Let’s get right to the point.
Is homosexuality a sin according to God’s word? Yes. (By using the word “homosexual” we are talking about “gays” and “lesbians.”)
Does that mean that we hate the homosexual? Absolutely not! Even though we live in a day that we are accused of being hate mongers by anyone who may not like our viewpoint, we do NOT HATE THEM NOR SHOULD WE, in fact, our heart should go out to them. But again, let’s be VERY clear on this. WE DO NOT HATE HOMOSEXUALS!!!
Let me also say that I know some who hold this lifestyle who I think very highly of in other areas. Most are not the militant type that you would see on TV but are polite, peace loving people. But if God’s word does not OK this lifestyle, are we, as a church, justified by condoning this practice? Is it fair to them? No. Will some be offended? Yes, they will but just because someone is offended doesn’t make the truth of God’s word wrong. There is a law snaking its way through congress that poses strict panatelas against hate crimes. While this may seem good on the surface, it only paves the way to stop the church from preaching the unadulterated Word of God which should be the right of the church. It is not the mission of the church to always make people happy but to get them to heaven.
Let look at the scripture.
Romans 1: 27 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.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
A simple reading of the above text can show that God is not in favor and will judge this type of behavior. Also, it does not support the fact that one is naturally born a homosexual. GOD IS SMARTER THAN SCIENCE!
1 Corinthians 6:9 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,
That seems clear to me.
1 Timothy 1: 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
The word “whoremongers” is taken from the Greek word “por’nos” meaning a prostitute bus specifically a “male” prostitute. It is derived from the Greek word “pop-ras”-ko” meaning “to sell.” This same “whoremonger” is used in Revelation 21:8 which says, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
This was also forbidden in the Old Testament as we read in the following scriptures.
Deuteronomy 23:17 There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.
1 Kings 14:24 And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.
This does not take in account the judgment of Sodom for this sin as well. See Genesis chapter 19.
This is very clear in the Word of God and leaves little to argue with when rightly dividing the word of truth. While it may be argued that empowers in Rome and some Greek philosophers favored and even practiced this, it doesn’t validate in light of the Word of God. While we are not the final judge, we do have the obligation of bringing out the truth of God’s Word. Acts 20:27 “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” We must do it in love and not in malice, reaching for their souls so they may have deliverance and eternal life.
Jude 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Note Jude says “hating the garments” and not them.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Oneness Crowd
I get emails from folks that of what is commonly referred to as the “Oneness Movement.” ( I had mentioned to one that I was waiting a couple of weeks to respond but I’ve decided that I’d get this out of the way before I left.) Those in this movement believe that Christ is all in one, another words there is not a trinity but Christ is God and the Holy Ghost. They site scriptures out of context to support their claim and if you follow their arguments, the result is only confusion. I have debated with them on occasion, personally and via email but I will tell you that it is a waste of time. They are like lions waiting to pounce on your every word and twist it to their liking and they also are good at not answering a question with a direct answer but giving some other unrelated answer. If you debate with them long, you will be led down a meandering road of confusion which is what they really want, as the devil is the author of it. I’m not writing this just for my own behalf but for those of you who may come in contact with these people.
The Oneness doctrine was contrived in a campmeeting back in the 1900’s by a man who supposedly prayed all night and received this revelation. Later, they realized it was in error but by that time it had already grown out of control and could not be stopped as error always multiplies. They will say Paul was a Oneness or whatever term they want to use but that’s not so.
1. I do not hate those who are a part of this doctrine. I have run into many good people who are sympathetic to this and have enjoyed some short times of fellowship. But I have also run into those who are nothing but contentious and are on a crusade to promote this.
2. Debating them is useless for two reasons. They will not change as this is a spirit of error and only deliverance can change them. I have seen some come out of this oneness movement and realize the error they were made to believe. But when a man or woman has been in this movement for many years, it is very difficulty to get them out. The second reason is that I certainly am not going to change my view of the Trinity after being saved for over thirty-one years.
3. Their emails are long, so long that it is laborious to even read through them. They take you down winding roads turning in one path than to another. If one takes the time to respond such a long article, they will pounce on your words and even your terminology. It just takes too long to mess with them. I work a job, pastor a church, and have a wife, children who are married and grandchildren. I just don’t feel I want to waste my time fooling with them. Don’t you either.
4. Their spirit is a very hard spirit to deal with….probably one of the hardest because it is so close to the real thing. Remember though, Satan can appear as an angel of light.
5. Finally, I will always email or even talk with anyone who has questions or some disputes on sanctification or other points I raise. I don’t mind that as I feel I can help. You are always welcome to write, but to those of this doctrine, don’t bother. I just won’t spend the time with you as I feel there are others who are really sincere about the Word of God and need my attention. I will not answer your emails and if you try to post, I’ll take it off. I have learned that the biggest thing the Oneness people want is a good argument and row. You’re not getting it here! It’s finished!! No more!! Take your heresy somewhere else because I don’t buy into it and it won’t have a spot here in this blog.
To the rest ----- May God help you and keep you.
The Oneness doctrine was contrived in a campmeeting back in the 1900’s by a man who supposedly prayed all night and received this revelation. Later, they realized it was in error but by that time it had already grown out of control and could not be stopped as error always multiplies. They will say Paul was a Oneness or whatever term they want to use but that’s not so.
1. I do not hate those who are a part of this doctrine. I have run into many good people who are sympathetic to this and have enjoyed some short times of fellowship. But I have also run into those who are nothing but contentious and are on a crusade to promote this.
