy," are the warnings in God's Word about those, who in wicked PRIDE, consider themselves to be "big dogs."  
     The Hebrew and Greek words translated as "dogs" in the Holy Scriptures, are used both literally, when speaking of the actual animals, but also in a symbolic or spiritual sense, when applying the term to  men and women.  
     The terms, "dog" or "dogs," is used 39 times in the inspired Word.  Most of the time, when actual animals are being spoken about, the words are used in a negative or bad sense.   There are also Scriptures which refer to wicked or evil men or women as "dogs." These latter references are almost all warnings to God's people about the cunning wickedness of these "big dogs," which cannot be trusted or relied upon, by God's people.  And why not?  
     [1]   First, because the Scripture references to them, indicate their wicked PRIDE, trusting only in themselves, rather than in God.  Their wicked pride causes them to oppress and deceive, to lie and cheat, other people, due to their advantage and opportunity to do so.  We certainly have many of these kind of people living in the world today.  
     [2]   The term, "dogs," is also used in the Bible in reference to the similar habits of dogs, in engaging in sexual relations with every female they can deceive into going to bed with them.  
     [3]   There are also Scriptures which suggest that the term, "dogs," is sometimes used when speaking of those who are homosexuals.  See our Scripture text for this study, which definitely associates "dogs" with evil workers and false teachers.  
Examples
     The very first reference to a "dog" in the Bible occurs in Exodus 11:7, in which the Lord God promised the children of Israel, still in Egypt at that time, that not even a dog would move his tongue against the Israelites, to demonstrate that God had put a difference between the Egyptians and the the children of Israel.  This Scripture is obviously speaking of the literal animal.  Likewise for the second reference in the Bible in Exodus 22:31.  
     But in Deuteronomy 23:18, the Lord God was setting forth His Law for Israel.  In this Scripture God forbid the Israelites from bringing into the house of the Lord "the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog."  Obviously the "whore" being spoken about was a human woman who prostituted herself for money.  So what good reason do some teach that the "dog" in this Scripture is an animal?  There were those men in ancient times who were homosexuals, and for a price, prostituted themselves out to other homosexuals.  Read Leviticus 18 and 20, and see this truth for yourself.  What the Lord is saying in this Scripture is that to bring the money gained from such prostitution into His house was an "abomination" to Him.  In other words, such wickedness STINKS in the nostrils of God.  The "dog" referred to in this Scripture is not then an animal, but rather a human homosexual man.  
     This then is in perfect harmony with the Apostle Paul's warning to the Philippian church to beware of "dogs."  Paul is speaking of those who have given themselves over to homosexuality.  
     Folks, whether some readers like it or not, there is no room in God's Heaven for such homosexuals.  There is room for those who genuinely repent of the wickedness of homosexuality, and other sexual sins, and receive Christ Jesus as their Savior, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.   But there will be no practicing homosexuals or lesbians in Heaven.  None!  
Conclusion
     I could go through the Bible and examine all 39 Scriptures which refer to a "dog," or "dogs."  But I have made my point.  Any reader wanting more information or confirmation, should make a study of this subject in God's Word for themselves.  
     So, as I bring this study to a close, I ask again, Is your spiritual position that of an humble "Puppy," or are you a "Big Dog?"  Your truthful answer should reveal to you, where you are going to spend eternity.  
     I gladly take my place spiritually with the humble Canaanite woman, and daily seek the Lord's help and guidance in prayer.  I do pray that every reader will carefully consider the Scriptural truths set forth in both of these studies.  I want to meet you in Heaven.  
     May the Lord God be pleased to bless this study to the hearts and minds of every reader.  
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     Permission is granted to any true believer, or Bible believing Christian ministry to reproduce this study to share with others, or to quote from it in context as written.