2. Debating them is useless for two reasons. They will not change as this is a spirit of error and only deliverance can change them. I have seen some come out of this oneness movement and realize the error they were made to believe. But when a man or woman has been in this movement for many years, it is very difficulty to get them out. The second reason is that I certainly am not going to change my view of the Trinity after being saved for over thirty-one years.
3. Their emails are long, so long that it is laborious to even read through them. They take you down winding roads turning in one path than to another. If one takes the time to respond such a long article, they will pounce on your words and even your terminology. It just takes too long to mess with them. I work a job, pastor a church, and have a wife, children who are married and grandchildren. I just don’t feel I want to waste my time fooling with them. Don’t you either.
4. Their spirit is a very hard spirit to deal with….probably one of the hardest because it is so close to the real thing. Remember though, Satan can appear as an angel of light.
5. Finally, I will always email or even talk with anyone who has questions or some disputes on sanctification or other points I raise. I don’t mind that as I feel I can help. You are always welcome to write, but to those of this doctrine, don’t bother. I just won’t spend the time with you as I feel there are others who are really sincere about the Word of God and need my attention. I will not answer your emails and if you try to post, I’ll take it off. I have learned that the biggest thing the Oneness people want is a good argument and row. You’re not getting it here! It’s finished!! No more!! Take your heresy somewhere else because I don’t buy into it and it won’t have a spot here in this blog.
To the rest ----- May God help you and keep you.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
What's Up
I’ve tried to enter a blog, if not weekly, on a bi-weekly basis. Many times I’ve had the Lord prompt me as to what to say. However, sometimes, I’ve had the urge, when not getting any special leading, just to make comments. I’ve finally fallen to that urge.
We are fighting a war – a spiritual one. I don’t want to make it sound like many are not aware of it but I really don’t think we, as a whole, really understand how important it is. There is a war in the heavens and on earth that will one culminate in Christ’s return and his setting up of his 1,000 years reign on earth. These things are spelled out in prophesy. Before this happens however, the Antichrist will arise and deceive many and will one day dominate the entire world for, it is believed, three and a half years. Antichrist forces and spirits have been loose since the begging of time but are now ramping up as they prepare for the final showdown against God and Satan. All of this is clearly outlined in scripture, however there is disagreement among Bible scholars as to when Christ will return for his church, or as we know as the “rapture.” There will come, what Bible scholars believe as the seven year tribulation period with the last three and a half years being ruled by the antichrist and false prophet. It is not completely certain as to when the “rapture” will take place: before the tribulation, in the middle, or after. I personally feel it may occur before however I refuse to be dogmatic about this because prophesy is so tangled and I am convinced that most of us do not have the complete picture of things.
For example, let’s look at what was happening during the time our Lord walked on the face of the earth. The disciples believed, as told by many scholars and even indicated in scripture, that when the Lord arose, the kingdom of God would appear. They felt like they were going to be in a place of prominence in it. That’s why they asked him in Acts 1:6 what they did. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” This was right before the his ascension into heaven. He put them to rest on this by saying the following. “And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” This has been two thousand years ago and we are looking for his appearing.
If all of this sounds strange and foreign to you than you are not familiar with basic prophesy and I urge you to study the scriptures. There are numerous places in the Bible that you can study but I would suggest you start with the book of Daniel and Revelation. You will not understand everything in there, in fact much of it may leave you wondering upon the first reading but as you continue to study, you will begin to find the truths of God’s word.
But you and I can do nothing without Christ in our hearts. If he doesn’t live in yours, please invite him in. He’s a perfect gentleman though…..He won’t come in unless you ask him.
We are fighting a war – a spiritual one. I don’t want to make it sound like many are not aware of it but I really don’t think we, as a whole, really understand how important it is. There is a war in the heavens and on earth that will one culminate in Christ’s return and his setting up of his 1,000 years reign on earth. These things are spelled out in prophesy. Before this happens however, the Antichrist will arise and deceive many and will one day dominate the entire world for, it is believed, three and a half years. Antichrist forces and spirits have been loose since the begging of time but are now ramping up as they prepare for the final showdown against God and Satan. All of this is clearly outlined in scripture, however there is disagreement among Bible scholars as to when Christ will return for his church, or as we know as the “rapture.” There will come, what Bible scholars believe as the seven year tribulation period with the last three and a half years being ruled by the antichrist and false prophet. It is not completely certain as to when the “rapture” will take place: before the tribulation, in the middle, or after. I personally feel it may occur before however I refuse to be dogmatic about this because prophesy is so tangled and I am convinced that most of us do not have the complete picture of things.
For example, let’s look at what was happening during the time our Lord walked on the face of the earth. The disciples believed, as told by many scholars and even indicated in scripture, that when the Lord arose, the kingdom of God would appear. They felt like they were going to be in a place of prominence in it. That’s why they asked him in Acts 1:6 what they did. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” This was right before the his ascension into heaven. He put them to rest on this by saying the following. “And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” This has been two thousand years ago and we are looking for his appearing.
If all of this sounds strange and foreign to you than you are not familiar with basic prophesy and I urge you to study the scriptures. There are numerous places in the Bible that you can study but I would suggest you start with the book of Daniel and Revelation. You will not understand everything in there, in fact much of it may leave you wondering upon the first reading but as you continue to study, you will begin to find the truths of God’s word.
But you and I can do nothing without Christ in our hearts. If he doesn’t live in yours, please invite him in. He’s a perfect gentleman though…..He won’t come in unless you ask him.
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